Unions, Daley May Or May Not Be Closing In On Deal

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Jul 1, 2009 4:45PM

There are conflicting reports this morning that the game of chicken between the unions and Mayor Daley may be at an end. The Sun-Times is reporting this morning that the two sides are in the process of finalizing a two-year deal that will cut costs but save 1,504 city workers who had otherwise been selected for layoffs. Of course, as the Sun-Times points out, a two-year deal would conveniently carry through the aldermanic and mayoral elections of 2011. Chicago Federation of Labor President Dennis Gannon wouldn't discuss details, but did say, "There's a deal in the works."

But not so fast: the Tribune is reporting other union leaders as denying there's a deal.

Leaders with the a union representing city laborers and the Teamsters said today they have made no deals with Daley, who in 2007 gave city unions a 10-year contract with generous wage increases and benefits.

"We have not given in to the city's demands. That's all I can tell you," said a spokeswoman for Teamsters Local 726.

"We have not reached a deal," said Laborers Local 1001 head Lou Phillips, whose union represents many city garbage workers.

Those layoffs - all 1,504 of them - are still set for July 15th.

Update: The Sun-Times story has since been updated and confirms the three hold-out unions.