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REGULAR MEETING APRIL 25, 2011 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />believes that such rights have contributed to a very meaningful process which is <br />respected and held in high esteem. <br /> <br />Section III. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its <br />adoption by the Council and approval by the Mayor. <br /> <br /> <br />ndth <br />s/Henry Davis, Jr., 2 District s/Ann Puzzello, 4 District <br /> <br /> <br />th <br />Attest: Adopted this 25 day of April, 2011 <br /> <br />s/John Voorde, City Clerk s/Stephen J. Luecke, Mayor of South Bend <br /> <br /> <br />Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. and Councilmember Puzzello made the formal <br />presentation for this resolution by reading it in its entirety. Councilmember Henry Davis, <br />Jr. stated that positive working relationships are essential to establishing and maintaining <br />proactive measures among employees and employers. He advised that both management <br />and labor need to have viable systems to communicate their views and requirements to <br />each other. Employee-employer relationships must take place at both the individual <br />level, but also at the collective level. He stated that the City of South Bend has a proven <br />track record of fostering positive relationships with both its non-bargaining and union <br />represented employees. <br /> <br />Councilmember Puzzello stated that in light of the many forums where there are often <br />heated debates and demonstrations taking place, they believe it is important to recognize <br />the many positive benefits which result from the right to representation and the collective <br />bargaining process. <br /> <br /> A Public Hearing was held on the Resolution at this time. <br /> <br />Jim Szucs, Business Agent, Teamster Local Union No. 364, 2405 E. Edison Road, South <br />Bend, Indiana, spoke in favor of this bill. He thanked the Council for this Resolution. <br /> <br />Councilmember Varner stated that in the sixteen years that he has been on the Council <br />that the bargaining within the City of South Bend has been fair, honest and <br />straightforward. He stated that he cannot support this and has an objection to it. He <br />stated that no matter whether there is a Republican or Democrat Governor in office that <br />they can unilaterally impose an executive order and bring about a collective bargaining <br />agreement. He stated that in the same way a Governor can unilaterally withdraw a <br />collective bargaining agreement. He stated that he honestly believes that it belongs in the <br />hands of the state legislature. He stated that he pretty much agrees with Sections I, II and <br />III, but the whereas’ he stated that he is looking at a different perspective and does not <br />what to diminish anything that has been accomplished. He stated that he won’t be able to <br />support this bill as written, but that doesn’t mean that he is against the accomplishments. <br /> <br />Councilmember White thanked Councilmember’s Puzzello and Henry Davis, Jr. She <br />stated that the city has and continues to have great relationships with all of the bargaining <br />units within the City. <br /> <br />Councilmember Puzzello gave all thanks to Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr. <br /> <br />Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr thanked all the Councilmember’s for their support. He <br />stated that he has been and advocate for this and had the opportunity to go down state to <br />rally and support the unions. He stated that he felt that this would be beneficial to the <br />City and the Council because they traditionally do collective bargaining agreements and <br />negotiations in the summer months and thought this would be a way to say that they are <br />in support of the local unions that they work with and that they are in full support of what <br />happens locally. He felt that this could be a catalyst in showing and making sure that <br />collective bargaining happens at an optimal level. <br /> 3 <br /> <br />