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Sunday, March 16, 2003 Page: 3B
In regards to the article by Steve Mocarsky in the March 9 Times Leader
Hazleton edition, Mayor Barletta stated at several occasions that layoffs
would affect all city departments.
“The mayor said the city’s 18 fire department drivers would not be
affected by the layoffs or reduced hours because the city is contractually
obligated to keep 18 drivers.”
What about the city’s obligation to the Department of Public Works
contract?
The city was contractually obligated to keep our traditional Blue
Cross/Blue Shield indemnity plan. They violated our contract, the union filed
a grievance and won in binding arbitration. (The arbitrator) stated the city
has breached the collective bargaining agreement, a contracted obligation,
which cannot be unilaterally altered, amended or changed.
And now the city has appealed the ruling – something we won in binding
arbitration, which will cost the taxpayers more money (for the city) to
appeal.
Our contract states the arbitrator’s decision shall be final and binding on
the city or the employee or employees and on the union. What about our
contract obligation that was signed by the mayor?
Also, as far as reduced hours, our contract states in Article XI, “The
work day and work week shall consist of Monday through Friday (40) hours per
week.” Reduced hours is in violation of our contract.
Hazleton City Highway Employees
Service Employees International Union Local 364
Michael J. Vislocky, president
Joseph M. Chicalese, vice president