EXCLUSIVE: Settlement with union over private-sector contracts could cost millions

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Hawaii News Now

By Keoki Kerr

HONOLULU
State officials have ruled work covered by at least 99 private contracts -- to handle everything from groundskeeping to pest control -- needs to be carried out by state employees, a move that could cost taxpayers millions and create hundreds of new state jobs.

The United Public Workers union filed grievances in 2007 and a prohibited practices complaint in 2009, complaining that the state unlawfully privatized services that historically had been performed by unionized workers, such as grounds keeping along state highways.

The state settled the cases with the union in July. As part of the settlement, the state agreed not to automatically extend private contracts and start transitioning many of the jobs in question to state employment.

"Other counties actually have agreements like this in order to comply. We're the last jurisdiction to do that,” said Gov. David Ige's Chief of Staff Mike McCartney. “And this is our agreement with them to do that to avoid litigation and to work in good faith."

FULL story and video at link.



Read more: http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/30301692/exclusive-hundreds-of-new-state-jobs-may-be-created-costing-millions-under-union-grievance-settlement

[weissmam]

1. Govt

Government is usually cheaper the private industry , why should someone make a profit off of it. The government doesn't make a profit

[yourout]

2. or at the very least if the costs are the same then your putting more money into the local economy..

instead of offshore in some rich fat cat's tax shelter.

[Major Nikon]

4. Race to the bottom

It's not cheaper, it just means the employees are paid less and have no future and those who own the contracts get rich enough to contribute heavily into elected officials' coffers.

[uawchild]

5. well said! n/t

[kelliekat44]

3. I like the idea. Won't cost anymore than they are currently paying when the gov't has to make up

for poor benefits paid by private sector. Government can give good jobs, good benefits, good job security if you are good at your job. Local economies will prosper.

Now if can just get to the point again where the tools, supplies, materials they used can be made in America!