ARTS Against Uniforms

To:  ARTS employees

ARTS SIGN HERE!!!

I have no problem wearing the uniform and am proud to do so when it is APPROPRIATE. While I am working in civilian status it is not appropriate for too many reasons to get into here. This does not mean I am a 'whiner or crybaby', it just means that I understand my rights better than those who call us such things and I will not easily give into something that is wrong. This goes against the principles of the Constitution that I have been sworn to defend.

The concern we would like to address is the ART’s having to wear the military uniform Monday through Friday.

1. One of the things that made the ART program attractive was the fact that a person can still serve their country by working as a technician on a military facility without feeling the obligations of wearing the uniform.
2. Some feel this is a breach of contract. Wearing of the uniform was NOT a requirement of employment except during UTA and annual tour.
3. The power’s that be (no disrespect)are encouraging and enforcing the Command’s objective of “Total Force Integration.” Well, some of us feel, if it’s going to be Total Force Integration, then we, as ART’s should get the Total Force Package to include:
a. Active duty pay: We have to train, we’re deployable, work and of course pass the “Fit to Fight” program just as our counterparts do. In some cases there will be an active duty member and an ART member who works side by side in the same office, same hours, and same rank in uniform however, they are not being paid the same amount of money for the same amount of work.
b. Retirement: When an active duty member retires from the military after 20 years of service, they receive their retirement check the following month. When an ART retires after 20 years of service, the member has to be 60 years old before receiving their retirement. Even though we work in the same office or building, doing the same job, same rank, and same amount of years in service. If we have to wear the uniform, shouldn’t we be entitled to a retirement benefits as the active duty?
c. Health benefits: Will the ART’s be supplemented for medical and dental?
d. Clothing Allowance: An active duty member receives a yearly clothing allowance of at least $300. The civilians will receive a one time “in kind” amount of $150 which will not cover the cost of one whole uniform. If active duty can receive a cost of replacing uniforms on a yearly basis, usually their anniversary month, will civilians receive the same benefit?

We feel that the changing of the policy to the civilians work environment will cause a rift between active duty and civilians. Some also feel ART’s are becoming second class military members, with little chance of fair and equal treatment; in term, benefits & entitlements.

ARTS

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The ARTS Against Uniforms Petition to ARTS employees was created by and written by John Johnson (artssignpetition@yahoo.com).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.