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,
835 37th Avenue N.
Fargo, ND 58102