By Jackee Coe | The Arizona Republic
A Peoria city workers’ union has declared contract talks have reached an impasse and the City Council is expected to decide its next step Sept. 17.
Among other things, city leaders could give those workers a 3.5 percent raise or go back to the negotiating table with the union.
The City Council’s plan, which was disclosed Thursday, is a key step in contentious contract talks between Peoria and the group that represents more than 400 non-public safety city employees. The workers’ contract expired July 1.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), which has been in contract negotiations with Peoria since February declared an impasse Aug. 11. It has also asked the City Council to vote on the issue. Union officials want city leaders to raise workers’ hourly wages instead of giving them a percentage increase in salary.
The City Council will weigh several options, including:
