Contra Costa County: Stop the 6% Pay Cut! Contra Costa County members will rally at the Board of Supervisors meeting demanding the Board stop the proposed action to force us to take a 6% pay cut. We are willing to share the pain, but 12 furlough days in less than 9 months is not fair. Join us in telling the Board they cannot let this happen!! Tuesday, August 10, 9:30 am @ Board Chambers, 651 Pine Martinez

Labor 2010 Campaign School for Union Members and Staff
Billionaire candidates and corporate special interests are getting ready to spend millions to advance their anti-union agenda this November. Will you be ready to fight for the future of working families? The Labor 2010 Campaign School for union members and staff will help you get ready by sharpening your practical, nuts-and-bolts organizing skills and teach you winning strategies for this year's state and local elections.
APPLY TODAY!

The two-day campaign school training includes sessions on volunteer recruitment and turnout, sticking to the message, worksite voter contact programs and voter contact basics. Plus, participants can further their knowledge by choosing two of the following sessions:

• Understanding and Using Polling Data
• Using Social Media to Boost Organizing
• Managing Volunteers
• Getting Out the Vote
• Winning this November and Beyond

Click here to download the registration form.

Click here to download the flyer.

South Bay Chapters Celebrate 3rd Annual Picnic
On July 15, Local 21 members from the City of San Jose's Association of Engineers and Architects and City Association of Management Personnel, Santa Clara County's Engineers and Architects Association, City of East Palo Alto, Santa Clara Valley Water District's Professional Managers Association and Engineers' Society, and Valley Transportation Authority Engineers and Architects gathered for their second annual South Bay Chapters BBQ and picnic lunch at Hellyer County Park in San Jose.
See Pictures

Delegate Assembly Report Back - June 5
Local 21's Delegate Assembly took place on Saturday, June 5 at the Hotel Whitcomb in San Francisco.

The Union's Research Department presented Delegates and other attendees with a detailed analysis of myths and realities about public employees and our benefits, and current trends in the media and political arenas surrounding public employees and benefits. Anjali Asrani, Research & Communications Specialist, and Joe Brenner, Director of Research, Policy, and Education, also focused on what strategies we can take to promote responsible solutions that safeguard our benefits, promote a positive role of public sector workers, and promote the principle of shared sacrifice. Special Guest Speaker Jeff Gillenkirk, CEO of Your Message Media and Local 21 media consultant during negotiations with the City and County of San Francisco, spoke to us about how we can talk to the public and influence the press one-sided story about who we are and the value of the work we do.

The Assembly also included discussions on the locals membership rates and a report on the local-wide bylaws ratification and campaign. The Delegates unanimously approved the budget for FY 2010-2011, along with proposals for several projects that will help strengthen us politically over the next year.

Local 21's next Delegate Assembly will take place on September 11 at the Downtown Oakland Marriott.

Click here for the presentation delivered to Delegates.

Retirement Security Talking Points
Throughout California, anti-public service groups are looking at legislation to undercut public employees retirement income. Local 21 has been working with a statewide coalition, Californians for Healthcare and Retirement Security (CHCRS), to oppose efforts that unfairly target retirees.

Read CHCRS's Retirement Security Talking Points
Initial Richman Initiative talking points Download PDF
Retirement Talking Points 11 19 Download PDF

Interested in learning more about Local 21's efforts to protect retirement security?
Email Local 21 Political Director, Rachel Richman rrichman@ifpte21.org.

Rights and Responsibilities of Members Filing Grievances
Many, if not most of our members, work everyday without incident or work place issues; however, a significant number of members experience problems that are serious and upsetting. It is unfortunate when problems occur, but you can be assured that IFPTE Local 21 will be there to help you if you experience problems.

Read more

Delegate Assembly Dates for 2010
Local 21's Delegate Assembly will meet three times in 2010.

Download schedule here

Coping With Stress Workshops:
Local 21 members are invited to free workshops on how to reduce your stress levels. The workshops, led by staff members of Work Life Support Services.

There is no need to RSVP your attendance. Work Life Support Services has been retained by Local 21 to provide confidential counseling services to our members and their families. For more information, contact the union office at 415-864-2100.

• Monday, August 9 from Noon to 1 pm at the Alameda County Law Library.
  Click here to view the flier.


• Wednesday, August 25 from Noon to 1 pm at the San Francisco PUC Conference Room. Food and beverages provided. Click here to view the flier.


• Wednesday, September 22 from Noon to 1 pm at the San Francisco PUC Conference Room. Food and beverages provided. Click here to view the flier.