© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Teamsters Protest Contract Stalemate in Lansing

By Rob South, WKAR News

LANSING, MI – A union which represents about a quarter of the City of Lansing's workforce picketed in front of Mayor Virg Bernero's Campaign headquarters Wednesday. Teamsters Local 580 has been without a contract for three years.

About a dozen Teamsters showed up for the rally carrying signs claiming Bernero is "anti-family" for not settling the union's contract. Other city unions have agreed to eliminate medical coverage for family members of retirees. The deals only apply to new-hires and not current city employees.

Some teamster's members say Bernero is hypocritical when he claims he supports unions. Carol Walton is a clerk with the city police department.

"You guys remember that, that skit he did on Fox News, where he says, 'my dad was UAW and, and he was a union worker and I'm not afraid of my straight teeth, I earned them, my dad payed for that,' but I've worked longer than he has, and he's going to get more benefits working there for four years than I got working 23 years," Walton says.

A spokesman for the mayor says Bernero's family will not be eligible for health benefits when he leaves office. Wednesday marked the one-thousandth day the union has been working without a signed agreement with the city.

Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!