Letters

This is in response to David Rung’s letter regarding labor relations in Southampton Village.

Consistent with his practice, Mr. Rung, who has an ongoing dispute with the village over his taxes, misapprehends the facts or deliberately distorts them. I have the greatest respect for our employees. As in any employment relationship, occasional disputes arise. There is an orderly process to resolve them.

The village has three unions: Patrolman’s Benevolent Association (PBA), Radio Operators Union (PSDs), and Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA). We have fewer employment disputes now than in recent years prior to my tenure. There have been no improper labor practice charges filed during my tenure by the PBA or PSDs. Contrary to the assertion that there have been multiple improper practice charges, only two minor charges have been filed by the CSEA. Neither of these allege any misconduct by me and neither has proceeded to a hearing let alone a finding that the village or any of its officials have violated the Taylor Law.

There has been no retaliation against any employee. Regarding the allegation of unjustly docking pay, this charge involves a police department employee who abandoned her position during the workday without authorization. She was told by the police administration that this was not authorized and that she could be disciplined for this but instead could make up the work time. A conference was held on this matter before an administrative law judge at the Public Employment Relations Board, the State Agency responsible for resolving such disputes. When the facts were brought to the judge’s attention, the union requested that the matter not proceed to a hearing and be placed on hold while they reviewed the matter. There was no act of retaliation as alleged by the union and falsely repeated by Mr. Rung, and no involvement by me. While I was not personally involved in this matter, the village must insist that all employees work their assigned hours for compensation from village taxpayers. Anything less than that is unfair to other employees.

It is also completely false that employees are being silenced with instructions not to speak at meetings. In the second case, the union again declined to advance to a hearing and agreed to place the matter on hold while they reviewed the case. There was no allegation, let alone a finding, that I committed an improper labor practice. While the union has the right to file an improper practice charge, even if they are meritless, any assertion that the village has violated the Taylor Law is simply false and malicious. I will always support measures that provide the best services to the public that are specifically authorized by the labor contract.

William M. Manger Jr.

Mayor, Southampton Village