We, the employees of the Harvard Department of Public Works, have read the comments about the contract negotiations with the teachers, and how they have stalled. We’ve all seen them on their informative picket line every day, letting you [citizens of Harvard] know how long they’ve worked without a contract. We have also heard a lot of the remarks and concerns of the citizens, as well as the town officials, and have become quite concerned ourselves. The DPW and police have also been working without a contract for the same six months with little fuss or bother. We may not be the ones educating your children, but we are the ones who make the roads safe and clear for them, as well as you, to travel to and from school, work, or wherever you go every day. So every time you pass the teachers’ picket line, please remember that the rest of us are still hard at work keeping the town’s infrastructure secure and in place for your safety.
There is no question that the teachers do a fine job for you and your children, and we’re not trying to take anything away from them. We are only trying to get a fair shake in a society where historically that hasn’t been the case.
The DPW and Police Department have not had a raise that met the cost of living increase in the last four or more contracts, and we pay a much larger percent of our health insurance. But still, there has never been a break in the services we provide. We are here weekends, nights, and even holidays if duty calls, but yet we are the most unappreciated workers in town. So in closing, we only ask that the whole town come together and agree that all town employees get a fair shake and, if possible, a kind word once in awhile.
Troy DuBois, for the DPW employees
