Mayor Tom Henry officially vetoed the Fort Wayne City Council’s decision to end collective bargaining rights for non-public safety union workers Friday.
This is only the second veto Henry has issued as mayor. The democrat has strongly advocated against the collective bargaining measure since it was introduced.
The vote to eliminate collective bargaining ran along party lines - Henry says the measure is a step backwards, and suspects political motives by the some council members.
“I certainly hope that this does not set a precedent. For the last seven years that I’ve been mayor, we have worked both sides of the aisle," Henry said. "Both parties have worked hand-in-hand to make sure that we are moving forward, that there is unprecedented momentum.”
The council needs six votes to overturn the veto when it comes up before the regular session of council in two weeks.
Henry says this is a new situation to navigate, and that he’s working with the city attorney to determine if there’s anything they can do to preserve employees’ bargaining rights if his veto is not sustained.
