Editor:
Re: Trivial issue not worth strike: mayor, May 1.
As a resident of White Rock and businessperson, I’m not particularly fond of unions, but I have taken the time to read over the union and city proposal.
To be honest, the list of union demands looks quite modest. These are common requests we regularly see in the private sector, and we honour them as good employers.
It just makes good sense and good cents in the long run.
I’d like the mayor to clarify how much this would cost the city? Probably less than what you paid for that silly slogan, “City By The Sea.”
I find the mayor’s comments very arrogant.
If long-term disability benefits and an increase in cash-in-lieu are “trivial” to you, then why not give up yours, Mayor Baldwin? Very rich coming from a mayor and council who gave themselves very generous pay raises (editor’s note: to take effect after the November election) to “keep up with other municipalities.”
The mayor enjoys the full benefits of long-term disability and full health coverage, then why not the employees?
Honestly, I think it’s time to move on from the glorified strata council running this city and join the professional City of Surrey.
With the numerous planning screwups and high taxes, I’m not sure what we’re paying for anymore. A ribbon cutter? A city manager who I understand wasn’t even at the bargaining table?
Really, if you can’t afford what’s currently on the table and we the residents have to deal with a strike, then White Rock has more financial problems than I thought.
My request to White Rock council is how much is the managerial operating budget for our city of 19,339 people? How much are we paying our city manager, planner etc., along with the salaries, benefits and expenses of council?
Good thing this is an election year and you can all be replaced.
Jeff Baumann, White Rock
