Municipal workers in Cincinnati vote to OK pact, averting strike

CINCINNATI (AP) -- Municipal workers avoided a possible strike by voting to approve a new contract that includes a slight pay raise but higher health insurance costs.
Members of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees union voted 833-603 on Friday in favor of the contract. Their approval meant services such as curbside trash pickup, street sweeping and repairs, 911 calls and water services wouldn't be interrupted.
"The alternative was to go out on strike, and I don't think folks are real interested in going on strike," said Bob Turner, regional director for AFSCME Ohio Council 8. "It's hard times right now economically."
Union members, who make up about 40 percent of the city's work force, had been working without a contract since Aug. 4.
They accepted a state fact-finder's proposal calling for a 2-percent raise annually over the next three years. The fact-finder's report released Tuesday also concluded city workers should pay a larger co-pay and deductible for health insurance.
City council approved the contract Wednesday.
Mayor Charlie Luken said the contract proposal was fair considering the city faces a $7.8 million general fund deficit for the budget year ending in December and an $11.5 million deficit next year.