The officers of the Woodstock Police Department have been working since May 1st without a contract. To what risk does this expose our community and our residents?
The officers belong to a union and have collective bargaining rights. The previous contract expired on about May 1. The two sides have been unable to reach an agreement, and this means that the officers have been working more than ten weeks without a contract.
What impact does this have on the morale of the officers on the street?
Are they likely to feel that the City really doesn’t care about their employment or financial security?
I’m reminded of “Together we stand, divided we fall.” Right now, the officers are standing together. And stand together they will and must, in light of what is happening with Sgt. Steve Gorski’s case.
The officers can see clearly how the City treats a long-time officer. These days, 19 years on the same job approaches some kind of a record for many. Few employees in any industry or occupation stay with one employer for 19 years.
How many officers have started looking for work elsewhere? If they have their eyes and ears open for job opportunities with other departments, how dedicated and how loyal will they be to what is happening right here in Woodstock? Why would they stick their necks out here, if they don’t know what is going to happen to their pay and benefits?
The City needs to be crystal clear in its bargaining. If the City’s budget is so tight that it doesn’t even squeak, then pay stabilization or even pay cuts may be necessary. But they’d better be across the board, with the brunt borne by every one of the employees, supervisors, department directors, executives in City management, contract services including the Office of the City Attorney, and Mayor and City Council members.
How long will it be until the new contract is in place?
© 2008 GUS PHILPOTT
You never know who is interested…
3 months ago
1 comment:
Amen. I hope all the Sergeants in the Police Department, they are not unionized (YET), are watching all this lack of activity closely. How secure are your jobs...apparently not very secure. Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you is, apparently, not the City of Woodstock's guiding moral principle in treating its family of employees. Maybe that is the problem; I wonder who is giving them all this advice on how to proceed in various matters? Seems like various problems in that City seem to only be escalating on a day to day basis.
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