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Budget squeezes union workers

This article describes the resolution of a health insurance budget squeeze between the city of Eau Claire WI and its union workers. A similar squeeze developed in Maplewood during the election. Once we have an actual budget, we can take a closer look at the costs Maplewood city workers were forced to pay by the Copeland council's assessment freeze.

Eau Claire Leader Telegram: 12/13/07: Julian Emerson: Union reaches accord with city


Thursday's agreement ends an acrimonious situation that placed the union and city leaders at odds. Local 284 representatives contested health care changes, saying the action violated terms of the group's existing contract. But on Thursday city and union officials praised the agreement - approved by Local 284 membership on Wednesday - saying it's time for the two groups to move beyond their differences.

"No one comes away from an agreement like this happy with everything," said Steve Day, an American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees lawyer representing Local 284. "But this was the best possible resolution for our members, the city and taxpayers."

The accord isn't a win for either side, city Human Resources Director Dale Peters said, but is an example of "two groups working through a very difficult situation."

City Council member Bob Von Haden called the decision a "win-win" for the city and employees, saving job and program cuts necessary if the city had continued its previous health insurance plan.

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