Detroit Mayor, Labor Union Unable To Reach Deal; Layoffs To Ensue

After a three hour meeting, Dave Bing, the mayor of Detroit, was unable to reach a deal with leaders of city’s largest union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 25. The union represents around 3,500 workers.

The lead negotiator for AFSCME, Catherine Phillips, admitted that her union had received the city’s “last best offer,” but said: “We think there is still some negotiating we can do.”

According to Mayor Bing, if progress isn’t made within the coming weeks, more layoffs will occur, though he would not give a final timeline. Previously, Bing had vowed that 1,000 workers would be laid off by the end of September if unions did not agree to pay cuts.

However, beyond the 206 employees his administration has let go, only 230 employees have been laid off.