June 1, 1998
Unhappy with the UC Approved Settlement
The Newsbulletin headline titled "Regents Approve Proposed Settlement" [May 18 Newsbulletin] is quite misleading. It could more properly read "Regents Approve Modified Settlement" or even "Regents Destroy/Approve Proposed Settlement".
In fact the settlement approved by the Regents destroyed the provisions for retirees and disabled employees. It then offered a mere (insulting) pittance to those employees, with no negotiations -- an imposed, unilateral, modification of the proposed settlement.
This arrogance by UC/LANL management does not bode well for the future. It flies in the face of the wish to "let the healing begin". This shoddy treatment of the employees will sow new seeds of bitterness toward UC in Northern New Mexico, which no amount of bribes to the communities will erase.
It is not too late for LANL/UC management to agree to terms that reflect the original agreement. It would be a good thing if they wish for the "healing" to begin.
-- Chris Mechels, retiree