WAR STORIES: BATTLE FOR PAY MOVES TO CITY HALL TUESDAY

A SOLDIER WRITES

By Michael Horne

The Common Council will meet Tuesday, April 11^th to decide whether City of Milwaukee employees called up to military duty should receive the same pay they would had they remained in their jobs at home.

The ordinance, Common Council File 041221 has been kicked around a bit since it was introduced years ago. The matter is of particular interest to municipal unions looking out after the interests of their workers.

It should also be noted that the United States government has decided this war should be run substantially by reserve and guard units. The record will show that a disproportionate number of these service personnel come from law enforcement and firefighting backgrounds.

The measure calls for supplementing the pay city employees receive for service from the federal government with such funds as are sufficient to bring the employees’ pay up to the level received from their regular jobs with the city, and for no more than 179 days. The resolution, in any event, would expire in December 2007.

Here is a letter from a Milwaukee Police officer serving overseas, to his wife, who was working in favor of council file 041221:

Dear Janice:

A simple phrase is used over here:

We the unwilling,

Led by the unknown,

To help the ungrateful

To do the impossible

Can we at least get the support from those who for whatever reason, are not willing to support or protect their Country and way of life? Can you do your part by at least letting us fight with a clear head, knowing our financial situation is stable?

The USO and many citizens, have been very supportive. I can't tell you enough how grateful the guys are by the support. While waiting to fly into Iraq, the guys were sitting around trying to figure out if we were all going to make it out of Iraq alive. A lady from the USO came by and was handing out phone cards. For 5 mins, it was like Christmas, and the fears and uncertainty were gone. Yes we know we can't fill up the day with fun & games, but it sure makes the time more pleasant when people care. Does the City of Milwaukee care? We'll find out Tuesday.

Your Husband, Joe

Another Milwaukee officer, serving in Iraq, sent a letter to Mayor Barrett requesting action on the differential pay. He received this response, some time later. By this time, the officer was in Afghanistan:

Thank you for contacting my office regarding the proposal to supplement military pay for City of Milwaukee employees called to active duty. I appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts with me. While I have nothing but respect and support for our troops overseas, I feel that if the City of Milwaukee were to confer such a benefit on our employees called to active duty, it would have to be granted as part of the collective bargaining process between Milwaukee and the union. It is the opinion of the City Attorney's office that such a benefit cannot legally be granted outside the bargaining process. Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me and I wish you a safe return home. Please do not hesitate to contact my office with any other issues you feel deserve my attention.
Sincerely, TOM BARRETT Mayor