Letter to the Editor - "Stop The Layoffs" - David Dening
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| David Dening being sworn in to Planning Board |
These raises won’t bring consolation to senior officers when they come at the expense of their younger brothers jobs. A lump sum will be cold comfort to officers who lose their job. Instead of forcing the negotiations into mediation, make concessions to save jobs. The PBA and PSOA should follow the example of the teacher's union in New York. This summer the teachers union gave up raises for two years to save 4400 jobs. Aren’t the PBA and PSOA at least as dedicated to the welfare of all their members?
I was very moved during the last Council meeting by the stories of the officers whose jobs are being cut. According to all accounts they are some of the most dedicated and effective officers, able to run down suspects and deeply connected to the community in Hoboken. The state’s audit has made these jobs a luxury for the city, despite its flaws. It is up to Mr. Lombardi and Mr. Drishti to save them.
I've heard people say that the union is run for the comfort of insiders and that talk of 'brotherhood' is hypocrisy. The way to disprove this is to skip arbitration, offer painful concessions in return for junior officer's jobs. This may not be how agreements are traditionally reached but where there is a will, to save jobs, there is a way. Prove the naysayers wrong, offer concessions, don't prove the cynics right with an unwillingness to sacrifice.
-David Dening
Hoboken Resident
In the interest of disclosure by this editor David serves as a Hoboken Planning Board member. ◦
