Wednesday October 29, 2008
It was only a matter of time – in this case about 30 seconds – before unions would sniff out Gov. Jodi Rell’s “relief for municipalities” ideas released late yesterday afternoon. Amid the tax-amnesty proposal, which she needs legislative approval for, is a plan to change collective bargaining agreement that union like AFSCME today are railing against.
AFSCME Executive Director Sal Luciano just issued this statement:
“The Governor’s proposal to help Connecticut’s municipalities get through a period of instability resulting from the failed economic policies of the Bush Administration is inadequate.Her proposal focuses on solutions that have little to do with the real problems cities and towns face. For example, one of the governor’s four suggestions deals with binding arbitration. While speeding up the process may be a laudable idea, it is hardly where legislative time should be spent. Governor Rell must devote herself to finding meaningful ways to help Connecticut’s cities and towns, not just for now but for the long haul. Connecticut has serious structural problems and must act now to repair our aging infrastructure and schools, and invest in education, public safety and healthcare. These problems cannot be repaired with band aids and scotch tape.”
It’s highly unlikely that the Democratic majorities of 107-44 in the House and 23-13 in the Senate will approve the Republican governor’s binding-arbitration piece.
Rell’s plan would attempt to reduce municipal liabilities for retroactive pay and benefits by “tightening” binding arbitration deadlines during contract negotiations. -
