CBS12 News Team

West Palm Beach union says city's top earners pay near nothing for healthcare

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Despite budget shortfalls in one local city, top managers and commissioners pay absolutely nothing for their health care. Top wage earners in the city of West Palm Beach get reimbursed for premiums and co-pay's. For the city's other workers a much different story.

One of the city's employee unions bringing this to light during a contract challenge. The union admits the city actually offered a decent health plan. But the union's fighting the proposal because of the big perk enjoyed by the city's top earners.

Joseph Brenner: Our members have brought this to our attention for a number of years.

Calling it a moral and morale issue, Joseph Brenner, of the the Service Employees International Union or SEIU, makes a case to West Palm Beach city commissioners to change the city's system of health benefits.

West Palm has an executive health plan where top managers and city commissioners end up paying absolutely nothing for their health care, while regular employees have seen increasing premiums and co-pays.

Joseph Brenner: The overwhelming majority our membership has taken about a 2 percent wage cut each of the past 2 years.

Now the city faces a $6 million budget shortfall for the coming year.

Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell: I wouldn't say it's an embarrassment. It's just how government has grown over time.

A special magistrate ruled against the union, so the only recourse take is to take it to commissioners and that's what this special hearing is about.

Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell: It is outside, and I don't think it's appropriate in this setting, to have that conversation about what one group pays versus another.

Mayor Jeri Muoio/West Palm Beach: It's a policy decision that we as a policy-making body, that we will make a decision on. It's not related to your bargaining rights.

Commissioners reject the union's pleas. But the union may ultimately get what it wants. At least two commissioners here say they're open to looking into the pay and benefits of everyone.

Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell: If we're going to ask the employees of the city to do with less, that it should start with us.

The two commissioners say they'll look at the pay and benefits during the city's budget adoption process taking place this summer.

Wednesday, June 27 2012, 08:51 PM EDT

Palm Beach County Stories

Road Trippin
Come Road Trippin' with us!
The Greek's Trifecta
Prognostication, travel and women are The Greek's strong suits as well as his vices. Listen as The Greek breaks down the lines on the biggest games of the week for CBS12.
In Your Corner
CBS12 News has Florida Gov. Rick Scott "In Your Corner," answering your questions. Ask a question in the Facebook commenting window below or email it to newstips@cbs12.com.
Town Hall
Watch the Aug. 23, 2012 town hall meeting on issues affecting South Florida.
Spot Crime
Search for any crime within a 5-mile radius of your home!
Health Care Reform
The Supreme Court ruling to uphold the Affordable Care Act sparked a new battle. Check here daily for the latest developments, locally and across the country.
Trending with Tracy
Tracy St. George, a South Florida DJ for WRMF, delivers the hottest celebrity news weekly on CBS12's Trending with Tracy.
CBS12 Dolphins Extra
Get the inside scoop on the Miami Dolphins with CBS12's Josh Samuels and Pat Murphy.
Wednesday's Weather Kid
Welcome to Wednesday's Weather Kid on CBS12's Good Morning South Florida! Here we let middle schoolers produce a "bus stop forecast" each Wednesday. Contact Robin Cross at rcross@cbs12.com for info on ...
Washington Guardian
The Washington Guardian is an online newspaper committed to providing watchdog journalism from the nation's capital aimed at safeguarding everyday Americans' tax dollars, security and freedoms.
Your Voice. Your Future.
As the country faces challenges from federal budget issues to jobs and national debt, your voice is critical to the future.
Waste Watch
How are your tax dollars being spent? Waste Watch tracks whether local, state and federal governments or any groups are using your money wisely...or wasting it.
Top Stories
Get up to the minute information from South Florida and the Treasure Coast in our Top Stories section!
Newscast Links
Get links and contact information from items mentioned in our newscasts!
Tech-Xperts
Get tips and advice on everything tech related, from smartphones, gadgets and online security to Twitter topics and Facebook news and tips!
Treasure Coast
Watch local news videos and read news stories happening in Treasure Coast!
Palm Beach County
Watch local news videos and read news stories happening in Palm Beach County!
News Tips
Do you have a lead on a good news tip or want to share a story idea? Let us know!
Raw News
See the news as it happened, raw and unedited!
CBS 12 News LIVE Stream
Watch LIVE CBS 12 newscasts and breaking news as it happens here!
Traffic Links
Get links and information on traffic conditions, rail information and arrival and departure information for PBIA, MIA and FLL!
PBC Mugshot Roundup
View a selection of mugshots from the Palm Beach County Jail's portrait studio, via a publicly available online booking search.
Sex Offender Mapping
Search for any registered sexual offender or predator within a 5-mile radius of your home!
Product Recalls
Get the latest recalls on autos, child safety seats, consumer products and FDA food and drugs recalls!
Forever Family
Watch videos and read stories of local people and families in need!
The Dwyer Awards

The William T. Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education honors outstanding educators from public and private schools in Palm Beach County.
Live Feed
Watch the CBS News Live Feed for news stories as they happen!
National and World News
Get the latest headlines from across the nation and around the world.
Pet of the Day
Watch our "Pet of the Day" videos for adorable pets that need a loving home!
Pump Patrol
Find the lowest gas prices in West Palm Beach, get fuel saving tips, price trends and check out nationwide gas price averages!