Emergency manager in Detroitousts council leader, union pacts

Detroit emergency manager cancels union pacts, disempowers council head, ends light department

6/29/2013

DETROIT — Detroit’s emergency manager told some unions he’s canceling their contracts, ousting City Council President Charles Pugh for skipping work, and outsourcing the failing public lighting department.

Contracts for the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees Council 25, and the Detroit Police Lieutenants & Sergeants Association will end when they expire in the coming weeks, said Bill Nowling, spokesman for state-appointed Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr. Mr. Orr also signed an order ending the $76,000 salary and authority from Mr. Pugh, who has been absent from City Hall for undisclosed reasons.