Aurora reaches deal with one union, entangled with another

Aurora has reached a tentative agreement with one of its labor unions that provides members an average annual 1.93 percent raise through 2012 and guarantees no members will be laid off through 2010, including the four given layoff notices last month.

In return, employees in Local 1514 will take 10 unpaid furlough days - two this year, and eight next year.

Members of AFSCME Local 1514, which includes 130 public works and water and sewer maintenance employees, ratified the deal Sept. 18. Aldermen may vote on the contract at the council's Oct. 27 meeting.

The pact calls for 3 percent raises retroactive to Jan. 1 and then no raise in 2010, a 2 percent increase in 2011 and a 2.7 percent increase in 2012.

"Initially the city proposed 15 furlough days with nothing in return and with no promise of averting layoffs. Each side gave concessions and that's what bargaining is supposed to be about," said AFSCME spokeswoman Flo Estes. "I think the citizens should claim a victory here because these are the people who clean snow off the streets and produce clean drinking water."

Not everyone is pleased with negotiations, however. AFSCME Local 3298, which represents clerical positions, inspectors, planners and accountants, has filed an unfair labor practice complaint against the city.

In early September, 38 members of the local were given layoff notices, which prompted a round of impact bargaining.

Estes said the complaint was filed because the union believes the city should have discussed alternative cost-cutting measures with the union before sending out layoff notices.

"We asked for a lot of information that we need to sift through regarding the city's finances to allow us to present alternatives," Estes said. "But we haven't gotten that information in time to present alternatives."

City spokesman Amy Roth said the city intends to vigorously defend any unfair labor practice charges filed by the union through the appropriate legal process.

"The city has bargained and will continue to bargain in good faith," she said. "The city has fully complied with its contractual obligations."

Early last month, Finance Director Brian Caputo provided aldermen with an update indicating revenues had fallen more than originally anticipated, leaving a projected $5.6 million general fund shortfall in 2009. Caputo estimated the 2010 shortfall could reach $19 million unless the city reduces operating costs.

Since earlier this summer, Mayor Tom Weisner and Caputo have warned that reductions in personnel costs were essential to balancing the city budget because they account for nearly 82 percent of the city's general fund expenditures.

Weisner has promised to present a balanced 2010 budget by mid-October.