IN THE NEWS: AFSCME Local 158 President Mike Wallin Speaks Out About Denver Layoffs

Click here to watch the full piece on the 9News website

DENVER -- Yesterday, Mike Wallin, an Associate Engineer with the City of Denver and President of AFSCME Local 158, spoke with 9News about upcoming layoffs and the uncertainty the city has caused its most devoted public servants. 

"It's nerve-racking. It is very stressful for all the employees right now," Wallin said. "You kind of feel like a prisoner on death row. When is my day coming?" 

Just last month, only weeks before the layoffs were announced to begin, the city forced through changes to eliminate the objective, seniority-based system that has defined layoff procedures in the City for decades, in favor of a subjective “merit-based” system. 

While workers’ outcry at the last-minute changes did win back some measure of seniority, the city largely stuck to their proposal and, in doing so, created widespread uncertainty and anxiety among the city workforce. 

Now, with layoffs looming, that uncertainty is about to become real. But AFSCME Colorado members like Mike will be there to fight back and build a strong union so city workers can’t be ignored again. 

“It’s a bigger picture just an employee losing their job,” Wallin said. “This will ripple through the entire Denver community.” 

Thats why Mike and AFSCME Colorado will be standing up and speaking up for Denver City worker through this stressful time, and far beyond. 

This summer has shown that having a union in the City of Denver is more important than ever. If you’re interested in learning more click here, or if you’re ready to become a member today, click here.