Judge dismisses union suit against Memphis

MEMPHIS — A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit that labor unions filed to challenge the 2011 decision by the city of Memphis to cut employees' wages 4.6 percent.

U.S. District Judge Samuel H. Mays on Monday wrote that there's no evidence the mayor promised to fully fund any agreement between the city and the unions.

The Commercial Appeal reported that a trial had been set for Sept. 15. The ruling that ends the case for now.

The ruling calls into question the validity of the city's agreements with unions.

During a tough budget season in 2011, the City Council approved an annual spending plan that included a 4.6 percent pay cut. City officials say the cut helped to prevent layoffs.

A total of 13 unions representing several thousand workers filed suit.

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