Union files lawsuit against Detroit over furloughs

Detroit ? The city's largest union has filed a lawsuit against the city alleging unfair labor practices after furloughs were imposed for its members.

Ed McNeil, a representative for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, says the complaint was filed last week after the union received notice from the city.

Lamont Satchel, the city's labor relations director, has said the Bing administration had been at an impasse with unions on the furlough issue ? a contention that McNeil denies.

"Certainly the union has been at the table, trying to bargain with the city. There was no impasse," he told a City Council committee on Wednesday. "We have struggled for over a year to help right-size the city by taking concessions."

The furloughs became effective after the city went before the Financial Advisory Board, charged with overseeing portions of Detroit's consent agreement with the state, and asked it to impose furlough days on about 600 unionized employees. They are set to take effect Feb. 25.

The proposal is expected to help the city save about $470,000 a month.

The 26 furlough days will consist of one unpaid off-day during a two-week pay period.

The City Council earlier this month agreed to furlough days for about 650 non-union employees.

City Council on Wednesday passed a resolution for a closed session that will be held later Wednesday to discuss the legal action involving the union.

cferretti@detroitnews.com

(313) 222-2069

Source: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130220/METRO01/302200408/1409/rss36

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