Video from 2.22.2010

From the City of Harrisburg website:

HARRISBURG MAYOR WILL SEEK LEGAL ACTION AGAINST CONTROLLER OVER DIRECT PAYROLL DEPOSIT

The law firm Tucker Arensberg, P.C., has been retained by the Mayor of Harrisburg to represent the Office of the Mayor and the City of Harrisburg involving the matter of direct deposit of payroll checks for employees of the City of Harrisburg.

Last week, in compliance with applicable City ordinances and state and federal laws, the City Administration Departments of Human Resources and Finance outlined policy and procedure for direct deposit payroll, in detail with the City Controller and Treasurer.

The City Treasurer said he would comply with the requested procedures, but the process still awaits approval from the Controller.

"We are currently subject to rulings under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board and other applicable laws, which require our immediate action, and I will not permit any further delay in this matter, nor continued inconvenience to our union and nonunion employees." Mayor Linda D. Thompson said today.

"I have engaged outside representation to assure that this matter is resolved immediately internally, or it moves directly to the Court of Common Pleas of Dauphin County to compel immediate action. If this matter has to go to the courts or fines or penalties are imposed against the City, I have instructed outside counsel to then seek those monies from the individual or individuals responsible."

"This kind of costly and disruptive behavior, with disregard for our employees by some in City government, will no longer be tolerated." She concluded.

As the Capital of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the City of Harrisburg is a dynamic, vibrant, and diverse City committed to a vision of transition and growth well into the 21st Century. The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer and transparent in business practice. Its residents have a strong sense of community and public service and take great pride in the City's unique place in the history of Pennsylvania.