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Hernando Today

Teamsters Rep Weighs In

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BROOKSVILLE

Published: September 2, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - One day after the county administrator said he would propose a 2 percent raise for government employees making less than $65,000, a Teamsters representative has weighed in on the issue.

John Sholtes, business agent for Teamster Local Union 79, said the announcement does nothing to deter the organizing campaign to recruit about 670 employees to the union.

Sholtes said it does send up a red flag, especially if it can be proven these raises are meant to prevent unionization.

"This local union is never going to prevent employees from getting raises," Sholtes said. "However, if it is shown that the employer has committed an unfair labor practice during an organizing campaign and the election is lost, then I would consider filing an objection through the Public Employees Relations Commission."

Sholtes said the Teamsters have filed for an employee election and is still waiting for a date.

Sholtes said offering raises to blunt unionization efforts is a common occurrence. If those raises are shown to be higher than normal, the case against the county is stronger, he said.

Last year, county commissioners gave employees a 3 percent across-the-board raise.

This year, Hamilton said he would also propose a raise freeze on anyone making $65,000 or more.

"I believe that the organizing campaign understands the need to have a written contract to protect these increases," Sholtes said.

Hamilton called Sholtes' comments "an interesting observation," but declined to say more.

Reporter Michael D. Bates can be reached at 352-544-5290 or mbates@hernandotoday.com.

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