04-25-11 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING APRIL 25, 2011 Councilmember Puzzello made a motion to hear Bill No. 11-25 under Special Business. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. RESOLUTION NO. 4096-11 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, IN SUPPORT OF THE RIGHT OF REPRESENTATION AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING FOR WORKING MEN AND WOMEN , Whereas on April 18, 2011, it was reported that the Senate Appropriation Committee voted 8-3 for a $28 billion two-year budget for the State of Indiana, with it going to the full Senate for possible changes and debate; and , Whereas a provision was included in that 2-year budget that would ban collective bargaining for state employees, and would further provide that no future Indiana Governor could use an Executive Order to create collective bargaining with action by the State Legislature being required; and , Whereas former Governor Evan Bayh instituted collective bargaining by an Executive Order, and Governor Daniels revoked collective bargaining by an Executive Order in 2004; and , Whereas in light of this heated and ongoing debate, the Common Council wishes to acknowledge the hard-working and dedicated women and men who work in the City of South Bend, Indiana; , Whereas for many generations, there have been countless contributions made by the working men and women of our city, and the Council believes that they have the right to seek representation and bargain collectively; and , Whereas the City of South Bend is a leader in support of collective bargaining. We have worked with representatives of the South Bend Firefighter’s Association Local No. 362; representatives of the Fraternal Order of Police, South Bend Lodge No. 36; and the Teamsters Local Union No. 364, which has resulted in creating positive and innovative working relationships; and , Whereas because of these success stories, good working conditions resulted which were within city budgetary guidelines. Surrounding communities now look to South Bend as an example of what a united commitment to common goals and common ideals can accomplish; and , Whereas the Common Council believes that because of the very right of representation and collective bargaining is under siege that it believes that it should stand for the value and integrity of working men and women. The Council respects the importance of the collective bargaining process, as well as the cooperative efforts and hard-work to accomplish common goals. Now, Therefore, be it resolved, by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, , Indiana as follows: Section I. The South Bend Common Council stands with the working men and women of the City of South Bend in seeking to preserve the right to representation and to the process of collective bargaining for safe and productive working conditions, fair wages, and monetary fringe benefits. Section II. The South Bend Common Council recognizes the integrity and respect which has been built over the years through the local collective bargaining process, and 2