Midwest City Labor Unions Fight Back Against City Leaders

Two unions are calling for the Midwest City mayor and the city manager to step down. 

Thursday, October 15th 2015, 9:58 pm

By: News 9


Two unions are calling for the Midwest City mayor and the city manager to step down. This is all about alleged misuse of taxpayer money meant for public safety in the city.

The city says that isn't true.

Turns out, this has been an issue long before these city leaders were even elected.

“They never sleep. They’re always out there for you,” said a woman back in 2008.

It's been on ongoing fight for years.

“We shouldn’t have to do this. We shouldn’t have to do this at all,” said the supporter back in 2008.

Nearly eight years later, the same people are fighting, but this time with different city leaders. And in this round, Midwest City's FOP and the Firefighter's Association wants the city's top two leaders fired.

10/15/15 Related Story: Police, Firefighter Unions Called For MWC Mayor, City Manager To Step Down

“These two officials continue to mismanage taxpayer dollars designated for public safety and continue to reduce our ability to respond to the citizens in the time of emergencies,” said Doug Beabout, Pres. Midwest City Firefighters Assoc.  

The city says nothing could be further from the truth.

“We think they are completely baseless,” said Midwest City’s City Manager, Guy Henson.

The city admits there is an ongoing dispute specifically with the fire union over financial issues that affect staffing levels.

“We are basically trying to reorganize the department in a way that would allow us to save some money, but would not have any adverse effect on safety or response,” said Henson.

The city calls the back and forth a wrangling distraction.

“This is not good for the community. There are lots of things that we as a community need to be working on,” said Henson.  

The city put forward a proposal at Tuesday night's council meeting for a potential sales tax increase.

The unions say a petition to recall the Midwest City mayor and city Manager will move forward.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

October 15th, 2015

March 22nd, 2024

March 14th, 2024

February 9th, 2024

Top Headlines

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024