Mayor to Veto Collective Bargaining Ordinance

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Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry says he will veto a city council measure that would end collective bargaining for unionized city workers not involved in public safety. Tuesday night, the council rejected a reconsideration of a previously-approved ordinance. Henry has 10 days to issue a veto, which could be overturned by the city council. He says the decision to do away with collective bargaining sends the wrong message and demoralizes “our city team.” Our partners at 21 Alive WPTA-TV report the council would need a 6-3 vote to override Henry's veto. That vote could take place June 24.

June 10, 2014

Statement from Mayor Tom Henry on passage of collective bargaining ordinance

Tonight's vote by a majority of City Council members to end collective bargaining for non-public safety union employees is a step backward for our community. It's a divisive approach that sends the wrong message, and I will veto the ordinance that was passed this evening.

We're experiencing unprecedented momentum in the City of Fort Wayne by working together. Through innovative and engaging partnerships, we've built a nationally-recognized, affordable, and high-performing city government. Now is not the time to risk the progress we're making in our community by rushing through an ordinance that takes away the rights of our award-winning city employees. We win the future by making smart choices, not by jeopardizing the formula for success and demoralizing our city team.

I want to thank Councilmen Hines, Paddock, and Shoaff for opposing the collective bargaining ordinance. They're to be commended for being advocates for employees, residents, and businesses.

We will work through this challenge, one that was unnecessary and not in the best interest of our city. I will continue to work with City Council though and all city employees to provide high quality services to create a prosperous city of opportunity.

Sources: The Office of Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, 21 Alive WPTA-TV