Unions Force City of Miami to Weigh Declaration of 'Financial Urgency'

Miami officials said on Thursday that if the unions don't give in on $40 million in concessions, they will be forced to declare "financial urgency," an action that would allow the city to unilaterally alter contracts.

According to a Reuters story, Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado was quoted as saying the declaration would be issued by the city manager because the savings are needed to balance the city's $485 million operating budget for the next fiscal year.

"The unions are not cooperating with the process," said Regalado. "We need to have a balanced budget."

Part of the budget shortfall is caused by the scheduled expiration of temporary concessions made last year by police and other unions, according to the story. Almost 80 percent of Miami's budget goes to compensate city workers.