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.