FMEF Update - November 5, 2021

Dear FMEF member,

Last Tuesday’s City Council meeting marked the Council’s third failed attempt to pass a budget resolution. The budget discussion was listed last on the City Council agenda and public comment did not begin until 10:48p.m. Despite this, FMEF members showed up to defend essential City services and delivered a strong “No Cuts” message to the City Council and community.

Additionally, a steady stream of community members urged the City Council to invest in City services, including code enforcement, which is now down to two officers to cover a community of more than 143,000 residents and 6,300 businesses.

There is no question FMEF’s continued presence at the City Council meetings and the messages conveyed by members helps to hold the line and protect FMEF members from further unnecessary cuts. Tuesday’s meeting also showed City workers have considerable community support based on their demands for investment in City services.

Your FMEF Bargaining Team resumed contract negotiations with the City on Thursday, Nov. 4. However, in the absence of an adopted budget, the session was unproductive. 

Your FMEF Executive Board will be discussing next steps at its next meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 9. We will communicate any new developments as they occur.

In Solidarity,

Veronica Rodarte
Sr. Labor Relations Representative

Publication Date: November 5, 2021