UPEC Meets with Shasta County on Shortfall (UPDATED 10-15-09 @ 3:45pm)

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

REDDING - UPEC Staff Representatives Steve Allen, Cinamon Pitts and Business Manager Chris Darker meet with Shasta County Officials this afternoon to hear how they would like their employees to pay for County Government. The County had reported that every employee needed to give back 5% of their income to help make the County budget work. After a lengthy discussion it looks like the County would like UPEC represented employees to give back more like 12% in pay and benefits. UPEC’s contract is closed until April 2010 but representatives wanted to meet with County officials to hear what they had to say. “I don’t think it comes a a surprise but 12% from the lowest paid employees is a lot to ask, in fact too much,” said UPEC Business Manager Chris Darker.  The County has eliminated some 250 positions over the past eighteen months leaving employees with more work and mounting stress. “I think the County is going to need to cut services and perhaps even close a few days a month. Asking those who are left to do more work with less people and for less money and in a shorter time period is nuts!” said Darker. The County suggested the employees eliminate a 3% increase scheduled for the end of this month, start paying 4% toward their CalPERS retirement plan, pick up more of their medical premium and furlough 1 day a month at a loss of 4.62% of salary. County employees over the years gave up salary increases to have their PERS retirement paid by the County. This has been a good deal for both the County and the Employees. Likewise, City of Redding employees have had their PERS retirement paid. The union will meet with the members next week to review the proposals from the county and discuss what they might be willing to do to help with the county budget situation. MEMBER MEETING’s ON MONDAY, OCT 19th and TUESDAY, OCT 20th FROM 5:15 - 7:30 PM AT THE SHASTA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CHAMBERS BOTH NIGHTS. MEMBER MEETING THE BURNEY AREA ON MONDAY, OCT 19th FROM 12:00 - 1:00 PM AT THE BURNEY ROUND TABLE.