Nikki Carlson wrote:
A living wage policy for Minneapolis: http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/10/07_scheckt_wage/<http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/10/07_scheckt_wage/> Ostrow: is supportive Zerby: is supportive Progressive MN: supports it, is pushing it Mpls Central Labor Union: supports it, is pushing it several faith organizations: support it McLaughlin: fully supports it Rybak: isn't sure... What's the deal? ********************************** Nikki, legitimate questions about the new policy were cited in the story. Does your 'what's the deal' comment indicate that because other individuals and groups support the new policy, Mayor Rybak needs to fall in line? Re: Council President Ostrow, I didn't see his unqualified endorsement of the policy in the story that was attached. Here's what the story says: Council President Paul Ostrow says he supports the concept but isn't sure he supports the entire ordinance. He says council members need to be careful that they don't harm economic growth within the city. "If there are provisions that might impact development potential in certain parts of our city where our constituents are really advocating for redevelopment, we need to be straight and honest about that," Ostrow said. "I think we need to make improvements in the ordinance but it's important that those choices are out there in front for people." In my capitalist mind, it raises a question about the role of government (again). Should the City of Minneapolis be in the business of engaging reputable vendors who will provide high quality goods and services for the best possible price, or should the city be trying to remedy a serious social problem through vendor micro-management? For the record, I'm gay, and I have comparable questions about monitoring a vendor's employee benefit programs as they relate to domestic partners. I have personal knowledge of a large, prominent company with whom the city does business, where entry level pay rates for some clerical employees are below the rates named in the policy. Those clerical employees are represented by a union. I'm not defending low rates of pay for anybody - I have no idea how adults survive on $10.00 an hour. But, I don't know that it's the city's role to turn that around. Vendors who might otherwise be very good may not be willing to open up their books and comply with this proposal. A person's rate of pay and benefits, within statutory boundaries, is still a matter of negotiation between the employer and employee (who might be represented by a bargaining group). That's called offer and acceptance, and that's how people form contracts. It's hard for me to see how a client of the employer should have a hand in that negotiation. Pondering difficult questions in Prospect Park Mark Hanson REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
