Walton Deputies To Unionize.

[scooterbug44]

I can't speak for everyone, but as a resident and taxpayer I would certainly like to know of any issues such as those mentioned in this thread - staff working sick due to lack of available employees, taking cars home because they might have to answer a call off duty, what is needed and unneeded spending, etc.

Wouldn't need a union to fix staffing and pay issues if you have public opinion on your side. For example, the proposed $100 per month charge for squad cars went away rather quickly once it hit Sowal and then made the front page of the Sun.

 

[idlewind]

I can't speak for everyone, but as a resident and taxpayer I would certainly like to know of any issues such as those mentioned in this thread - staff working sick due to lack of available employees, taking cars home because they might have to answer a call off duty, what is needed and unneeded spending, etc.

Wouldn't need a union to fix staffing and pay issues if you have public opinion on your side. For example, the proposed $100 per month charge for squad cars went away rather quickly once it hit Sowal and then made the front page of the Sun.

Sounds like we need a little government in the sunshine.

 

[Bob Wells]

Watcher, your right, lets go ahead and let Mike do what he wants.(sarcasm) Forget the fact that the primary reason is job security. You have said you support the idea, but obviously only after Mike is allowed to do what he wants. Your belief that the timimg stinks and one of the only reasons it is coming now is to "protect a few of RJ's stooges". Well you do realize that a lot of Deputies were hired under RJ. Would all those deputies be considered RJ's stooges. The politics for the rank and file deputies and supervisors must end. I have always wondered why they have never started a Union before; but in the end it goes to the divide the leaders/ Sheriff and managment, has always been able to place within the rank and file. Its not any different now, there are those who supported MA and those who supported others. MA has the opportunity to place his managers, top 3, 4 or 5 folks, to make the changes he wants to make. Those Supervisors and Deputies should be allowed to continue at their current position. I've heard from deputies who oppse the Union because THEY believe THEY have current supervisors who are supervising them that THEY believe are not qualified for their position, other than this reason these deputies have said they supports the idea of a Union. I have also had Deputies who are supportive of the Union and have the same beef with the supervisor issue, but will vote yes because in the end it is the right way to go. I agree changes need to be made within the WCSO and MA has the opportunity to make those changes in the way the department is operated. As for oversite by the Sun or NWF Daily news, or the PUBLIC as a whole, think about the opposition to what is right or wrong and the difference of opinions here on SOWAL. Come on these folks need our support. Support them, let THEM have their say, yes or no, IT WILL BE THEIR DECISION. I for one will support them either way.

 

[Bob Wells]

Scooter, I think it was either here or somewhere else, but RJ supposedly found out that if he charge Deputies $100 that all the money would have to be turned over to the Board of County Commissioners general fund. I did not see that in any newspaper, did you?

 

[scooterbug44]

I don't read the newspaper that closely, so I couldn't tell you if they followed up OR if the reason RJ found out he couldn't keep that money was because of the publicity.

Either way, IMO the best way to deal w/ financial issues and employment problems is with transparency and clarity, not by adding more bureaucracy and complications to the process - especially when we just elected someone to bring reform to the department.

Yes, the general public disagrees on many issues, but the majority fall back on basic common sense when dealing with local issues of safety and wasting their $ come into the equation.

 

[Bob Wells]

Where is the added bureaucracy and complications. As for the rest, I long for Utopia, also.

 

[scooterbug44]

Where is the added bureaucracy and complications. As for the rest, I long for Utopia, also.

Read the posts on this thread. Unionizing isn't exactly showing itself as a simple solution or a streamliner of the process, but as yet another web of rules, regulations, and politics. :roll:

 

[idlewind]

Read the posts on this thread. Unionizing isn't exactly showing itself as a simple solution or a streamliner of the process, but as yet another web of rules, regulations, and politics. :roll:

You said a mouthful there scooter. If anyone doe not believe you, they might take a look at the big three automakers.

 

[Bob Wells]

:rofl: OK, that one is funny Idle, comparing the Big 3 auto makers to a public service union. Its amazing that you would or could compare Cops, Firefighters, Teachers, Paramedics and the rest of those employees serving your needs in the county, to car builders.

I am sure that it is all the Unions Faults for the big 3 auto makers woes. I can just about assure you that other than having the ability to strike, they sat in negotiation with their employer and the employers pay what is negotiated. Just so you are aware, employment and benefits are down and when you take a look at the number of jobs that have been shipped overseas, I can't even find underwear made in the US. I'll bet AIG and the current Wall Street bailout is due to employees failing to do their jobs correctly. I'm sure those Big Wigs in AIG appreciate any and all money they are using for their trips and these great resorts.

County employees got $700 dollars for a pay raise this year. I believe you have issue with increase in taxes with the current climate, but think of the service these folks are supplying and they are struggling maybe even more because they were underpaid for the most part. WCSO is a really good example, as reported in SoWal, it has been 2 or 3 years since the Deputies recieved their last pay increase. I saved a $100 in taxes over last year on my residence, thats is what, a little over $8 dollars a month. They could have kept that and given those employees a pay raise.

I saved more money by giving up tobacco.

 

[barton.roy]

Deregulation is one of the biggest causes for the woes of our country.

As far as unions go.... They protect the employee. Plain and simple.

The timing is great! Why would they wait to start the union. If Mike treats the guys good and in four years is replaced by a quack, then what? Start the union then? The cart would be far ahead of the horse.

Guys and gals, make up your own mind! Do not let the feelings of those here or your superiors sway your decision. I am protected by a UNION and I love it. Our UNION is bringing our guys together. Our department is getting better on a daily basis. I can say that your problems will not be solved over night but the fight is so worth it! Unions do away with the GOBC (good ole boys club) and enforce rules equally across the board.