U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan told North Carolina police officers just before her election that she supported collective bargaining for public employees – a position they say doesn’t jibe with her thoughts this week on legislation in Congress.
An amendment in the Senate would overrule N.C. state law and require cities, counties and the state to collectively bargain with public safety workers who choose to unionize.
Hagan, a Greensboro Democrat, has been lobbied heavily by both sides on the issue, reports Barb Barrett.
She said in a statement Tuesday that the matter is a states’ rights issue: "This amendment would mandate that states allow collective bargaining for state government employees. This is a states’ rights issue, and I believe it should be left up to the states to decide."
A coalition of government and business interests began running a radio ad today reminding Hagan that in 2008, she left a voice mail with the Greensboro News & Record saying the same thing.
"Once I'm elected to the U.S. Senate, I want you to know that I will never support a bill at the federal level that mandates states allow collective bargaining of state government employees. I truly believe that's a state's rights issue," she said in the message.
But in September 2008, Hagan answered a questionnaire from the N.C. Fraternal Order of Police about the same legislation now pending in Congress. At the time, she was seeking the endorsement of the police officers’ group.
Asked her position on the bill, Hagan wrote: "I support the ability for public employees to choose to organize and collectively bargain."
Comments
Didn't get the memo...
May 26, 2010 - 9:51pm — SaintPinehurstPoliticalJunkie, it isn't that the N&O caught her... its that they reported on it. That may be the real story here.
Don't be silly...
May 26, 2010 - 5:08pm — PoliticalJunkie...she's for and against collective bargaining. The surprising thing is you caught her.
Oh boy...
May 26, 2010 - 3:36pm — captsfufpCan we all just agree that Southern senators are NOT allowed to yell "states' rights!" as an answer? I'm not saying I disagree, just ... bad connotations there.
In any case, I'm certainly on the left side of most things...but as someone who has spoken with young, progressive elected officials across the country at both the state and local level...they ALL hate this. Even those from the most pro-union places in the world do not like that they have to do this (which is interesting, since, on the surface, these people are all "pro-union").
I do find the argument that Va. and NC being the ONLY states that don't allow this compelling, i.e. everyone else does it and are not better/worse in their budgets than us. But, I think it's a good idea that just doesn't work out for the best in practice. I want to take care of our public employees, but I think their brothers and sisters across the country have ruined this for them. Other public and teacher unions across the country have really spoiled most goodwill towards them. Collective bargaining does not necessarily equate to unions...but just don't think this is a bill/amendment to support. Those who actually have to work with it in the rest of the country don't like it, all (okay, most) other local officials in this state don't like it...so...yeah. I have to support Sen. Hagan's position on this one, vote no.