A Bad Decision for Naugatuck – 3/13/2009

Posted by Bob on March 13, 2009 under Daily Blogs | Read the First Comment

As Naugatuck Democrats and Republicans voted on Monday, March 9, 2009, the state board of arbitration ruled against the Borough Board of Education with regard to the teacher’s contract.  Once again, Borough taxpayers will be left paying the tab.

Please click this link to read the decision in full.  The decision is not kind to those who negotiated this contract.

Hopes to hold the line on spending in the upcoming budget will now depend on the willingness of teachers to make concessions that they have already won through arbitration.  Given the grandstanding and rhetoric surrounding the negotiation and arbitration process, Naugatuck’s “bargaining” position is weak at best.

One of the most disturbing aspects of the arbitration award is that this is not the first time this has happened.  Rather than negotiating municipal contracts in an amicable and respectful manner, those representing the Borough have gone in with “guns a blazing” and told unions what they would accept.  While this may be applauded in newspaper articles as tough negotiating, the reality is that the process does not work in this manner.  After all the political rhetoric is gone, Naugatuck taxpayers are penalized and people who work for a living in the Borough become the scapegoats.

I have spoke to countless Borough employees over the past several months.  Not one has failed to realize what difficult economic times in which we live.  Not one does not appreciate having a job while others are losing theirs.  Not one is unwilling to sacrifice like everyone else.  The majority of Borough workers are Borough residents who also pay taxes.  Borough employees are, however, tired of Borough leaders negotiating contracts through the newspaper, told to accept nothing or go to arbitration, and being treated as if they are the cause of all of Naugatuck’s problems.

It is time that Borough leaders look in the mirror when trying to find blame for the rising costs of contracts and insurance premiums in Naugatuck’s budgets.  Complaining about a system that a politician does not like does not help Borough taxpayers forced to pay for contracts negotiated poorly.  Leaders must remained focuses, use the rules and previous arbitration awards to their advantage and achieve better results for Borough taxpayers.

In the coming weeks, other candidates will tell voters how great the relationship is between Town Hall and municipal unions.  This is fantasy.  The recent teacher’s contract and how it was handled is a prime example why such a statement is pure fiction.

If elected as your next mayor, one of my priorities will be to establish an environment of cooperation between town hall and union representatives.  I will promise nothing to anyone but respect for workers, their families and the laws which govern collective bargaining.  Sacrifice will be required by all, but will be negotiated with decision makers, not newspapers.

Naugatuck taxpayers deserve results, not more arbitration decisions which require more of their tax dollars.