SPLINTERD EFFECT

SPLINTERED EFFECT,

More insight from the Thursday evening union vote here in Green Bay between the city and it's collective unions that represent 15 different segments of city workers. Some of the unions are, well, just that, unions, either affiliated with state or national organizations which represent thousands of public workers throughout the country.

There are a few representative organizations that have hired a legal aid person to negotiate for them as well as the (real) unions here in Green Bay. These legal aid people are, of course lawyers, who eventually wield enormous power over their group of workers. This was no more evident then this past week here in Green Bay, when a single attorney and his represented group dictated how the rest of the city workforce would settle with the city of Green Bay.

It was a caustic example of how the splintering of union activity failed and how one group and one voice can alter the actions of many. Of course this attorney had, in hand, signatures from every one of his constituents an assurance that they would continue to pay the legal fees and the guidance this attorney gave in the course of his duties as their representative.

To my way of thinking, the actions of a few and their hired gun took advantage of weak leadership by the more established unions representing the vast majority of city workers in Green Bay. Not only was the representation weak, it was pathetically weak.  You sir will have to back up to the pay window next month.

What this action did, effectively dealt the union representation in Green Bay a death blow. The city didn't need "Sleepy" Walker's budget repair bill, or "Shadow" Schmitt's (line holding) action on taxes, all they needed was one group of city workers with no comprehension about long term thinking, one blowhard attorney figure head and a wimpy union rep to do the job.

Congratulations..... you know who you are, way to go. The little people, those who work the after hours shift, cleaning the halls, offices and bathrooms of the city building appreciate your actions. Just think, even though they pay the same union dues, it will now take them four hours to make that payment instead of two. How long do you think that will continue?