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MEDIA ADVISORY: August 15, 2008                          
CONTACT: Jennifer Munt ▪ 651-287-0575 work ▪ 651-357-8544 cell

UNION RESPONDS TO CITY OF DULUTH LAYOFFS
Save the City’s Parks and Libraries!

AFSCME News Conference
Monday, August 18, 2008 – 12:00 noon
City Hall – Front Steps
411 West First St., Duluth

Speakers:

• Deb Strohm, employment counselor and representative of AFSCME Local 66
• Erin Bates, laid off from Portman Recreation Center
• Sue Schumacher, youth services librarian at Main Library
• Laurie Slattengren, library technician at Main Library and Mt. Royal Library
• Patrons of city parks and libraries

Last week Duluth Mayor Ness surprised AFSCME members with plans to layoff 217 employees in order to balance the city’s budget before the end of the year.  The cuts will close parks and libraries and diminish other city services that residents of Duluth want and need.

This Friday, 30 AFSCME members expect to receive layoff notices effective September 2.  Some of the laid off workers will be available to speak with the media about the impact this will have on them and the vital services they provide.

“The city shouldn’t be balancing its budget on the backs of its citizens,” says Deb Strohm, an employment counselor and representative of AFSCME Local 66.  “A city than can roll out the welcome mat for tourists, can also invest in taking care of the folks who live here.”      

“City leaders have options to avert the cuts,” says Alan Netland, president of AFSCME Local 66.  “It’s time for citizens to create the political will to protect the services they want and need.” 

Council 5 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees is one strong united voice for 43,000 public and non-profit workers throughout Minnesota, including 543 of the 800 workers employed by the City of Duluth.

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AFSCME Council 5, AFL-CIO
300 Hardman Avenue So, South St Paul MN 55075 • (651) 450-4990, fax (651) 455-1311
211 Second Street W, Duluth MN 55802 • (218) 722-0577, fax (218) 722-6802
West Central Office, 1305 First Street So, Willmar MN 56201 • (320) 235-2344, fax (320) 235-1613