More than 100 members of Detroit public safety unions and their families rallied Friday in front of the Manoogian Mansion to protest pay cuts, layoffs, demotions and schedule reforms.
Participants carried signs featuring Mayor Dave Bing on a wanted poster and accusing him of "union busting," "endangering lives of citizens" and "running a corrupt government."
Bing last month imposed a 10 percent wage cut on city employees in a bid to save the cash-strapped city about $102 million. Employees also are paying more for health care and are subject to work rule changes, such as longer shifts.
"We're not just here about the 10 percent cut," said Clive Stewart, executive board member of the Detroit Police Officers Association. "Officers understand that there has to be sacrifices, but it's the eroding away of our contract and union-busting tactics that we will not stand for."
Detroit Police Officer Katherine Price, who marched with her two sons, said the pay cuts could force her to get a second job. But that could be virtually impossible with the newly announced 12-hour workdays.
"How am I going to work two jobs and work a 12-hour shift?" asked Price. "It puts a strain on my family."
City firefighters also attended the rally, protesting the layoff of 27 more firefighters and the demotion of nearly 150 others because of firehouse closings.
Jeffrey Urbas, who was demoted from sergeant to firefighter, said the staffing cuts plus the demotion will severely affect his salary.
"We're losing 22 percent of our pay when we're demoted from rank back to firefighter, so that's roughly $15,000 a year," said Urbas, who was with Engine 47, which closed Friday.
Fire Capt. Karl Hofbauer said it's about the safety of the citizens.
"People will die - that's a fact," because of the layoffs, Hofbauer said. "It's not like we're crying because we can't get our way."
Bing had no comment on the rally but supports employees' right to protest, according to spokeswoman Naomi Patton.
Copyright 2012 The Detroit News. All Rights Reserved
