Furlough Plan in P.G. Gets
Furloughed in Court

It’s been a long, long time since labor unions in this area could celebrate a big-time victory in the courtroom.

But props are due since a U.S. district judge in Maryland ruled that the furlough plan in Prince George’s County was illegal. The court handed the county a stinging rebuke for trying to unilaterally cut wages guaranteed through collective bargaining with the P.G. chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).

Contracts Trump Threats
Not only did U.S. District Judge Alexander Williams, Jr. shred the county’s furlough plan, he also ordered employees be repaid for the 10 days lost. Jurisdictions and unions throughout this region and around the country are taking serious note of his ruling.

Above all, the FOP’s victory is a timely reminder of the value of a union contract with enforceable rights and fair procedures—especially in this economy.

Furloughs – unpaid leave – have become the weapon of choice by budget hawks around the nation. Nearly 730,000 public employees nationwide have been or soon will be forced to take furloughs—which really amount to an involuntary pay cut.

Find Another Budget Target
What makes the FOP’s success in P.G. County even more significant is that Judge Alexander upheld the union’s contract because the county, he said, “could have used other means to save money, including tapping its sizable reserve fund.”

Bottom line?
Don’t try to close holes in the budget only on the backs of public employees. And don’t – don’t – target the paychecks of public employees first to fix an alleged budget problem.

Fenty Mojo Fading
Here in the District, Mayor Fenty has already sent his budget team before the D.C. Council to poor-mouth the city’s finances. Fortunately, that tired act finally seems to have worn thin with the majority of the council.

Council 20 Executive Director Geo T. Johnson said he welcomes the D.C. Council’s new posture toward Mayor Fenty, who, it seems, can’t find the “STOP” button to halt his own political tumble. Johnson, who has been the chief negotiator of the last two master union contracts with the city, said “We will challenge any administration that misunderstands or tries to renege on our members’ rights, as we deliver quality services to district residents, day after day.”