Mountain Water Co. employees unanimously reject city employment offer
Employees ask Mayor and City Council to abandon condemnation case.
MISSOULA, Mont., Oct. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Employees of Mountain Water Co. today rejected the city of Missoula's stipulated offer of employment, saying that they prefer to work for an experienced water system owner that treats them with trust and respect.
The 37 employees of Mountain Water also requested that the city abandon its costly, unnecessary attempt to take over Missoula's water system.
"The city has not presented a valid case or argument for taking Mountain Water assets through condemnation, nor in any way proved that condemnation is in the best interest of Missoula customers," the employee group stated in a letter submitted to Mayor John Engen and members of the Missoula City Council. "Mountain Water assets are already being put to their best public use, with a dedicated employee group and an incoming long-term regulated utility owner. And the city has failed to show how it would improve service, while our reputation in terms of service speaks for itself."
The letter served as official notice that employees have rejected a demand from the city of Missoula to individually sign a stipulated employment agreement, which was provided to Mountain Water's employees on Sept. 12, 2014. The city's offer set a signing deadline of Oct. 13. Employees who did not accept the city's offer in writing will not be guaranteed jobs if the city takes ownership of Mountain Water.
About Mountain Water Company
Mountain Water Co. provides quality tap water, irrigation and fire flow to 72,000 residents in Missoula through 37 wells, 21 booster stations, 40 pressure reducing valve stations, 24 storage facilities with a capacity of more than 10 million gallons, and 320 miles of main. Additional information may be found online by visiting mtnwater.com or on Facebook at Facebook.com/MountainWaterCo.
SOURCE Mountain Water Co.
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