Sisters and Brothers,

The trial of the City’s unilateral implementation lawsuit took place in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Friday, presided over by Judge Idee Fox.

In February 2013 the Mayor asked the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to grant the City the ability to “unilaterally impose” the City’s “final offer” in our contract negotiations, which would have significantly reduced your overtime pay, cut your pensions, and let the City furlough each and every one of our members 15 days every year, without limit on who could be furloughed or when. The “imposed” offer, forced on the Union by the Mayor, is his attempt to end our right to negotiate a fair contract.

District Council 33’s lawyers’ strong opposition to the City’s request led the Supreme Court to deny the City’s plea last June. The Supreme Court’s ruling sent the City’s lawsuit back to Common Pleas Court for trial, and Judge Fox held trial on Friday, July 18. Lawyers for the City and District Council 33 argued the case before the Judge.

Our Executive Board members who attended were very encouraged by her questions and reaction to our lawyer’s arguments. Our lawyer, Sam Spear, submitted a 54-page brief describing why we are right and why the City’s anti-union attack, if successful, would decimate all public sector unions’ collective bargaining rights throughout Pennsylvania.

At the close of the trial and at the request of the City, the Judge allowed both sides 30 days to submit additional written findings for her consideration. Due to the complex nature of this case, the Judge’s decision is not expected to be issued for at least several months after that.

We were all extremely encouraged by what took place in the courtroom and believe we will again beat back this attempt by the City to destroy our contract and take away our members’ collective bargaining rights. On Tuesday July 22 we will continue contract negotiations with the City, fighting for our proposals to win a fair contract for all members of District Council 33.

In Solidarity,

Pete Matthews

Note: Below is a link to a story from KYW radio that gives an in-depth report of the trial.

Go To: http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2014/07/18/city-of-philadelphia-asks-to-impose-contract-terms-in-stalled-blue-collar-talks/