Dues Update

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Click on “Business Managers Office” for update.

Union Supports J.J. Jelincic for CalPERS Board

Friday, November 13, 2009

HEADQUARTERS - The Laborers International Union of North America (LiUNA) is supporting J.J. Jelincic in the current runoff election. UPEC members should have received their ballot this week in the mail. Business Manager Chris Darker is encouraging ALL UPEC MEMBERS to vote in this important CalPERS Election. The economic crisis and political reaction that we are experiencing right now threatens the security of our defined benefit retirements. We need capable, careful and conscientious Board members who will protect our retirement plans. J.J. Jenlincic is our endorsed candidate. He has the professional expertise, financial experience and Union credentials to keep our pensions safe. Please vote in the CalPERS election and join us in voting for J.J. Jelincic.

Union Responds to Shasta County $7.5 Million Debt

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

REDDING - Just when you think you have seen the worst, local government is taking another hit. Shasta County CEO Larry Lees announced yesterday that revenues from local taxes and Vehicle License Fees (VLF) dropped about 27 percent. “We never could have predicted that kind of drop” said Lees in a meeting yesterday with UPEC Business Manager Chris Darker. In that meeting yesterday afternoon, Darker asked Lees to hold a series of meetings for his UPEC members in the General and Professional Unit for some straight talk to his members. “These meetings need to be on County time with you (Lees) and two members of the County Board of Supervisors if you want our members to consider bailing out the County. Our members have a lot of questions that need answers to make an informed decision”, said Darker.  Lees said he didn’t know if he could close county offices for the meeting(s). “I think the public will understand and perhaps get a view of things to come”, said Darker.

UPEC Staff and member negotiators agreed to meet with County Officials on October 14th over the $5.5 million shortfall and completed delivering that news to their members on October 20th. UPEC members have met every week to discuss the $5.5 million shortfall and completed a series of questions last monday for CEO Lees.

Darker told CEO Lees that if his members agree to help financially that it WILL NOT be made up solely on the backs of employees and their concessions. “I am ashamed to admit that we have members who already qualify for the social programs they administer and a cut in their compensation may force them to move to the other side of the counter”, said Darker. Darker has already told the County that they can’t cut anymore employees and provide the same service level and that the County is going to need to cut services and perhaps even close a few days a month just so the employees can keep up with their current work load. “Asking those few employees that are left to do more work for less pay and benefits with less hours to complete the work just isn’t humane nor humanly possible”, Darker said.

CHP Recognizes UPEC Local 792

Thursday, November 05, 2009

REDDING - Chief Chris Jenkins of the California Highway Patrol Northern Division recently presented UPEC Business Manager Chris Darker with a beautiful plaque as a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition for their generous support in providing the UPEC Local training facility to conduct a recent Child Passenger Safety Technician Class. Our building accommodated every need for the instructors and technician candidates. The UPEC staff was recognized for being extremely gracious and helpful. “We are proud to assist the CHP with their mission to save lives”, said Darker.

Give Blood “The Gift of Life”

REDDING - UPEC Local 792 is proud to support the Blood Centers of the Pacific Community Blood Drive during November. Site locations include: Tuesday, November 10th 9am - 4pm at the Redding Elks Lodge #1073 in the River Room. Friday, November 20th 7am - 2pm at the Shasta Regional Medical Center in the Liberty Room.

Child Safety Awareness Month

HEADQUARTERS - November is Child Safety Awareness Month. Children need to be protected and to feel safe and secure in their homes and autos where most accidents happen. UPEC Local 792 encourages healthy environments essential to the well being of children and their families. Take time to make safety a priority for your children. Always be sure to check that their seat belts are fastened. When using a child car seat, be sure it is properly secured. NEVER leave children alone near water. When riding bikes or skateboards be sure that your child is wearing a helmet that fits. Never leave firearms accessible to children and make sure that all firearms are unloaded and kept under lock and key. Be certain that medicines, household cleaning products, toxic chemicals and gardening products are out of a child’s reach or access. Do your part to encourage child safety awareness.