Water Department workers oppose privatization move
Source: Jeff Shields, Philadelphia Inquirer (PA), Wed, Jun. 4, 2008
Heavy-equipment operator Mike Impagliazzo spends his days shoveling human waste-turned-fertilizer at the city sludge plant, steeped in the odors of his trade, loving his job "like a second wife." "But this one doesn't take the money," the 33-year Water Department veteran shouts over the rumble of his front-end loader. "It gives money." ..... And this troop, 60 strong, many of them committed and highly trained, is battling the Water Department's efforts to privatize its sludge operation because the workers don't believe anyone can do their jobs better.
....... Even so, for District Council 33 of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, opposition to the plan is instinctive - some see it as a slippery slope to privatizing other areas of the Water Department.