To the Editor,

As an official of the union representing employees of the Newtown Department of Public Works, I’d like to correct a statement that First Selectman Pat Llodra made in a recent article “Finance Board Talks Snow Removal, Sewer Project Costs In Hawleyville.”

Newtown DPW crew members do not receive double time pay on Sundays if they are called in to work a storm. We receive time and a half on Saturdays and Sundays. The language is clearly stated in our collective bargaining agreement with the town.

It’s important to set the record straight, because the implication is that DPW employees are somehow a drain on the public works budget. Newtown public works employees are dedicated public servants who get the job done efficiently. They are doing their part to make Newtown a better place to live and do business.

Kevin Murphy

Director of Collective Bargaining and Organizing

Council 4 AFSCME

New Britain                            January 24, 2014

(The writer is Director of Collective Bargaining and Organizing for Council 4 AFSCME, the union representing Newtown DPW employees in AFSCME Local 1303-200.)