NLRB Hearing Set for Shasta Regional Medical Center

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

REDDING - After two months of investigation and interviews by the National Labor Relations Board officials, a hearing date has been set for February 18, 2008 in Redding. UPEC staff have aggresively pursued recognition from Prime Healthcare Services, Inc. and filed charges against them for violating the the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). On the eve of the “Halloween Nightmare”, UPEC filed charges with the NLRB against Prime and Shasta Regionl Medical Center for making unilateral changes without bargaining. This was followed by additional charges by UPEC and the Service Employees Internatinal Union (SEIU). “These are your typical Corporate Bullies who do what they want just to delay the bargaining process. These millionaires know they are violating Federal Law and only care about their bottom line”, said Darker. Darker contends this is a tactic right out of the “Union Busters Textbook”. The Union met with Primes Attorney on November 2, 2008 and tried to convince them to recognize the Union and made offers to try and settle the dispute. Additionally, UPEC continued to make offers to negotiate a settlement over a period of weeks and the Corporation has not invited UPEC back since November 2nd. “We work with employers all over the state and none of them treat their employees and their Union in this manner”, said Darker.
UPEC went through this before with Tenet Healthcare Systems between 2000-2003 where the Corporation kept the Union in litigation by appealing decisions and not settling. While the Union lost nearly $300,000.00 in revenue plus legal fees, UPEC ultimately prevailed and continued their representation of SRMC employees until October 31, 2008.
“I think it’s obvious that our members at SRMC needed our representation then and they certainly need us now. We could walk away from this mess but I can’t let good people; people who we have known for more than 10 years and are our friends and neighbors work for these Corporate bullies without our help”, stated Darker.

Shasta DSA Supports UPEC on Court Street Safety

REDDING - Shasta Deputy Sheriff’s Association President Jon Ruiz reported that his Association voted to support UPEC in our stand for better safety for employees and the public who cross Court Street.  On December 15, 2008, Business Manager Chris Darker spoke to the Shasta County Board of Supervisors about the danger to County employees and the general public crossing Court Street. “I am convinced more than ever that somethig needs to be done”, said Darker. On the evening before Darker appeared before the Board, a five year old boy crossing Court Street with other adults was hit by a car. Just a week prior, two Shasta County employees were hit at Court and Tehama Streets resulting in fatal injuries to one and critical injuries to the other. While Darker was speaking to the Board, Redding Police Traffic Units were busy writing tickets on Court Street in front of the Court House resulting in nearly 40 tickets ibeing issued in a matter of a few hours over two days.
“We have brought this issue to County Administrative staff before and because the cost ($80,000.00) nothing was done”, said Darker. Darker asked the Board to direct County Administration to work with the City of Redding to improve crossing conditions and called for a lighted crosswalk and overhead amber lights. The City is still looking into the problem but sounds reluctant to spend the money.
Business Manager Darker is asking for interested and affected employees to attend a short meeting at the UPEC Union Hall on Monday, January 12th at 5:30pm to discuss the issue and organize support for better safety on Court Street.

Shasta County General Unit Negotiation Fund

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

The SCGU voted on October 29, 2008 to continue having a $10.00 fee taken out of the paycheck where members receive three paychecks in a month. This fee is to be put into a negotiations fund to be used only for SCGU. The fee passed with a vote of 17 to 15. If a member has a concern or further questions that they would like to discuss the issue may be addressed at the next SCGU meeting on Monday, January 12, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. at the Union office. 

Shelby Lyn Allen Event set for Saturday

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

REDDING - Steve and Debbie Allen announced this morning that the event to celebrate the life of Shelby Lyn Allen will be held this Saturday, December 27, 2008 at 12:00 noon. They have chosen University Preparatory School (UPREP) auditorium as the location for this event. The auditorim is located at 2700 Eureka Way in Redding. The auditorium is a special place as Shelby had performed on the stage at that location several times and was actively working on a theatrical career. This will be a time to celebrate Shelby’s life and her accomplishments. Flowers may be sent to he auditorium Friday between 10:00 am and 2:00pm or Saturday between 9:00am and 11:00am. Donations for the Shelby Lyn Allen Memorial Fund will also be accepted on Saturday. Anyone who would like to attend this event is encouraged and welcome.

Redding FireFighters Establish Fund

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

REDDING - Redding Professional Firefighters Local 1934 (RFFA) has established an account at Entree Express in Redding. “We don’t want the Allen family to have to worry about cooking every night”, said Lonnie Schrieber, President for Local 1934. Entree Express takes food orders over the phone for local restaurants and delivers it to the home. Those who would like to donate can call Entree Express at 530-224-9791 and donate using their credit card. The account for the Allens is “P24” . “We are all so busy with the holiday’s that this is a real easy way to help them (Allen’s) out in a big way through the holidays and this tragedy”, said Business Manager Chris Darker. RFFA and UPEC work together on issues that affect our employees and the community. 

UPEC Establishes Memorial Fund

REDDING - UPEC has established the “Shelby Lyn Allen Memorial Fund” at the Redding Bank of Commerce. The fund is a non profit fund established for providing education to parents and children about alcohol poisoning and how to help victims. “Society has done a good job of educating the public of drunk driving, alcohol and drugs. We think teens and their parents need to be taught about alcohol poisoning, the symptoms, and what to do when you have a victim of poisoning”, said Business Manager Chris Darker. UPEC will meet with local educators and organizations after the first of the year. Donations can be sent to Redding Bank of Commerce at 1177 Placer Street Redding, CA 96001.