I have worked as a seasonal groundskeeper at Superior National Golf Course since 2002. I recently talked with a golf course committee member. Initially he was irate that I would question his work as a dedicated volunteer. Questioning goes with the territory whether one is paid or a volunteer. The committee member agrees that I work for Superior National’s greatest asset, Mike Davies, grounds and maintenance manager.
I plan to work at Superior National this summer, if I get an acceptable raise. In 2003 – 2005 I received a total of 13.9% in raises above my original pay rate. I have not received a raise since 2005, nor have any of my co-workers. Why do we continue to work for a dysfunctional employer? Not because $9.00 is a great starting wage or that our current pay is acceptable, but because we work for a great boss, Mike Davies.
I question the recent decision of the golf course committee to hire a general manager for Superior National. At the current peak 18-hole rate of $79, the new general manager will have to bring in 886 more rounds of golf this summer than were played in 2010, just to pay his/her anticipated salary of $70,000. The golf course committee expects additional rounds of golf to increase income. Are these goals reasonable?
What about raises for the seasonal employees? The golf course functioned well for five years without a general manager and cannot function at all without competent groundskeepers. Clearly groundskeepers are more valuable than a general manager. The committee member told me that the general manager can expect a standard 10% raise each year. I am sure that means that workers may now also expect a 10% per year standard raise. Will the pay of seasonal groundskeepers be increased to the equivalent of 10% per year to make up for the years working without raises? The general manager will be offered health insurance. Will groundskeepers now be offered health insurance?
I am sure that the golf course committee and the EDA, with the approval of the Cook County commissioners, plan to treat valuable workers and managers fairly and equally.
Karl Smit
Lutsen
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