Detroit unions ratify new contract with city

DETROIT – Members of the Coalition of Detroit Unions have ratified a new contract with the city of Detroit which was reached during bankruptcy proceedings.

Read full statement: Mediators/AFSCME Statement

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The coalition is comprised of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the city's largest union, and 13 other civilian unions.

"Despite the challenges associated with the largest municipal bankruptcy in American history, labor and management have forged a path forward that secures the future for working people and the citizens they serve," said Al Garrett, AFSCME president.

Michigan AFSCME Council 25 members and other unions completed voting on the tentative contracts Wednesday night. Labor and city officials have agreed to a public signing of the ratified contracts at a public ceremony. The time and date of the ceremony has not been determined yet.

In a statement, the mediators say the terms are "fair and balanced" and provide security for workers and economic feasibility for Detroit. Terms were not released.

Detroit hopes to exit bankruptcy by the fall, but the city's plan first must face a series of court hearings this summer before Judge Steven Rhodes.

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