Local unions who represent city workers are concerned about how a proposed re-write of city labor laws would impact specific union positions.
Under Ordinance 37, funding for shop steward positions, would be eliminated and the unions would have to make up for the cost of the positions. Currently, the unions who have those positions, split the cost evenly with the municipality. The Anchorage Police Department Employees Assoc. (APDEA) says the ordinance jeopardizes union president Derek Hsieh's position.
"They're basically saying that the ordinance does not want to pay for any union work whether it be as the president of the union or potentially shop stewards. They're saying that would entirely be upon the union to absorb those costs," said APDEA spokesman Sgt. Gerard Asselin.
Mike Hodsdon, business manager for IBEW Local 1547, says the shop steward is an important position that often serves as a mediator of issues that arise between the municipality and its employees.
"Negotiations are going on all the time. Everyday there is some conflict or some problem that leaves parties to address it and find solutions," said Hodsdon.
Supporters of the ordinance say Anchorage tax payers shouldn't be paying for those positions in the first place. Anchorage Assembly Vice Chair Jennifer Johnston and co-sponsor of the ordinance, says the unions should be able to pick up the extra cost with the dues they collect.
"I think it should be paid for by the union and I think they perform a great function for the union but I can't see where I can ask the tax payers to pay for that because it's not part of managing the services of the municipality," said Johnston.
The Anchorage Assembly is scheduled to hear another round of public testimony on Tuesday, March 5.
Contact Abby Hancock
Ordinance 37 Raises Union Shop Steward Positions Concerns
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Add / View comments | Discussion FAQGovernments, by virtue of being an American democracy are already unions of citizens. WE are self ruled. For the government to form unions against the public is not only wrong, but it is dangerous. Right now there is much contention that the Department of Elections is not counting all the votes. We continually see those outside the "run of the mill" faces be snuffed out before they have a chance to speak. We have lost control of the government. Its time to amend the Constitution of Alaska to return ourselves to self government, and return the civil servants back to the service of the people. Government is not a place to make triple digit salaries. Its not a place of luxury. If you want that, you need to make use of commercial capitalism to seek the money you desire. We need citizens who believe selfless service IS the American dream. Im for a Constitutional amendment to remove assemblies of government employees ability to CONTROL the people they serve.
The city is right unions should bear the burden of paying for its own employees. That is what union dues are supposed to go for. There are 16 cities facing bankruptcy. Among them are: New York, L.A. and Detroit. If we don’t start making cuts now we could be on that list. Unions will take every penny they can get for themselves and their members. They don’t care if they run a business into the ground to support them. If you don’t believe me, look at Proctors Grocery stores that the unions ran out of business back in the 80’s or more recently Hostess/Sunrise Bakery. Unions point their finger at municipalities and businesses, calling them greedy. It must be easy to recognize what you see in the mirror every morning.
Unions are downright LAUGHABLE. Ridiculous extortion of taxpayer money.
Grow up and mediate your own disputes, like an adult.
