Elkhart is not going to follow in the footsteps of South Bend when it comes to employee pay raises.
The Elkhart City Council has nixed Mayor Tim Neese’s four salary ordinances, according to the Elkhart Truth.
The main reason seems to be “me too” clauses in some labor union contracts that would require comparable treatment for union workers as well. Clauses with the Teamsters Union and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees mandate pay hikes for employees in those unions if other workers get comparable raises.
Councilman Dave Henke called it a bid “to clean up the contracts” with the unions. He also clarified the council’s not being “anti-police or fire or anyone else.” He also notes the votes to nix the pay raises are veto proof.
Mayor Tim Neese maintains that the pay raises would help maintain the Elkhart Police Department.
The $66.8 million 2017 budget, now without the pay hikes, will be up for final discussion by the full Elkhart City Council on Thursday.
