When someone has to give up something they have earned, it’s like a sock in the gut.

Saturday, February 10, 2001

When someone has to give up something they have earned, it’s like a sock in the gut.

Members of AFSCME Local 771 know this firsthand as the union honored Ironton City Council’s request by voting to forgo their two-percent raise for one year as the city tries to head off budget problems.

Originally, the union voted not to accept the wage freeze out of fear other unions – up for negotiations in April – would balk at the idea and management employees would not be asked to give up their raises. When councilmen assured the bargaining unit it would be an across-the-board freeze or nothing, the union changed its stance.

It’s unfortunate anyone has to give up a raise they were due, but the alternatives would be even more daunting – workers would be mandated to cut back hours or jobs could even be lost.

The only way the city is going to work its way through this turmoil is with the cooperation of all involved, including the citizens of Ironton.

Hats off to AFSCME members for offering to do their share in helping the city address this serious problem. Hopefully, they set an example others will follow.