The Phoenix Mayor and City Council approved two amended labor contracts that gave millions of dollars to government unions to continue the controversial practice of release time in a 6 – 3 vote, on Wednesday. The Council also elected District 2 Councilman Jim Waring as vice mayor. He will serve in the position until the beginning of 2015.
DeCiccio was highly critical of the Council’s vote to amend the labor contracts. Release time allows City employees to conduct union activity while paid for by the taxpayers.
Superior Court Judge Cooper ruled the practice unconstitutional, but city staff and the government unions have negotiated a way to manipulate her order.
“This is money laundering. The judge’s order was very clear and this new arrangement shows the power unions hold at City Hall. The unions get politicians elected then the politicians give more money and power to the unions. It’s a continuous circle that leaves the public left holding the bag,” said Councilman DiCiccio.
“Phoenix is facing a substantial deficit. Instead of looking for ways to balance the budget, Phoenix politicians are going out of their way to spend taxpayer monies on union activity,” concluded DiCiccio. “It’s become increasingly clear that real reform will only happen when taxpayers take this and pension reform to the ballot.”
In his new role, Waring vowed to watch over how the City spends taxpayer dollars. “This is an important year for the City of Phoenix, as there are many tough decisions that need to be made. I am committed to making those decisions, and being an advocate for the taxpayer.”
Waring was sworn in as the District 2 Phoenix City Councilman on Sept. 7, 2011. He was named a “Champion of the Taxpayer,” by the Arizona Federation of Taxpayers; “Guardian of Small Business,” by the National Federation of Independent Business; “Legislator of the Year,” twice, by The Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence, among other honors.
Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio said Waring “will set the tone for labor negotiations and may put a hitch in private sector unions mandating unions be included in contracts. It is a big move.”