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Union leader urges equity pay adjustments as San Diego residents voice mixed views on raises and pensions
Summary
Union president Jim Douglas urged the City Council to preserve reopen language for equity adjustments and special-assignment pay amid rising fuel and construction costs; public commenters offered conflicting views, urging both pay cuts for officials and protections for city workers.
Jim Douglas, who identified himself as president of ASCO, told the San Diego City Council during public comment May 18 that city workers "deserve fairness, dignity, and the same consideration that others receive" and asked the council to reopen contract language to secure equity adjustments, special-assignment pay and voluntary certification pay in later years of a multiyear memorandum of understanding.
Douglas said city employees maintain streets, parks and facilities "we show up early, stay late, and continue serving this community" and asked the council to "stand with your workers." His remarks followed an opening statement by a presenter who highlighted mounting budget pressure, noting that "for every 1¢ increase per gallon at the pump, the city's monthly fuel costs rise by $10,000."
Public comment that followed ranged from opposition to raises to calls for deeper fiscal reforms. Catherine Rhodes told the council she could not afford raises for city employees now and urged the removal of 300 nonunion middle managers. Another caller suggested large staff reductions and pension reforms, while Blair Beekman urged the council and mayoral staff to consider a temporary pay cut to build public trust during budget shortfalls.
The public-comment period closed after a diverse set of viewpoints; the council then recessed to closed session to discuss litigation and labor negotiations. No public votes or actions on the labor items were taken during the May 18 public meeting.
