In the small Maine town of Waterboro, the 13 town hall employees will vote next month on whether they should join a union. If they do, however, their salaries and benefits could exceed the town’s budget for 2007- 2008.
In an effort to stay within its budget and yet offer something to the employees, the town selectmen will offer the employees across the board raises.
That does not sit well with the Teamsters Union. Known for taking advantage of every opportunity, the Union has stated that the employees should not lock in salary increases until a vote on unionization has been taken. After all, the Teamsters Union is more concerned about increasing its membership roles than whether a town can meet its financial obligations.
Such short-sighted thinking had a disastrous effect on numerous industries, such as shipping, auto, and newspapers.
It will be a sad day when a small New England town either goes into bankruptcy or raise taxes on local residents just so it can meet the demands of the Teamsters.
