Fort Wayne City Council proposes bill to unionize government employees

For the first time since 2014, Fort Wayne city workers may have their collective bargaining rights restored.

The bill is on the agenda for the Nov.

10 City Council meeting.

For the first time in six years, fort wayne city employees could have their collective bargaining rights restored.

Fox 55's nico pennisi tells us about the proposed legislation.

Look live: democrats on city council are pushing to unionize city workers.

In 2014, a republican-majority council eliminated all public sector unions, except for public safety, in an effort to save money.

This morning, four council members with the support of mayor henry announced they're trying to reverse that decision.

"what we are working on now is to try to convince them that not only are police and fire essential, but also are all of the employees that work within our city unit."councilwoman sharon tucker says the need for this legislation is heightened because of covid-19.

"this year covid has shown us how essential those employees can be, so having the right to collectively bargain is one of the things we feel is important and i know many of our other council members feel that way too"city utilities, the street department and other administrative workers have been deemed essential since the start of the pandemic.

Local union 399 representative lloyd osborne these same employees lack the ability to properly advocate for better working conditions.

"this is so important for the workers to have a voice in the workplace when it comes to terms and conditions of employment"osborne has represented city workers for 30 years and has seen the effect eliminating collective bargaining has had.

He hopes there are council members on both sides of the coin who will see the importance of this bill.

"understand that it is just giving the city workers a freedom of choice, that they choose.

If they want it, they'll sign up, if they don't they won't."tag: the bill is on the agenda for november 10's city council meeting.

At citizen square, im nico pennisi, fox 55 news.

Anchor tag: the council meeting begins at 5:30 pm can be viewed on city tv or on facebook at "f w city council meetings" the council meeting begins at 5-30 p-m and can be viewed on city t-v or on facebook at "f-w city