SCRANTON -- It wasn't what they hoped for. But it was what they expected. Hundreds of Scranton Union members got their paychecks this afternoon.
The rate: $7.25.
In court, Union members from police, fire and DPW, took the stand and said getting paychecks at this rate would be tragic, devastating, and detrimental.
The judge agreed and ordered the city to pay hundreds of Union workers their full wages.
"The city is now under a court order to pay the wages collectively bargained by the police, the DPW, and fire and if they don't they will be in violation of a court order," said Tom Jennings, the Union's lawyer.
But even with the court order, the mayor said there is nothing he can do.
There is no money in the bank to pay workers their full wages and it's city council's responsibility to fix that.
"Council has to fund their budget. I vetoed this budget last year because I said this was going to happen, and council overrode my veto, now it's up to them to fund their budget, said Mayor Doherty.
But Scranton's City Council says it's up to the mayor to work with council and secure funds by not taxing the public.
"The mayor needs to stop barking unilateral orders he needs to cooperate with council, with the people of this city, generate new revenue, and secure the monies needed to get this city through this year and into the future," said Council President Janet Evans.
Union workers who are feeling the brunt of this battle said the court order is a good thing, but it's not a victory.
""It's hopeful that maybe now lights a fire under the city to get things done , that's the hope," said John Judge, the head of the Fire Union.