Protesters fight for collective bargaining rights at City Hall

The Huntington City Council met with some opposition Monday as city union workers gathered to protest the lack of new job contracts.

Unions for the Huntington Fire Department, Police and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees gathered outside city hall in protest of the lack of new job contracts.

"The city has not sat down at the table to negotiate a contract and has not been willing to talk about anything," said Pam Rae, International Union Representative. "We're here to let him know that all the city workers support Local 598."

President of the AFCME Local 598 Danny Plybon was also on hand during the demonstration and reiterated Rae's sentiments.

"We haven't had a contract since 2008 and it's time for a new one," Plybon said. "We appreciate all the support these other union members have given us tonight."

Huntington City Council member Steve Williams said the Council is unable to intervene in bargaining agreements, but he said he sympathizes with the protestors.

"Public employee unions are under assault, so I understand what they're doing," Williams said. "I used to be a city worker so I understand what the needs are and I hope that they are can find someone they can approach."

Williams also emphasized that he will do what he can to help those demonstrating.

"I think the main thing I can do is let them know that they always have access to me," Williams said. "If they have a concern, they can come and talk to me."

Williams said he believes the recent unrest with city workers stems from recent developments in Wisconsin and Ohio.

"I think they're doing this to make sure it doesn't get traction here in this area," Williams said.

People from several Huntington unions came to show their support for their fellow workers. It consisted of the protesters holding up signs and chanting slogans. Huntington residents also showed their support with cheers as they passed by.

"We hope to gain the Mayor's attention so that he'll understand that we need to be back at the table to discuss a new contract," Rae said.   

Member of the Huntington Professional Firefighters Local 289, Carl Eastham said he thinks the demonstration went well and is hopeful an agreement could be reached.

"We've expressed out opinion about what's been going on," Eastham said. "We've got to sit down, do some bargaining and get this stuff out of the way."

Jared Roach can be contacted at roach47@marshall.edu.