Blue-collar municipal union District Council 33 has filed a lawsuit against the city, claiming that changes made to the controversial Deferred Retirement Option Plan were illegal.
Two weeks ago, City Council voted unanimously to override Mayor Nutter's veto of a bill that preserves the DROP program at a reduced cost. Nutter wanted Council to end DROP, adding that the city could not afford it. The new plan will delay the time in which employees can enroll in DROP and it reduces the interest rate of employees' DROP accounts.
The suit filed Wednesday argues the city could not change the terms and conditions of employment under state law without bargaining with the union.
"I know it's a politically charged issue…but we're concerned with the rank and file workers who are the least paid," said union attorney Samuel Spear.
Mayoral spokesman Mark McDonald said the city will not comment on pending lawsuits and City Council spokesman Tony Radwanski said Council President Anna Verna has no comment since she has not seen the lawsuit.