Saturday, August 14, 2004 - The current turmoil with Nassau West's largest employer has, for the time being, been settled in a compromise of sorts. This was first reported late Friday afternoon by the jubilant Nassau West Department of Labor.

According to Nassau West President Kelly K. Bartram, who brokered the deal with the employer, "this is not exactly what we had in mind, but it is in the ballpark. We're close to what we had requested, and for now that will suffice. However, as this deal did not meet the conditions of our original agreement, we will continue pursuing other options at this time."

Both the compromise and the continuation of the job search were applauded by the Nassau West Transportation Workers' Union (NWTWU Local 9) on Saturday afternoon.

A NWTWU spokesman stated, "it's about time we get the attention and compensation that we so definitely deserve! We're happy about the compromise, as we approve of the current employer. But if they do not fulfill their arrangement, we're glad the search goes on."

As for that pursuit, it is being less than successful. The Department of Labor has enlisted the assistance of two labor-related websites, and is constantly scanning the local newspapers and websites for opportunities, with not much luck.

Some possible alternatives to the current employer would involve acquiring a commercial drivers' license (CDL). Once a CDL is obtained, a much larger pool of jobs are available for perusal. Another option would be to withdraw from the Tucson market entirely, and replace our current employer with two employers in the vicinity of Benson.

Although this option would save a great deal of gas and thereby save a lot of money, wages in Benson are not anywhere near as high as wages in Tucson. It is estimated that for this option to succeed, two jobs, one full-time and the other part-time, would have to be committed to.

At this point, Bartram says he'll agree to whatever secures the newly-established Capitol. Negotiations will likely be underway in the near future to replace the aging, and costly, Nassau West One with a newer, more economical vehicle. Presently, the Department of Transportation is studying the option of a 2004 Kia Spectra or 2004 Kia Rio as possible replacements.

Benson Weather