Romney's contempt for contracts
Thursday, September 23, 2004 - To the Editor of THE EAGLE:-

The 23rd Article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states the right of all workers to form a union, and to negotiate with their employer. Apparently our governor doesn't believe in this right, especially when it involves employees in our public universities and colleges.

Mitt Romney's veto of legislation that would fund a mere six months of back pay raises owed to employees (another two years is owed) reveals his contempt for the bargaining process. A deal was made for modest raises over three years, barely covering the cost of living increases. But when the governor finally has money in the coffers to begin paying what's owed, he reneges. Add to this Romney's persistent failure to negotiate fairly with the union representing over 2,000 faculty and librarians in the nine state colleges.

These educators, who earn significantly less than their colleagues in peer institutions, are now working in their second year without a contract.

No one expects academic employees and Romney to see eye to eye. But we do expect a governor to respect the process, bargain fairly and honor agreements.

BEN JACQUES North Adams, Sept. 21, 2004

The writer is an associate professor at Mass. College of Liberal Arts.

(webmaster's note: the author of this article requested that this article be posted).