UPEC Family Tragedy (updated 12-23-08/12:30am)

Monday, December 22, 2008

REDDING - Our thoughts and prayers are with Senior Labor Representative Steve Allen and his family. Additional details are available on the “Business Managers Office” site. 

Shasta BOS to Hear Recommendation (updated)

Monday, December 15, 2008

REDDING - Business Manager Chris Darker made a presentation to the Shasta County BOS on Tuesday, December 16th. Darker reported that County Administrator Larry Lees contacted him an advised that the County and the Redding City engineers will be working together to seek solutions for Court Steet Pedestrian safety.  Court Street in front of the County Administrative Center and Superior Court has been hazardous for pedestrians”, said Darker. “We have identified the hazards and suggested a remedy in the past and I am convinced now more than ever something more must be done to protect workers and the citizens they serve”, stated Darker. 

Joint Council takes on City Hall (updated)

Sunday, December 14, 2008

REDDING - The Joint Council of Redding Employee Unions (JCREU) issued letters to the Redding City Council Thursday, December 11th urging them to look at all options before cutting employees. City Manager Kurt Starman targeted fireman, police and general services employees to build the City reserve. The Joint Council believes the City should look at other area’s to cut the budget other than personnel. “It’s the same politics as usual in Redding”, said Chris Darker, Council Coordinator. “If you have to cut jobs, cut the people at the top and leave those who protect and save lives and property, and provide city services off the chopping block. Cutting the Neighborhood Police Program and cutting Firefighters makes no sense to the JCREU Council”, said Darker. 
Redding Labor Unions were called in one at a time to meet with City Manager Starman who asked union leadership if they wanted cuts to their benefits or layoffs. The JCREU called for a meeting with Staman where the leadership of every union met with Starman at the same time. Union reps asked for the entire list of cuts submitted by department heads. Starman refused stating the list would unnecessarily scare employees. Union reps also asked if they took cuts in benefits would it save them from layoffs. Starman said cuts may not be enough and even though members might agree to benefit cuts layoffs could be necessary as well. Every union stated they would not sacrifice benefits.
The JCREU called for town hall meetings to allow the public to comment on cuts in services. “I think everytime Government wants to cut services, especially police and fire, it should trigger public meetings. If we didn’t stand up together and say something about these outrages cuts, it could have been rubber stamped by the Council on Monday”, said Darker. The JCREU was formed in 2006 by 13 Redding Unions.
Redding City Council on Monday proceeded with the recommendation of the City Manager and in fact made a lesser cut to Mike Warrens budget at Turtle Bay.

Funeral Services set for UPEC Member

Friday, December 12, 2008

REDDING - Services for Shasta County Sheriff’s Account Clerk Linda Runyon will be held on Wednesday, December 17th beginning at 11:00 am at Little Country Church in Redding. Little Country Church is located at the corner of Canby/Whistling and Churn Creek Road. 

UPEC Member Remembered

REDDING - With family, friends and co-workers lining the hallway out side her hospital room, Shasta County Sheriff’s Department Account Clerk Linda Runyon died yesterday as a result of injuries sustained on Wednesday’s tragic accident. “This is a sad day for the Shasta County employee family”, stated UPEC Business Manager Chris Darker. UPEC staff began working on union benefits for the family yesterday as news spread throughout the county. “UPEC Staff Attorney Paul Goyette provided a letter to the family yesterday outlining the services of his firm that we negotiated as a benefit for our members and their families”, Darker said. The County has brought in crisis counselor’s to assist with grieving employees. Human resources will have an “Open House” today in administration for all county employees. A fund has been established to assist the family with hospital costs.

Tragic Accident Injures Two

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Redding - A tragic accident Wednesday afternoon has left two members injured, one critically, after they had attempted to cross Court Street in Downtown Redding.

The two employees, both accountants with the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office were crossing Court Street at the intersection with Tehama Street in the crosswalk when the accident occurred.  Sheriff Tom Bosenko said that he and all his staff join in what is a remarkable outpouring of support for both employees from across the Shasta County workforce.  “It’s a very difficult time for the families of the employees involved” he said, “as well as the entire County family.”

The thoughts of the UPEC staff, board and other members are with the injured employees and their families.