Unions Go After Paterson In New Ad

Last week, the state's largest union rejected Governor Paterson's offer, raising the possibility he might make good on his threat to cut almost 9,000 jobs if unions didn't make concessions in contract negotiations. Now the NY Times reports on how the union is pressing forward: "They produced television commercials and newspaper ads with photos of Mr. Paterson sticking his fingers in his ears above the words 'Why aren’t you listening?' The president of one of the unions variously accused the governor last week of union busting, putting people’s lives in danger, and drug use." The unions were looking to drive Paterson's numbers down, but Paterson's approval ratings are already pretty much rock bottom, and the Times points out, "the ferocity of the attacks has only stiffened Mr. Paterson’s resolve." As for one union's claim that reopening the contract would "set a precedent," a Paterson spokesperson scoffed, "What is the precedent exactly? That every 80 years, when there’s a historic economic and fiscal crisis, the state work force might only get half its planned raise?”

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By Jen Chung in News on April 14, 2009 10:28 AM

Comments [rss]

The Edge

Drug use? Really?

So he's saying that these guys only option, once they either get fired or don't get their raise, they'll turn to drugs?

fugothamist

it is a great quote

these union thugs need to stfu. no one sympathizes with their bullsh!t

Brooklynbobby

Right on!!! I used to supervise union employees. If you even look at them crosseyed, there is a grievance filed against you. Lazy, apathetic, stupid people who couldn't possible secure a job in the real world.

Endless Ike

*brandishes ax handle*

let's get to union busting!

hotstepper

that ad is about as slick as a blow-up rat.

JenChungsBaby

Give that spokesperson a raise. That's a great quote.

That picture of Paterson looks like his Helen Keller impersonation.

fugothamist

it is a great quote

these union thugs need to stfu. no one sympathizes with their bullsh!t

TrippinJoJo

I can't stand some of those ppl in unions. Some of them don't do their job well or at all and STILL whine about being entitled to all these benefits and $$$.

f* off.

fugothamist

f*ck unions

they are a huge part of the problem for NYC & NYS finances

handsomedevil

Oh yeah, this'll work. During the worst economic downturn since the great depression with huge layoffs all over the place, cry about how you don't want to give up your scheduled raises.