A Hard Bargain Pro: Collective Bargaining ‘The Right Thing To Do’

A 1982 ordinance gave Coeur d’Alene city employees the right to bargain collectively. During 16 years of negotiating for our wages, benefits and working conditions, we were able to reach compromises with the city over every aspect of our contract.

During contract bargaining, if either bargaining unit was not able to reach a compromise, then a “fact-finding” committee was appointed. After the committee had heard testimony from all the parties involved, it would reach a decision based on the facts and testimony presented to them. If the decision that they reached was in favor of the employees, the city did not have to accept the recommendation and could implement whatever it wanted. We call this scenario a “soft” ordinance, because the city was not bound to accept the recommendations of the fact finders.

It’s our belief that binding fact finding is a must. The initiative on Tuesday’s ballot has language in it that creates binding fact finding. This means that no matter who prevails, the city would be bound to implement the items recommended by the fact-finding committee.

We believe that because all private citizens were given the right to organize and collectively bargain by federal law (Wagner Act) in 1935; and the educators and the firefighters in the state of Idaho also have, by Idaho Code, collective bargaining rights, and have had for more than 20 years, that we should be given that same right. We further believe that because the city enacted the 1982 ordinance that it already has set a precedent of our right to bargain collectively.

During the March and April 1998 hearings to repeal the 1982 ordinance, the only people who supported the repeal were members of the City Council. More than 400 people in the audience supported retaining the ordinance. We believe the council did not listen to the will of the people. When we questioned them on the reasoning for repealing the ordinance, they indicated that too many resources were expended. We’re still not sure what they meant.

We are full-time, technical employees who are proud to work for the city of Coeur d’Alene. We bring to our jobs a wide diversity of knowledge, skills, individuality, integrity and pride. The employees take pride and ownership in what they do in their jobs.

As with everyone else, our families depend on us to provide for their well being; all of their creature comforts, their education and security.

We believe that it is our right to continue with collective bargaining, because we believe that it is not only an established practice that is fair and reasonable, but that it is the right thing to do.

For opposing view, see Nancy Sue Wallace’s essay under same headline.

This sidebar appeared with the story: Should workers in the city of Coeur d’Alene be allowed to bargain collectively? On Tuesday, voters will be asked to answer that question. Today, in opposing essays, Paula Payne and Nancy Sue Wallace debate the issue.