Police Union? Sure, why not?
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I’m not sure why the Gilford police force is forming a union but I suppose it’s expected for them to do so. Given the fact that most police and fire fighters throughout the country are union members, why not? I’m not sure what the advantage or disadvantages are for the police or the community but at least the annual threats of unionizing around budget season will disappear. The selectman can now look at salaries and wages objectively instead of the personalized approach taken in the past. The thing about unions is that they are, by their own choice, a faceless entity. Shouldn’t it stand to reason that if the “negotiations” for them are being done by a single highly paid professional, then it is now a business only transaction?
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The rising cost of municipal services is now forcing political leaders to make some very tough decisions. Back in the days when my dad was a fire fighter, he worked long hours for low wages. He never complained because the city provided his family, a wife and five children, excellent medical coverage and a good retirement program. Somewhere over time the salary component caught up to the rest of the working class while maintaining benefits found nowhere else. In addition to excellent salaries and benefits come a host of other perks enjoyed by this special group of workers. Working hours have been modified to allow them to work another full time job or create their own businesses. After all, they are highly desirable employees because they don’t require any benefits while most other self employed people pay insurance premiums in the thousands of dollars each month.
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Let’s not forget about the free or reduced pricing on most services they seek, such as hotel rooms, cups of coffee etc… Perks are now considered income in every other profession, including gifts and personal miles driven in a company car, must be reported when filing Federal taxes.
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Some where in all this, I’m sure they will demand we pay their union dues too. We already pay similar fees to an association designed to fund lobbyist that propose legislation against the tax payer.
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Don’t get me wrong here; I’m not busting anybodies chops over all this yet. They do a difficult job and I certainly wouldn’t want to do it. Then again, they wouldn’t want to do my job either. I’m simply pointing these things out because we are talking about compensation for a contracted service. I support paying all workers fair wages and benefits as long as ALL things are considered when discussing compensation.
Don’t get me wrong here; I’m not busting anybodies chops over all this yet. They do a difficult job and I certainly wouldn’t want to do it. Then again, they wouldn’t want to do my job either. I’m simply pointing these things out because we are talking about compensation for a contracted service. I support paying all workers fair wages and benefits as long as ALL things are considered when discussing compensation.
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In the past, most of these benefits were discussed piece meal or not discussed at all. At least with a union, we can discuss the ENTIRE compensation package. The Selectman and voters will have to be mindful of all these things when considering the end result. They will also have to be mindful of the potential HB88 legislation being bandied about at the State House. Should it become law, regardless of the will of the people, this special class of workers (not my title for them, it’s theirs) will be “entitled’ to the previous year’s raises and benefits. It would be wise to not set that bar too high.
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The good news is that all of this will be completely displayed in the public’s eye to be approved by all of the voters and no longer the burden of a few historically compassionate politicians.
Comments
Being a fulltime firefighter in town I would like to know where I can go to get my free coffee. When I went to Dunkins two weeks ago I had to start paying almost $3.00 for my great one. If I am missing out on free coffee please let me know where I need to go. I am planning a trip to Flordia next winter with my family. Which hotel do I need to call. It will take me two years of saving to pay for a disney trip for the family. I guess I have been in the dark about all these extras I should be receiving for being a firefighter. But if those extras are out there thats not the reason I became a firefighter in the first place.
Posted by: Scott Mooney | June 5, 2007 03:01 PM
Thank you for your comments. They are always respected and appreciated. As mentioned in my post, The coffees and reduced rooms are simply perks that are not considered income. Just perks. On that note I'm sorry you're not in tune with this program. As you know I travel extensively. Pretty much every week. Reduced room rates, coffee and meals for Fire fighters and policemen is pretty much common place throughout the country, NH included. Disney would probably do it if you asked. As far as the coffee is concerned, at least have comfort knowing that you can still get to the coffee shop in a town vehicle on town gas at $3.00 a gallon. You need to know, I could really care less. This is common place and expected. It is what it is. Let's just be open about it. My job? My wages are not so high but I get a company car, I eat out on the companies dime when I travel. I recognize these things as "benefits". I'm not shy about it. It is what it is.I expect my salary to reflect this and it does. I chose to do my job for the same reasons you did. I enjoy it and it's something I do well.I'm glad you enjoy your job too, keep up the good work!
Terry S.
Posted by: Terry Stewart | June 5, 2007 11:00 PM