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by Scott Carlson But Mayor Robert Bruton responded
Maplewood City Manager Mike Miller the city may be unnecessarily giving a
as balked at a suggestion that the city concession for which it receives nothing in
ouncil meet with its clerical worker turn.He said that could cost the city in the
epresentatives to attempt a salary future. •
ettlement of a two-year-old negotiations "Those city employees are asking for a
lispute. helluva lot and it will cost the taxpayers,"
"You're trying to put this on my Bruton said.
houiders," Miller told councilman Concerning Anderson's suggestion that
Borman Anderson at last week's budget the employee unit meet with the council,
tearing when Anderson suggested that councilman Donald Wiegert said, "They
he council meet with the employees, adopted a unit to argue for them and
"If you allow the union representatives that's what happened. In other words,
o present their case you're asking me to they said they didn't want to appear
irgue against them,"Miller continued."I before the council—they wanted a unit."
won't do it." Councilman Burton Murdock said he
Miller added that he has found the had no intention of becoming too familiar
`whole process (of negotiating for the with the employee requests:
'ouncil) a horrible experience for me. I "We're put in the position where the
saven't liked it at all." employees give us a dirty look,"Murdock
But Anderson denied that he was trying
us throw the dispute onto Miller. said. "I could care less. My position is
"I know this is a thorn in everyone's that I don't know what they need—I don't
side," Anderson admitted. "I feel the pretend to know what they need."
length of time it has taken (to negotiate) After Anderson had made his
we could resolve a lot of these questions suggestion, Manager Miller voiced quick
with the council." opposition.
Anderson added, "I can't see how "I'm not going to sit up here and argue
anyone could be happy without a raise in with the union," Miller said. "You (the
two years." councilmen)guys can do that.If you want'
Councilman John Greavu agreed. And to pay the kind of wages they want then
to suggested that contract language,such you do it.But don't ask me to stand up in
as specifying that each employee have an front of you and argue with those em
eight hour work day,could be handled by ployees.That's not my job and I won't do
the council, it.