News Release - MAYOR BROWN AND CITY’S BARGAINING UNITS MEET

NEWS RELEASE 3/24/2009

MAYOR BROWN AND CITY’S BARGAINING UNITS MEET

FLINT, Mich. – Acting Mayor Michael K. Brown and key administration staff met with five of the six unions that represent City of Flint employees to request concessions to help fix the city’s $14.7 million operating deficit. The changes are also aimed at addressing the city’s long-term obligations, including health care and pension costs.

Today’s meetings focused on modifying the current contracts as well as setting the stage for contract talks for those that will expire later this year. Among the main issues are wages and benefits, legacy costs and overtime. On March 5, Brown said in the 2009 State of the City Address that he would be asking the city’s bargaining units to come back to the table to discuss concessions.

“The 2010 budget that I am preparing must be balanced,” said Brown. “We have bent for so long that we will break if we do not change how we do business.

"If we fail to collaboratively solve the problems that Flint faces, the state will do it unilaterally. That’s why I ask the union leadership for their suggestions, insights and support.”

Brown emphasized that solutions must have immediate results.

City income tax revenues are falling short of estimates while property valuations continue to erode. In addition to the structural tax issues facing the city, there is also the looming effect of the 2010 U.S. Census, which will affect revenue sharing and the allocation of federal funds based on population size. In short, a smaller city will receive a smaller share of these dollars, Brown added.

Contracts for four of the city’s six bargaining units expire on June 30, 2009. The units are: Flint Police Lieutenants and Captains (FPLC); Flint Police Sergeants Association (FPSA); Flint Police Officers Association (FPOA); and International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 352.

Contracts for AFSCME Local 1600 (general, non-supervisory employees) and AFSCME Local 1799 (general city supervisors) expire on June 30, 2010.

Brown said the cost-cutting measures are necessary. However, the mayor has also instructed departments to aggressively explore ways to increase revenues for the city.

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