UPEC Supports Alcohol Poisoning Education

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

REDDING - We are proud to support the efforts of Debbie and Steve Allen in their crusade to educate teens, young adults and parents to the dangers of alcohol poinsoing.  A number of meetings are currently scheduled at the UPEC headquarters to invite our members and the community to share ideas and organize efforts to address this ongoing problem that touches all our hearts and reaches all our communities.

The message is that Alcohol is a legal – lethal drug.  Warning signs of alcohol poinsoning are:  Vomiting, the person cannot be roused, and the person is semi-conscious or unconscious.  If you see someone with one or more of these symptoms, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.  Waiting can result in brain damage, coma or death.  Don’t be afraid to call, every second counts.

A special fund raising dinner has been set for Friday, February 13th 6:00pm to 9:00pm at Big League Dreams Sports Park Pavilion in Redding with proceeds to benefit the SHELBY LYN ALLEN Education Foundation. UPEC is sponsoring 2 tables donated by UPEC Board members and Staff.

The next meeting is Saturday, February 7th at 10:00am at the UPEC Office. For more information and tickets please call Chris Darker at the Union Office at 530-245-1890.

UPEC Promotes Blood Drive

REDDING - February is Heart Month. This month UPEC will launch a new Television spot recognizing our members.  The spot will air on Channel 7 (ABC) local news morning and evening and early prime time. Did you know that someone needs blood every 2 seconds?  One pint of blood can save up to three lives.  The proud members of United Public Employees of California Local 792 generously support the blood drives in their communities.  Blood donation takes about an hour or your time. 
It’s about life!  United Public Employees of California, Local 792 ask you to join us by giving blood.  The need is constant, the gratification is instant.....give blood.....it’s about life!

Union made Work Boots 27% off

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Redding - Go to Business Managers Office site for details.

Pregnancy Disability To Be Treated As Any Other Disability

Frequently we have questions regarding employee rights when Pregnancy is an issue.

Under California Law, a maximum of 16 weeks of job-protected leave for disability related to pregnancy is required.  The test for whether a person is disabled by pregnancy is whether or not the pregnancy itself or a related medical condition results in an inability to perform one or more essential functions of the job.

Generally, a person is presumed to be disabled for a period of six (6) weeks following natural childbirth, or eight (8) weeks in circumstances where a cesarean section has been undergone.  Additionally, there may be periods of disability prior to birth.

In all cases, Disability due to pregnancy runs concurrently with FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act Leave (Federal) however not with CFRA (California Family Rights Act) leave, so, in the State of California you are entitled to up to 12 weeks unpaid leave for bonding time after birth once no longer disabled.

Pregnancy Disability must be treated the same as disabilities caused by any other affliction - for example, if a Vacation Donation Program allows for an employee with no leave balances to make a claim for donated time for a catastrophic illness or injury and the employee suffers an injury or illness that is otherwise qualifying under the program they cannot be excluded on the basis that the cause of the illness or injury was the pregnancy.  To put it in simple terms, in such a case like this it doesn’t matter what specific diagnosed illness or injury causes the disability.  It is the disabled condition itself that represents the qualifying test.

Susanville Peace Officers Association at Impasse

The Susanville Peace Officers Association has declared impasse after the City representatives only offered takeaways to this bargaining unit. The City is unwilling to offer any additional proposals, forcing the POA to declare impasse and request mediation. Our case has been turned over to State Mediator, Sandra Poole, who has not yet set a date to start the process.

It is interesting that health insurance that the City obtained through the Union and the POA is going to save the City approximately $189 a month per employee in 2009 over the 2008 health insurance rates. 

Alturas City General Unit Settles Contract

The City of Alturas General Unit has recently settled their contract with the City. Although the members did not receive a salary increase the City agreed to pay any increases to the health insurance premiums. Holiday pay for employees four (4) tens (10’s) was increased to ten (10) hours. Additional all employees of this unit were given two additional holidays for this contract year. Thanks to the bargaining team of Mary Lou Allen, Rod Chainey and Kim Dodds for their hard work in bringing this contract to a conclusion.

The Alturas City Police Officers Association has gone to impasse. A state mediator has been assigned the case and we are awaiting a date to begin the mediation process.