May 11, 2009

As cities across the country struggle to balance budgets, maintain quality services and protect jobs, elected and union leaders in Dayton (OH) have come together to forge an unprecedented agreement that will help do all three.

Dayton Mayor Rhine McLin and the city commission recently took the unusual step of re-opening contract talks with its key bargaining units before those contracts were due to expire.

In April, workers represented by the Dayton Public Service Union (DPSU) voted by a 3-to-1 margin to accept a wage freeze through March 31, 2010.

The wage freeze is one element of an agreement between Dayton and its largest labor union (representing approximately 900 employees) that will save taxpayers $2.7 million and will protect jobs potentially threatened by significant budget challenges in 2009 and projected deficits in 2010. The agreement also calls for the employees to accept four non-paid leave days and for the city to avoid laying off DPSU employees through next March.

“This agreement demonstrates the spirit of collaboration and creativity that are two of Dayton’s greatest strengths,” said McLin. “I extend my appreciation to our employees and labor leaders for stepping forward and showing commitment and courage in a very difficult situation. It is never easy to accept financial sacrifices, and it is even more difficult during hard times.”

McLin also said all salaried, non-bargaining unit employees, including executive, management and mid-management staff, will receive a wage freeze for 2009-2010 and pay reduction commensurate with the four cost'saving days accepted by DPSU employees.

Dayton is also in contract re-opener discussions with the Dayton Fraternal Order of Police and the Dayton Chapter of the International Association of Firefighters.