United Auto Workers say rehiring retirees not good for Saginaw County

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.mlive.com/business/index.ssf/2008/03/united_auto_workers_say_rehiri.html

by Barrie Barber | The Saginaw News
Saturday March 29, 2008, 5:03 PM

A proposal to rehire county workers to save money leaves many split.

A majority of rank and file members of the United Auto Workers stand opposed to a Saginaw County plan to rehire retired county workers, union officials say.

The labor group surveyed UAW members who also are county employees this month and found more than 65 percent are against the idea, said Gary L. Shepherd, a union international representative.


More than half of the 180 members of Local 455's county unit responded to the survey.

"Overwhelmingly, they felt it was wrong," Shepherd said.

On the other side, a county survey of 28 department heads showed all but one backed or supported with conditions the chance to rehire retired employees. Facing a $4.2 million deficit, administrators have touted the savings of re-employing retirees as key to avoiding at least 40 potential layoffs.

FULL story at link.

This problem is growing across the nation. Retires that come back don't get benefits. It also robs a chance at promotion etc.. of full timers. The person that runs the City of Omaha golf courses gets part time work. He is retired and makes more than the highest wage earner in my bargaining unit plus his pension.