When John Powers ran for the office of Mayor for the City of Spokane, many of the members of Local 270 endorsed and supported him. But over the past two years since his election, they have come to regret their choice.

"He has not been a friend of Labor," says Mike Smith, Council 2's Staff Representative assigned to Local 270.

A Local 270 member pickets Spokane Mayor John Powers as he addresses a Labor Council rally at the Spokane Fairgrounds

Other Locals representing Fire, Police and a Management Association are as dissatisfied at the City of Spokane as Council 2 members are.

These diverse groups showed their displeasure at a recent Labor Council rally in September. Members of Local 270 and other non-affiliated Locals displayed their anger by brandishing signs asking for fair treatment while the Mayor delivered his opening remarks. As he extolled his programs, those same members called them what they thought they were.

Almost since taking office, the Mayor made it clear there would be no raises for the rank and file. "He has no money for the employees but he has put nearly five million dollars into reserves instead", said Smith.

When Local 270 negotiated a 1 percent increase for Library employees, the Mayor refused to sign the contract even though the City Council members all voted for it.

The Mayor then declared a financial emergency and forced the Library to lay off 13 Local 270 members and reduce hours and, therefore, benefits for almost 20 more.

"This is no friend of Labor," Smith says.

"If we hadn't had the State Mediator (Ken Latsch) we would have gotten nowhere. But because of his efforts we finally, after 11 months without a contract, have a tentative proposal that the members can vote on this month".

The Local would take a contract only for 2002 and 2003 because the Mayor is up for reelection in November next year and they want him to understand clearly what will happen when he looks for Labor's support.

"He needs to be held accountable for his actions and we intend to do that," Smith added.