eNewsletter - March 6, 2009
Local 21 Raises Concern about Delay in Recognition Process in Contra Costa County
Local 21 Launches Budget "Blog"
Local 21 Welcomes New Staff Representative
Employee Free Choice Act: Contact Senator Feinstein Today!
Save-The-Date! Employee Free Choice Act Rally - March 9, Noon
Save-The-Date! Labor Endorsed Anti-War March & Rally - March 21, 11am
Save-The-Date! Labor Endorsed Anti-War March & Rally - March 21, 11am
Local 21 Raises Concern about Delay in Recognition Process in Contra Costa County
On December 12, 2008 Local 21 filed a majority petition to represent over 950 unrepresented professional, technical, and mid-manager employees in Contra Costa County.
In the following months we have become increasingly concerned about the good faith of the County to move our petition for formal recognition. Although our membership and support has been steadily increasing, the County has failed to process our petition in a timely fashion as defined in their Employee Relations Ordinance. As we continue to meet with County officials in the hope that they will expedite this process, we are also taking steps to become more active in the County and with our future members.
Last week Local 21's Director of Education, Policy and Research, Joe Brenner, facilitated two general meetings in Martinez, which also featured Executive Director Bob Muscat and Senior Representative Bob Britton. The meetings were well attended and included an interactive discussion focusing on bargaining preparation and budget alternatives.
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Local 21 Launches Budget "Blog"
There is no way to avoid spillover from the global, national, and state economic turbulence, or its impact on our employment relationships with our employers. As the nation's economy continues to decline, our public agencies' budgets will continue to face greater difficulties. In the coming months and years, Local 21 anticipates this problem to worsen. However, we believe that information, thorough analysis, and transparent communication are critical in finding the best possible solution to the budget crisis.
In an effort to keep our San Francisco-based members up to date on the latest budget happenings, Local 21's SF Budget Page has been reorganized and re-launched. Please visit the page for regular updates, budget "blogs," news, documents from the City, and other communications.
In the future, Local 21 will also be posting information about the state budget, as well as information about the federal stimulus package for the Bay Area, as more information becomes available.
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Local 21 Welcomes New Staff Representative
Kyra Byrne, a graduate of Rutgers University, joined our staff as Local 21's newest Staff Representative/Organizer. With many years of experience in the labor movement, Kyra has expertise in bargaining, arbitrations, and campaign work in a variety of areas. She previously worked with IUOE's Healthcare District Council in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, as well as with the Laborers' Union in Providence, Rhode Island.
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Employee Free Choice Act: Contact Senator Feinstein Today!
The Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) is important legislation that would help protect the rights of America's workers to organize and form unions, and give more workers a way to form unions and negotiate for better wages, health care, and working conditions. Local 21 and many other unions have endorsed the Act.
Our California Senators will play an important role in passing the EFCA and rebuilding the middle class by restoring workers' freedom to form unions and bargain for a better life. Unfortunately, Senator Feinstein has been wavering on her position, and has indicated that she may no longer be supporting the EFCA and workers' rights. Take Action Today! Visit Local 21's webpage on the EFCA to email Senators Feinstein and Boxer and let them know you support the EFCA!
Write Senator Feinstein a personal letter letting her know that you support the Employee Free Choice Act and expect her to do the same! Handwritten letters can be mailed to:
Senator Dianne Feinstein
One Post Street, Suite 2450
San Francisco, CA 94104
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Save-The-Date! Employee Free Choice Act Rally - March 9, Noon
Join with workers, labor leaders, and community activists to celebrate the introduction of the most important legislation in decades to advance the status or working families... The Employee Free Choice Act! This event is jointly hosted by the San Francisco and Alameda County Central Labor Councils. When: Monday, March 9, 2009, Noon
Where: The Federal Building, 450 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco
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Save-The-Date! Labor Endorsed Anti-War March & Rally - March 21, 11am
Last month, the San Francisco and Alameda County Central Labor Councils both voted to endorse the Saturday, March 21 Mass March and Rally in San Francisco marking the sixth anniversary of the invasion and occupation of Iraq. The Bay Area U.S. Labor Against the War chapter is organizing a labor rally prior to the start of the demonstration at Justin Herman Plaza (Embarcadero) where the march will be gathering at 11am. For more information, visit the San Francisco Answer Coalition's website.
Save-The-Date! Retirement Issues Briefing with Clare Murphy - April 3, Noon
Are you concerned about what this economic crisis means for your retirement benefits, pension trust funding, and future retirement plans? If so, please join us for the third installment of Local 21's Speakers' series on the Economy. The third event in the series will be a retirement issues briefing with Clare M. Murphy, Executive Director of the San Francisco Employees' Retirement System. Ms. Murphy will be speaking on the impact of economic developments on retirement issues in general and the SFERS in particular.
When: Friday, April 3, 2009, Noon
Where: Local 21's Main Office, 1182 Market Street, Room 425, San Francisco
Space is limited. Please RSVP to 415.864-2100 or union21@ifpte21.org. Lunch will be limited to the number of RSVPs.
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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
