Union Staff to Visit Worksites

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

REDDING - Union staff will vist member worksites in Shasta County beginning this month. The worksite vists are part of an overall Local wide communications and member relations plan put together by UPEC Business Manager Chris Darker. “We are meeting the members where they are and we are looking forward to meeting with them”, stated Darker. UPEC staff will be talking with Shasta County members and Shasta Regional Medical Center members about bargaining proposals and getting member input on a host of issues. Also at the top of the agenda is presenting information on UPEC’s new website features and assisting members with registrations and showing them what is available. “Our website is our primary source of communication with our members. Our members are busy and the website forums are the new meeting venue where every member can go and have a voice in the process 24/7. Most UPEC members have internet access which gives them the latest and most updated information”, said Darker.  The Local is in the middle of installing a new phone system that will give members better phone access to staff and staff with a host of new features to improve efficiency and member communications such as an automated phone tree.

LIUNA Approves Grant for Local 792

HEADQUARTERS - LIUNA approved a grant request from Local 792 for organizing the federal sector employees in the San Francisco Bay Area.  LIUNA, with the approval of the Local Executive Board, transferred three (3) bargaining units into Local 792 last summer. Staff from Local 792 wrote the grant last year requesting funding to cover the costs of recruiting new members from these bargaining units. “There are only 15% of these represented employees who are union members”, said Business Manager Chris Darker. The Local is planning an organizing campaign for a period of 10 days in February. UPEC members who are interested in participating in the member recruitment should contact UPEC at 530-245-1890 for further details. The grant allows for members to be paid while participating in the organizing campaign and to pay for expenses such as travel, meals and lodging.

UPEC Board Approves Member Benefits

HEADQUARTERS - In the January UPEC Executive Board meeting, the Board approved a new retainer agreement with the law firm of Goyette and Associates and approved a plan to provide a free Notary Service. The legal services agreement provides for advice and consultation to all Local 792 Union members who make an appropriate request, on any legal matter. UPEC members can telephone G & A and talk to an attorney about their personal legal issues and get advice. Members are under no legal obligation to retain G & A for their legal matters.  However, should a member want to retain legal services, G & A will offer their service at a very reduced hourly rate. The retainer also covers services for UPEC affiliated associations such as Political Action Committee formation, Ballot Initiatives, Disciplinary Defense, Fitness for Duty Representation and many more. A full description of legal services and costs will be available soon on the UPEC website. UPEC hopes to have the Notary Service available in February 2008.

Local Hires Labor Representative

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Headquarters - Business Manager Chris Darker is pleased to announce the local has added another Labor Representative to the Local staff. Richard “Rick” Burruss accepted the position effective January 1, 2008. Rick retired as a Police Lieutenant after twenty four years combined service with Alameda County Sheriff’s Department and the City of Livermore (California) Police Department. During his law enforcement career, Rick served as the Livermore Police Officers’ Association President, published several articles in CPOA magazine, and was an active member of both PORAC and RPORAC. Rick graduated from the University of San Francisco, earning a Bachelors Degree in Public Administration. Rick has worked as a Labor Relations Representative for over nineteen years, serving numerous police, public works, and management personnel organizations in administrative and disciplinary matters, collective bargaining, arbitration proceedings, and retirement benefit issues. The Local has not added a Labor Representative since 2003.
The Local Executive Board decided that with the addition of over 650 members and the local expanding to the Carmel area it was necessary to ensure that services expanded as well. Business Manager Chris Darker said he is relieved that the Local was able to quickly find such a qualified individual as Burruss to take over the units in the South Bay area. Labor Representative Tim McCormick of Local 270 will remain on staff during the transition until March 31st. “I am very fortunate to have both McCormick and Burruss to represent our members in the South Bay, they are very qualified, competent and motivated men and I look forward to working with them,”. said Darker. 

Honesty Essential During Interviews

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Due to a recent increase in the number of administrative investigations occurring in various bargaining units, UPEC staff would like to remind members that one of the fastest ways to receive a termination notice is to be untruthful during an employer enquiry.

It doesn’t matter whether the interview with your employer is an official “Internal Affairs” investigation at a law enforcement agency or simply a meeting with your supervisor where you are being asked questions. You must tell the truth or face termination of your employment.

No matter how uncomfortable the subject matter, be truthful and cooperative. Think of the interview as a performance opportunity to demonstrate that you are a great employee worth keeping. The only way to refuse to participate in a legitimate work interview is to resign prior to answering questions. This drastic of an approach is rare but can be appropriate under certain circumstances.  If the matter you are being questioned about could be criminal in nature, remember that the information you provide may also be used to prosecute you!

UPEC staff recommends that you always contact one of us if you are going to be interviewed. Ask and receive Union representation prior to proceeding with an interview. Even if you do not intend to have a representative sit in during your interview, make a telephone call and run the situation past one of UPEC’s professional representatives. Your means of support is important to you and your family. It is your biggest investment and should be treated carefully and with respect. 

Take No Chances!

Call the Union for advice and representation.

Glenn DSA Settles New Contract

Glenn County DSA approves a new 21 month contract that grants significant pay and benefit increases.

Glenn County DSA members voted to ratify the new MOU that was recommended by DSA President Shawn Williams and the DSA bargaining team assisted by UPEC Negotiator Steve Allen.

In summary, the new contract provides for a 10% pay increase (5% 1-1-08, 3% 1-1-09 , 2% 7-1-09), implementation of longevity pay (5% for 12 years County service and 1% more at 20 years County service beginning 7-1-08), a compromise formula on medical insurance (County to pick up 90% of employee only Blue Shield HMO and add the same dollar increase to dependent premium pick up which results in dependent premium pick up in the 80% range), a new “cash in lieu” program where employees opting out of medical insurance receive a cash increase, and an increase in shift differential of $.75 per hour.

The settlement keeps the DSA on track toward its goal to catch up to comparable agencies.  “It does not get us there yet but it is a step in the right direction,” according to Allen.  Allen also stated that the County voiced its concern about media reports describing the state budget deficit but that despite that concern the County’s negotiating committee made a sincere effort to meet the DSA’s demands.  “This went as smooth as I have seen bargaining go in Glenn County,” stated Allen.  “We look forward to continuing to build a positive labor relations relationship with the Board of Supervisors and the CAO’s Office.”

The new labor contract runs from January 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009.