Call for open negotiations is smoke and mirrors

Dear Editor:

I read your article in (the Jan. 26) Vidette about transparency in county employees’ bargaining.

It seems Grays Harbor County Commissioner Wes Cormier has gotten together with the right wing, union-busting Freedom Foundation to try to gain some advantage over our employees. His claim of transparency is no more than smoke and mirrors. He’s out to bust the union.

County employees are not our enemy. They deserve to be treated with respect. They’ve given up much to help this county get back on its feet.

I’ve been involved in many contract negotiations and I know that frank and open discussions on many topics would not happen if bystanders and the press were present. For this and many other reasons the National Labor Relations Board has ruled that negotiations shall be between employees’ representatives and employer representatives.

If you want input from the Freedom Foundation you can get it prior to or during caucus time in negotiations.

Richard Kivi

Montesano