UPEC Board Approves Retiree Program

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

REDDING - The UPEC Executive Board approved a program to allow retired members to continue their membership and receive Union benefits. In a unanimous decision, the Board set retiree dues and benefits for past, present and future UPEC members who retire and were members of UPEC Local 792. Benefits include a $20,000 AD&D policy, PERKS Card (Local discount card), access to Union Privilege Programs, Access to the member attorney program, free notary service and full access to the website. Retirees can also attend Quarterly Local membership meetings and vote. The dues are set at 40% of regular member dues. Dues in 2008 are set at $13.80 per month. Additionally, retirees can access the union dental plan for an extra fee and receive a $600.00 discount on Family Estate planning through the Local’s law firm, Goyette and Associates. Business Manager Chris Darker said the local has wanted to provide something tangible for the retirees but didn’t really have much to offer them until recently. “I would like to see the program take off. Our retirees have a great deal of experience, are a great source of information and we want their involvement in our local union”, stated Darker.

UPEC PAC Endorse Heckman & Hawes

REDDING - The UPEC PAC endorsed two Shasta County Supervisor candidates on Saturday, March 15th. Retired Shasta County Sheriffs Sergeant Paul Heckman interviewed with the Committee Saturday and asked for UPEC’s endorsement and financial support for the DIstrict 2 seat. UPEC previously endorsed Supervisor Mark Cibula who is not running for a second term. Heckman, 62, has lived in District 2 for 3 decades and is not only familiar with the District but much of the County from his 22 years with the Sheriff’s Department. Heckman wants to ensure law enforcement and public safety continue to improve and bring about positive change in labor relations. UPEC Staff have been assigned by the PAC to assist Heckman with his first bid for office. Glenn Hawes is up for reelection for District 3 where he has held that position since 1996. The PAC interviewed Hawes and decided to support his bid for reelection. Hawes has had an open door to the union in previous years and has been instumental in supporting revenue generating projects that put more money in the County General Fund to support staffing. He has been very supportive of our veterans by contributing his time and financial support to ensure veterans are honored in Shasta County. 

Shasta BOS Candidate to Meet with Union

Thursday, March 13, 2008

REDDING - The quarterly UPEC Political Action Committee (PAC) will convene on Saturday, March 15th at 11:30 am at the Redding Office. As of this date, Candidate Paul Heckman has confirmed his attendance for an interview. All UPEC members are invited to attend and ask questions. Other political updates will be reported at the meeting.

UPEC Meets With SF Labor Leader

San Francisco - UPEC Leadership, Staff and Presidio Trust Unit negotiators met at the San Francisco Labor Council headquarters this morning to discuss issues concerning the Presidio Trust negotiations. Labor Council Executive Director Tim Paulsen met with Business Manager Chris Darker and the bargaining team to gain the support of the Council. The UPEC Executive Board approved Darker’s request to become affiliated with the San Francisco Labor Council on March 4th. UPEC now joins over 150 other labor unions who belong to the Council.  Business Manager Chris Darker and Executive Director Tim Paulsen will finalize a strategic plan in the new few weeks. UPEC’s Chief negotiator Steve Allen and the bargaining team meet today and Friday with management to continue negotiations.

Alturas City Units (POA and General) Ratify Contracts

Thursday, March 06, 2008

Both City of Alturas bargaining Units recently ratified their individual Memorandums of Understanding with the City after starting negotiations back in July 2007.

The City of Alturas Peace Officer Association settled a one year contract that gave the members a 5% salary increase that was retroactive to October 1, 2007. The City also agreed to pick up any increase in the health insurance premiums during the life of this contract. The pay for Sergeants was also increased approximately 2.5%. Sergeant Tex Dowdy and Officer Wes Gray worked hard for their members in getting this contract finalized.

The City of Alturas General Unit also ratified a one year contract with the City. This contract gave the members a 3% salary increase that was retroactive to October 1, 2007 and the City agreed to pick up any increase in the health insurance premiums during the life of the contract. The City also agreed to a uniform allowance increase of $50.00 annually. The biggest item for the member’s was the City agreeing to place the members of this Unit in the PERS 3% at age 60 retirement plan. Marylou Allen, Rod Chainey and Kim Dodds were instrumental in making sure that this proposal was eventually ratified.

The City of Alturas has a unique bargaining process in which two Council members conduct the bargaining for the City. The Union would like to thank George Andreasen and Keith Jacques for representing the City during the bargaining process. The Union would also like to thank City Treasurer Kathie Alves for her assistance.

Unfair Practice Charge Settled to Union’s Satisfaction

Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Background - The Butte Community College POA represents police officers and sergeants that patrol the college campus near Chico. The unit of 4 peace officers has been engaged in a protracted labor negotiation with the College that was ultimately settled last fall. During negotiations however, the College unilaterally changed a long-standing practice of granting extra time off (CTO) to officers during the summer weeks when regular school was not in session. The practice developed many years ago when classified employees reduced their work hours during the summer session. The officers, not able to reduce their patrol hours, were granted 2 hours of CTO per week for the ten weeks of summer.

The practice, although well documented in employees payroll records, was apparently never formally approved by the College District Board of Trustees.

Nonetheless, UPEC took the position that the District could not unilaterally cut an established benefit and directed Senior Labor Representative Steve Allen to file charges with the State Public Employment Relations Board. Charges were filed alleging that the District violated state bargaining laws and a settlement conference was held in Sacramento that lasted all of 30 minutes when the District would not budge from its position.

Recently, however, District Administrators, to their credit, took a more enlightened approach and offered to grant two additional days of annual vacation to make up for the lost CTO. Union members decided this was a reasonable compromise and agreed to settle the matter prior to the formal hearing scheduled for later this month. POA President Doug Sloan has represented his members diligently throughout the negotiation process and Unfair Practice Charge procedures and should be recognized for sticking to his guns on this issue so that a settlement was ultimately offered.

CASE CLOSED!