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Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is "likely to veto" a furlough exemption bill that sailed through the Assembly and Senate this afternoon.
Read the full story here!
Backers of a proposed ballot measure seeking to scale back government worker pensions have suspended their efforts to qualify for California's November ballot.
Read the full story here!
AFSCME 2620 is working with a coalition of state employee unions to pass emergency legislation designed to prevent dramatic wage cuts
during state budget impasses.
Some Good News
Processing of refund checks has begun for any extra amount of member dues that were paid because of the furloughs. We ask for your
patience in getting the checks to you since each member's refund amount has to be calculated separately. We will send the checks out as
soon as possible. We've been told that other Unions are not giving refunds so we are happy that our Local's Executive Board is supporting
these refunds.
Lobbyist Update - Rose & Kindel
AFSCME 2620 will be engaged in holding our annual Lobby Days in
Sacramento on March 9th and 10th. As usual, the Executive Committee has
engaged the services of our private lobbyist, Carl London (Rose and
Kindel) to direct the event. All interested members are encouraged to
contact the LA Office to make arrangements to attend. Our Union and
our members are experiencing and will continue to be subjected to the
most serious attack in history on our wages and benefits. We therefore
are calling upon our members to come to Sacramento to participate in
training and to become experienced in lobbying the Legislature. We
really need members to stand up and be heard, and to continue to do so
at their local Legislators' offices upon returning home.
From some correspondence we have received, clarification appears to
be needed regarding the continuation of our contract with Rose and
Kindel. The Local had a one-year contract which expired at the end of
December 2009, and another contract with our Public Relations expert
that had been allowed to expire a month or two before the new Board
took office. Anticipating an obvious need for a continuation of both
contracts, three of the Executive Committee members met with these
parties in Sacramento prior to the January 16th Executive Board
Meeting. During the meeting, Rose and Kindel presented several plans
and strategies regarding the new monumental challenges facing us as a
union. As a result, three separate contracts with varying services and
prices were subsequently presented to us from which to chose. These
were handed out at the January 16th Board Meeting. Due to a fully-
packed schedule at the EB Meeting, no decision was able to be made as
to which contract to choose. At the same EB Meeting, the Annual Budget
was approved (with suggestions for several amendments). Included in
this approval was substantial funding for Rose and Kindel. Since the
meeting, the Executive Committee, per the Local Constitution's
description of duties of the Executive Committee, has continued to
fund the services of Rose and Kindel until the next Executive Board
Meeting in March. At that time, the full Board will be called upon to
select a contract that is considered to be most appropriate one in
meeting the needs of the members.
Some More Good News
Last week there was a breakthrough of sorts during a Coalition meeting on Thursday with Pro Tem Steinberg and Speaker Bass – they agreed
to allow continuous appropriation legislation to go forward as soon as possible. This bill will not allow the Administration to cut our
salaries to minimum wage if there is no budget agreement by July 1. Focus will be placed on winning Republican support.
In Solidarity,
Steve Shanahan, President
Dear Members:
Below, please see the notice regarding the Public Hearing Notice on Recommendation to Close Lanterman Developmental Center. According to my sources, the process of closure is likely to take a least a year. Since the stakeholders (particularly the parents of the consumers) will be not be taking the closing lightly, their opposition will likely cause delays and extend the process well beyond twelve months.
Members of our Executive Committee are in touch with the Facility Chief at Lanterman Skip Mathies, as well as IPC Chair Mary Sorial, both to offer assistance and to further assess how we can address the needs of our members at Lanterman. Additionally, your Business Agents and I are keeping close watch on this situation and will advise you as new changes occur. Last night, there was an information conference call with the members to help answer their concerns which went well. There will be another meeting which I, Pam Manwiller and Bob Battle will attend with the members on March 8th. As well, we will be involved with the Stakeholders meeting which may occur in the beginning of April. We thank Bob and Pam for their expertise on facility closures. We know this is a very difficult time for our members who are working at Lanterman. Please be assured that we will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition for our members.
In Solidarity,
Steve Shanahan, President
Negotiations Team to Hold First Meeting
In response to the Department of Personnel's request for our Local to return to Negotiations, the Negotiations Team, made up of the
Occupational Chairs, the President and two Vice-Presidents will hold their first meeting on Friday, February 26th. Many of the Executive
Board members have been soliciting feedback about what members would like to see negotiated and the members have been making valuable
suggestions. Director of State Operations Pam Manwiller, well experienced in Negotiations, will provide her expert leadership and
guidance as part of the Negotiations Team. The Governor has proposed a 5 percent pay cut and a 5 percent increase in our contributions to
our Pensions along with the possibility of layoffs.
AB 1125 Replaced by AB 1699
Assembly Bill 1699 (Hernandez) replaced AB 1125 (which was vetoed) to force the State to pay us even if there is no budget as of July 1,
2010. If you are a non-exempt employee, the State may reduce your salary to minimum wage and for exempt employees, no pay at all if there
is no budget agreement. We need all members to to take action to make sure AB 1699 passes this go round. We are working with a coalition
of Unions to support this bill.
There are two basic actions that all members must do:
1) E-mail or write regarding support for AB 1699.
2) Visit or call your local Legislators to tell them to support AB 1699.
E-mail the following individuals with a message similar to what is written below and if you can, edit it to reflect who you are.
Keep it simple.
1) http://legplcms01.lc.ca.gov/PublicLCMS/ContactPopup.aspx?dis
trict=SD06 or google Search Darryl Steinberg and hit the “contact” button
2) E-mail Karen Bass at speaker.bass@assembly.ca.gov (John Perez will take her place
on March 1st so you could also google search him and contact him as well).
3) E-mail your Local legislators both Senate and Assembly member. To look them up go to http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html
4) E-mail Assembly man Ed Hernandez who sponsored AB 1699 to let him know you support the bill. Google search “Contact Ed Hernandez”
to e-mail him.
Suggested e-mail statement:
Dear Assembly Member ____ or Senator____ or Speaker Bass or Perez:
State workers are being used as political scapegoats for the disastrous State Budget that impacts real peoples’ live in tragic ways. We
are calling on you to deliver meaningful support for State Workers, most of whom work at low wages to assist the disadvantaged of the
State, and provide essential safety and social services. If you are serious about fighting for social injustice, then you need to fight
to change the priorities in Sacramento against attacking State workers and social services. There are many other ways to save and raise
money by eliminating waste and forcing big business to pay their fair share.
We ask that you support the passage of AB 1699 which allows State Workers, many of whom are surviving paycheck to paycheck, to receive
their full pay regardless of whether the State Budget is passed by July 1, 2010.
We are counting on your support for AB 1699 from you and your colleagues.
Sincerely,
XXX, Member, Voter, AFSCME Local 2620
Update on Lanterman Proposed Closure
On February 2nd, the office of AFSCME International Assistant Director, Political Action Department, held an action meeting to discuss the
proposed closure of Lanterman Developmental Center. Among others present were representatives from AFSCME 2620 and UAPD. Approximately
102 members of 2620 will be affected by the proposed closure and we have requested to participate in a "Stakeholders" meeting on April
1st. Stakeholders include family members of consumers at the facility, employees of the facility, AFSCME and SEIU representatives,
regional Centers and Fairview Developmental Center where some consumers may be transferred. We will be meeting with Chief Steward Skip
Matthies and members at the facility to discuss the strategy to minimize the difficulties they face. At the meeting with Willie Pelote,
it was discussed that the closure seems inevitable but could take longer than expected.
Calculating Final Compensation for Retirement
Many members and the Executive Board have requested how to calculate final compensation for retirement. You will be able to find the
calculation process in writing on page 9 of the publication link below:
https://www.calpers.ca.gov/mss-publication/pdf
/xkfz8ga3khXN4_pub-6-2008%2011%201.pdf
Legislative Training a Huge Success
Members from all over the State attended Legislative Training on February 6th in Sacramento. Both a training and an action meeting, many
members signed up to visit their Local Legislators to lobby for AB 1699 and discuss the unique value of our Local to the stability of our
State including how we save taxpayers money by stabilizing our clients which leads them to becoming employed and taxpayers rather than tax
burdens. We thank Cheryl Brown, Council 57 Political and Legislative Director, for leading the grassroots advocacy discussion and Rose &
Kindell for their excellent presentation on the political landscape and ways to present information to Legislators. Representatives of
three Legislators also attended to give their advice on how to plan meetings with your Local Political Representatives. Fridays are a
great day to meet with your Legislators since they are often in their local offices on that day. Members were fired up and even some of
the new and shy members received support from their co-members and made commitments to visit their Legislators!
Important Upcoming Events
Lobby Days - March 9th and 10th in Sacramento -
RSVP to shirley.martinez@ca.afscme57.org
Advanced Steward Training - February 19th - Harris Ranch Coalinga
RSVP to shirley.martinez@ca.afscme57.org
Please come to these events committed to support your co-Union members and continue the vital work we have ahead of us during this time of
budget crisis. Acting together we will win!
In Unity,
Steve Shanahan, President
AFSCME 2620
s.r.shanahan@att.net
(510) 333-1146
Dear Social Work and Psychologist members,
If interested, the attached link will allow you to view a video of the January 13, 2010 confirmation hearing of Sharon Aungst. Upon direct questioning by Senate Rules Committee Darrell Steinberg, Ms. Aungst will clarify her reasons for hiring Marriage and Family Therapists in CDCR . We would like to express our appreciation to Drs. Brad Steele and Gina Pallotta for their time and effort in providing testimony before the Committee.
http://www.calchannel.com/channel/viewvideo/951
Greetings Members:
As you may know, our retirement benefits are being looked at for possible cuts to balance the budget. Attached is a link to information on the "California Retirement Dialogue" being hosted by CalPERS. This day-long forum will be discussing the current state of CalPERS, the challenges we're facing, and discussing options for moving forward. Scott Adams, AFSCME's Pension Analyst, will be sitting on one of the panels.
It's important we have as many members as possible attend this forum to both ask important questions and participate in the dialogue from the perspective of CalPERS members. We can reasonably expect various public employers to be present and advocating for reduced contributions from their end (and a corresponding increase in our members contributions), as well as those advocating for reduced public employee pensions. We need to be there to defend our interests and not let them have the stage to themselves (and spreading their influence unchecked to CalPERS Board Members in attendance and or through the media if they attend).
Ideally, we're looking for 10-15 members from your Local to attend this forum in Sacramento on Friday, January 29th at the Sacramento Convention Center (from 9am to 4pm.) We also need participation at an identical forum on February 12th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Since we're hoping for a large turnout, please RSVP to afscme2620@aol.com if you will be attending.
http://www.calpers.ca.gov/index.jsp?bc=/about/retirement-dialogue/home.xml
In Unity,
Steve Shanahan, President
AFSCME 2620
s.r.shanahan@att.net
(510) 333-1146
Greetings Members:
By now, most of you have seen the Governor's letter to all state employees regarding the budget. First, it's important to remember that his proposals to cut our pay 5% and increase our retirement payments 5% are simply proposals, they are not set in stone. Unless he breaks more laws, he must negotiate these proposals with the Unions.
Your Union Leadership considers the Governor's proposals completely unacceptable. We are already fighting back, working to educate lawmakers and key policy makers about our position, and demonstrate our strong opposition to further cuts. Considering the Governor's tone, we are not sure how soon we will return to the bargaining table to negotiate reduced pay or benefits.
The Governor is playing his usual game of Russian roulette. We are trying to read between the lines to understand his true goal. He may be hoping, as I have heard from many members, that state workers would rather keep the furloughs than suffer pay cuts and benefit reductions. He may also be hoping to portray state employees as “uncooperative,” since we are well aware that targeting state workers is one of the Governor's favorite hobbies. It's easier than confronting the corporate interests who support his administration.
The Governor is allowed to enact layoffs but it is not likely since it has been reported that any employee reductions would probably be done through attrition, and this may only happen if Schwarzenegger doesn't get his way with the pay cut and retirement proposals.
All state employee unions are facing the same concerns and we are reaching out to them to share ideas and ways to approach this new attack by the Governor. We are also increasing our networking with AFSCME Locals throughout the State.
I am witnessing new activism among Unions and among ourselves. I ask every AFSCME 2620 member to join our effort. We must pull together as a group now more than ever. We are facing one of the worst times in California State history, and we must be unified to fight back.
We are preparing to return to negotiations, if necessary. In the meantime, we want to hear from you. Your input is crucial. Please share your ideas with Union Leaders (see www.afscme2620.org for lists of Occupational Chairs and Stewards on left), tell us what you think we should or shouldn't do, offer suggestions and let us know what you find acceptable. Also, contact your Legislators by phone, e-mail or in person to let them know that the Governor's proposals are not acceptable. We will keep you advised as new developments occur. Be assured, your Union will continue to fight for you today, tomorrow and always.
In Unity,
Steve Shanahan, President
AFSCME 2620
We would like to thank those of you who took the time to participate in the opinion poll regarding CDCR management's plan to hire marriage and family therapists as state employees in the prison institutions. All of us understand that the poll was not a random sampling of the membership, thus the percentages cannot be considered statistically reliable as a statement of the opinion of the psychologists and social workers as a whole. Additionally, we made the conscious assumption to trust that only psychologists and social workers would take part in the survey as requested, and that they would respond only once per person as a reflection of their personal and professional ethics. That being said, the results were so decidedly in the "no" column for each question that the poll appears to have been useful in getting a quick sense of the position of the psychologists and social workers.
There were 237 respondents.
Q#1:
Yes 14.0%
No 86.0%
Skipped question: 1
Q#2:
Yes 13.6%
No 86.4%
Skipped question: 1
Q#3:
Yes 15.5%
No 84.5%
Skipped question: 5
Data Source: Survey Monkey, 12/30/09-1/8/10
Dear Members/Stewards/Executive Board Members/Business Agents:
Assembly Bill 1125 (1125) will force the State to pay us even if there is no budget as of July 1, 2010. We need your support to make sure this bill passes.
This is no joke. We are at war with those who seek to cut our pay and benefits under the guise of balancing the budget and we must work together if we have any chance of making an impact on keeping our members employed and not homeless. Cutting our pay and benefits will have no impact on balancing a budget which is already a disaster.
There are two basic actions that all members must do:
1) E-mail or write regarding support for AB 1125. The deadline is quickly approaching.
2) Visit your Legislators and tell them to support AB 1125.
Action #1
E-mail the following individuals with a message similar to what is writen below and if you can, edit it to reflect who you are. Keep it simple. Like most of us, legislators look for key points and positions and have limited time to read long statements.
1) e-mail Senator Darrel Steinberg at: http://legplcms01.lc.ca.gov/PublicLCMS/ContactPopup.aspx?district=SD06
2) e-mail Speaker Karen Bass at: speaker.bass@assembly.ca.gov
3) e-mail your local Legislators both Senator and Assembly member. To look them up go to:http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html
and you may have to hit the "Contact Us" icon.
Suggested e-mail statement:
Dear Assembly Member ______ or Senator ____________ or Speaker Bass:
State workers are being used as a political scapegoats for the disaterous State Budget political game that impacts real peoples' lives in tragic ways. We are calling on you to deliver meaningful support for State Workers, most of whom work at low wages, to assist the disadvantaged of this State, and provide essential safety and social services. If you are serious about fighting social injustice, then you need to fight to change the priorities in Sacramento against attacking State workers and social services. There's many other ways to save and raise money by eliminating waste and forcing big business to pay their fair share.
We ask that you support the passage of AB 1125 which allows State Workers, many of whom are surviving paycheck to paycheck, to receive their full pay regardless of whether the State Budget is passed by July 1, 2010.
We are counting on your support for AB 1125 from you and your colleagues!
Sincerely,
XXXX
Member, Voter, AFSCME Local 2620
E-mail and call every member of our local, your friends and family and ask them to do this on behalf of you, your families and communities.
Action #2
I recently heard that the Fresno Department of Rehabilitation Counselors are planning on visiting their Local Legislators. This is a great example of what we all must do!
Legislators are usually in their local offices on Fridays so call them and make an appointment. Plan on meeting with them regularly and let them know that you want them to support AB 1125 and other legislation in favor of protecting State Workers and Social Services in the State. Be respectful but let them know we will support them only if they support us. Legislators are always keeping their focus on being re-elected. Schedule follow-up visits before you leave their office. After the office visits, send reports on serious and friendly and not so friendly Legislators so that we can campaign for or against them. Also, let us know what strategies work when you visit these offices so that we can let other Union members know who are doing the same thing.
The key is to be yourself, not appeal to the Legislators to feel sorry for us, explain how State workers keep the economy moving by avoiding homelessness and dependency on State and Federal funds. Identify as a "brand" of valuable State workers along with Police, Firefighters, Health Care workers and your profession. Be proud and if you're afraid, that's good! Being afraid is normal and part of all of this but don't let it stop you. See it as an asset to express your point of view which is just as good if not better than anyone in a pin stripe suit!
Remind your legislators that we as State Workers didn't create this mess! Our economy is in crisis because of Wall Street greed and mis-management of taxpayers dollars. Tell them to find solutions that do not scapegoat State Workers who care about their fellow Cal-li-fornians!
Attached are letters that were sent to Pro Tem Steinberg and Speaker Bass that you can bring with you when you are visiting your Legislators.
Thank you and in solidarity,
--
Steve Shanahan, President
AFSCME 2620
s.r.shanahan@att.net
(510) 333-1146
P.S. Are you registered to vote? If not go to https://www.sos.ca.gov/nvrc/fedform/
Encourage everyone you know to register to vote or call (877) 322-5227. It's going to be very important as the next elections approach.
AFSCME_SpeakerBass.pdf
AFSCME2620_AB_1125_Letter_to_Pro_Tem.pdf
AFSCME2620_AB_1125_Letter.pdf
Attention Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors:
Please click here for the latest update:
SVRC/QRP - Rehabiliation Counselor Update
Click here for Election Results - Phase I, Phase II and Runoffs
Dear Members:
As you may know, an Alameda Court Judge ruled on December 17th that furloughs Gov. Schwarzenegger ordered are illegal for state prison officers whose pay is reduced but have to wait to take time off. This lawsuit filed by the California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA) means that roughly 40,000 state correctional Officers are due their full pay for time worked.
This is of vital importance to our Local because many of our members working for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), the Department of Mental Health (DMH), the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVS) since back pay may also be awarded for full pay for time worked. It may also have broad implications for all of us who are impacted by the furloughs and future associated court rulings.
We have consulted with AFSCME's Lawyer, Andy Baker, who has advised that we write the Departments affected to ask that our members with self directed furloughs be given the same furlough policy and treatment as CCPOA members as a result of the court's decision.
We have been advised as well that the judge's decision is not likely to be appealed. Attached are copies of the letters including one written to the Department of Personnel Administration (DPA). We will continue to follow this and we the leadership of your Union may need to consider filing a lawsuit of our own if the State does not agree to pay our affected members their back pay as well.
We will continue to insist that our lawyer seek solutions to this court ruling as well as other legal avenues we could follow to offset the attacks on our pay and benefits.
http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/2403561.html
For those members not affected by this ruling, I want to assure you that we are busy looking for ways to support you too.and I urge each and every one of you to prepare for further attacks on State workers by continuing to organize your members and strengthen our Union. We are facing unprecedented financial disaster in the coming New Year and as the plans to respond are completed, I will keep you fully informed. I know these are difficult times for many of you so I ask that you not be discouraged. Our strength comes from you the members and I believe we can and will win in this fight against the onslaught from the current Governor's administration.
Recognizing our struggle, I want to take this opportunity to wish you all Happy Holidays and the peace and joy that goes with the spirit of our Union.
Steve Shanahan, President
AFSCME 2620
Sharon Aungst, Chief Deputy Secretary, Correctional Health Care Services of the CDCR, has announced during recent visits to CA state prisons that a new mental health classification for Marriage and Family Therapists has been approved and job specs are being established by the SPB. According to Ms. Aungst, the Department believes the addition of MFTs to prison interdisciplinary treatment teams will improve delivery of mental health services in CA state prisons as well as help the Department in in meeting the Coleman mandates.
The union intends on determining how the Department plans on utilizing MFTs in the state prisons and how this may impact on the roles of state social workers and psychologists.
Dear Union Sisters and Brothers:
I want to reach out to each and every member to let you know that your union is very serious about fighting against the State's attempts to destroy our livelihoods and our communities. I'm writing to let you know about the activities that your Executive Committee has been involved in since our election.
What we have been doing
Although I knew a great deal about the Union occupational groups when I was elected, I am making special efforts to know more about each Occupational Group: their issues and concerns, and the facilities and settings in which they work. The occupations of our Union are complrised of a wonderful group of hard-working people who, day after day, perform essential social services to citizens of our State. Our Vice-Presidents are beginning to activate and communicate with our members and our Secretary has been recording meeting notes and locating and reviewing minutes of the past two years.
About Finances:
Right now, under the excellent leadership of our Treasurer, Cozette Moysa, the Executive Committee is taking a hard look at the finances of our Union. When our fiscal analysis is complete, we will be able to determine how to get the "best bang for our buck", and how to make responsible plans for our financial future. We take our fiduciary role very seriously, and will spend your dues money carefully and well. We know that these are difficult times for all of us, and we pledge to use every dollar we receive efficiently and well. Along with our review of our financial status, we are investigating how to refund any overpaid dues as a result of the furloughs.
About Political Clout
Along with working with Cozette to get a handle on our financial resources, I have been meeting with union lobbyists, including Willie Pelote, Assistant Director of the Political Action Department of AFSCME International, to determine what will be the most effective and powerful ways to fight back against the State's attacks on Union members. I have also been meeting with Carl London from the Rose & Kindell firm, our paid political lobbyist, to determine which direction we need to go to make purposeful political decisions for all occupations represented by our Union.
Our Local is the largest Local of AFSCME in the State of California, with over 5,000 members. We have clout that I believe has been underutilized due to both internal and external fighting. I am determined to bring us together within our Local, and to align Local 2620 with other Unions in AFSCME, as well as other State Unions. Without aligning ourselves with our Union sisters and brothers, the community, and politicians, we greatly undercut our political clout.
I met with Department of Personnel (DPA) representatives recently. Based on the State's financial condition, it is not in the best interests of our members to restart Contract negotiations at this time. It is clear that we have more to lose than to gain in this bleak economy. However, DPA representatives agreed to meet with Union representatives and Department heads to solve non-monetary concerns. This is an opportunity for us to bring our worksite issues to a higher level. This step will help management to understand that we are not isolated, and that they cannot ignore the abuse of workers' rights.
About Business Agents
Our Business Agents, Bob Battle (southern-(800) 698-6553-robert.battle@ca.afscme57.org),
Pam Manwiller (northern-(800) 858-0442-pam.manwiller@ca.afscme57.org) and Cliff Tillman central-(800) 858-0442-cliff.tillman@ca.afscme57.org) are working hard on your behalf. These are the people who work tirelessly to address the daily concerns you have in your work place, meeting with management and solving work site problems. They are there to help us, and we respect and acknowledge all the hard work they do for members of our Local. Please feel free to call on them for their support and expertise.
About the Governor
The Governor will surely be renewing his attack on State workers come January due to the recently announcement of a $21 billion dollar deficit. Faced with this deficit, I am supporting a survey of our members to come out soon to find ways to save money and help insure the stability of our jobs. I hope you will take a moment or two to respond to the survey questions. We need to be ready and planning every day for the attacks that are sure to come.
About You
What can you do to help? First, continue to build our Union - have meetings, create action plans, and get help and support from your Union leadership. Reach out to members who have not heard from our Union, and don't know what we are doing. That was the number one complaint I heard before the election!
For those of you who are activists, it's important to remember that your co-workers and members can strengthen you - talk to them when you are discouraged. Listen to your members, understand their issues, and give them your best advice and support, and meet with your management about work issues. In addition, meet with your local politicians and tell them about the value of State workers in the communities you serve. We will help you to arrange those meetings. Think of yourself as a leader - and your whole life can change!
Our recent election (see results at www.afscme2620.org) proved that you the members want big change in our Union - and we intend to deliver that. I am looking for every option to beat the Governor at his own game. I ask for your ideas, your strength and your wisdom.
I am eager to come to your work sites and to speak with each one of you. Please let me know when you're meetings are occurring and I will do my best to attend.
Together we are strong!
Steve Shanahan, President
AFSCME 2620
s.r.shanahan@att.net
November 20, 2009 -
Felisha Bearheart has won the run-off election for Northern Vice President.
This completes the Election Committee:
Steve Shanahan - President
Pat Gehr - Executive Vice President - South
Felisha Bearheart - Vice President - North
Valtina Kinermon - Secretary
Cozette Moysa - Treasurer
Steve Shanahan
President
Unprecedented times in California call for creative and targeted solutions. Your union is taking aggressive action to address the current crisis and protect you from future attacks...
Governor Schwarzenegger has abused his authority by implementing 3 days of furlough for state workers, a 13.85% salary reduction. He now threatens a 4th day of furlough which would bring our cut to nearly 20%. This is absolutely unacceptable!
On Saturday, July 11, 2009, your Executive Board met and discussed the issue at great length. We are not going to sit quietly by while this autocratic Governor decimates our services and continues on his path to destroy California public employee unions.
AFSCME 2620 leadership is taking action. We are meeting with as many legislators as possible and will continue testifying at legislative budget hearings to help build political support. But we also need your support and participation to be effective. We're launching an informational picket campaign and letter writing program to help educate the public and government leaders about the devastating impact furloughs will have on California. With your passion and assistance, these efforts can make an impact.
Informational Pickets at Worksites
We must show the public how furloughs will severely affect critical state services. We are organizing informational pickets to be conducted at worksites throughout California and outside the district offices of Republican legislators. Republicans are holding up a budget solution by refusing to tax tobacco, alcohol and pornography, and by blocking efforts to implement an oil severance tax equal to what is paid in every other state. That tax would be paid by the oil producer, not the consumer.
DMH and DDS Facilities. We will coordinate through your Chief Facility Steward.
CDCR. Since most of your facilities are in out of the way locations, you might be the group to target the Republicans. Suggestions are welcome
DOR. We will work with Teri Hershberg, the Chair of the VROC Taskforce, to coordinate your worksite pickets.
All other locations - Our informational picket chair will be coordinating with you. Please submit your suggestions to afscme2620@aol.com.
We will work with you to help craft your message about how the cuts impact the communities where you reside. Our messages will focus on how the cuts will affect the public and state services, not how the cuts affect us as state workers. We will need one person to take the lead at each worksite. Please contact us with the name and email address of the worksite coordinator.
Letter Writing Campaign
The legislature is deadlocked once again due to the politics within each political party. The Democrats are working tirelessly to protect your salaries and your services. The Republicans adamantly refuse to agree to any new taxes. Both parties need to hear from us. We have two letters posted on the website for you to download and send to your local legislator. To the Republicans, we ask that they agree to revenue producing solutions to help close the deficit gap. To the Democrats, we thank them for standing up for us, encourage them to stay strong and let them know we support them.
We encourage you to meet with your legislator in person, either Republican or Democrat to share our message. In any case, they need to hear from you.
Letters to the Governor
We have a template letter to the Governor posted on the website. Please take a moment to personalize the letter and send it to the Governor. He needs to hear from you about what his proposed cuts will do to California.
Convention 2009
We will have letters ready for your signature at the Convention. Be sure to visit our Government Affairs Committee table, where union volunteers will be assisting you by looking up the name and address of your local legislator and providing you with the appropriate letter for your signature. The union will mail the letters for you.
We will also have a Petition to Governor Schwarzenegger ready for all Convention attendees to sign. The union will send it to him with a cover letter letting him know how his cuts will do serious harm to all Californians.
Call to Action
We know these are difficult, uncertain days, and we respect your valuable time. We are working to make it as simple as possible for you to participate in these advocacy efforts, but you are the key. Thank you for your passion, your dedication and all of your efforts to make a difference!
Dear AFSCME Brothers and Sisters,
On June 30, 2009, Governor Schwarzenegger issued Executive Order S-13-09, mandating a 3rd day of furlough for all state workers through June 30, 2010. This now brings our salary reduction to a whopping 13.85%, a reduction that may well throw many of us into fiscal insolvency. Though this really comes as no surprise we are nonetheless outraged at this Governors calloused and cavalier willingness to make state workers his budget scapegoats...
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"The governor has made us into budget scapegoats," said Nancy Swindell, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees AFL-CIO ...
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Click here to read article
"American Federal of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 2620 President Nancy Swindell said her union's 5000 state health service employees have ...
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Click here to read article
''We are eager to be part of the budget solution, but we're unwilling to be Schwarzenegger's budget scapegoat,'' said Nancy Swindell, President AFSCME 2620.
Click here to read entire statement...
Greetings AFSCME Brothers and Sisters,
The budget battle continues in Sacramento. The California Legislature is under immense pressure to reach an agreement by next week that will address a 24 billion dollar deficit. The Governor's Budget has proposed draconian cuts to vital services that will drastically impact California services for many years to come. California is on the brink of insolvency, and lawmakers are currently without a clear plan to fix the State's problems.
On your behalf, I have been meeting with members of the California Senate and Assembly Conference Committee and testifying at the public hearings. I am vigilantly reminding each and every lawmaker that services you provide are not optional or ancillary. Today, your work keeps communities safe, and, tomorrow, your services will save taxpayer dollars. I have been addressing the wasteful, unnecessary practice of using private contractors instead of civil service workers, and I have been emphasizing the devastating impact more salary cuts would have on you and your communities.
The Conference Committee has completed the public comment period and is now painstakingly addressing each and every cut the Governor has proposed. As of today, no decisions have been made, and no proposal has been voted on. The entire process must be completed by the end of June.
We have been unable to move forward with bargaining our new contract, as the State appears to be on hold until a budget agreement is reached. Yesterday, at an informal meeting with the Department of Personnel Administration (DPA), we were told they would consider any proposals we bring to them. At this time AFSCME 2620 is working to see if we can gain some protection from future cuts by reaching an agreement in the very near future. We will keep you posted as changes occur.
California officially notified AFSCME 2620 about layoffs, Friday, June 5, 2009. Our official negotiation with the State will begin on July 2, 2009, at which time we will meet with each of the departments that have affected employees. Currently, the only departments affected are CDCR (23), DDS (2), DSS (2) and CDVA (6). The Department of Rehabilitation has exempted all Counselors from layoff and CDCR has exempted all clinical staff.
I will provide you with updates as they become available. In the meantime, you should know that we are still on the frontlines, fighting the good fight on your behalf.
In Unity,
Nancy Swindell, President
AFSCME 2620
The news out of Sacramento keeps getting worse. Governor Schwarzenegger now proposes cutting our salaries by an additional 5% indefinitely. If the legislature doesn't agree, Schwarzenegger's office says the Governor may sign an Executive Order calling for a third day of furlough through June of 2011. AFSCME 2620 leadership is aggressively fighting this proposal, but we need your help.
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Click Here for a Sample Letter to send to your Legislator!
In California's latest doom-and-gloom announcement, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's Department of Finance on Tuesday proposed closing the state's main welfare program, releasing nonviolent prisoners one year early and shuttering up to 80 percent of state parks to shrink the state's $24.3 billion budget deficit.
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Click here for President Nancy Swindell's Analysis of the Worsening Budget Crisis
LAO Recommends 3 Furlough Days and Retirement Changes
Click here to read the May 21, 2009 Budget Analysis
"When you talk about something going off the cliff, you have to look at who is going to fall on the rocks below," she said. "Those are my members. Those are the people I represent."
Click here to read article
A new report by the Legislative Analyst's Office says the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is making slow progress on construction of AB 900 projects and predicts plans to create new infill beds and reentry facilities could increase state costs by $1.3 billion a year.
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If California voters reject a package of budget measures in next week's special election, it will set off a fiscal free-for-all that could set the state's course for years to come.
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Union officials lashed out at Assembly Republicans for slowing down the progress of a State employee contract negotiated with Gov. Schwarzenegger earlier this year.
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The bill allowing MFT's into prisons to earn hours toward their licensing has been passed by the last two committees and is due to go on the Assembly floor as early as next week (May 4, 2009) for a vote. Your action now is essential to stop this bill from making it out of the Assembly. Click on the button above - "Take Action, Get Involved" - for a sample phone message or sample letter, and contact your Assembly member as soon as possible. You can find out who represents you by going down the list on the left to the bottom and clicking "Find Your Legislator." Type in your zip code and it will tell you your Senator and Assembly representative. Please contact your Assembly representative as soon as possible.
Dear AFSCME Brothers and Sisters,
Many of you have been asking for an update on bargaining. I haven't provided you with
any information because no real progress is being made.
Right now we are stuck, waiting for the state to respond favorably to our request for 16
hours of holiday time to compensate us for the two holidays they took away. There are
numerous other unions representing tens of thousands of state workers now facing the
same dilemma. We all feel that the state is not dealing fairly with us, having granted
several conciliatory proposals on behalf of the members of SEIU, while refusing our
members the same consideration. We cannot and will not tolerate such blatant disparate
treatment...
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Dear AFSCME Brothers and Sisters,
As a part of the recent California budget agreement, six initiatives are slated for a statewide special election May 19, 2009. The ballot measures are a crucial component of the bi-partisan budget package approved by both Republicans and Democrats last month. The initiatives are needed to help avoid even deeper program cuts and put California on a path toward greater financial stability.
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- What is the purpose of the furlough program?
Due to a 41 billion dollar shortfall, the state needs to reduce spending. The furloughs are
intended to decrease the need for layoffs, though layoffs are also proposed as a means to
recoup necessary budget dollars.
- Have the Federal Receiver and the Coleman Court agreed to the furlough
plan which reduces court ordered salaries?
DPA met with the Receiver's office and the Coleman principles. Neither have they
have produced a court order to block the furlough program...
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