Teabagger Herald takes an opportunity to union bash

[47of74]

The Teabagger Herald takes an opportunity this morning to union bash and shill for the GOP;

Being a political "lame duck" shouldn't mean you don't get to accomplish anything. Gov. Chet Culver has two more months to serve, he should be able to get something done. However, a decision Culver made recently could prove costly to Iowans and reads like a cheap parting shot and a bonus for his union supporters.

In reaching a collective bargaining agreement with the state's largest employee union, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Culver forgot the part about bargaining. He made no effort to negotiate. He took the union's first offer. The deal will give employees raises for two years in July and January beginning next July. Taxpayers will be on the hook for more than $100 million next year and more in subsequent years.

What is the likelihood that incoming Gov. Terry Branstad would have let that deal pass through without working out a compromise? Zero. Branstad has promised Iowans he would reduce the state's budget. Culver just made that task a whole lot more challenging. That's disappointing. Reducing the budget isn't just a campaign promise drummed up by Branstad. It is what the people of Iowa want and what will be best for the state. How sad that Iowa's outgoing governor doesn't see that.

[Bluzmann57]

1. What happened up there?

Dubuque was a real strong Union/Democratic city at one time. What happened? I realize several factories have cleared out but still...Sounds like the rw is taking over up there as well. At least the newspaper.

[Rambis]

2. Raygun happened

You talk to anyone in their mid thirties or younger it is the same old crap. I listen to union bashing 24-7 it seems like- I work at the evil univeristy of bloated, overspending, wasteful twats, aka the University of Iowa. I suckle the state teet like a parasite as do all my union friends. I have had to say more than once in the past month around the water cooler. Enjoy your union weekend, after your union 40 hour week under the collective bargaining agreement of which you have gotten raises the past three years when the professional and scientific staff have not. :mad: :rant:

[47of74]

3. No 'back room deal' in Iowa employees' contract accord

AFSCME Iowa Council 61 President Danny Homan responded to the TH union bashing today;

In response to the Telegraph Herald's editorial, "Culver sticks Iowans with union wages bill" (Nov. 29):

Every two years, under Iowa law, the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees is required to submit its contract proposals to the state of Iowa. Also, under Iowa law, the state is required to respond within 14 days.

The AFSCME bargaining committee held meetings and developed a modest proposal, containing only changes to wages, and the state accepted this proposal.

Neither I nor the AFSCME bargaining team had discussions with the current governor about these contract negotiations during this process. There was no "back room deal," or "payback" as many have suggested, and those making claims like that only are trying to score cheap political points.

Of course the TH had to insert their own editor's note in the middle of the article. Didn't even give the courtesy to wait until the end of the article as they do in most cases.