Labor unions boo Nutter off stage at budget address

Protestors from the city's municipal labor unions and allied trade groups packed CIty Hall today for the Mayor's much anticipated and controversial budget address. While many observers had expected strong protests from unions - most of whom have been working without a contract for years - it still came as a surprise when the crowd used noisemakers, shouts and boos to derail the address altogether.

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Labor unions boo Nutter off stage at budget address

POSTED: Thursday, March 14, 2013, 1:08 PM
Nutter as he attempts to deliver his budget speech today. (Samantha Melamed)

Protesters from the city's municipal labor unions and allied trade groups packed CIty Hall today for the Mayor's much anticipated and controversial budget address.  While many observers had expected strong protests from unions - most of whom have been working without a contract for years - it still came as a surprise when the crowd used noisemakers, shouts and boos to derail the address altogether.

As Mayor Michael Nutter entered council chambers, a chorus of applause, boos, whistles and — possibly — electronic sirens filled the hall.  While Council President Darrell Clarke vainly struck his gavel, calling for order, Nutter actually attempted to deliver his speech, screaming over the ear-splitting noise.

After a few minutes of sustained racket, Councilman-at-Large David Oh called for an emergency recess, a move that was quickly seconded and approved by fellow members.  Nutter continued his speech, his voice hoarse, as Councilmembers filed out of the hall.  Nutter eventually gave up and was escorted by police officers to the Council President's chambers.

Sources have confirmed the Mayor will continue his address from a room on the second floor of City Hall, presumably without a public audience present.  Stay tuned for more news on the budget as it develops, and be sure to follow @CPNakedCity on twitter for live coverage.

Posted by Ryan Briggs @ 1:08 PM  Permalink | Post a comment
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Here at The Naked City, you'll find breaking news, analysis, gossip and surprises about everything from crime and politics to the beating pulse of city life itself. We're good listeners, too:

Daniel Denvir: daniel.denvir@citypaper.net

Ryan Briggs: ryan.briggs@citypaper.net

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