Unions put the brakes on rail deal (despite backing from powerful GOP lawmakers and Gov. Crist)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.postonpolitics.com/2009/11/unions-put-the-brakes-on-rail-deal/

by Dara Kam | November 27th, 2009

Next week’s special session to prove the state’s commitment to commuter rail could go nowhere without concessions to unions.

Senate President Jeff Atwater is trying to round up support for a Central Florida commuter line by linking it to a financial fix for the flailing Tri-Rail to draw down federal money for a third project, a high-speed line linking Tampa, Orlando and Miami.

The bill’s been negotiated by House and Senate leaders and the governor’s office behind closed doors throughout the month.

But Atwater’s ability to pass the measure in the Senate could hinge on two key Democratic senators: Democratic Leader Al Lawson of Tallahassee and Tony Hill of Jacksonville.

The labor unions were part of a coalition that killed the Central Florida SunRail deal despite backing from powerful GOP lawmakers and Gov. Charlie Crist.

Now the unions are pressuring Lawson and Hill to oppose the measure that is expected to include a provision that would allow SunRail to operate without union workers and do away with some Tri-Rail union jobs.

FULL story at link.

[Go2Peace]

1. Right on! No more Reaganesk (Traffic Controllers) restricting the right to organize

thanks for the info. If they want to use the public's money than they better not inject their politics into the project.

[madfloridian]

2. Good for them. Paula Dockery's success on that issue might get her...

a senate seat.

It was a horrible no-good bill before, and I don't think it is much better now.

It gave away the store to CSX, let the state assume most of the liability. Gave them freedom to take any area they wanted in rural areas. No restrictions on wildlife, few on respecting property rights.