CONSERVATIVE  PARTY  URGES  VETO  ON  BILL  WEAKENING  TAYLOR LAW

Following is the text of a letter sent to Governor George E. Pataki, urging him to veto a bill passed by both houses, which weakens New York’s Taylor Law:

Dear Governor Pataki:

            Re:  Senate Bill 3178 / Assembly Bill 6222

The above referenced bill, passed almost unanimously by both houses, is an affront to all New York State residents and if signed into law, would further dilute New York’s “Taylor Law” which was enacted to prevent strikes by public employees. 

The message this bill sends is clear, make demands that are unreasonable, for example to eliminate any co-pay for health care and then claim that the employer has failed to bargain in good faith. 

Editorial writers across the state agree that this proposal is harmful to New York State.

We learned in December 2005, powerful union leaders are willing to call an illegal strike, at the worst possible time, and by doing so bring the maximum amount of harm to a locality and the people who live there.  The members of the transit union had absolutely no regard for the people who had to find alternative ways to work during the bitter winter weather.  There was absolutely no concern how small businessmen and woman would manage if employees could not get to work.  The only concern of the union officials was that their demands would be met.

The members of the Legislature, by passing this bill, are rewarding unions for breaking the law and while they may not want to harm the rest of society, this bill does exactly that.   

Governor Pataki, New York needs a stronger “Taylor Law,” one that will protect every resident in the state from strikes by public employees, not one that is watered down every time a strike is called. 

Public employees have a generous benefit package; in fact, most can retire after 25 years of work if they are just 55 years old, a benefit unheard of in the private sector.  Taxpayers pay retirement benefits, for many even longer than the 25 years of employment.  At the very least, New York taxpayers must be assured that public employees will not benefit by making unreasonable demands.

If this bill is enacted, New York taxpayers will not have that assurance.  I strongly urge you to veto Assembly Bill 6222.

Sincerely,

 

Michael R. Long

State Chairman

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