Every once in a while, it's good to be reminded of an old adage: "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." The fourteen point city council task force recommendation to solve the city retiree health care crisis was released nearly two years ago. The report was hailed as great work and endorsed by all. And when I say all, I mean all, including AFSCME. Somebody ought to remind the leadership of AFSCME that, along with the Chamber, they endorsed the report.
Knowing full well that member businesses would feel real pain, the Chamber's board of directors passed a resolution that supported the ensuing tax and utility rate increases, as dictated by the task force recommendations. While the taxes were not immediately raised, utility rates increased significantly.
Yet AFSCME leaders continue to exploit the situation, now claiming that employees have the right to work without any reduction in hours - even when city finances might be in crisis or there is no work to be done. And the rest of us continue to feel significant pain. Shame on us if we let AFSCME get away with such a gross abuse of its stronghold.
What business would employ workers if there was no work? Who gets a job for life? When business falls off, most companies lay off workers. Seemingly, the only people with such benefits are American auto workers and employees at the City of Duluth. History has shown that this model has not worked too well for the car companies; and it will not work too well for the city of Duluth either.
You should be outraged that your business will certainly face higher taxes, utility rates, and fees, while, at the same time, city services will be reduced. While you adjust your bottom line downward to accommodate the added expenses, AFSCME leaders will continue to rally their members to say the city is unfair because employee hours should not be reduced unless workers want them to be reduced.
On Monday night, November 19, the city council will meet to vote on the contract, regardless if the rank and file union member has approved the contract. This is a good thing. If the contract passes, union leaders will be forced into a situation wherein they will have to let their members vote. Effectively the vote will bring the situation to fruition - we will know if AFSCME is part of the solution or the problem. We need to hold AFSCME accountable for their promises. If we don't, we'll only have ourselves to shame.
Email the city council at
council@duluthmn.gov to tell them to vote in favor of the contract.
Enough is enough. If our "partners" (AFSCME) in this challenge are not willing to come to the table, please lock them out and hire someone who will. The future of the entire city is on the line, not just that of a few.
