eNewsletter - December 5, 2008
San Francisco Prepares for Layoffs
The City and County of San Francisco is facing a major FY 08-09 budget shortfall, currently estimated near $100 million, and is preparing for layoffs to help close the mid-year gap. Since 2000, the City has experienced two years where they reduced the workforce by approximately 1,500 positions city-wide. In 2003, we negotiated the creation of an Internal Placement Committee to meet with the City and discuss the impact these layoffs would have on both the laid-off employees and on the remaining employees who would pick-up additional work.
This year, layoff notices are expected to go out directly from the City to impacted employees beginning December 5, with layoffs effective on Friday, February 6. The union never receives a layoff list, but is informed shortly after impacted employees are notified.
Local 21 is holding two meetings for its San Francisco members impacted by layoffs. The meetings will take place at the union office on Friday, December 12 and 19 at 12:00 noon, and will address layoff procedure, employee rights, calculating seniority, and the role of the unions Internal Placement Committee in mitigating the impact of layoffs and ensuring that the City meets all rules and obligations. These meetings are reserved for employees who receive layoff notices.
For more information, including detailed information on layoff procedure, the difference between involuntary layoffs and involuntary leave, and reinstatement rights, visit our CCSF chapters layoff webpage. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.
AEA Retiree Medical Bargaining Update
Local 21's Association of Engineers and Architects (AEA) at the City of San Jose have been actively participating in a coalition of City unions who are bargaining over proposed changes to retiree heath care benefits. The coalition includes every City union (with the exceptions of Operating Engineers 3, Police, and Fire). AEA's past President, Matt Loesch, was appointed by bargaining unit representatives to be the Chair of this Coalition. Local 21's other negotiators include John Mukhar, AEA chapter President, Nancy Ostrowski, Local 21 Senior Representative, and Alternate, Mary Follenweider. Since August 6, 2008, the meetings have been focused on addressing the rising cost of health care for current and future retirees. The City's opening proposal included:
- An increase in employee contribution, in conjunction with an increase in the City contribution for retirement benefits. (This would result in greater payroll deductions for all employees).
- A two-tier system for new employees hired after July 2009, providing substantially inferior benefits at retirement compared to current employees.
December 9 Action to Protest Shutdowns and Cuts to Oakland City Services
Local 21 members in the City of Oakland have been battling massive budget cuts, layoffs, shutdowns, and regressive bargaining tactics on the part of the City.
On Tuesday, December 9 at 12:00 noon at Oakland City Hall Plaza, Local 21 will be hosting a high-profile action to make the public aware of the choices the City of Oakland has made in recent months. The Mayor, Council, and City Administration have responded to the current economic crisis with major cuts to City services in the form of layoffs and "mandatory business shutdowns." All of this is occurring at a time when Oakland residents need those services the most. Furthermore, Oakland residents pay full-time taxes and deserve full-time services. As one lone Councilmember noted, "we didn't have to do this, we chose to do this. We could have made other choices."
Please JOIN US and help show the Council that we are determined to fight these cuts! Oakland deserves better leadership and a budget that preserves City services. On Tuesday, Oakland employees will stand together for a full service budget and a fair contract.
Download a flyer for the event and help spread the word! For more information on the event and other news, visit our Oakland chapters webpage.
South Bay Members to Host 3rd Annual Holiday Party
Local 21 members from the City of San Jose's Association of Engineers and Architects, Santa Clara County's Engineers and Architects Association, the City of East Palo Alto, and Valley Transportation Authority Engineers and Architects will be hosting their 3rd annual holiday party on Friday, December 12 at Mayuri Indian Cuisine in Santa Clara. The evening of dinner and dancing will begin at 5pm, and continue through the evening.
The event is free to all South Bay Local 21 members, $10 for members' guests between the ages of 5 and 10, and $20 for members' guests who are 11 years old and older. Please RSVP via email or by calling the South Bay office at 408.291.2200.
Union Benefit: Union Plus Scholarships for Students, $500-$4,000
Local 21 Members are eligible for a variety of benefits under Union Privilege and Union Plus, a program developed by the AFL-CIO to provide quality products, discounts, and services to union members and their families. Union Plus offers range from legal services and insurance discounts to discounts on health, travel, and recreation.
Since 1992, the Union Plus Scholarship Program has awarded more than $2.5 million to students of working families who want to begin or continue their post-secondary education. Last year, 108 students received scholarships, including two children of Local 21 members in the San Leandro City Employees Association and San Francisco IT Professionals chapters.
The Union Plus scholarship program is preparing to accept scholarship applications for 2009. Children, step children, spouses, and dependents of Local 21 members are eligible to apply. The scholarship program is open to students attending or planning to attend a college or university, a community college, or a technical college or trade school. Applicants for scholarships are evaluated according to academic ability, social awareness, financial need, and appreciation of labor. Visit the Union Plus website for more information and application details. All applications must be postmarked by January 31, 2009.
Save-The-Date! Delegate Assembly is January 31
The next Delegate Assembly will be on January 31 at the Hotel Whitcomb in San Francisco. Registration and breakfast begin at 8:30 am, and the Assembly starts at 9 am. All delegates and any members interested in attending should R.S.V.P. to Mandy Bratt. More information about the Assembly agenda will be shared as it becomes available.
L21 Express is the weekly email publication of IFPTE Local 21. Local 21 represents more than 7,000 Bay Area professional public employees. Main Office Phone: 415.864.2100 South Bay Phone: 408.291.2200
