Bob Morris stated that commenting “does no good.” I disagree. The good is that he exposes himself as incompetent. Morris states that the city is not against the public works employees unionizing but then refuses to negotiate in good faith. This is classic, unnecessary double speak.
In light of the Appellate Court and Illinois Labor Relations Board decisions against the city, the $56,037 in attorney fees has been wantonly wasted on an obvious losing cause. This waste event combined with the recent Vanguard fiasco clearly illustrates a pattern of poor decision making and smacks of elitism. Most disappointing is the mayor and city council seemingly sit back and let this happen.
Due to the ongoing, lengthy contract negotiations, public works employees have been denied a wage increase for four years. I suspect that back pay will be issued when a contract is signed, dollars that may have been spent supporting Washington businesses. These city employees are our friends and neighbors and deserve better treatment than is being handed out. Fourteen years to reach top wage is unfair and downright ridiculous. The old adage “unions go where they are needed” is certainly true with this case. My workplace would immediately fire the plant manager if rude treatment of employees resulted in unionizing.
Washington citizens, this is your wasted tax dollar. Get up, go out, be informed and get involved. Stop accepting wasted tax dollars and constant tax increases as standard operating procedure. Contact Mayor Gary Manier, contact your alderperman, contact the Washington Times-Reporter, and let them know how you feel. Vote! Vote! Vote!
Patrick Tully
Washington
