Shasta County General Unit Meeting

Thursday, September 01, 2011

Approximately twenty-three (23) members attended the August 30, 2011 general membership meeting. Senior Labor Representative Steve Allen was present to answer questions from the members in regards to the upcoming negotiation’s. 

One member brought up that the PPOA had recently settled their contract. The members said that the PPOA retiree administrative fee would be $26.40(per pay period) immediately and then reduced to $13.20 in 2012. Their members would also pay the entire 9% of the employee contribution to the PERS retirement account in 2012. They have also agreed to pay 7.5% of the PERS Choice Health insurance premium. By 2013 they will not be paying any retiree administrative fees and they will pay 15% of their health insurance. They have also agreed to go to a retirement salary based on the highest three years of service from the current highest year. The County has also added the language that they can continue to explore new providers for medical and dental insurance.

Any change with the current PERS health insurance can be done by individual bargaining units. We are currently in the “Other Northern California” group with twenty-three (23) other counties.

There was discussion on conducting a survey of comparable agencies.

There was also discussion on various ways to counter the negative media that public employees throughout our nation have been receiving.

It was decided that we would invite County Administrative Officer Larry Lees to our next meeting to give the members a report on the financial health of the County.

There was discussion on using the members accumulated funds to hire an audit firm to verify and do a quality control check on the County’s fiscal situation.

There was discussion on using the employees funds to purchase media spots for “pushback” advertisement to counter the negative ads that have recently come forward.

The tentative date for our next meeting is October 18, 2011 starting at 5:30 PM at 1800 Park Marina Drive. Mr. Lees has been invited, however, he is out of his office until September 7, 2011 and we will not get answer back until that time. Business Manager Chris Darker and Union Relations Representative Christine Perry have also been invited to this meeting.

We will continue to mail the postcard meeting notice to your residence as well as sending two e-mails to your work-site. Remember only “Union Members” can attend these meetings. If you are not sure if you are a Union member please call Patti Wyatt at 245 1890 ext. 100 and she will let you know.

If you have any questions or want an item placed on an upcoming agenda please contact Labor Representative, Mike Lyon, at 245 1890 ext. 107.