Turnabout Is Very Fair Play

Columbus, Ohio — "In January, members of Local 1632 got a real scare when the city hinted of possible layoffs," says Cheryl Keeler, Council 8 regional director. "We not only averted that, we also wrapped up a very difficult set of negotiations recently, giving our members something to really cheer about."

In addition to a 4-percent wage increase each year of the three-year contract, the 3,000 members of the local won crucial health-insurance benefits, including a modified physician's co-pay program. "This is a huge advantage to our members," says Local Pres. Doug Moore. "Now they are more likely to see a doctor early."

The package also includes a tuition-remission program that increases the level of reimbursements. In addition, it allows members to enroll in any course that is related to their career advancement as city employees.

"We're now working hard to find other ways to save money and cut costs," says Keeler. Among the union's proposals: attach a flat tax to car rentals and raise parking fees. "The city made $1.5 million in additional funds last year by raising parking tickets from $10 to $20," says Keeler. "That's about what it was going to cost them to lay off our people, which doesn't make sense."