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Join Local 21

Contra Costa County Chapter

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March CHAPTER MEETING CHAPTER MEETING
Wednesday, March 24
5:30p.m. - 7:00p.m.
1333 Pine St Martinez
Food provided

PDF File March CHAPTER MEETING Download PDF
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State Issues Unfair Labor Practice Charge
Against Contra Costa County
Surprisingly, and in what is a very good sign, the California Public Employment Relations Board, PERB, acted fairly quickly on our Unfair Practice Charge that we filed against Contra Costa County at the end of last year.

Click here to read more and see the response from PERB
Menu down graphic We have received word from PERB that their General Counsel has issued a Complaint on our charge that the County illegally discriminated against our unit members when, one month after we were granted union recognition, they gave a better healthcare package to the remaining unrepresented employees, but claimed that they could not and would not do likewise for those that chose to unionize with Local 21. To do so is illegal discrimination under the law because it rewards employees who did not unionize while punishing those who did. We contend that even if their post-dated action to reduce healthcare benefits is legal, they must unconditionally offer us the same healthcare benefits they gave to unrepresented employees just after we were granted collective bargaining rights.

This does not mean that we have prevailed on our charge, only that PERB found a prime facie case. This means that the basis for our charge is legitimate under the law, i.e. they understand and recognize the basis for our charge, and that if we can prove it, the County has committed an unfair labor practice. An informal settlement conference has already been scheduled for March 16.

PDF File Click here to download the response from PERB. graphic

Professional Rights Training I Professional Rights Training I
A Practical Guide to Successful Worksite Representation

An introductory training for new and functioning Stewards who have never received steward training or are seeking a refresher course.

Tuesday March 16 5:30-8:30
1333 Pine Street
Conference Room "H"
(dinner will be provided)

PDF File Professional Rights Training I, Download PDF

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IFPTE Local 21 has two seats on the Contra Costa County Central Labor Council that need to be filled. As Local 21's representative on the Central Labor Council(CLC) you would be required to attend the monthly CLC meetings. If you are interested being one of Local 21's CLC representatives please contact Alex Tonisson at: atonisson@ifpte21.org or (415) 864-2100 X137

PDF File...more information Local 21's 2 seats on the CLC

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PDF File Join the Contract Action Team(CAT)!
The Contract Action Team is the life force of our Contra Costa County Contract Campaign. Members of the CAT are the vital link between the Local 21 Negotiating Team and the Membership. Members of the CAT are the first to get the most up to date news about negotiations. As a member of the Contract Action Team (CAT) you would share information about bargaining withyour coworkers and get their reactions and feedback so the Negotiating Team knows what the membership thinks about negotiations.

The next CAT meeting is:
Wednesday Feb 3rd
5:30pm 1333 Pine St.

Dinner will be provided
Please RSVP to:
Alex Tonisson L21 Representative/Organizer
Phone: (415) 864-2100 x 137
Email: atonisson@ifpte21.org

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Legal Opinion States Healthcare Cuts Illegal
Not only has the county failed to treat us with the respect professionals deserve - implementing cuts before we've even attempted to negotiate an agreement - but Local 21 legal counsel believes that the cuts may, in fact, be illegal.

Local 21 asked our legal counsel to examine the issue of the healthcare cuts and they have issued an opinion to us stating that County Resolution 26, defining health benefit levels of unrepresented employees cannot now be applied to Local 21 represented employees. They call the County's interpretation "an actionable unfair labor practice." We presented this letter to the County in our last negotiation session. His letter can be found here... PDF File Download PDF

New Dates to Speak Out Against Cuts
As you now know, the Board of Supervisors cancelled their last meeting on November 17th. The clock is ticking and time is running out before the cost of healthcare for you and hundreds of your co-workers could increase by $100 to $300 per month. It is now more important than ever for you to speak out against these unjust and illegal cuts.

We are asking you to join us in asking the Board to stop the proposed cuts to our health care at the upcoming Board of Supervisors meetings.

On December 1st, Bob Britton, Local 21 Director of Field Services, will be speaking to the Board to publically present our legal counsel's opinion on the cuts. A show of member support would be valuable.

On December 8th we will be rallying at the Board meeting to stop the cuts and it is imperative that we fill the Board room with members standing against this illegal action. This will be your last chance to publically tell the Board to stop the healthcare cuts before they are implemented on Jan 1, 2010.

For more information on the December 1st and December 8th board meetings contact Alex Tonisson Local 21 Representative/Organizer at: ccc@ifpte21.org or (415) 864-2100.

December 1st and December 8th board meetings PDF File STOP THE HEALTHCARE CUTS!
Please join us for 2 special meetings at 651 Pine St in Martinez
Dec 1, 9:30 a.m.
Dec 8, 9:30 a.m.

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Stop the Healthcare Cuts!
Below is a spreadsheet outlining what the increases to your healthcare premiums will be in January if the Board of Supervisors doesn't intervene and allow us enough time to negotiate!

PDF File Health Insurance Increases -spread sheet

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Chapter Election Results Chapter Election Results
Ballots for chapter officer and negotiations committee were counted on Friday, October 16 by Election Committee members Susan Cohen, Pat Corum, Tom Dalziel, Al Flanagan, John Hurlbut, and Susan Nairn.

PDF File Download election results
PDF File Download Negotiations Team Tally Results

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Local 21 Images In February 2008 a small group of unrepresented Contra Costa employees came to Local 21 with a desire to organize a union. A little over a year later we are well on our way.
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Chapter Bylaws
Members voted to approve chapter bylaws via a mail ballot election. Ballots were counted on September 9, 2009, by Election Committee members Susan Cohen, Pat Corum and John Hurlbut.

PDF File Bylaws election results (download ballot tally form)
PDF File Contra Costa County Chapter Bylaws (download)

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Our Position on Furloughs PDF File Our Position on Furloughs
This letter to County HR Director Ted Cwiek was sent to assert our position on the matter of furloughs. Because these furlough days were not bargained with Local 21, those represented by the Union will not be financially impacted, although others in the County will. This was further clarified at the negotiation session on Monday, August 24th, in which the parties agreed that Local 21 employees should report to work and would not see an change in their paychecks.

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Why we Joined PDF File Why we joined Local 21
"It was important for me to get involved in the union fi ght for representation. For far too long, managers, supervisors, and other professionals have not had a voice in determining our future. Local 21 has given us the opportunity...

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Our Position on Furloughs PDF File Update 8-14-09

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Formal recognition announcement
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We are happy to announce that after over a year of organizing, Local 21 was formally recognized as the representative union for over 800 mid-managers and professionals by the County of Contra Costa at the June 23rd Board of Supervisors meeting. Over fifty members and supporters attended this meeting, wearing navy blue in a show of solidarity. The following evening members came out to celebrate at our first meeting as a recognized union. The next steps in Contra Costa will be voting on Chapter By-Laws and implementation of the bargaining survey, both of which were constructed by members of the Organizing Committee. If you would like to get more involved please contact Kyra Byrne (kbyrne@ifpte21.org) or Angela Long (along@ifpte21.org).

formal recognition announcement PDF File Bob Muscat's Formal recognition announcement

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May 8th Local 21 and County reach agreement on unit determination, formal recognition is next PDF File May 8th, Local 21 and County reach agreement on unit determination, formal recognition is next.
view 2 units:
PDF File Supervisory
PDF File Non supervisory
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Member Activity
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Organizing Committee Meeting
    The organizing committee continues to meet on a bi weekly basis. Currently, the main focus of the meetings has been the steps toward formal recognition and what comes after we are recognized. The committee has also been putting additional focus on membership and strategy meetings. Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27.
    Upcoming
    Our organizing committee meets most Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. at 255 Glacier Drive in Martinez. If you would like to learn more about the organizing committee you can send us an email at ccc@ifpte21.org or call Kyra or Angela at 415.864.2100.

Bylaw Committee Meeting
    Update
    The bylaw committee has completed their final draft of bylaws. The draft went to the organizing committee for review this week. After being approved by Local 21Ős executive committee, the bylaws will go out to the membership to be reviewed and voted on. We are hoping this will happen within the next few weeks.

Bargaining Survey Committee
    Update
    The bargaining survey committee has completed the survey that we will be using to gauge the priorities of the members in preparation for bargaining. The committee is now finalizing the formatting and should have the survey ready for distribution shortly.

General Meeting
    Update
    We have decided to postpone our May general meeting until June. The June general meeting will hopefully be a celebration of our formal recognition and a discussion focusing on the next steps.

    For material from past general meetings look in our flyer archive.

    Upcoming
    We will post the date for the June general meeting as soon as it is decided.
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Board of Supervisor Updates
Menu down graphic PDF File BOS 11.10.2009 Agenda graphic rule PDF File BOS 11.3.2009 Agenda graphic rule PDF File BOS 10.27.2009 Agenda graphic rule PDF File BOS 10.20.2009 Agenda graphic rule PDF File BOS 10.13.2009 Agenda graphic rule PDF File BOS 10.6.2009 Agenda graphic rule PDF File BOS 9.22.2009 Agenda graphic rule PDF File BOS 9.15.2009 Agenda graphic rule PDF File BOS 8.25.2009 Agenda graphic rule PDF File BOS 8.11.2009 Agenda graphic rule PDF File BOS 8.4.2009 Agenda graphic rule PDF File BOS 7.21.2009 Agenda graphic rule PDF File BOS 7.7.2009 Agenda graphic rule PDF File BOS 5.4.2009 Agenda graphic rule PDF File BOS 4.28.2009 Agenda (Special)
PDF File BOS 4.28.2009 Agenda graphic rule PDF File BOS 4.21.2009 Agenda graphic rule PDF File BOS 4.7.2009 Abolishing Positions
PDF File BOS 4.7.2009 Positions to be Abolished graphic rule PDF File 3.17.2009 BOS D-1 FY 2009-10 Recomended Budget Memo
PDF File 3.17.2009 BOS D-1 FY 2009-10 Recomended Budget
PDF File 3.17.2009 BOS D-2 Beilenson Notice Memo
PDF File 3.17.2009 BOS D-2 Beilenson Notice
graphic rule PDF File Feb 24 FY 2008-09 MID-YEAR BUDGET STATUS REPORT AND DEPARTMENT HEAD SUMMIT REPORT
IFPTE Senior Representative Bob Britton spoke during the public comment portion of this meeting. graphic rule PDF File BOS D-2 March 3 County Budget and Core Service Policy graphic
Flier Archive
Menu down graphic PDF File CHAPTER MEETING, February 2010 graphic rule PDF File LOCAL 21 MEMBER MEETING, January 27, 2010 graphic rule PDF File Contra Costa County Employees' Retirement Meeting graphic rule PDF File Contra Costa County Local 21 Member Meeting, December 15, 2009 graphic rule PDF File General Meeting-Candidate Night, Wednesday, Sept. 23 graphic rule PDF File Local 21 Members Demand Recognition at the March 31st Board of Supervisors meeting graphic rule PDF File Board of Supervisors Meeting, June 23, 2009 graphic rule PDF File Local 21 General Meeting, August 26, 2009 graphic rule PDF File Contract Negotiations Workshop - August 13 graphic rule PDF File General Meeting, Wednesday July 29, 5:30pm graphic rule open PDF file General Meeting April 29th Wednesday, Noon or 5:30 pm graphic rule PDF File Preparing for The Bargaining Table Protocol Policy Politics
PDF File PDF File Find a recap of the meeting and the list of Bargaining graphic rule PDF File Local 21- part of the solution... graphic rule PDF File Local 21 is your only protection from unfair
space increases in health benefit premiums graphic rule PDF File January General Membership Meeting graphic rule PDF File Brown Bag Lunch November 20, 2008 graphic rule PDF File Info Meetings July, 2008 graphic rule PDF File Info Meeting July 23, 2008 graphic rule PDF File Organizing Meeting June 25, 2008 graphic rule PDF File Medical Center Meeting June 17, 2008 graphic rule graphic
Correspondence Archive
Menu down graphic PDF File Senator Mark Desaulnier urges Contra Costa Board of Supervisors to expedite Local 21's petition graphic rule Local 21 demands to meet with the County: graphic rule PDF File 1/13/09 Local 21 Extends Membership Invitation graphic rule PDF File 12/19/08 Local 21 has filed a petition for recognition graphic rule PDF File County Administrator Takes Aim at Unrepresented Employees graphic
Picture Archive
Menu down graphic September 2008 Contra Costa Organizing Committee meeting graphic
Freqently Asked Questions
Menu down graphic NEW Frequently Asked Questions
More answers to what you want to know... graphic rule Frequently Asked Questions
of Contra Costa County Unrepresented Employees. graphic
Our Union Mission, Methods and Key Priorities
Menu down graphic On December 3, 2008, over 70 Local 21 supporters from all corners of Contra Costa County joined together to start laying plans for building a democratic intelligently run union in Contra Costa County. Rather than wait until formal recognition is finalized, activists are starting now to discuss our mission, methods and priorities. This list will be discussed further and the cornerstone of our plan going forward. The next step will be development of our Local 21 Contra Costa Chapter Bylaws. graphic rule PDF File Read more graphic

On March 24 Local 21 staff and organizing committee members met with County officials to discuss the proposed budget. Local 21's Research Director, Joe Brenner has been working with a financial specialist to identify key issues and potential solutions. Below is the letter that was sent to the Board of Supervisors containing Local 21's findings and recommendations.
PDF File Read more

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On March 20 Local 21 received the County's response from Human Resources Director, Ted Cwiek to the proposed bargaining unit. His response summarily, arbitrarily and illegally attempts to deny the right to organize collectively to occupants of 66 different County classifications held by approximately 269 employees for whom we have petitioned and for which we have proof of a substantial majority declaring in writing their choice for union representation.

PDF File Read the Letter to the County
PDF File from Senior Representative Bob Britton
PDF File View County's Response to our Petition

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Calendar of Eventsspacergraphic

Unfair Practice Charge Against Contra County Over Healthcare Benefit Cuts

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Articles for
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Local 21 member' letter to the editor published in Contra Costa Times Your Turn: Most Contra Costa County employees not getting rich text spacer Contra Costa County Employees Brace for Rise in Health Premiums text spacer Panel finds middle ground in Chevron property text spacer Contra Costa property values down 7 percent text spacer Nurses contract angers other public employee unions text spacer

More Articles
contents below graphic text spacer Contra Costa County planning more layoffs text spacer Contra Costa County, facing $50 million in added cuts, will see more layoffs soon text spacer Contra Costa closer to hurdling costly employee cutbacks text spacer Editorial: All public agencies should look at Contra Costa County's deal text spacer Contra Costa unions agree to major contract concessions text spacer County employees, supervisors spend $750,000 on taxpayer funded perks text spacer Daniel Borenstein: Public employee pension data must be open text spacer Effort to release public pension details in court text spacer Contra Costa braces for deeper budget cuts in core programs text spacer Letters to the Editor text spacer Daniel Borenstein: Firefighters rack up the overtime pay text spacer Daniel Borenstein: County's deal with firefighters was not a free lunch text spacer Local 21 member Francie Wise in the CCC Times text spacer Political bluff worked in Contra Costa text spacer Showdown today for Contra Costa D.A., board text spacer Prosecutors, deputies call on Contra Costa supervisors to restore funding text spacer Editorial: Contra Costa County cuts are inevitable text spacer Contra Costa draws on reserve money to support health clinics text spacer Unfair labor charge exposes rift between county, nonunion employees text spacer Contra Costa supervisors approve further budget cuts text spacer Contra Costa OKs laying off deputies, prosecutors to meet budget text spacer Social services to shoulder cuts in Contra Costa carving out a budget text spacer Contra Costa considers cutting almost 200 more positions text spacer County proposes to cut health care for illegal immigrants and jail inmates text spacer Vorderbrueggen: Labor-friendly deals could surge text spacer Contra Costa district attorney warns about effects of budget cuts text spacer Read more articles...

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