City workers in Maumee weigh strike

9/20/2005

Maintenance and clerical workers in Maumee could strike next month if their union doesn't reach an agreement with the city by Monday.

Members of the local chapter of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees rejected a fact-finder's recommendations yesterday by a 46-2 vote, said Ed Guthrie, head of the employees' bargaining committee. Maumee City Council approved the recommendations last night.

Mr. Guthrie said if the city and union can't settle their differences by Monday, the union will send a letter to the State Employee Relations Board stating its intention to strike. The strike would begin 10 days after the letter is received.

About 50 clerical workers and service department employees have been working without a contract since a three-year contract expired in the spring. Negotiations over a new contract stalled on the issues of wages and overtime.