Mayor Kate Wdowiasz, in this file photo, was under attack again last week.

Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz took more criticism from Assessor Erica Munson over her mayorship last week, and also got blasted by a union representative for alleged mistreatment of city employees.

Ryan Card of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees opened the session, which came during a Common Council meeting.

“I have been asked to speak tonight concerning the lack of consideration the current administration has for the city’s employees represented by this union. These employees have chosen to make civil service their career and serving the city of Dunkirk and its residents their lifestyle,” Card began.

He said AFSCME has tried to work with Wdowiasz’s administration, but “These efforts have been rejected. The city prefers to act unilaterally. This forces its workers to respond with grievances and litigation. This is detrimental to all parties involved.”

The city’s contract with AFSCME expired December 2024. Card stated that many new city hires barely make minimum wage, reaching base pay after four years. “This was negotiated into the contract to help this city. This more than demonstrates this union’s willingness to work with the city.”

Card added, “To think that the city will escape from its current financial woes without the cooperation of the unions and the employees they represent is foolish. … We prefer to work with the city to accomplish all of our goals, however we do not know what this administration’s goals actually are. We are currently just reacting to what is being done. Eventually, there will come a time when the workers of the unions start actively opposing the city’s administration and their actions.”

Card received applause from the audience as he stepped down. Munson then spoke.

She sought to “address serious and ongoing concerns regarding the city’s administrative practices, internal controls, and adherence to both the city charter and governing law. Let me be clear at the onset: This is not personal, this is not political. This is about lawful, transparent and competent operation in city government.”

Munson continued, “Across multiple departments, there continues to be troubling evidence of inconsistent communication, delayed financial obligations, unclear policy direction, and executive overreach in areas where authority is explicitly defined by charter and code. Most concerning is the clear and documented failure to follow provisions within the city charter. The charter is not optional guidance, it is binding law. When its requirements are ignored, bypassed or selectively applied, public trust is eroded and the city is exposed to unnecessary legal and financial risks.

“We are also seeing the growing impact of what can only be described as truth by omission, where critical information is not fully communicated to those responsible for oversight, or to the public that we serve. Transparency is not satisfied by partial disclosure. Omission, when it obscures material facts, has the same practical effect as misrepresentation.”

Munson later called for reaffirmation that the city charter and adopted local laws will be followed as written. She also seeks “clear administrative policies governing payroll buyouts and financial controls (and) uniform communication protocols so affected officials and employees receive timely, formal notice of material change.”

Munson concluded that “what is happening right now raises serious concerns about sustainability, legal competence and public confidence — and that should concern every taxpayer in this city.” She was also applauded as she stepped down from the podium.

Wdowiasz subsequently addressed some of Card’s allegations during her mayoral report.

“What is currently happening with the unions is reversion to the contract language,” she said. “I would encourage all of the unions, should they wish to continue this, their grievances will be responded to. We have had open communication and resolved several of the union contract issues… so Mr. Card is incorrect in saying this administration has not been willing to work with them. We have settled more than we have not settled.”

Wdowiasz did not respond to Munson. The assessor has criticized Wdowaisz’s mayorship before, making similar comments last February. At that time, Munson said the mayor should resign or be subject to a council no-confidence vote — suggestions that were ignored.