September 16, 2003

 

Senator Byron L. Dorgan

Washington, DC

 

Re:     Department of Defense Authorization Bill

 

Dear Senator Dorgan:

 

          I am extremely concerned about the rights of my fellow federal employees in the Department of Defense. As a life long Democrat and a 28-year federal employee (U.S. Dept of Housing and Urban Development), I am well aware the current Administration is anti-federal employee.

 

          I urge you to oppose any effort to add the House DoD Personnel Plan to the Defense Authorization Bill. As you are aware, this version would let the Secretary of Defense decide whether DoD employees will have appeal rights or due process protections. The Secretary would also have the power to take away collective bargaining rights and rights of these workers to join a union. The Secretary would have total power to implement a pay for performance system.

 

          Senators Collins, Levin, Voinovich and Sununu introduced legislation to improve the House passed DoD plan. The Collins alternative maintains the basic rights of DoD employees including their right to bargain collectively and to join a union.

 

          Senator Dorgan, please oppose any effort to add the House DoD Personnel Plan to the Defense Authorization Bill. Please support the Collins/Levin alternative DoD personnel plan. Federal employees are homeland protectors. The Collins/Levin plan is the best way to maintain a strong defense. Thank you.

 

          Very Sincerely,

 

 

          Patty Petry

          835 37th Avenue N.

Fargo, ND 58102