Published: March 08, 2011

Antioch Council Poised to OK Cop Deal Challenged by Other Union

Share This Story

ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL TO OK 'SWEETHEART' DEAL Union says Tuesday night's expected vote to benefit police will hurt Antioch taxpayers in the long run

ANTIOCH - The Antioch City Council is poised Tuesday night to approve a new labor agreement with police - but withheld from other city workers - that at least one other public union says is a "sweetheart" deal that will cost taxpayers in the long run.

Rollie Katz, who made public the concerns of the Public Employees Union Local 1 Monday, said he will make a brief statement TUESDAY NIGHT, 6: 30 p.m. just prior to the 7 p.m. City Council meeting (200 H Street).

City workers here - who have already agreed to significant pay cuts and other concessions -said the deal set to be approved by the Antioch City Council Tuesday is not in the best interests of taxpayers, and may hurt labor negotiations with other unions.

"Our beef is not with the police officers; they should get the best deal they can," explained Katz. "But pain is not being shared." Katz noted that his workers - about 50 of them who maintain vital public services including sewers, water lines, the streets and the parks - have already deferred several wage increases, and accepted pay cuts.

"The city council is sending the wrong message. What they do with the police will certainly affect what other city unions will do," Katz warned. "The deal with the police is one that doesn't require the police to make the same sacrifices Local One members are being asked to make and doesn't address the City's long term financial concerns."