Why Binding Arbitration Matters

 Why Binding Arbitration and the 1% Sales Tax Matter to PAGE Members

The Pueblo Association of Government Employees (PAGE) is at a critical moment, and we need every member to help spread the word about what’s happening in our city.

City Council has made it clear they are willing to take drastic steps—steps that threaten not only our Mayor’s ability to lead, but also our jobs, our livelihoods, and the services we provide to the community.

Binding Arbitration: Protecting Workers, Protecting Pueblo

Binding arbitration is about fairness. It ensures that when disagreements arise over wages, benefits, or working conditions, there is a neutral, legally binding process to settle disputes. Without it, City Council holds unchecked power over city employees.

If City Council can remove the Mayor at will, there is no reason to think we will be safe from being next on their list. In fact, we’ve already seen where this is headed:

• Councilmember Regina Maestri has openly questioned whether the City is legally required to provide employees with raises.

• Another councilmember has even suggested firing nearly 75% of city employees to “balance the budget.”

These are not empty threats. They show how little regard some on City Council members have for city workers and the residents who depend on the services we provide.

The 1% Sales Tax: A Small Investment, A Big Return

For the first time in 50 years, Pueblo has the chance to pass a modest 1% sales tax increase. This funding is essential to keep our city running and protect city services.

Let’s be clear: this is not a “huge burden” on residents, as some councilmembers claim. In reality, it amounts to only pennies a day for each resident. Those pennies add up to vital resources that ensure:

• Emergency response stays strong.

• Parks, streets, and city services remain funded.

• Jobs are protected instead of slashed.

The Real Source of the Deficit

It’s important to remember that City Council itself approved every one of the expenditures that contributed to the current budget deficit. They are now trying to shift blame to the “strong mayor” system, accusing the Mayor of making unilateral decisions she does not even have the authority to make.

A return to the old city manager system would be a huge step backward for both employees and residents of Pueblo. It would allow councilmembers to use the city manager as a scapegoat for their inability—or refusal—to make tough but necessary decisions. Instead of putting Pueblo first, City Council continues to play partisan political games with the lives of everyone who works, lives, and does business here.

Why Your Voice Matters

City Council’s partisan attempts to undermine the Mayor and rush to replace her, if the ballot issue is successful, within 24 hours—with no plan for how to actually run the city—are not only concerning, they are dangerous. Their agenda puts both the future of Pueblo and the job security of city employees at risk.

That’s why we need you to take action now:

• Talk to your family, friends, and neighbors about why binding arbitration and the 1% sales tax are critical for Pueblo’s future.

• Share PAGE’s updates on social media and help push back against misinformation.

• Attend union and city meetings—your presence shows that employees are united and paying attention.

• Volunteer your time to help educate the public, distribute information, and answer questions about what’s really at stake.

• Need a reminder of why the residents of Pueblo voted for a strong mayor? Don't repeat history!

Together, we can push back against reckless political games and build a stronger, fairer future for Pueblo.