AFSCME begins bargaining with an ace in the hole

Retired USW International pro Randy McKay representing city workers

While contract negotiations between the City of Kokomo and its unionized employees are held behind closed doors, it is interesting to note who is sitting at the table. The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 2185 is being represented by former city director of operations and retired United Steel Workers international representative Randy McKay.

McKay has volunteered his services to the union for the negotiations. His involvement is notable because he was an architect of the city’s two-tier wage system which was instituted on AFSCME employees under the Greg Goodnight administration. Removal of that two-tier wage system is the union’s top priority at the bargaining table this year, according to sources within the union.