As a retiree and long-time,teacher union activist I’m really disturbed by the governor’s constant attack on public employee unions, their right of collective bargaining and particularly as it applies to their health benefits. He has seen fit to demand that employees contribute as much as 30 percent to the cost of health insurance, regardless of salaries. I can expect fellow Republican legislators to echo his edicts, but when Democrats follow suit it becomes deceitful, as in the case of Senate majority leader Steve Sweeney in introducing his bill. S2718. It does not do enough to address employee concerns.
It would establish certain criteria for public employees health care benefits plans, requiring premium percentage-based employee contributions. Coming from a union leader, which Sweeney is, it has a “Christiesque” ring to it.
Mr. Sweeney should know better, as well as the governor, who refuses to acknowledge the very obvious and best way to resolve the differences between management and labor—the only way—through the collective bargaining process. I understand that state unions have offered increases in worker contributions toward health insurance that, along with other cost-cutting measures, would save the state more than 20 percent of overall costs.
That’s what a fair governor should do. That’s what a dedicated unionist would do.
Peter Lamprakos
EDISON
