More than 125 unionists from over a dozen unions participated  in an informational picket supporting Vandailia Service Department employees who are at odds with the city over the administration’s contract demands.  Organized last year, Council 8's newest  union is being stonewalled by city council in their contract negotiations..

"This is not about a pay raise.  This is about winning the respect these workers have earned as dedicated and skilled Vandalia city workers.  Its about the kind of fair treatment everyone deserves on the job.” said Ken Sulfridge, president of AFSCME Local 101, the 3,300-member union which represents public employees in Dayton, Montgomery County, and surrounding communities.

Marcia Knox, Dayton Regional Director for AFSCME Ohio Council 8, said the City of Vandalia has much to be proud of, including the city’s excellent school system, well-developed parks, a state-of-the-art recreation center, safe streets, and clean neighborhoods.   

“One of the reasons Vandalia shines is because of a dedicated group of professional and skilled city employees who work to protect Vandalia’s safety, environment and quality of life. These individuals are being treated like second class citizens compared to the city’s other employees.  We’ve gone the extra mile to reach a fair agreement — including mediation and fact-finding.” said Knox, who assisting the new union at the bargaining table.

City Council has rejected the fact-finders report and proposed key contract provisions that would cripple the new union.  In addition to limiting the union’s arbitration rights, the city refuses to allow the union to have a say in setting work rules, and is demanding management control of all disciplines involving suspensions or firings.