AFSCME strikes deal in Detroit Grand Bargain

DETROIT – The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees has struck a deal in bankrupt Detroit's "grand bargain."

Emergency manager Kevyn Orr and AFSCME special assistant Ed McNeill signed a new contract just a few weeks shy of the first anniversary of Detroit's bankruptcy.

"We aren't necessarily paying all our bills, but shedding some of our debt really allows the city to achieve the cash flow that's necessary to make these increases, which frankly and quite honestly, are overdue," Orr said.

The five-year deal includes:

- 5 percent raise this year
- 2.5 percent bonus next year
- 2.5 percent raise in each of the remaining years

But not everyone is too happy with the deal. AFSCME Local 229 President Tim Barbree said, "It's the best we could come up with. it took us a long time to get this. We've been hammering this out, day in and day out, night and day, and it's about the best we could get. It's something, something's better than nothing."


About the Authors:

Rod Meloni is an Emmy Award-winning Business Editor on Local 4 News and a Certified Financial Plannerâ„¢ Professional.