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Union representatives tell Norwalk council negotiations have stalled; ask council to press for good‑faith bargaining
Summary
Members of the International Association of Machinists and local city employees addressed the council during public comment, saying contract negotiations began in January and that many proposals remain unanswered. Speakers urged the council to encourage the city's negotiation team to negotiate in good faith and reach a fair contract.
Speakers representing the International Association of Machinists (IAM) and city employees told the City Council during public comment on April 15 they are continuing contract negotiations with the city and urged council members to press the city's negotiation team to reach a fair agreement.
Jennifer Friesen, a representative of the IAM, told the council the union is "not here to divide" but demands "a fair contract" and accused the city of delaying and using tactics she described as "union busting." Friesen said the IAM will not be "silenced" and called on the council to encourage the city negotiating team to negotiate in good faith.
Mike Armendariz, a longtime city employee and union member, said negotiations began in January and asked council members to speak with employees and constituents about workplace conditions. He said the union's requests are meant to strengthen the local economy by stabilizing families and supporting consumer spending.
Friesen said 28 proposals had been put on the table and that 20 remained unanswered by the city; the union asked council members to take a stand. Armendariz said the requests were not "excessive or unreasonable" and that a livable wage and access to health care are foundational. The speakers did not request specific council action at the meeting but asked elected officials to direct city negotiators to return to the table in good faith.
There was no council vote on the labor issues during the meeting. Council members did not make a formal response during the public comment period beyond hearing the remarks.
