West Chicago deals with strike by employees

West Chicago, Illinois: November 6, 2006 - It's business as usual as the City of West Chicago deals with a strike of its employees who are represented by the Local 150 Operating Engineers, the Union that represents employees in the Public Works Department, as well as the building inspectors and some clerical staff.  Union employees began picketing city facilities this morning.

According to City officials, negotiations have been underway since July 2004, for a first collective bargaining agreement.  Early in September of this year, the Union requested mediation to deal with the outstanding issues.  The City agreed to jointly request a mediator in an effort to give a third party a chance to bridge the gap.  At the first mediation session in late October, the parties signed off on several issues, but certain major issues were left to be dealt with at later mediation sessions.

Two more mediation sessions were scheduled, one for late November and one for early December, the earliest dates that the Union's attorney and mediator were available.  Since there was so much time between mediation sessions, last week the City reached out to the Union and suggested meeting this week.  The Union agreed and a meeting was scheduled for November 8, 2006.

According to City Administrator Michael Guttman, "The City is baffled and disappointed by the approach taken by the Union to strike, especially since further bargaining and mediation sessions had already scheduled, and the parties are not at impasse."

The City has implemented its contingency plan in light of the strike.  "While the City may need to curtail some or all non-essential services during any strike, we are fully committed to make sure that essential operations continue unabated," said Guttman.  "We are also committed to continue to bargain in good faith in an effort to reach an agreement that is fair to both our employees and the taxpayers.  We are hopeful that a resolution will soon be reached."

I want to reassure you that all of the vital City services will continue without interruption i.e. water, sewer, and emergency public works repairs etc.  The West Chicago Police Department will continue to provide police protection without interruption.  The West Chicago Fire Protection District is a separate taxing body and will continue to provide fire and ambulance service without interruption.

If anyone has any questions or concerns, please give me a call, drop me line, or stop by my home.

Sincerely,

Nick Dzierzanowski

Alderman, 7th Ward

2456 Lehman Drive

587-9608

nickd03@sbcglobal.net