In an editorial yesterday, the Daily News let its readers know that the Department of Power and Water's union, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 18, failed to sue the paper twice and agreed to pay $17,213 for legal fees.

Why? Because they wanted to stop the Daily News from publishing the names, positions and salaries of department employees. Why publish this info anyway? They found that DWP workers earn an average of 20 percent more than other municipal employees doing the same work, eventually causing other city employees to try and sometimes succeed at getting their own salaries in line with those at DWP. And in a time that the city is cutting city services, many claim this is an improper use of taxpayer money.

The courts upheld the transparency in government by rejecting the union's suit. "And that right has been upheld - a victory for taxpayers, for openness in government, and for the public's right to know."

Previously: More than 13% of DWP workers are paid $100,000 and up [Daily News]

Photo of DWP headquarter's parking lot by Omar Omar via Flickr