“Action Desired”

Editorial

The Republican

(Oct. 15, 1970)

Some definite action is needed to resolve the county roads hassle, and that is putting it mildly. We suggested last month and early in October that there be a little “give” on the part of the roads workers who demand union recognition. There has been none.

Two of the present commissioners have felt that recognizing the union would take away their prerogative as elected officials in managing their own affairs. They have been stubborn in what they believe is their right. If the road workers don’t give a little they will be charged as being just as bullheaded, contrary and unreasonable as they have consistently charged the two commissioners. Really more so, since there are so many more of them. After all it is the road workers’ county as well as some 21,000 others who agree there must be a settlement.

May we suggest again that the road workers go back to work at the increased wage scale offered by the commissioners and after the new commissioners are elected and installed, to renew negotiations with them. If the former employees aren’t fearful about the outcome of a secret ballot of ALL workers, an agreement could be reached within 60 or 90 days.

The workers can be civic minded, as we agree they were last winter, and return to work, or they can be extremely selfish to the point of “do it my way or else,” and still refuse to do anything.

A real catastrophe is in the making if no agreement is reached.

| Previous |