A new wage contract that Cleveland firefighters thought would be approved was rejected at the first city council meeting with Frank Jackson as mayor of the city.
5 On Your Side Government Specialist Tony Gaskins reported an agreement that former Mayor Jane Campbell worked out with firefighters Local 93 union before the election was not approved at Monday night's meeting.
Council members rejected the collective bargaining agreement after learning that there may not be enough money to balance the city's budget.
"Mr. Chairman, I'm standing here tonight to indicate I will be voting against the agreement for one reason and one reason only, said Mike Polensek, a council member. This is the first vote in confidence for the new administration."
Michael Dolan, another council member, said, It's kinda like two people pulling on a cow -- one's on the head, one's on the tail -- nobody's getting any mile."
Gaskins reported that with a vote of 18-2 council did not approve the deal.
"We're trying to make sure we can balance the budget propose a balanced budget without layoffs, so this is helpful not to have to pay additional money," said Mayor Frank Jackson.
The firefighters and city officials will soon return to the bargaining table.
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