Foster's editorial supports HB2 collective bargaining amendment

An issue of local control

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Advocates of home rule and local control should congratulate the state Legislature on its efforts to level the playing field for cities and towns when dealing with unions.

Last week the House Finance Committee, by a vote of 18-7, endorsed a provision making union members at-will employees should contract negotiations end without a settlement.

The legislation, offered by state Rep. Neal Kurk as a budget amendment, says union members with expired contracts "shall become at-will employees whose salaries, benefits and terms and conditions of employment shall be at the discretion of the employer."

The key word here is "discretion." No one is mandating what municipalities and school districts do, just giving them another tool to ensure public tax dollars are well spent.