Controversy over the uniforms worn by Milwaukee police officers. Alderman Tony Zielinski and labor unions are calling out the police department for choosing Chinese-made uniforms over a cheaper, American-made brand.
“We’re not going to stand by and let American taxpayer dollars be used to ship jobs overseas,” said Ald. Tony Zielinski.
Flanked by labor unions, Ald. Zielinski accused Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn of passing over American workers. He says the chief chose to buy uniforms from Badger Uniforms, made in China, even though two other local companies promised American-made uniforms for up to $150,000 less.
“To rub salt into the wound, the American company was the low bidder,” said Ald. Zielinski.
In an e-mail, police spokesperson Anne Schwartz said, “The winning bidder stood out in comfort, safety, ability to do tailoring, and cost effectiveness, in that their product is long-lasting.”
Ald. Zielinski responded to the claim that Badger Uniforms are simply better than the cheaper, American-made Elbeco brand.
“That’s a bunch of bunk. We’ve got police departments all over the country that are using Elbeco uniforms,” Zielinski said.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett says he prefers American-made uniforms, but he blames the city’s bidding process and Ald. Zielinski.
“It was legislation that Alderman Zielinski put together that really has created this situation. I’m more than happy to work with him to try and change that legislation that he offered. I think his frustration is with his own legislation,” said Mayor Barrett.
According to labor experts, all three companies that put forth the bid have at least some overseas production. But the unsuccessful bidders pledged to use their American facilities to produce Milwaukee’s uniforms.
Source: WTMJ.com, Milwaukee, January 6, 2009
