REDDING - The UPEC Executive Board approved organizing the second UPEC Local 792 Conference next year. The Conference is scheduled for June 26-28, 2009 in Redding. The Conference will coordinate with the 2009 Local Election. The Board has been interested in holding a conference for members either on an annual basis or every 3 years during the local 792 election’s. Business Manager Chris Darker has been involved in Regional and International Conferences for many years and has seen the value of bring members and Local leaders together. “We have come along way with our communication capabilities and platforms that I felt were necessary to inform and sustain a diverse Local Leadership Team that could build member solidarity and strength”, said Darker. Local 792 currently has approximately 130 members who are involved in bargaining, bargaining support teams and trained union stewards. Darker plans to bring the number up the member involvement number to 300 by September 2011 before the next LIUNA Convention. “I see these conferences as a time to train our UPEC leaders and members, and to recognize and award those who give of themselves for the benefit of our working families”, Darker said.
Redding - The parent company of Shasta Regional Medical Center (SRMC) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy today. It’s a move company officials say was designed to aid in the sale of SRMC a 248 bed, for profit hospital and three others in the North Carolina based Hospital Partners of America (HPA). UPEC Business Manager Chris Darker first received the news around 9:30am this morning and has been on the phone in an attempt to get answers for the members UPEC represents at the hospital. UPEC represents over 300 Registered Nurses and 150 LVN’s and Tech’s.
Shasta County General Unit Contract Proposal Ratified By Members
Monday, September 15, 2008
Mediator Submits Recommendation To Both Sides
After participating in several mediation sessions the State Mediator assigned to the Impasse submitted her recommendation for settlement directly to the Union and County Teams. Union members attending an update meeting voted to put the Recommendation out to the Union membership for a vote.
After an all day ballot process on September 15th, the General Unit Bargaining Team and several member volunteers stayed late at the Union Office to tabulate the ballot count.
The overwhelming majority of voters approved the two year, 6% package that will run from May 1, 2008 through April 30, 2010 (3% COLA in November of each year).
The next step is for the County to take the Mediator’s Recommendation to the Board of Supervisors in closed session for approval. It was represented to the Union Team that if the Union approved the package the County Team would recommend it to the Board of Supervisors. Assuming the Board gives the proposed settlement the nod, the final step is for the County to draft the revised contractr language. UPEC Staff, the Union Team and any member who wishes to do so will review the language for accuracy and then both sides will sign the new contract.
After the new copy is signed, copies will be provided to each member.
On another matter, the Union is looking to set a regular monthly meeting and would appreciate suggestions regarding what day of the week and week of the month to set the meeting.
Thank you to all members who participated in the bargaining process this year, and in particular to the Bargaining Team: Steve Suske, Diane White, Brett Cobabe, Ron Huey and Debbie Watenpaugh. Union staff negotiators Dave Ritchie and Steve Allen assisted the Union team. It was tough going this year due to the downturn in the economy and the fiasco over the State budget but the member vote signifies a job well done.
The State of California Mediator assigned to resolve the impasse between the Union and Shasta County has recommended a two year proposal for both sides to consider and approve.
The parties have been at impasse for several months with the Union holding back on a planned public relations campaign pending progress in mediation. Progress was made but not to a traditional Tentative Agreement that could be supported by the bargaining teams. Instead, recognizing that the parties were not able to “close the gap” in their respective positions, the Mediator constructed a settlement proposal for both sides to consider. The idea being if Union members approved the proposal, the County would follow with its own approval.
The Mediator requested that details of her proposal not be made public so information meetings are being held to present the proposal directly to the members. A meeting was held in Burney and at the Redding Union Office on September 3rd. Another informnation meeting will be held at the Redding Union Office on September 8th. Secret ballot voting will occur in Burney and Redding on September 15th.
The Shasta County General Unit is the Union’s largest bargaining unit representing almost 1,000 employees. Particular points of contention in the ongoing dispute have included COLA increases and how retiree medical insurance is paid for. Results of the vote will be posted after the 15th.
San Francisco - Union Representatives and Presidio Management met this afternoon and jointly signed the first collective Bargaining Agreement for Presidio employees. The three year deal takes effect in 30 days and ends eight years of negotiations between the Union and Management. Of particular significance to the 180 employees is an agreement that they will be covered by a “just cause” disciplinary standard with binding arbitration to review disputes over the amount of discipline management assesses against an employee.
COLA’s will be in February of each year, 4.35% in 2009, 4.25% in 2010 and 4.25% in 2011.
Business Manager Chris Darker orchestrated the bargaining strategy with the assistance of LIUNA Internation Attorney Bob Purcell. Bargaining team members Steve Allen (Staff Representative), Norm, Margaret, Sam and Paul carried out the strategy to a successful conclusion. Congratulations to this new bargaining unit on its first Collective Bargaining Agreement!