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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

NorCo Custodian - "We Are the Dogs"

Part of Northampton County's workforce consists of its custodial staff. Every County Executive I've seen, no matter what his other flaws might be, has always been good to them. Unfortunately, this attitude has failed to trickle down to an officious Deputy Sheriff. Recently some custodians were on their way to the judges' private chambers to do some cleaning. They planned to use the elevator, but were stopped by a Deputy who told them they had to wait for some judges who were coming down. He told them to stand off to the side. Now I understand that the security of judges is important. After all, the courthouse is full of criminal defendants, disgruntled litigants in domestic matters, and worst of all, politicians. But then this deputy crossed the line, and told these custodians they had to avert their eyes as the judges paraded by.

"We are the dogs," said one of them to me.

Fortunately, one of them must have told Executive Lamont McClure what had happened.

Suffice it to say this deputy has stopped demeaning custodians.

I'd like to end the story here, but the truth is that custodians are paid like animals.

I spoke to one custodian yesterday who has been with the county for 14 years and is paid $14 per hour. Another started with the county seven years ago at an hourly wage of $10.50. Now she gets $12.50 an hour.

I guess they are the dogs after all.

Northampton County Council recently adopted a responsible contractor ordinance and has prevailing wages language in all of its construction contracts. It endorsed a Tara Zrinski-sponsored Green New Deal resolution that would guarantee a $15 per hour minimum wage. It includes two business agents for trade unions. Yet they have never said a word about full-time county workers being paid less than evil Amazon has agreed to do.

This is first class hypocrisy.

No full-time county worker should be paid less than $15 per hour.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Not only are the wages bad, they are also screwing us on our benefits. Every time we turn around they are making us pay more for co-pays, doctor visits, prescriptions etc. etc. It is sad that they treat us the way they do. I'm here 15 years and it's the worst decision I made. I gotta stick it out and try to get years of service so I can get a pension. If it weren't for food stamps I don't know what I would do. I'm a single mom with three kids.

Anonymous said...

Hooray for McClure telling the custodians they can ride in an elevator, now how about something real. His budget comes out pretty soon so hopefully he has recommended a justified raise to the custodians pay.

Everyone knows you love McClure and hate on the council people but he could recommend a raise. He recently tried to screw the probation workers and you complained about the council. Now he can do more than just yell at a sheriff and put a decent raise in his budget. If he does not, will you go after him? Probably not.

Anonymous said...

How much should you make to push a broom? As much as flipping fries? You’re low income because you’re low skilled. And once again you don’t have to push a broom, go get another job if you think you’re worth it.

Anonymous said...

Too bad Obuma didn't respect the men and women in blue.

Anonymous said...

To 12:17 am. If you are that unhappy, don't let the door hit you in the behind as you leave. You stay because the holiday/vacation/ sick/family leave is liberal and give you time to address the needs of your kids. I don't believe you can do better in that type of job. If you can then leave. Along with the benefits and the pension the decision to stay might make sense for you. If you want to do better then plan for any opportunity to increase your skills. Don't know the ages of your children but as they become more independent you will have time to increase your job skills. Never to old to learn. Stay away from the moaners and disgruntled as they will drag you down. If you want better you can get it. Trust me I have been there.

Anonymous said...

Well you can always become a blogger-

Anonymous said...

Don't count on McClure. He doesn't care about the employees!!! The only time he will is when he tries to get re-elected. Furthermore, he has Council Members in his back pocket. Council is SUPPOSE to be the checks and balances. They are in bed with him.

Anonymous said...

Are these workers ASCME members? If so shouldn't it be the union's responsibility to negotiate for better wages and benefits?

Bernie O'Hare said...

They are AFSCME, who is responsible for negotiating. The union and county should both be ashamed.

Bernie O'Hare said...

" He recently tried to screw the probation workers and you complained about the council"

This is a flat out lie. You must be related to Trump.I was critical of Council , who refused to make it retroactive. I was critical of McClure when he sat there and said nothing. I praised McClure when he allowed the retroactive raise take effect.

There are four Council members who are not friends of the county worker and who voted against the retroactive raise. They are:

Bill McGee

Kevin Lott

Tara Zrinski

Lori Vargo Heffner.

Anonymous said...

The few times I visit the Courthouse I find it impeccably clean. The floors shine, the walls clean. Those who demean the janitorial staff, come and see how hard it is to remove the shoe scuff, remove vomit and blood from the floors. Courtroom seating spotless. You wouldn't last an hour. They all deserve a raise.

Anonymous said...

Give them a raise and the Union Negotiator should be doinga better job. Let the Deputy who demeaned the staff a broom and a bucket for the day an see how he does at cleaning the Courthouse

Bernie O'Hare said...

I like that sanction. I must add that most of he deputies ae very professional and courteous.

Doh Biden said...

Trough slopping custodians ungrateful for the generosity of our taxpayer elected officials should have their mops replaced with toothbrushes.

Anonymous said...

"avert their eyes"


This sovereign should not be allowed to wear his costume at the courthouse and be given a choice of wearing custodial garb or a jester hat for a least a week.

Anonymous said...

9:11 you do in fact give McClure a pass. He made the original date of the raise. That was no accident. He runs his people and they do as they are told. The four council people are new and seem to be in McClure's pocket. They can't think independently. Whether they improve or remain puppets is a question. A few of them won't get re-elected anyway.