Editor, OBSERVER:
This letter is in reference to a recent "Another Voice" column, dated Dec. 5, by Vicki Westling, headlined "More than one fiscal cliff."
Ms. Westling states: "CSEA - came forth after nearly 11 months and are now willing to bargain." She also says this "reminds me of when Alumax Extrusions closed back in 1993. We - the management of Alumax - sat at the bargaining table in good faith, all of our cards were on the table, we talked margins, workers' compensation costs, and the added burdens of the various state regulations and taxes. Only when the decision was made to close the plant - go over the fiscal cliff so to speak - did the union, state, utilities and EPA decide to compromise - it was too late!" Just as it is probably too late to keep the Chautauqua County Home county-owned.
In contradiction to the above, the following article submitted by Alumax appeared in the OBSERVER, just after the plant closed.
"The closing of this facility (Alumax) was very difficult for everyone, she (Ms. Westling) said. There were a lot of people working here in Dunkirk; the union officers and representatives worked with us to help in the closing of the plant in an orderly manner and every member of the management staff appreciated the effort put forth by the USWA, Local 8775 representatives, the CCIDA, city and other government representatives. Unfortunately, once a decision like this is made, there is just no turning back; all of the factors and costs of doing business in New York State had been carefully scrutinized. There was just no other way."
I'll just let the readers judge for themselves where the truth lies.
RON WOLOSZYN,
past president of Local 8775, USWA,
Dunkirk
