Residents Rally to Support Public Works Crew

Dozens of people supporting Collier’s public works employees packed and demanded that municipal officials give the workers a new contract.

At least 70 people attended the voting meeting and eight spoke in favor of a new deal for the employees, .

The impasse became so great that a non-binding state arbitrator considered both sides and made a recommendation that was accepted by the union but rejected by township commissioners. That decision by the commissioners angered some of the residents who spoke at the meeting.

Collier resident Bryan Temple thanked the workers for not going on strike during the contract negotiations and asked that the state fact-finding deal become a binding agreement.

“I think everyone wants it to be done,” Temple said. “We’re wasting taxpayer money talking about it.”

Joe Rossi, president of the Local 249 Teamsters union that represents the workers, said the independent fact-finder left both sides unhappy with the contract. He said that showed they had reached middle ground on the terms.

“We’re not getting what we want. You’re not getting what you want,” Rossi said. “If both sides come away from the table unhappy, then that’s a good deal.”

The commissioners stayed mostly silent while listening to the residents speak, although Commissioner Bob Schuler tried to explain the township’s position by reading the reasons for rejecting the contract. Schuler said the pay increases and rising health care costs make it too expensive for the township.

“It takes two sides to come to an agreement,” Schuler said. “There are issues that have to be discussed by both parties and we have to see eye-to-eye.”

At times the meeting got out of hand when some in the group started shouting, “Let’s get it done!” Later, the crowd became unruly when Commissioner Tim Young said he told three members of the crew why he rejected the contract, but would not elaborate at the meeting.

Township resident Bill Brooks, who also works for Local 373, praised the public works crew for the job it does and questioned how it could take so long to find common ground on a new contract.

“We are here to make sure people make a good living, a decent living,” Brooks said. “Please take in consideration their families. Let’s get this contract done.”

The commissioners said the meeting was not where they should discuss specifics of the contract.

“We’ve heard you, but the proper place to negotiate is at the negotiating table,” Schuler said.

After public comment, the commissioners moved on to the voting portion of the meeting, prompting many in the room to leave. They gathered outside and continued to chat about the situation.