The San Diego City Council imposed labor contracts on two city unions, after three other unions reached an agreement with the city on their own. The decision was based on a unanimous vote, despite workers' pleas otherwise. The new contract includes a 6% wage decrease and some reduced benefits, amounting to $30 million in savings for the city. The concessions will help close a $60 million budget shortfall without layoffs, library closures, or other service cutbacks. Union leaders are asking to renegotiate, rather than accept the terms of the imposed contract. Unions argue the unfairness of taking out budget problems on city workers.
See "3 unions, mayor set tentative work deals", Craig Gustafson, San Diego Union-Tribune, April 14, 2009