Setback for privatization in East Moline

AFSCME members have beat back a push by some politicians in East Moline to hand off garbage pickup services to a private firm – a victory for city residents and employees alike.

For several months, East Moline Mayor John Thodos and some on the City Council have pushed to contract garbage pickup out to Republic Services, a for-profit company. Despite strong objections by sanitation employees represented by AFSCME Local 1234, the council tentatively approved the plan in September.

AFSCME members didn’t back down, though. Instead, they sprang into action, launching a campaign to inform both the community and local officials of the risks of privatizing an essential public service.

Local 1234 members distributed thousands of door hangers informing residents that their garbage collection fees would go up under the new contract. Members and Council 31 staff lobbied council members and spoke during public meetings.

During the City Council’s meeting on Oct. 6, Council 31 staff representative Miguel Morga told the council that privatizing garbage services would increase costs to residents, reduce accountability and leave the city with little recourse if services declined over the course of the contract.

The effort worked. After voting 5-2 to tentatively approve the privatization deal in September, the council rejected the deal on a 4-3 vote on Oct. 6.

AFSCME members aren’t done fighting, though. The mayor remains determined to privatize the program and the subject will likely be brought up as Local 1234 works on a new contract with the city.

“It is likely the city will want to continue to bargain over the decision, but we certainly have a leg up right now,” Morga said. “This was a big team effort. Local 1234 members truly left no stone unturned.”