Shasta County Professional Unit Meets

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

The Union members of the Shasta County Professional Unit met on November 30, 2011 at the Union office. The members present discussed the negotiation’s that will begin early next year. The members were concerned about the possibility of increases to their health insurance and other reductions of pay and benefits. The members asked for a survey to be mailed out to all of the Union members to gather feedback for the upcoming negotiation’s. The survey is being prepared for mailing and our next meeting has been scheduled for January 18, 2011 starting at 5:30 P.M. at the Union office.

City Manager Threatens Union Officials

MILPITAS - Milpitas City Council pulled City Manager Thomas Williams raise from the consent agenda tonight and ended the meeting without addressing his compensation at all.  Williams walked up to union officials and used intimidation tactics clearly projecting retaliation against city employees in 2012 for standing up for what they believe in. Its unknown if this agenda item will reappear anytime soon. 

UPEC Objects to City Manager Raise

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

MILPITAS - Milpitas employees represented by UPEC Local 792 are outraged at their City Manager wanting raises in salary and benefits.  Milpitas City Manager Thomas Williams wrote up his increases under the “Consent Calendar” item 27 for automatic approval at tonights City Council meeting. Milpitas employees have given up over 16% in salary and benefits to save the City budget, keep people employed and provide vital services to city residents. “This is exactly the kind of thing that reminds us of the City of Bell, California”, said UPEC Business Manager Chris Darker. “Top officials helping themselves at public money while stepping on those who are on the front lines”, Darker said. The City Manager wants protection from being terminated as an “at will” employee and wants only to be terminated for cause. This is bad public policy for leaders in such a position. Second, if Williams gets fired or the City Council wants to oust him or he gets tired of his City Manager job, Williams will get a years salary in a lump sum. Thats well over $200 thousand dollars maybe closer to $300K with benefits. Third, Williams wants lifetime medical benefits for he and his spouse paid by the local taxpayers. Fourth, a 2% Cost of Living RETRO-ACTIVE 2.5 years. This guy must think that City employees are asleep at the wheel. UPEC Representatives are standing up tonight for UPEC members and are demanding this item be pulled from the consent calendar.

Shasta County General Unit Meeting

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

The Union members of the Shasta County General Unit met on November 29, 2011 at the Union office. Approximately twenty members attended this meeting. The meeting was an open forum for all employee’s to discuss negotiations or other issues. There was lengthy discussion on item’s to present when bargaining begins next year. Health insurance and the ability to opt out of the health insurance for a stipend were discussed.Also discussed was the ability to increase the amount of vacation/comp. that an employee can buy back and open it to twice a year or at any time during the year. There was discussion of having a spokesperson(s) for each Department or Division so the information discussed at our meetings could be disseminated to all Union members.

The employees present would like to see more Union members and less fee payers. The difference in cost is $3.22 a pay period. All employees are represented equally, however, fee payers do not get to participate in any decision making process or Union function, which includes discussion and comment on bargaining and ultimately they cannot vote for any contract.

The employees asked for a negotiation survey be sent to all Union members. They wanted this accompanied by a brief description of the difference between a fee payer and a Union member. They also asked that a breakdown on how the dues are spent also be added. The survey should go out next week and it will have addressed envelope’s inside for easy return to this office. I will also be accepting e-mails if that is easier for some Union members.

The members voted that the next meeting take place in January. Tentatively it will be held on Tuesday January 17, 2012 starting at 5:30 P.M. The members also voted that pizza’s and drinks be available for everyone.

Look for your negotiation survey in the next week to ten days. 

Delegates Appointed To Councils

HEAQUARTERS - Business Manager Chris Darker announced today he has appointed two UPEC Local 792 members to Central Labor Councils.
UPEC’s newest Labor Relations Representative Ellis Miller has been appointed to the South Bay Central Labor Council in San Jose. Ellis will join Santa Clara UPEC Executive Board Member Paul Mullett who has been serving as a Delegate at the SBCLC for 2 years.
Shasta County General Unit member Teri Bono has been appointed to the Five Counties Central Labor Council in Redding. Teri has been a UPEC member for over 4 years and has been a UPEC Steward.for 2 years. 

Special District Employees vote UPEC

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

REDDING - In a special meeting on Monday, November 28th, the Shasta County Mosquito Vector Control District Employees Association members voted to affiliate with UPEC Local 792. The Association formed in April 2011 and wants UPEC to negotiate their first contract and represent their members on grievance and disciplinary matters.
“We are honored this Association contacted us and joined UPEC for our services”, said Chris Darker, Business Manager for Local 792. UPEC represents several Special Districts throughout California and this one will be the first Mosquito District for UPEC. UPEC represents an Airport, Water, Irrigation, hospital districts.