"[The Caledonian Record] applauds the VSEA for fighting the good fight. We often fight (and win) but it typically costs us thousands in legal fees. We hope the VSEA’s victory becomes a victory for all of us."
Miracles really do happen!
"Union workers from Vermont traveled to Concord to support their neighbors in the Granite State. Susan Martin, a member of the VSEA, came all the way from Montpelier with a group of about six.
“We feel that this union is a part of our community and part of our union, too. These are our brothers and sisters. We are here for solidarity,” Martin said. She said public employees in all states must make a collective effort to counteract legislation that takes away rights from unions.
“We need to get in the faces of our legislators and let them know this is not right what they’re trying to do to us,” she said.
"To its credit, a Freeps report published last Sunday acknowledged that 98 percent of retired public employees in Vermont are receiving less than $25,000 a year."
And this really is the most important point. A majority of VT public employees are not living the high life off their state pensions, contrary to popular belief.
Four or five years ago, VSEA suggested building a large, stand-alone VSH in central Vermont, but the idea was dismissed outright by the Douglas Administration. Good to see some clearer heads prevailing now!
H. 448 will increase most VSEA member’s pension contribution by 1.3 percent over a five-year period, when the additional contribution will sunset.