Monday,
February 11, 2002
AN
OPEN LETTER TO THE JUSTICES OF THE SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT AND
COURT OF APPEALS REGARDING THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE COURT
EMPLOYEE FURLOUGH PROGRAM:
Dear
Justice:
Trial
Court employees have worked hard, and quickly, to deal with
the budget shortfall. Beyond small things–deferring
purchases of equipment, supplies, etc.–Trial Court
employees, elected and appointed clerks, registers, and
assistants have moved boldly to keep the courts running for
the benefit of our real bosses–the men and women of
Massachusetts.
100%
of unionized employees have agreed to a salary cut of over a
week and half’s pay...
100%
of elected clerks and registers have voluntarily agreed to the
same salary cut...
90%
or more of appointed clerks and assistants voluntarily agreed
to the same salary cut.
Now,
I think it’s your turn.
Court
employees making $22,000 or $24,000 a year can do no more to
help. You can.
I
know your budget is secure and that the State Constitution
prevents the General Court from cutting your pay. What I am
writing about is not ‘law’, it’s about justice,
fairness, equity, the basis of public confidence in proper
administration of the law.
I
write to ask that you personally, to show solidarity with
Trial Court employees and our fight to keep the courts
running, voluntarily join us by giving up eight days pay.
Our
historic Supreme Judicial Court is a guardian of our
civilization–it has always been a leader. If you would lead
us, do not stand and point the way–take our hands and walk
with us.
Your
agreement to a pay cut will do immeasurable good for court
morale.
Very
truly yours,
Richard
Iannella
cc:
Hon.
Thomas Birmingham
Hon.
Thomas Finneran
(This
letter was sent to each of the justices of the Supreme Court
and Court of Appeals.)
