LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) -- The rain did not dampen the will of about a dozen protestors outside Metro Hall Thursday afternoon. With signs reading, "Stop the War on Workers," Louisville EMS and 911 personnel continue to take their fight to the streets.
"We're now at 19 months without a contract," said one member inside Metro Council Chambers, where members gathered for the meeting to stimulate support amoung the council.
"We are now at the hard part: money," another member told them.
For Teamsters Union 783, it's all about fairness. They are asking for the same 2 percent wage increase previously awarded to the police and fire departments.
Some council members are also pushing for a swift resolution.
"It is in the best interest of employees of the city, and the best interest of the city, to try and resolve these contract negotiations as soon as possible," said District 6 Councilman David James.
The negotiations have spanned two Louisville mayors across about 18 months.
"Mayor (Greg) Fischer ran on a platform of no prolonged contract negotiations with employees," said union member Art Cash. "Well, 18 months is kind of prolonged. He's been in office for 13 months himself, so what's the deal?"
A spokesman said the mayor hopes to resolve the issue and blamed the delay on too much employee overtime. Union members say they've offered other cost-cutting measures but haven't been at the negotiating table.
"It's been three months since our last meeting, and we've only met seven times in 2011," one member told the council.
Meanwhile, councilman David James believes the priority should be keeping emergency workers satisfied by getting the deal done.
"They should not be distracted about trying to deal with these particular things when they're trying to protect us," Councilman James added.
Union leaders said they will not interrupt emergency services but will continue to fight. One official said they will submit a request for mediation, which will force the two sides to negotiate.
The mayor is scheduled to meet with the unions during the first week of Feb.
WHAS11’s Bryan Baker was at Metro Hall with why they say they deserve more money. Click on the video player above for more.
