We all would like to believe what our elected officials say to us. But time after time they disappoint us.
On March 14th the Union representing the drivers of Brega Transport notified the county of Rockland that it will be necessary to take Brega to arbitration, why?
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On July 3,2013 , the Union was notified that Brega Transport Corp. was designated the lowest and responsible bidder for RFB-RC-2012-002, and had represented to the County that it was committed to full compliance with all federal and state laws.
Section 13C of the Federal Labor Law provides for “the preservation of rights, privileges, and benefits” and “the continuation of collective bargaining rights”. It further provides that employees will be protected against a worsening condition.
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As a result of Brega’s failure to abide by 13(c) the affected employees HAVE been placed in a worsening condition. The Union has made multiple attempts to work with the company, without success. Accordingly, the Union must submit this matter to a board of arbitration.
Now back to the Legislature that was told time and time again that Brega transport was not going to comply with section 13(c) of the labor law.
On October 16, 2012 at a Rockland County Legislatures meeting Legislator Ilan Schoenberger made this statement, more than a year before the transition.
When I voted to approve this bid and when I vote override the veto by the County Executive I expect that the County Attorney will prepare a contract and the contract will require the bidder to be in full compliance with the specifications. If they are required to be in full compliance with the Labor Law Compliance, and the attorneys for MV raised that they did not answer that question, but instead said that they would make every effort instead of saying that they would comply. I would expect that the County Attorney who prepares the contract will put in a document that they will have to sign that says they will have to comply. This means that the contract will not be signed unless everything in the contract is consistent with the bids specifications and therefore proper and legal.
So Mr Schoenberger what went wrong? Did anyone bother to read the contract? Did anyone remember what you said on October 16, 2013, I will answer that question, NO! Now the County may be involved with more litigation that could have been avoided. Why didn’t you all listen, your own lawyers warned you, the Department of Transportation warned you, the other two bidders warned you, but you choose to believe the company that contributed thousands from it's employees for your campaign for County Executive….Rockland County Business Leader of the Year…..he deserves it, he really gave you and the County the business….
