We recently went from 15% to 20% without any bargaining from the city. They did reserve the right to crank it up to the 20% range but we filed an unfair labor practice for not bargaining. Just another way they chip away at our raises and since we are 2 years without a contract....................
When the US was in having a revitalized economy in the mid to late 90's the city was still offering 2% & 3% raises with no retro pay to the average city worker. Now that the economy is in the shitter, they are still offering these pittances to us and no retro. What gives here? While everyones stock portfolio was exploding (including the cities & towns bond ratings) why weren't we given what we were deserved?
Supposedly all city contracts will be settled before the DNC comes to town. Fat chance of that happening. With the city offering goose eggs and one time $2,000 bonuses each year for 3 years to certain unions, I don't think they'll be much harmony & good relations between Hizzonah & the unions. I for one look forward to being on the picket line & showing the "Democrats" what the city has done for the average worker. Basically put me in the poor house.
If the membership takes these "bonuses" then they will not be factored into base pay or overtime pay or into your retirement. They will be taxed and you will end up with probably $1,200. Probably enough to pay the rent or 2/3 of your mortgage for 1 month if you are lucky.
I made less money in 1994 but with the cost of inflation, health care premiums and co-payments and all this other s#it going up repeatedly year after year, I make less now than I did then.