Staff Blog
Nutter’s office responds to being “cut off” by union president Willie Brown
Earlier today, "It's Our Money" reported that Willie Brown, president of the Transport Workers Union Local 234 – the guys on strike – had told reporters that Mayor Nutter was "cut off" from future negotiations:
Nutter “has brought nothing†to the table, Brown said, adding, “I will not meet him†because of the attacks the mayor has leveled at the union.
About half an hour ago, Office of the Mayor Press Secretary Doug Oliver emailed me the following statement, reprinted here in its entirety:
The Mayor was only involved because he was asked to participate in the discussions. Â To the extent that his participation is helpful, he's willing to participate. Â If his participation is problematic, he's willing to stay out of the discussions. Â It's always been the Mayor's position that his number one obligation is to the 1.5 million people who are trying to manage their way through this TWU strike.
There should be no reason why the negotiations can't move forward. Â But with a deal like the one that was offered (11% wage increases over five years and no increase in contributions to healthcare) during a time when so many people are taking pay decreases and even losing their jobs, one can't help but wonder why a deal wasn't struck already. Â Again, if the absence of the Mayor is the only thing needed to strike a deal, the Mayor is more than happy to allow the negotiations to continue without his involvement.
I hope someone destroys that greedy Willie Browns car so that fat bastard has to walk. I walked by frankford transportation center and told those jerks what I think and all they had to say was enjoy walking, Yeah maybe I can get Held at gun point by 5 black teenagers again.
They also said enjoy the war like they are at war with me, what have I done but give them half my money. They only care about themselves.
Let them all rot. Hire out of work truck drivers. You union schmucks claim to understand. Understand this pal, I lose my job because of you people, I’ll see you in hell. I hear there’s an especially painful place in hell for traitors, and that’s exactly what you are. You’ve betrayed your city, and you’ve betrayed your fellow working men and women.
I’m Fred Rogers and I approve this message.