The next mediation session is scheduled for Jan. 9, said Ken Loeffler-Kemp, a business representative for AFSCME Council 5. The last talks were held Dec. 13.

Health care is a key issue. The union is working "to make sure the city does its part to implement a series of cost-savings measures, including establishment of a health care cost internal audit function at City Hall and re-importation of drugs from Canada," Council 5 reported in its weekly Action Update newsletter.

Loeffler-Kemp said the union "is seeking long-term, permanent and fair solutions to the city\'s financial challenges."

For more information
Visit the AFSCME Council 5 website, www.afscmemn.org