New Haven Independent

Posted by: John John | February 27, 2009 10:50 AM

Why isn't Reggie Mayo's name on this list?

Posted by: New Spanish Haven | February 27, 2009 10:56 AM

Glad to see no one from the Mayor's Office was on the list.....

Posted by: BoA Watch | February 27, 2009 11:09 AM

Nice list. I see that the staff of the aldermen in the office of legislative services had no cuts once again. Anyone know of any sacrifices or loss of services that the aldermen have given up?

Posted by: visitor | February 27, 2009 11:18 AM

Wow. I really feel for these people, I have a job and am struggling. Keep your head up!

Posted by: Streever | February 27, 2009 11:24 AM

Good luck to those who lost their jobs: hope you are doing well, and sorry to see the bad news.

BOA Watch,
I know the aldermen make 2000 dollars per year to do a sometimes very difficult job, which entails several hours of meetings a week.

I'm not sure how many more hardships you'd like them to entail. They already pay for the gas/wear and tear on their cars to drive to Hartford & wait 6 or more hours to testify on behalf of our city.

Let me know when you figure out some ways we can penalize them. They sure are living off the fat of the land!

Posted by: This is sad | February 27, 2009 11:29 AM

This is tragic and not really the time for the same old city employee bashing or blame the Mayor opportunism. These people have lost their means of providing for their families.

These are real people, not another opportunity for nonsensical rants. Save that for any of the dozens of NHI hit jobs apparently designed to provide ample opportunity for crazy comments.

If anyone wants to say something positive about the people listed here or the tough job it undoubtedly was for managers to break the news this morning and for these people to hear it, then maybe now's the time for that.

Posted by: lance | February 27, 2009 11:39 AM

it's simple math. the non taxpayers (the entitlement crowd) multiply faster than the taxpaying crowd. something has to give.

Posted by: Keirnan | February 27, 2009 11:53 AM

Streever -

I don't think many people have a problem with the aldermanic compensation package - in fact, i and many others thinkn they should actually get paid rather than volunteer 15 hours a week and receive just a $2,000 a year stipend for their efforts (and don't worry Streever your alderman/friend is about the best of the bunch and when people claim about members of the Board of Alderman, I doubt even his detractors would think that Lemar isn't one of the 3 or 4 top aldermen in the city. But their are too many of them and thus, they have too many staff- They have a director and 9 staff members in that office - Just because Lemar is a superstar and your friend, doesn't mean that everyone in that office is integral to the operation of the city.

Posted by: BoA Watch | February 27, 2009 11:54 AM

Streever:

Yes I know its a lay-person board and not a professional board. I am not speaking of the aldermen rather I am speaking of their support staff.

Have you ever worked with the staff of the aldermen? if they are requested to find information they dont do research. they pick up the phone and call city staff and ask them. they play video games half the day.

when was the last time a legislative journal was ever published for the public to review? go ask them for the transcripts of a public meeting.

Posted by: THREEFIFTHS | February 27, 2009 12:09 PM

The middle class better wake up,There is no more poor people to go after,The middle class is now your new breed of the poor who are being throw under the bus buy the corporate plutocracy.To a degree i do not feel sorry for them because some of them that i know i would try to tell them that
they are next on the choping block,But they would tell me about there cars and houses,My kids are in college and why are those people out there protesting,They need to pull themsevles up by there bootstraps.See what is need right now is what they are geting ready to do in New York and across the country and that is on April 3&4 of this year there will be a mass protest about job layoff, housing and bailout for the people,Go to there website www.bailoutpeople.com,We need this here,All of the unions,Minster of all faiths and the people to come together and march to Hartford,March on King John and other towns where
the people are being affected by this crooked run corporate plutocracy.Rember Dr.King talked about the poor peoples campaign.Wake up middle class your time is run out,Those who are on this list today.It could be you tomorrow!!!!

Posted by: Rob | February 27, 2009 12:31 PM

This is sad and tragic - It really is too bad that the unions could do what was right for these folks.

Posted by: sad | February 27, 2009 12:34 PM

This is indeed sad news and for every person on this list there is a story and a group of famility members who will now suffer.

The part that outrages me is that the unions could have avoided this (kudos to the 2 unions who did work witht he city). The choice was clear - help us with this budget problem and get 2 years of no layoffs OR have layoffs to cover the gap.

The decline of unions in this country is truly an amazing story. Only a few generations ago they were critical to workers getting pay, benefits, and a safe working environment.

Now, they are tools to funnel money to the people at the top. Rules are in place to protect the most senior people while the newer and less fortunate get thrown under the bus. This does not help the masses.

One only needs to read

"As recently as Tuesday, AFSCME Local 3429 appeared ready to cut a deal that would save 20 teacher's aides from layoffs. To save the jobs, the 400 employees were poised to give up longevity payments, the mayor said. The deal fell apart due to statewide union pressure"

to understand that the union is about protecting power, not helping its membership.

Posted by: Brian V | February 27, 2009 12:40 PM

Does anyone know when will the list of employees, being laid off from the Dept of Education be released? The vast number of layoffs are coming from that Dept. Are they going to wait until June to notify these people, or give them a little time to start looking for employment elsewhere?

By the way Streever -BOA is right on the money with his/her comments.

Posted by: anon | February 27, 2009 1:08 PM

How come the state government in Hartford can't meet its PILOT OBLIGATIONS to New Haven and other cities, but they are somehow still able to pave new roads to the middle of nowhere, help pay for new exurban Target big boxes and subsidize hundreds of thousands of miles of state car trips for Jodi Rell et al.?

Maybe we need some layoffs up there.

How about cutting the Pentagon budget while we're at it.

The underlying problem to all of this is that far too much of our country's money is being spent to power our country's infrastructure: namely, buildings and transportation systems. We use 50 times more energy per person than other parts of the world.

We all pay for these inefficiencies indirectly - the reason why we spend $3.00 for a small carton of milk instead of $2.00 has a lot to do with the costs built in to our infrastructure, the amount of money people use to heat their massive, detached homes, the fact that farms have all been paved over, etc. When a suburban mall opens, developers spend $10,000 per parking space at least. Those costs get passed along to all of us.

Worse yet, the money we spend on wasteful, energy-intensive infrastructure gets directed directly to Saudi Arabia in the form of oil payments. It doesn't recirculate within our communities the way the money we spend on, say, sidewalks or schools does. And forget about global warming.

As a nation, we are far behind the rest of the world in this regard. We need policies that encourage sustainability (environmental AND fiscal sustainability - it's the same thing). Just as a matter of state policy, there should be a high tax on any new homes larger than 2,000 square feet, and gas taxes need to be raised as well. There should be an even higher tax on new development that occurs outside of existing town and city centers (aka paving farmland) - Europe does this and it brings them huge benefits, why don't we? On the other side of the same coin, the government needs to build in subsidies for multi-family housing, affordable housing, transit, and TOD, the way they are doing (to a very, very small extent) with the CT housing grants for 360 State Street in Downtown New Haven. We also need to make a huge investment in the education system.

It's pretty clear that Obama already knows all of this, but he can't do it all on his own as long as we have people like Governor Rell and Joe Lieberman in office.

We can't just keep cutting services and hoping that the economy will get better on their own. It is going to get worse and worse, year after year, until we recognize the fundamental structural problems within the system.

Posted by: Streever | February 27, 2009 1:16 PM

BOA Watch:
I think you misunderstand the function of the aldermen's support staff. I don't believe they are there for you to request research: and them calling another city department for you sounds like a nice gesture. What I do is contact my alderman, who then e-mails HIS support staff, and cc's me. I typically see a comprehensive response same-day. Never later than 24 hours. Not sure how they have time to play video games too.

Just a note though, I was responding to your comment: "Anyone know of any sacrifices or loss of services that the aldermen have given up?"

I may have misunderstood you, but I took this to mean that the actual aldermen should make some sacrifices, and you are suggesting that cutting their staff would do that.

I understand you aren't advocating "firing" aldermen (that would be strange!) but I do think your comment is clearly that the aldermen should "Give up" some services. I personally think that as long as we have a volunteer system of alders I want them to have all services + more if possible.

Kiernan: I'm not worried for ANY of my friends on the BOA, they are all--as you point out--some of the best aldermen in the city! I can guess which one you mean, but I'm pretty sure he can stand on his own two feet :).

Posted by: Willie D. Greene | February 27, 2009 1:30 PM

My heart goes out to each and everyone that was laid off. These are difficult days and there is unfortunately more layoffs to come. This is a situation that administrations across the state and country are faced with. While it is quite easy to blame leadership the declining economy is the real culprit here.

As for the New Haven Board of Aldermen legislative staff all of them not only provide support to the 30 aldermen. But they also are the main vehicle that is utilized by the all the city departments for the distribution of information, in addition for all the commuity based groups that need assistance in getting their messages out to the general public.

The Aldermen themselves make $166.67 per month that averages out to $2,000.00 a year. That does not cover the cost of gas nor are they reimbursed for any miscellanous expenses they may be incurred in excuting their duties as alderpeople. So there is no fat in their budget to cut. There must however be the willingness no matter how difficult to make all and any reasonable concessions by the union leadership to ensure that the unions menbership can hold own to their jobs.

Pay raises city-wide must be put on hold. Union members must make a greater contribution to their health plans. The more than generous retirements packages must become a practice of the past. However the most important question that all need to ask themselves male and female is it better to make the requested concession by the city with the hope of maintaining their jobs or do we stand on principle.

I would much rather see the city administration and union leadership come together to help bring a close to the deficit. The choices are not difficult. City employees and the adminstration must all work together to put this city back on its feet fiscally or join the ranks of the unemployed and uninsured.

Posted by: WATCHMAN911 | February 27, 2009 2:23 PM

Dear ANON,

You are correct by stating the FD needs a big overhaul but not under Johnny's watch. Once again he continues to pull the strings attached to his faithful puppets. Please, somebody out in NHI land request to see a list of the FD employees and their overtime compared to base pay. I'm sure you'd be suprised to see the difference. Mr. Egan apparently played his cards right once again just like he did to support Johhny's run for CT's #1 position. Who is running the FD, Egan, Smuts, Johnny, the Chief or Boise? ANON, check your sources and press the issue for the taxpayers sake!

Posted by: BOE Employee | February 27, 2009 2:26 PM

Sad-
Your statement is completely untrue. All Unions were more than willing to make consessions to save jobs. Unfortunately what the Mayor originaly asked for at the beginning of the negotiations kept changing every time the unions sat down with him. Every union was on board with give backs-DeStefano has stood on his platform blaming the unions and employees saying we wouldnt give anything back-this is absolutely false. The media reports coming from the Mayor's office have been complete fabrications of what really ocurred.

Posted by: Disgusted with All | February 27, 2009 2:32 PM

Please do not believe everything the Mayor said. The unions did agree to give backs, over $700,000. from local 884, exactly what he wanted. Then he changed his mind and wanted more and more. He did the same to local 3144. We did try to negotiate a package for him. He wouldn't agree to anything and he wouldn't guarantee "No layoffs". I'm glad to see that all those Consultants are still around. We really need to have people doing nothing, earning a lot, that really balances a budget. Don't let them kid you when they say that they don't cost money because they are not receiving any benefits. They are collecting their pension and medical aren't they??????????? I hope people like Jimmy S. and the rest up there in the BOE offices can live with yourselves. Remember, "What goes around, comes around" You'll get yours someday.

Posted by: sandstorm | February 27, 2009 2:48 PM

Knowing several of those on the list, I feel especially saddened at their departures. Their
work ethic, creativity and dedication were
emblematic of the best in public service.
I do not believe that the rank and file of union
membership were well represented. Most individuals
would probably opt to sacrifice to avoid co-workers
displacement.

If there are no alternatives, it is hoped that a
cadre of volunteers will be inspired to provide the recreational opportunities that engage people of all ages and create communities.

Posted by: anon | February 27, 2009 2:51 PM

If you're frustrated by the fact services are being cut across the board in New Haven (even as Greenwich CT has sparkling parks, tons of teachers, and brand-new crosswalks everywhere), try calling your state representatives and asking them to fully fund PILOT.

http://capwiz.com/aarp/officials/congress/?view=myofficials&azip=06511&bzip=&submit.x=19&submit.y=15&submit=go

The Downturn is not Mayor DeStefano's fault, and it is going to get a lot worse.

Posted by: City Worker/Resident | February 27, 2009 3:05 PM

I agree with Willie Greene and all who think that it's time for EVERYONE to get used to making compromises. The management union should have been able to present a couple of graduated plans to its memebership to vote on. I think it's pitiful that we're all so over-extended that it was presumed we couldn't live with a few more cutbacksto save some their jobs!

Posted by: BoA Watch | February 27, 2009 3:35 PM

Willie Green -

You and I are just not going to agree on the support staff for the board of aldermen. I do not see value in having that many staff for the board considering what they do. I hope the aldermen restore senior centers by cutting the fat from their own staff. 2 or 3 cuts in their office replaces lay-offs from the senior centers.

I really hope that alderman robert lee doesn't let the bella vista center close when he could introduce legislation that would cut unnecessary positions in the office of aldermen to keep the center open.

Posted by: Walt | February 27, 2009 3:53 PM

As I understand it, it is the City Unions who said the hell with those of our members who sre at the bottom of our lpmgevity line, to hell with the taxpayers, we have ours, and we will keep it.

Just bail us out!!

Times are tough, and City employees are not exempt/

Posted by: Bill | February 27, 2009 4:09 PM

I'm thankful I am NOT a union employee. My company didn't ask, they just cut out my 401K match (there isn't a pension), they eliminated bonuses and are freezing wages. All in all about a 10% cut.

But I still have a job unlike those folks who have a stupid union representing them.

Posted by: anon | February 27, 2009 4:33 PM

I agree, Bill and Walt. The unions are corrupt and should be completely eliminated.

Percentage wise, I'd like to know the following:

-- Of the % of union members KEEPING their jobs, how many live within the City of New Haven proper?

-- Of the % of union members LOSING their jobs, how many live within the City of New Haven proper?

-- Ratio of the above two figures.

-- Of the % of union LEADERSHIP, how many live within the City of New Haven proper?

I'm sure all figures are low, since very few union members live in the City relatively speaking. They take from the city, but don't live here and don't care if the parks start decaying or roads start falling apart.

Many more Yale employees live in the City than City employees, so in one sense, the announcement today that Yale is laying off 300 people is a bigger blow.

Posted by: THREEFIFTHS | February 27, 2009 5:35 PM

Bill
You said I'm thankful i am not a union employee.I
rather be in a union than being with out one.Are unions perfect,By no means.But people like you who have no union are slaves and servant to your company.Case and point you can be fired for petty things and than you have to hire you own lawyer out your own pocketto get your job back. Some unions have lawyers on staff to handle a members case,Also you said that your company cut out your 401k match,I would rather have a pension than take a chance of a 401k that is shrinking every day,Also another good thing about union jobs is the cost of living which most companies do not give.Bottom line, I rather have some union protection than to be a slave and servant to the companies were you have no rights,In fact if you look at the history of labor in this country this is why the unions started.P.S.To the two unions
who caved in to King John and think they will not be laid off,Wake and smell the mackral and bend over cause you got one comming!!!

Posted by: chirs | February 27, 2009 5:45 PM

I pray to god that we can end this administrations waste and back room deals... We need new leasdership in New Haven!

Posted by: Anon | February 27, 2009 6:13 PM

A very sad day for New Haven. Many good city workers have lost their livelihoods in this terrible economy and the community will suffer through loss of services. The whole crazy thing can seemingly be summed up in this line from the piece: "The city rejected a concessions offer from Local 3144, saying the offer fell $300,000 short of its target. The mayor said he would have accepted the savings package if the union agreed to add three furlough days; Amendola refused the counteroffer." From what I understand, no union meetings were held, no votes taken. With so much on the line for so many lives and families, I just don't get why the union members didn't have a voice in the process. You definitely get the sense this is one tragedy that could and should have been prevented.

Posted by: Disgusted with Johnny Boy | February 27, 2009 6:54 PM

To Sad and Walt, you have absolutely no idea what you are talking about, you are just repeating what John John wants to you think. Try thinking for yourself!

To Disgusted: I agree, as I stated in another post, city residents are being fed a bowl full of $%^^ with sauce on top by Johnny Boy and they are eating it up and asking for more! The unions came forward with concessions and give backs, John John said, nope sorry, I want more, I want more, I want more. No matter what was offered, he said no!!!! Did we vote to not give in? ABSOLUTELY!! He wanted it all, promised nothing in return, and even said, hmmm, you might still get laid off!! He is a disgusting smarmy waste of a political office. He points the finger at 884 and 3144, but yet he is still getting 11% of his 14% raise. See, even this little ole city worker can subtract 3 from 14!

Our union president R. Hobson has worked so hard in the last few years to get us the only real raise we've ever seen. Local 884 has always been the last to see anything from this city, and the first to be cut. Our medical rises faster than our raises, our work load doubles and triples, and yet, we are told, "you are the reason people have been layed off". Guess what John John? Man up!! Own those coj$nes! Accept your responsibility! You wanted lay offs and they were going to happen come hell or high water! You give back your entire raise, you give up your CITY PAID AND MAINTAINED CAR, you give up your stupid programs funded by the city, then and only then will I give up my paltry raise. You see, I'm sitting here having grilled cheese and soup with my kids for dinner....what's for dinner at your house Johnny Boy?

By the way Anon, I'm born and raised in New Haven, in the Hill area listening to gunshots as my lullabies. My kids play in the tiny cement backyard with my big dog under strict supervision because you never know when some scumbag is going to come running thru my yard trying to get away from the cops after having committed a robbery. Where do you live?

Posted by: Willie D. Greene | February 27, 2009 7:23 PM

Dear BOA WATCH: I greatly appreciate your position. However cutting the staff of the BOA will not produce the revenue needed to keep the doors open. It will provide a short-lived life line if any. However there are ways to maintain the services for our seniors.

Rather than have the city struggle to find funds to pay rent/services for the various centers those centers could be incorporated in the city schools. Senior Centers could be in the Fair Haven Middle,Jackie Robinson Middle, John Daniels Middle Helene Grant/Wexler Schools. Recreation Services should be under the administration of the New Haven Board of Education Physical Ed Department and the maintenance of the Parks/Trees could fall under the Department of Public Works.

As for the duties of the legislative staff for the New Haven Board of Aldermen they are vital. I say this because very few of the sitting Aldermen write their own letters, legisilation or the conduct the research needed to either implement or act on any laws that govern this city. The staff of the New Haven Board of Aldermen are second to none. There must be a consolidation of offices and services if we are to maintain the very basic services in these tough financial times.

While I agree with many not to trust all that the administration has to say. The same should equally apply to the union leadership. How many of them were on the lay-off list today? This is not a time to be driven by greed, what about my raise, my health plan, my pension that many are fighting for. The reality is those days are gone. Again my prayers go out to all that were laid-off.

Union Leaders must be frank with all its members and say to all it is either give the concession needed with the clear understanding that for at least another two years that you will have a job. I firmly believe the City of New Haven is great city but the cupboard is bare and this is not a time to assign blame. We must find ways to restock the shelves and restore the faith of the people of this city.

Posted by: sorry | February 27, 2009 7:52 PM

I am so sorry for all the people that have lost their jobs. My heart goes to them. The unions are not to blame because they tried to come to some sort of an agreement with our high and mighty Mayor Destefano and he would not hear any of it... he kept changing the terms. The only one to blame is our Honorable Mayor Destefano if you can even call him "honorable". But hear this, just like former governor Roland fell from grace so shall Mayor Destefano. What goes around comes around.

Posted by: Paul | February 27, 2009 7:52 PM

It seems that the union leadership is standing on outdated ideas of service to their rank and file, or are otherwise very misguided, to allow this to happen. They know New Haven has NO dollars, they should see the private work force in the area being absolutely decimated, and they will not give up their LONGEVITY pay! People in the non-government positions have not had pensions for years, no 401k match, no or reduced health care, let alone outright layoffs or company closures. Compare this to government employees who not only have excellent benefits but built in pay raises and COLA adjustments and retirement pensions. The Mayor was not asking for that much - maybe pay freezes, some unpaid days off, or some higher co-pays. The unions would rather sacrifice their own members than give in to him.

Posted by: morris cover | February 27, 2009 9:07 PM

Disgusting!
These sinners have to go.

There should be an audit as to how MUCH AN HOUR/YEAR the "double dippers" make an hour - not the concept. They make huge salaries ON TOP on pensions.

Also there should be an audit to see if anyone works two jobs for the City.

Lastly, the JD Crew all have Executive Management jobs, which are created. I wonder if anyone has a list of the Ex Man at the City to see if anyone is related, connected, etc.

We have to start at the top - that's why we have

www.anyonebutdestefano.com
www.sinsofnewhaven.com

Get a new mayor an end this New Haven. It's long over due and oh John, Obama is NOT going to call you down to DC because of your actions in New Haven.

Posted by: johnny b | February 27, 2009 10:15 PM

when are the heavyweights going to be hit. too many consultants making huge pensions still taking the money out of young families mouths.retire and go home.johnny and reggies offices way to heavy with some making six figures.get rid of two of those and save 15 or more school paraprafessionals helping and loving the chidren of our city.its time to think about what you're doing mr mayor instead of just pulling name from your hat.

Posted by: I was there | February 27, 2009 10:27 PM

Hey willie you are way off base with the Union leadership being greedy.I was right in the mix and you were not.So you should not be commenting on what took place at the negotiations.He is not being truthful and all the Unions know it.If he and his people had been truthful a deal would have gotten done.

Posted by: UCLA Grad | February 27, 2009 10:38 PM

The only people getting laid off are the unimportant lowly domestic servant who couldn't get a job anywheres else. You really have to be someone of special breeding and stock to be able to get through something like this unscathed. Someone like me. Incompetent but unquestionable bloodline.

Posted by: BeeBee | February 27, 2009 11:02 PM

Anon,

You are partially correct: meetings were held but no vote was taken re concessions from #3144. Larry tells his union what they need to know and he runs the show. He shouts people down and dismisses what the mayor offers and "too awful to mention."

This 'managers' union seems more like a bunch of quiet country mice to Larry's microphone on union meeting days. It's still up in the air whether union brothers and sisters of this city would vote to take concessions before they'd let part of their own go out on the street in this type of economic environment.

I say this after hearing #844 didn't take a vote either.

p.s. I wouldn't be surprised if Larry A. didn't had a picture of Hugo Chavez on what's left of his office. Being against term limits and the way he leads his people around and all.

Posted by: School Administrator | February 28, 2009 10:16 AM

The administration did not negotiate honestly with the unions. They reneged every time there was anything near an agreement. DeStefano wanted layoffs to look good with the voters. Now our teachers are so demoralized I think we will have another generation of lost kids. If you have no job security its very difficult to concentrate on doing your job well. That's where we are now.

DeStefano's self centered politics are ruining many lives. I doubt there will be no tax hike as his assumption on the reval is an illusion. Petty politics again to blame Rell for his years of overspending.

It looks like we taxpaers are going to get higher taxes. We are also going to get badly educated kids. Who is to blame. Every last one of us. We all have a vote.

I extend my heart felt sympathies to all those workers who were laid off yesterday.

Posted by: NH Resident & Teacher | February 28, 2009 11:17 AM

I thought that a large part of the federal stimulus package was to save city jobs in education and city services. According to www.recovery.gov, "state and local government fiscal relief" is second only to tax relief. That's not even counting the almost $54 Billion for education.

How does this figure into our budget? Why is there no information about how it will figure into our budget or when it can be expected?

Please don't get me wrong. I'm not saying "Don't worry, the feds will save us." However, our budget crisis is not caused by unions. It's caused by a reduction in the expected PILOT payments from the state last year, as well as a recession-battered grand list.

Posted by: unanimous | February 28, 2009 12:12 PM

Its too bad that those who really work hard get the layoffs. This city is so top heavy its pathetic. Parks and Recs alone have so many supervisors making incredible amount of money and they lay off the little ones who are actually out in the parks working, cleaning and holding programs. Dixon, Levine, Torresquentino should think about loosing their jobs. Soon you will have all these supervisors with no people to supervise. Its shameful. Too much money being wasted with too many people on top with not enough employees to supervise. They are a bunch of paper pushers.

Posted by: Edward_H | February 28, 2009 12:18 PM

Threefifths
But people like you who have no union are slaves and servant to your company.

Not only is this statement is extremely disrepectful to our ancestors who suffered under the mantle of slavery,you are spitting in the face of all the human beings who are bought and sold into slavery everyday. Comparing American working conditions to the mental,phyical and sexual abuse suffered by past and current enslaved people bears no resemblance to the truth or reality.

Case and point you can be fired for petty things

Why would anyone want to work at a place where you get fired for "petty things"? There are plenty of employers who try hard to keep honest hard working people. In reality most large employers keep detailed records on disciplinary actions just to avoid frivolous lawsuits from people who think showing up to work late is a "petty thing".

and than you have to hire you own lawyer out your own pocketto get your job back.

Again why would you fight to work at a place where you get fired for petty things? Also there are plenty of lawyers who take cases contingent upon winning a settlement. They take a percentage of the settlement as a fee.

Some unions have lawyers on staff to handle a members case,

I guess this a a better use of member dues than spending the money on lavish parties and travel for the union leadership.

Also you said that your company cut out your 401k match,I would rather have a pension than take a chance of a 401k that is shrinking every day,

Well let's just hope your pension is not one funded by the contributions of current employees because eventually there may not be enough employed people to cover the retirees costs.

Also another good thing about union jobs is the cost of living which most companies do not give.

Unions give cost of living increases? How is a union producing income that they have money to "give" to anyone. You are right about one thing, most companies don't "give" raises. Most companies were not created for the purpose of "giving" things away. Companies are usually created for the purpose of providing goods and services for a cost at which people are willing to pay. Most companies award raises based on job performance. Something unions have no concept of.

Bottom line, I rather have some union protection than to be a slave and servant to the companies were you have no rights,

Check out http://www.dol.gov . They have only been around in one form or another since 1888 so I am not surprised you have not heard of them. According to you I guess they are not doing their job. Maybe we should eliminate them?

Posted by: Anon | February 28, 2009 3:07 PM

I know that there are legitimate gripes with financial moves the Mayor has made. God knows he carries his share of blame. But in the worst economic climate of our lifetime, with the Mayor saying that a number of city workers would have to be laid off if 3 days of furlough weren't added to the package, isn't that a decision that should be brought to the membership? I just don't get it.

Posted by: Fedupwithliberals | February 28, 2009 4:30 PM

How many patronage and double dipper jobs were eliminated along with these essential employees? Paul, you know where all the bodies are buried. How about doing an investigation of that kind of waste and fraud in this city's payroll?

Posted by: robn | February 28, 2009 6:28 PM

NHR&T,

The federal governement is ours and we're part of it...it isn't some abstract other. I'll have to say I'm surprised and galled to see people like LA Gov Bobby Jindal and MI Gov Haley Barbour say they're going to refuse recovery money and then accuse the feds of extravagant spending. Its these "BENEFICIARY" states that have been sucking tax dollars out of DONOR Northeastern states for decades. Louisiana and Miss get about 2 bucks back for every tax dollar they pay to the feds....CT gets 70 cents for every tax dollar paid.

I'm also curious to see if the recovery funds address the huge tax burden of urban areas with high proportions of untaxable real estate and chronically underfunded programs like PILOT.

Posted by: Chris O | February 28, 2009 7:48 PM

I need to commend the Mayor and his staff on some of these hard management decisions. The tax payers need accountability and to know we have good management with the dollars we choose to invest in the City. It seems like some of these posted comments point to opportunities for savings. Could the City have an open call for money saving/ money generating proposal from both residents and city employees. Mine would include: performance based measures, Zoning enforcement with fines, Increasing duties of Fire department, increasing use of part time employees, expanding city collaboration with nonprofits to increase quality and value of city services.

Posted by: Don't vote for Mayor D | March 1, 2009 12:46 AM

Anyone going to vote for Johnny next time around? I didn't think so!

After the layoffs were announced, I had a serious "round table" discussion with my family members and my friends. I think it's time for the proletarians (those who have not) to unite and kick a little bourgeois(those who have everything) butt. No, no, no, not physically. But by pulling together, we can hit Johnny where it politically hurts.

About the same time he was destroying the lives of 27 people this past Friday, and playing head games with the remaining 127 by keeping everyone in a state of limbo until June 30, he had the self-righteous nerve to proudly announce that he would be running for office...yet again! I'm sure everyone who was laid off, and even those who weren't laid off, have lots of family members, extended family members, and lots of friends of voting age, right? Well, let's all plan to vote him out. We'll give him his own special "pink slip" and kick him to the curb just like he did to all of his loyal employees.

Haven't you noticed? He can only play "big fish" in a small pond like New Haven. Why? Because New Haven is all he can get. Rembember, Rell creamed him 2 years ago when he went up against her for Governor...which really says a lot because CT is a democratic state!!! That simply means he doesn't have the political clout and swagger that he thinks he has. He can't cut the mustard with the "big fish" so bullying the little people is his only way of compensating for all of his inadequacies. Anybody with me?

Posted by: iwasthere | March 1, 2009 11:16 AM

We need to put Mayor D on the list of layoff in November elections. Cutting services to give him and other pay raises. This is quite disturbing to me. He and other higher up takes and takes. Leaving crumbs or nothing for the real workers and providers of the cities resouces. The workers make the city run smoothly and efficiently. Not just the man sitting at the top.

Posted by: THREEFIFTHS | March 1, 2009 12:03 PM

Edward_H
You said comparin american working conditions to the mental,pysical and sexual abuse suffered by past and current enslaved people bears no reality and truth. You want to bet,Google in the delivery men uprising and the saigon grill lawsuit,nymag.com/news/features/35540/index1.htlm
This is about the delivery men in new york who had to put up with abusive employers,Six day work weeks and be paid 1.75 a hour.Even the mayor of New York call this modern day slavery.

Why would anyone want to work at a place where you get fired for petty things.

People in this day and time are forced due to the
lack of jobs today have to stay where they are at.My daughter works for the post office in New York and she was tell me about how they try to fire a clerk beacause a book of stamps was missing
out of her bin,She told me that the same boss who try to fire her gave her the wrong bin. Also I have friends of mine who work for the New York City Transit Authority and told me that when then use to sell tokens,Transit try to fire a clerk beacause ten tokens was missing,Again from what they told me one of the boss made a mistake on the count.I wonder why these two boss were not fired!! Also these same delivery men if the food was cold and a customer call up about it they were made to pay for the food or suspend with out pay.
The question should be not why some one would want to work there,But why are the bosses looking to fire people for petty thing?

You said well let's just hope your pension is not one funded by the contributions of current employees because eventually there may not be enough employed people to cover the retirees cost.

My pension is funded by the contributions of current employess and it will always be enough employees to cover the retirees cost, Due to the fact Mr.H that my pension is covered by the New York State and Local Retirement System,Which also has in there system The Police and Fire Retirement System,It also has teachers.It is based on a tier system numbers One to Five.I forgot also that in this system all of the politician
and the mayor of new york and the governor of new york come under this retirement system. The benefits are constitutionally guaranteed,So year to year fluctuations ave no impact on benfits.I start right out of high school working for the state and put in over 30 years,I am now retired and thank god for the union,Beacause if not for them I would not have the benfits I have today. And if I would have went to the private sector,I would have not enough money to cover my retirees costs.In fact my son who gets out of high school this year has already been called to work for the New York City Transit Authority. If any one would like to check out this retirement system just google in New York State And Local Retirement system.This is why I stand by my statement that Unions are not perfect,Buy i would rather have one than none at all.P.S. Mr.H I know you like things to be correct can you please correct your statement in which you said that I said that my company cut out my 401 match,Bill said that his company did that not me I did not work for a company. Also the deliverymen won there lawsuit and are on the way of forming a union.

Posted by: Willie D. Greene | March 1, 2009 3:59 PM

TO I WAS THERE: First of all if I offended you or anyone else in anyway please know that I profusely apologize. Secondly as I stated earlier this is not the time to assign blame as there is enough to go around. However after some 30 plus combined years as a former employee and alderman for the City of New Haven does not make me blind to the less than accurate information coming from both sides.

While I have disagreed with the administration for more years than I care to remember on its handling of the city budget and warned them of this present situation I can equally say that not one single Union Leader supported my call in 2001 for freezes on all raises on both sides of the aisle.

(Now only those guilty will feel the need to attack me or respond negatively as to what I am about say next.) More times than I care to remember how many of the union leaders I personally saw come after dark univited, after the union meetings or before day break sat with respresentatives from the city and cut their deals resulting in many of the membership losing their jobs.

As the old saying goes "The Game Does Not Change Just The Players". So I didnt have to be there. The results are always the same. The little man/woman who have dedicated their lives to the city are the ones on the chopping block and ultimately out of a job. Now that is not to say that some of union leaders are not honest. There are a few. However I have seen too many go through the revolving door making deals that were unjust to the membership.

The financial cupboards are bare. There is no money. The city of New Haven like all across the state and country must now require that city employees as well as city hall government make a greater contribution to their benefit packages, etc. As painful as these concessions are the unions must be honest with its membership and say to all we are not in a position to truly bargain other than fight to keep our union members on the employment lines and off the unemployment lines.

Also unless my memory fails me as Iam subject to senior moments every now and then each and eveyone of the city unions overwhelmingly endorsed the Mayor's re-elections year after year. So the present fiscal situation can't soley be laid at the administrations door. However again I must state the real culprit here is the declining economy.

The blame game serves no purpose. There must be a true and honest meeting of all to prevent further lay-offs, to help the city maintain the very basic public services and improve the quality of life in the City of New Haven.

The people who were released on Friday will be facing some very difficult days ahead. My heart goes out to all. I was sadden by the woman that said that she will not be able to pay her mortgage on what she will receive from unemployment and her pension. I have been there. I have lost a home (due to unemployment) not being able to meet the note, I have been one of the millions without health insurance where my Visa, Mastercard was my insurance. I recall all too well walking the streets of New Haven not having enough money in my pocket to buy a chicken wing.

So I know first hand what many of these good people will have to face. Can they rebound? Yes they can and many will. However what is even more discouraging is that these good people after a few weeks to some of the leadership will be just a faint memory if any while union leadership and city administrators continues to collect their paychecks.

Yes you are right. I was not there. But the end results are the same. Leadership remains. While the dues paying members who lost their jobs are left alone to find their own personal and financial recovery process.

Posted by: Anon | March 1, 2009 6:51 PM

Hats off to former Alderman Greene. He was in the thick of it, he knows the deal. He has the courage to call it like it is and speak truth to power.

Posted by: Edward_H | March 1, 2009 7:16 PM

Google in the delivery men uprising and the saigon grill

The problem using the the Saigon grill as a condemnation of the American working environment is that this is clearly a bizzare isolated incident and is not typical of New York City or the USA. Do the incidents of theft of union dues by leadership,i.e. Barbara Bullock,Gwendolyn Hemphill and others of the Washington Teachers Union mean all union officials are thieves? Does the isolated incident of the wife of Frederick Douglass's master teaching him how to read equal a justification for slavery?

.I wonder why these two boss were not fired!!

Because they belonged to a union.

By the way, missing funds is not a "petty thing"

Mr.H I know you like things to be correct can you please correct your statement in which you said that I said that my company cut out my 401 match,

I cannot correct something I did not do. I suggest you reread what I wrote. I never claimed you said anything about having a 401 match. I quoted the pertinent passage of your previous post. Nothing in my response says you made this claim. If I did please point it out to me.

Posted by: Edward_H | March 1, 2009 7:24 PM

ANON

with the Mayor saying that a number of city workers would have to be laid off if 3 days of furlough weren't added to the package, isn't that a decision that should be brought to the membership? I just don't get it.

Unions are trying to get rid of the secret ballot. They certainly don't want their memebers controlling their own destiny

Posted by: al | March 2, 2009 9:33 AM

THE UNIONS DID ALL THEY COULD FOR EVERYBODY.TRY AND REMEMBER WHO ACTUALLY LAID OFF EVERYONE.TO BAD A LOT OF THE USELESS FAT AT THE TOP WASNT LAID OFF.

Posted by: DEZ | March 2, 2009 10:21 AM

I hear so much about "retired" individuals who are hired back being paid outrageous fees as "consultants". Does this "double dipping" salary come from the same budget as "regular" salaries? If so, why isn't there some detailed list as to exactly what each of these consultants get paid for and what service they perform? I'm sure if consultants are let go, they are not listed as being "laid off". Were extraneous consultants let go to help balance the budget? Is this a difficult question? Paul?

Posted by: THREEFIFTHS | March 2, 2009 11:11 AM

Edward_H

Here is what you quoted,Also you said that your company cut out your 401k match.What does you and your mean,It means you are saying that I that my company cut out your 401k match,Read bill post and you will see he said his company,Read my post
I would rather have a pension than take a chance of a 401k that is shrinking every day.

You said that what happen at the saigon grill is clearly a bizzare isolated incident that is not typical of New York City What about the sweat shops in Queens Chinatown,I wonder what type of condition they work under and if they are uionHow about here in this state,Rember the dunkdougnuts shop who under paid there workers, How do we know in this state if deliveryman are not being treated the same as te saigon grill workers?

The reason why these two bosses were not fired is that most bosses who work in civil service are not in the union, than come under someting call upper management,which than can be fired much quicker than some one in the union.Also I agree with you that missing funds is not a petty thing,But you need to read mypostwhich states that both of the bosses were at fault not the workers.Wouldyoualso then not say that to accuse
someone stealing funds is also not a petty thing!!
By the way the union did file charges on these boses and a letter was put in there folders.
There was a man who worked on wall street who made
big money,He left wall street and took a job with the New York City Sanitation department,The newsman ask him why would you give that wall street money up,The man said I may be banging garbage cans,but with this job Ihave medical benfits,cost of living overtime can retire after
20 years,A pension not a 401k and a union.

Posted by: It's on now! | March 2, 2009 11:30 AM

The consultants do lunch duty!

Posted by: anon | March 2, 2009 12:06 PM

I agree. The 401K scheme is the largest appropriation (theft) of workers' hard-earned funds in the history of the world.

If you think that losing half of your lifetime retirement savings is bad, consider what happens when global stock markets decline to next to zero within a few years.

You can criticize unions all you want (yes, they are highly corrupt, and have contributed to the destruction and segregation of our cities more than any other political force in history, not to mention facilitating the rapidly increasing polarization between rich and poor in this country), but at least they are out there fighting for their constituents. Which is much more than you can say about the U.S. Congress and the Banking Committee.

Posted by: Joe | March 3, 2009 2:30 AM

My suggestions for eliiminating cost and saving employee jobs for the city and BoE:

1. Eliminate all consultants
2. Eliminate all part-time workers
3. Stop hiring
4. Start promoting from within the organization's componant groups as needed.
5. If the above is not enough then institute unpaid mandatory time off. All employees must take the time off no matter what their level, job, or department is. Yes, even the mayor gets an unpaid day off.

When and if the economy gets better you can start using consultants and part-time workers again.

I would imagine that 5 days off unpaid for the entire city and BoE would resolve the budget issues if done in conjunction with the above.

Posted by: anon | March 3, 2009 2:54 PM

Joe, does the city government design schools and roads and stuff, or do its consultants/architects/engineers? If the latter, think twice before laying off the consultants.

A better suggestion might be to institute public performance reviews (which the city no longer does). Citizens can then access these documents and suggest letting go of staff who are not providing value to the taxpayers. The better, more effective staff can fill the gaps. Pay the good workers more, let go of the ones who are not meeting performance standards.

Posted by: EASTSHORE | March 3, 2009 11:56 PM

THREEFIFTH,
WAKE UP!! THE UNIONS HAVE NO CONTROL. THEY HAVE CUT SO MANY DEALS FOR FRIENDS, THAT NOW THE MAYOR HAS THEM BY THE NUTZ. WELL ONE UNION FOR SURE.
3144 LARRY TURNED HIS BACK ON HIS MEMBERSHIP AFTER
MA.EMBER GOT LAID OFF. LARRY,EMMET,SMUTZ,JOHN AND WHOEVER ELSE CUT HER A SWEET DEAL.OH I CAN'T FORGET JOAN FROM PUBLIC WORKS.(OH THAT DEAL WAS HUSH HUSH)
WHAT ABOUT THE MEMBERHIP THEN?
SO NOW WHAT DEAL IS IN THE WORKS.WHAT DEAL HAS LARRY CUT NOW, FOR FLORA AND HIS SELF (DON'T FORGET HE IS RETIRING IN MARCH OR MAYBE JULY NOW!
WHY ARE YOU PAYING UNION DUES? JOHN CONTINUES TO DO WHAT HE WANTS UNION OR NO UNION.
GOOD FOR YOU DIGUSTED W/ JOHN BOY. YOU ARE RIGHT NO THE MONEY. JOHN BOY WANTS TO DO AWAY WITH THE UNIONS BECAUSE THE UNION PRESIDENT 3144 IS A SELLOUT. WHY NOT TAKE A FURLOUGH, WHY NOT FREZZE JOB POSITIONS, WHY RECLASSIFIED DEPARTMENTS RIGHT NOW ( OH HUSH,HUSH)WHY HIRE CRAIG? WHY PAY PART TIME PEOPLE $65.00 A HR? WHY DIDN'T THE MEMBERSHIP TAKE A VOTE?
WAS THE FEBRUARY UNION JUST AN ACT. DOES LARRY REALLY CARE ABOUT THE MEMBERSHIP OR JUST CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS,IT WAS PART OF THE PLAN....

Posted by: THREEFIFTHS | March 4, 2009 9:10 AM

Eastshore
As I said Unions are not perfect,But you still need them.I agree with you on this that from what
I see with the unions in New Haven they are not strong and are not on the same accord as the other
unions who held out from King John.Also the members
need to vote these union leaders out of office if
these leaders are cut deals.All of the unions should pick a day and march on King John and shut this city down,Even if it means being put in jail.
Have work slow downs.Eastshore also to me it is not just the unions cuting deals,The real question
should be why do the people of New Haven keep puting King John back in office

Posted by: right back at ya | March 10, 2009 8:38 PM

Hey there "DISGUSTED WITH IT ALL" I feel your pain when you single out the people at BOE sitting up there doing nothing all day, we all know how the office runs itself. especially when they have union reps walking around all day from desk to desk running their mouth and minding other people business instead of doing their job. These are hard times for all of us in the entire US of A not just New Haven Its too bad people got laid off but threatening innocent people doesnt make it any better.