The Associated Press
5/9/01 11:56 AM

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- City officials voted against a labor contract that would have granted health benefits to same-sex partners of city workers.

Tuesday's vote marked the first time in at least 40 years the Common Council rejected an agreement reached by city and union negotiators. Supporters of the pact used a procedural move to delay final action until a meeting May 29.

Opponents of the deal say they could not justify asking taxpayers to pay for wage increases and the $60,000 a year needed to support the domestic partner benefits.

The city's budget is so tight that officials may have to reduce street sweeping and street light hours to help cover a deficit of about $7 million from last year.

Alderman Fred Gordon said the contract was one of the best the city has ever negotiated.

"This body cannot be looked upon like a rubber stamp," countered Alderman Willie Hines.

Critics said other unions could seek domestic partner benefits, which would increase the city's costs. So far, no other union has asked for the benefits, which include health and dental coverage and funeral leave for couples listed on the city's same-sex registry.

The aldermen first voted 10-7 against the contract, but one alderman changed his vote to make it 11-6 to invoke the delay procedure.

"We're hopeful there will be a different result" at the next vote, said Richard Abelson, executive director of the union, a 2,300-member local of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. The union represents city workers such as librarians, building inspectors and court clerks.

Other cities, including Madison, Chicago, New York and Berkeley, Calif., offer same-sex benefits.