Newark council adopts fact-finder's report in AFSCME talks after rejecting challenge

Newark City Council rejected an ordinance that would have rejected a fact-finder's report and then adopted the fact-finder's recommendations in the city's collective bargaining with AFSCME Local 2963.

Councilmember Joseph Marmie moved to adopt Ordinance 26-18, the measure that would have rejected the fact-finder's report, but told colleagues he planned to urge a "no" vote on the rejection so the measure would fail and the companion ordinance could proceed. A roll-call vote recorded 10 "No" votes and 26-18 did not pass.

Shortly afterward, the council considered Ordinance 26-19, which approves the fact-finder's report and recommendations. Councilmember Marmie moved to adopt 26-19; the motion passed unanimously, 10-0.

Leslie Redmond, who identified herself as president of AFSCME Local 2963, thanked the council and the city administration for their support of bargaining-unit members who provide essential services: "I just wanted to express our thanks to City Council and the City Administration for their support of the bargaining unit members who provide the necessary and essential services to our citizens here in York."

The mayor also acknowledged the months of negotiation that preceded the vote and thanked staff and members for their work, saying council and the administration had come to an agreement and that employees were "our most important asset."

Council records show Ordinance 26-18 (motion to reject) failed and Ordinance 26-19 (approval of the fact-finder) passed 10-0. No amendments were adopted on the floor.

The council moved on to routine business after the votes; no further formal actions on the AFSCME matter were recorded for this meeting.