They care about labor, value quality

Ron Atiyeh, Las Vegas

Friday, Feb. 8, 2008 | 2 a.m.

According to Tony Cook’s article in Wednesday’s Las Vegas Sun, Clark County Commissioners Tom Collins and Chris Giunchigliani are criticized for protecting the rights of blue-collar workers. With corporate America trying its best to pad CEO bank accounts while employees have to choose between paying the power bill and buying needed medicine, it’s comforting to know some politicians care about the average Joe.

Big Oil spends millions influencing politicians to help keep its profits up; Nevada casinos have lobbyists influencing state lawmakers on gaming issues. What is wrong with SEIU wanting its retired members to get paid what they’re due?

Because of a 30-day notice clause in the contract most retirees never received, county management felt justified in trying to deny the retroactive payments owed to these employees. They worked in good faith under an expired contract with the assurance that they would receive the pay increase retroactively.

Had they chosen to retire after the new contract was signed, they would have been compensated. Because they chose to retire under an expired contract, these workers shouldn’t be penalized. I applaud Commissioners Collins and Giunchigliani for sticking up for these retirees and voting to honor county management’s commitment.

Regarding the county’s policy of awarding contracts to the lowest bidder, the old axiom of “you get what you pay for” is exemplified. As a current county employee, I’ve seen the effects of the lowest-bid system.

Though it does save money initially, incompetency and low-quality work often erase these savings. Trade unions have constant training and strict guidelines their members must adhere to.

Spending a little more money upfront for trained workers and quality work saves in the long run. Commissioners Collins and Giunchigliani get this.

Labor unions were created to force employers to treat their workers fairly. Union workers are never going to be wealthy, but they do have the comfort of knowing their rights are protected. I admire Commissioners Collins and Giunchigliani for sticking to their beliefs and will support them if they choose to run for reelection.