Council wants raises for some Albany city workers

[thundley4]

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Albany Common Council members say they'll figure out a plan to make sure non-unionized city employees get raises. Mayor Jerry Jennings has proposed eliminating raises and several other cuts in his 2009 budget proposal which calls for less spending with a property tax increase of nearly five percent.

Councilman Glen Casey said he proposes giving non-unionized employees who make more than $55,000 a year take 10 days of mandatory unpaid time off. Casey said he would then use the savings to give raises to those who make under $40,000 a year.

This seems like a way of trying to coax non-union employees into joining a union, or just another sign of things to come under "That One".

[DumbAss Tanker]

This seems like a way of trying to coax non-union employees into joining a union, or just another sign of things to come under "That One".

Don't know the specifics, but from my own experience doing labor law it is probably a bit more complicated than that.  Most likely by "Non-union" it means $55K+ employees who are not even eligible to join a union, but are 'bargaining unit exempt' because they are supervisors or confidential management employees.

I have no personal knowledge or opinion as to whether it's a reasonable idea under unusual circumstances, or just more socialist 'Everybody earns the same' BS in this particular situation, though.  I have a guess, since it's Albany NY, but I'll bite my tongue.

[thundley4]

To me , it seems like the councilman wants to force a pay cut on those making "too much" in order to give a raise to those under his ideal salary.   Many times that pay grade has been earned by years of service at their jobs, or because of what the job requirements are. 

[Flame]

To me , it seems like the councilman wants to force a pay cut on those making "too much" in order to give a raise to those under his ideal salary.   Many times that pay grade has been earned by years of service at their jobs, or because of what the job requirements are. 

Sounds like it to me, too.    How can they FORCE someone to take unpaid days off, unless it is a disciplinary action, anyway?

[DumbAss Tanker]

Sounds like it to me, too.    How can they FORCE someone to take unpaid days off, unless it is a disciplinary action, anyway?

Welcome to Employment Hell - being a public-sector manager/management rep.

[thundley4]

Welcome to Employment Hell - being a public-sector manager/management rep.

Try being on the union side of the bargaining table when you side more with the company.