The union times., 1947-06-14

the full text of the Boards letter
 TEXT OF STATEMENT ''Dear MT. Mayor:
 ssKnowing of your lively interest in receiving from New Haven Citi- zens their thoughts and opinions regarding civic affairs, we are at this time presenting for your ear- nest consideration several matters dealing with problems faced by 3 unions of city employees. We ad- dress you as citizens who are well aware of the fact that municipal governments, not only in New Ha- ven, but elsewhere, are grappling with many complex problems.
 ssWe have no desire to add to your problems as Chief Executive of our city; in fact, we believe the matters we are presenting to you, if cleared up in the near future, can make a distinct contribution to the morale of our city employees. We know you will agree that satis- fled city employees are the first re- quisite for efficient city govern ment.
 At their request, we have had sev- eral meetings with New Haven Po- lice Union. Local No. 530. who have submitted to us information regard ing their proposals dealing with six day work week, and a dues-deduction program.
 "It would appear from the facts we have received that our police are on a seven-day week basis, and are given one days leave of absence week ly. Is there any good reason, MT. Mayor, while the police cannot or should not be put on a six-day week of eight hours per day?
 This change, 1t seems to us, would be routine administrative matter It involves no expense to the city, and 1t has the virtue of matching routine personnel practice in private indus try. Obviously, the police are always on call for emergency duty. We hear tily recommend this change
 REASONABLE"
 ''We are also convinced, MT. Mayor, that the request of the Policemen's Union for the deduction of union dues from the payroll is eminently reason- able. You are aware of the fact that their plan is as democratic as it is possible for human beings to devise. Dues would be deducted from the salaries of only those members who sign cards agreeing to this procedure These members would reserve the right to stop this deduction at any time.
 ''Since there can be no argument of coercion, it would appear that only the refusal of the Board of Police Commissioners and the Chief of Police stand in the way of complying with this request.
 Tt is difficult for us to understand this, in view of the fact that dues are being collected for other organizations in the Police Department. The Police Union informs us that they have been told that 1t would not be long before the Comptroller's office would take over all payrolls, and that the issue could then be taken up with that of- flee.
 FAVORED BY BOARD "Since there is no present indication when this might happen, and since the Department is collecting dues for other organizations, we must confess MT. Mayor, that we see no good req son why you should not prevail upon the Police Department to comply with the Unions request
 ssWe know that it is not neces. sary to point out to you that the Personnel Advisory Board, which is headed by one of the most eminent law authorities in the United States, Dean Wesley Sturges of the Yale School of Law, has recommended that you take this action, as well as that creating the six-day week. You also know that the Union has fol lowed every required step in pre- senting grievances and, that under inc city ordinances, you are the court of last resort. Because of the reasonableness of these two re