Yesterday, Northampton County Council discussed a serious staff shortage at its Juvenile Justice Center. The pay for a youth care worker is just $16.46, which has led to an exodus. This in turn makes the facility unable to fill its 84 beds or accept juveniles from 17 other counties. It also means that some juveniles are being housed at local hotels, guarded by deputy sheriffs. So there's a serious problem.
Unfortunately, I'm unable to report in detail on this meeting. I've been unable to view it in its entirety because of other commitments today. I will have a detailed report on Friday, or Monday But I want to address some statements made yesterday by Court Administrator Jermaine Greene.
He's frustrated, and understandably so, because he has been waiting 14 months for the union and county administration to come to terms on a new contract. The county has offered precisely what the courts have requested, which would give youth care workers the same salary as a corrections officer. But that offer has been rejected and Greene believes the fix is in. He is especially irritated that no arbitrator has been selected to resolve the matter.
Here's what I learned from Jim Irwin, an AFSCME union agent.
The rank-and-file workers never voted on a contract.
The proposed contract has been rejected by union negotiators and they have declared an impasse.
The reason for the rejection is that about six workers who have seniority will see no benefit until the last year of the contract. They want it now.
The amount in question is a pittance.
The county could simply front end whatever benefit is intended for senior workers and there would be a contract.
The county refuses.
It appears to me that both sides are being stubborn.
What I find especially annoying is that Council members ask questions before they are presented with the facts. They should allow a presenter to do so and then ask questions. And when they do ask questions, Tara Zrinski should use her microphone.
10 comments:
NORCO and it's administration is a joke. Makes me glad I live in Lehigh
Congratulations to our county government for this fine work.
Then worry about Lehigh county, it’s perfect there.
As you hero Biden says, Come on Man! Somehow Bossman McClure and the union Bossman can settle every one of his little units but not that one? It is obvious this is a power play by McClure and his union buddy to knockout Jeremaine. Jermaine is treated differently but like anyone who does not kneel at the throne. Who knows what accommodations were made for other units as they no doubt had similar problems but for this one they stand with their thumbs up their. The Juv Judge will look into it, and it will be solved.
Where do you get your facts from??? There are no kids in hotels being watched by sheriffs!!! Part of the problem is your moronic wannabe journalistic blogging. Get your info straight. The county is cheap and doesn’t want to pay their employees period. They blame the unions because the issues are deflected off of the county.
"Where do you get your facts from??? There are no kids in hotels being watched by sheriffs!!! "
I got my facts from last night's meeting. I heard it from two speakers. You, on the other hand, are an anonymous coward.
Food service workers make more now a days
Seems like the county is cheap
So McClure and the union bosses are screwing with Jermaine and creating problems at the Juvenile Center, but your big problem is council people asking questions, alrighty then!
First, I understand Jermaine's exasperation, but what possible motive could McClure or the union have in trying to purposely delay a contract? That makes no sense. That does not make Jermaine look bad. That makes them look bad. If there is evidence, and I see none, it would be an unfair labor practice by the admin or the union. The only evidence I have is that senior members of the union want more $ on the front end.
Second, I do have problems with Council members who constantly interrupt people in the middle of presentations. They should wait for the presenter to finish and their question might be answered. These interruptions throw the presenter off track with Council member who have no knowledge on the subject but ramble on every topic under the sun. So yes, please let presenters present, then ask questions to your heart's content.
Third, the delay in getting arbitrators is inexcusable. I believe this might actually be the fault of the arbitrators. I believe the courts could sue and demand the immediate appointment of an arbitrator, given the stakes involved.
I keep asking: when will we get someone who can make Northampton County great again, or at least bring us a little closer to Lehigh's level?
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