By Jackee Coe | The Arizona Republic
Peoria leaders decided to give about 400 city workers a 3.5 percent pay raise, essentially ending an ongoing union dispute about the fairest way to compensate its members.
The city council vote comes as Peoria struggles to resolve labor disagreements with other employee groups. Negotiations between Peoria and three of the city’s four labor associations have reached an impasse this year. Talks with two unions have ended, while contract talks with the police officers’ and firefighters’ associations are in mediation.
The Sept. 17 vote means that the Peoria chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees now will get raises on their hire anniversary date. If that date has passed, then the new pay rate starts immediately. The group represents a wide range of city employees, including janitors and sanitation workers.
Workers say the decision is unfair to employees with the lowest wages. City council members say the vote reflects the difficult choices they face weighing workers’ needs and residents’ concerns.
