Union troubled by Eagle Scout project in Allentown

[brendan120678]

Union troubled by Eagle Scout project in Allentown
After layoffs, SEIU president complains about city's use of volunteers, contractors

In pursuit of an Eagle Scout badge, Kevin Anderson, 17, has toiled for more than 200 hours hours over several weeks to clear a walking path in an east Allentown park. Little did the do-gooder know that his altruistic act would put him in the cross hairs of the city's largest municipal union.

Nick Balzano, president of the local Service Employees International Union, told Allentown City Council Tuesday that the union is considering filing a grievance against the city for allowing Anderson to clear a 1,000-foot walking and biking path at Kimmets Lock Park.

"We'll be looking into the Cub Scout or Boy Scout who did the trails," Balzano told the council.

Balzano said Saturday he isn't targeting Boy Scouts. But given the city's decision in July to lay off 39 SEIU members, Balzano said "there's to be no volunteers." No one except union members may pick up a hoe or shovel, plant a flower or clear a walking path.

- snip -

Balzano said Saturday the union is still looking into the matter and might cut the city a break.

"We are probably going to let this one go," Balzano said.

Excerpt - more here: http://www.mcall.com/news/all-a8_5scout.7084728nov15,0,6238384.story

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The main concern that SEIU has is this:
"The possible entanglement of a local Boy Scout in a union dispute underscores the frustration and anger SEIU members feel after being the lone city union to suffer layoffs in the ongoing financial crisis. It may also serve as a preview of future labor battles as the city tries to outsource some necessary jobs as a result of the layoffs."

I'll admit, I was a Boy Scout as a youth and I earned my Eagle Badge. I remember when I was working with some of my Eagle Project advisers when I was still trying to come up with a project plan, that they told me if I wanted to do anything on public land, it was essential that I get the permission of any Unions first whose main duties may involve the same or similar work on that land. Looks like that didn't happen here.

[MattBaggins]

1. We might let this one go

Really? Ya think?

[supernova]

2. They need to find another fight

seriously.

If they think they will come out smelling like a rose for going after a boy scout working for a badge, well...

And where were they when he wanted to build it? They could have worked with him once they got wind of it, but no...

[lame54]

3. Extremely bad PR move

[DrDan]

4. stupid move on the part of the union - will be massively unpopular

if he was paid for it, then a different story. But when he does this for no pay - then the union should just get over it.

[tomm2thumbs]

5. they already look bad for giving it 2 words - they should have one word. 'dropped'

it's the lemonade stand all over again -

[hughee99]

6. I was told to get the permission of the government entity

who controlled the land. It's their job to manage the lands, and the workers who maintain them. I imagine that the scout did have to consult with the city administration that's in charge of the land.

Also, "We'll be looking into the Cub Scout or Boy Scout who did the trails," Balzano told the council. I'm sure that comment will get a lot of play in the future of this story.

[proteus_lives]

7. They should drop this. They look like spiteful assholes.

[BoneDaddy]

8. When unions go stupid.

Time to grow up boys.

[nykym]

9. Here's some contact info,

Contact Us
SEIU PA State Council Office
Contact an SEIU Local Union


SEIU PA State Council
1500 N. Second Street, Suite 11
Harrisburg, PA 17102
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

PA State Council Harrisburg Staff

Eileen Connelly
Executive Director
[e-mail]

Jeff Hunsicker
Legislative Director
[e-mail]

Diane Topakian
Political Program Coordinator
[e-mail]
Why not drop them an email and tell them how proud we are of their actions

Jessica Walls-Lavelle
Communications Director
[e-mail]

Rita Weiss
Administrative Manager
[e-mail]


PA State Council Field Staff

Brent Ryan
Eastern PA Field Staff
Phone: [phone]
[e-mail]

Lauren Bachorski
Western PA Field Staff
Phone: [phone]
[e-mail]

[emilyg]

10. Not a good move . Let it go.