Boosting Urban Life: The Benefits of Optimized Work Hours for Cities and Workers

In a recent opinion piece published in the Capitol Times, Joe Seyton from the Goldwater Institute addressed union release in Arizona and referenced a recent Arizona Supreme Court ruling on the matter.

Frank Piccioli, President of AFSCME Local 2960, responded by highlighting inaccuracies in Seyton’s claims. Piccioli pointed out that Seyton’s organization frequently litigates against unions and municipalities to secure higher salaries and benefits for their staff, suggesting a conflict of interest.

According to Piccioli, union release has been a standard part of city contracts for years, yielding positive outcomes for both unions and municipalities. This was affirmed by the Arizona Supreme Court as well, particularly in the 2016 case Cheatham v. DiCiccio, prior to its changes in composition. However, the court later reversed itself in a 2024 ruling linked to Goldwater-related appointees.

The collaborative nature of union release improves worker representation, addressing concerns like safety, compensation, and staffing. Piccioli noted that unions have advocated for essential resources such as ballistic vests for detention officers and improved mental health services for first responders. These actions enhance workplace safety and service quality for the public.

While negotiating union agreements on evenings and weekends is impractical, the city and its unions have united against Goldwater’s influence. Piccioli criticized Justice Clint Bolick for not recusing himself from related cases due to his ties with the Goldwater Institute.

Piccioli took issue with specific statements made by Seyton. He emphasized that a labor leader in the public sector must be employed full-time by the city they represent, making Seyton’s suggestion of quitting to pursue union work unrealistic. Additionally, he refuted the claim that government workers use release time for political lobbying, pointing to SB1166—a law prohibiting such activities, a measure championed by the Goldwater Institute itself.

Seyton’s assertion regarding taxpayer savings from the elimination of union release is misleading, Piccioli argued. Instead of savings, increased costs are anticipated as the city will now need to hire additional personnel to manage workloads previously handled by union representatives. An audit from 2016 revealed that union officials in Phoenix dedicated most of their time to HR functions.

The Goldwater Institute, according to Piccioli, presents itself as a taxpayer advocate while maintaining luxurious office environments and pursuing a radical agenda through judicial channels. He argues that their actions undermine public safety and workers’ rights.

Frank Piccioli serves as the president of AFSCME Local 2960 in Phoenix.