08-27-2008, 09:27 AM
My biggest concern about the drug testing policy is the way the teachers' union has handled the issue, and not the merits of testing vs. not testing. The union leaders negotiated a contract that contained a raise and drug testing. They recommended, with some reservations by some leaders, that the teachers approve the contract. It was approved by over 60% of the teachers in a fair election. Now that it is time to implement the testing, the same union leadership is saying that testing is "unconstitutional" despite the fact that the courts have consistently ruled that it is legal. Of course, none of the union leaders are suggesting giving the raise back.
WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?
This is why I take a long and jaundiced look at any politician running with the endorsement of public employees unions in Hawaii. (Billy Kenoi supporters, take note.) Mr. Walsh has my support for at least taking a stand on the issue. Mr. Watanabe appears to be a nice and honest man, but he hasn't managed to change anything in twelve years.
FWIW, I don't necessarily think drug testing is the answer to a problem. The real problem here is negotiating in utterly bad faith.
Cheers,
Jerry
WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?
This is why I take a long and jaundiced look at any politician running with the endorsement of public employees unions in Hawaii. (Billy Kenoi supporters, take note.) Mr. Walsh has my support for at least taking a stand on the issue. Mr. Watanabe appears to be a nice and honest man, but he hasn't managed to change anything in twelve years.
FWIW, I don't necessarily think drug testing is the answer to a problem. The real problem here is negotiating in utterly bad faith.
Cheers,
Jerry