Chattanooga Members Talk Issues with Council Members

Dozens of SEIU members turned out to talk to Chattanooga city council members at the March membership meeting.  This being budget season, employees had tough questions for the elected officials that the Union helped elect less than a year ago.

Raises, the budget, and dignity on the job were hot topics for the membership and councilmembers responded.  When asked about the possibility of raises this year, councilwoman Carol Berz cut right to the chase.  “I know you don’t want me to sugar coat it so I won’t... it’s not going to happen," Berz said. "We have a deficit budget and our main priority is trying to save jobs. Revenues are less than expenses, even when we cut to bare bones.”  Berz went a step farther and told the members how they could be effective in getting support for their issues.  “It won’t hurt to come up with ideas to help save money too. You guys work for the city, but you’re also citizens and we welcome those ideas. Be part of the solution, too."  Councilman Russell Gilbert also had words of advice to SEIU members and their agenda.  "You’ve got to be visible. You have to come down there and be seen in a group."

Regarding the budget process, Berz laid out the timeline.  "All budget requests from the departments to the Council should be in by April 6," Berz said.  "Look at the budget packets and get really educated on the budget. Then, between April 6th and May 18, you should visit your council member and the Mayor and tell them what you think.”  She also explained that the Mayor makes his budget based on what the department heads ask for, the council "massages" it and can make changes and then they vote on a final budget.

Councilman Jack Benson, a former teacher and activist with the teacher's union, weighed in on labor relations in Chattanooga.  “I’ve been a bit disappointed with the state of labor relations in this city lately and there isn’t anything wrong with the word 'union'," Benson said. “We need to have more participation from the workers, we need annual evaluations for the purpose of helping employees and supervisors, and we have to train our managers better.”  With regard to the budget, Benson suggested that because this is a tight year, the Union should look closer at things they want that don't have a major cost attached - especially things like flex time and working conditions.

Councilman Peter Murphy was also in attendance and spoke with members on several issues.  Both Murphy and Gilbert said that they would be able to come back to next month's meeting and spend more time talking to members.  The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, April 22 at the Union Hall.