AFSCME Local 2620 Archive

Announcing Southern Regional Membership Meeting

Members have asked what they can do to get involved and what our Union is doing for them. Come to a Southern Region Membership meeting to share your concerns or suggestions and learn how you can become an activist.

For all members who work in the following Counties: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside or San Bernardino

For all other members a Regional Membership Meeting in your area will be scheduled soon.

Get the flyer here!

AFSCME 2620 Fights Back Against Minimum Wage Threat

The Senate Appropriations Committee passed legislation March 15 that could prevent Gov. Schwarzenegger from reducing state employee wages to minimum wage during a budget impasse. AB 790 by Assemblyman Ed Hernandez (D-Baldwin Park), would ensure state employees continue to receive full wages and benefits, even if a budget is not enacted by the start of the new fiscal year, July 1, 2010. AFSCME 2620 lobbyist Sue North testified in support of the measure. The bill now goes to the Senate floor for a vote.

Click here to watch a short video clip of testimony by Assm. Hernandez and Sue North.

http://www.youtube.com/user/AFSCME2620

California Among Lowest in Nation in Ratio of Government Employees

Capitol Weekly
Thursday March 18, 2010

The U.S. Census Bureau has released estimates of state and local government employment, and the results may be surprising to those who believe California has too many government workers.
http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?xid=ypedn5l6zf57oq#
The Full Report, ' State and Local Government Employees: Where Does California Rank?-2008 Update" can be seen here:
http://www.ccsce.com/PDF/Numbers-Dec09-Govt-Employees-Rank.pdf

AFSCME 2620 Member Testifies About Prison Rehabilitation Programs During State Capitol Hearing

Michael Hewitt, Psy.D., recently testified before the Senate Select Committee on Alcohol and Drug Abuse and the Select Committee on Prisons and Rehabilitation Reform. The informational hearing examined whether the state is providing adequate substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation programs inside correctional facilities. Hewitt is the AFSCME 2620 State Psychologist Occupational Committee Chair.

Click here to watch his testimony.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGj9Skqtz38

Measure To Rollback Pensions Is Abandoned!

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!

Immediate Action Needed to Block Drastic Pay Cuts!

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.

This measure is URGENT!

Passage of AB 790 is critical. The courts have ruled that Gov. Schwarzenegger can force MINIMUM WAGES on state employees if a budget bill is not passed by July 1. We need to pass AB 790 to ensure a continuous appropriation for state worker wages.

The bill will be heard this Monday, March 1 in the Senate Public Employment and Retirement Committee. It requires a super-majority 2/3 vote, which means we must have Republican support.

We need you to contact the two Republican Committee members immediately urging them to SUPPORT AB 790!

Tell them that state workers should not be used as pawns in the annual budget battle. Minimum wage will assure financial ruin for thousands of state workers, destroying families, lives and communities.

Please contact:

Senator Roy Ashburn - Bakersfield
Capitol office: 916.651.4018; FAX 916.322.3304
Bakersfield office: 661.323.0443; FAX 661.323.0446

Senator Dave Cox - Sacramento - Sacramento
Capitol office: 916.651.4001; FAX 916.324.2680

ACT TODAY! This bill is scheduled for a vote Monday, March 1!

Update - 2/27/10

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

Lanterman Update - 2/12/10

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

Public Hearing Notice on Recommendation to Close Latnerman Developmental Center - 2/10/10

Click here for info.

2/8/2010

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?district=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

Sharon Aungst confirmation hearing

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

California Retirement Dialogue

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

Governor's Budget Proposals/Response

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

Update: Social Workers and Psychologists

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

Action Alert - AB 1125-Stop Pay Cuts Without a Budget - 1/5/10

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

News Update - 1/3/10

Attention Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors:
Please click here for the latest update:
SVRC/QRP - Rehabiliation Counselor Update

NewsUpdate - 12/31/09

Judge calls Schwarzenegger's furlough order illegal!
Click here to read more!

Click here for Election Results - Phase I, Phase II and Runoffs

AFSCME 2620 Member Update - 12/19/09
CCPOA Court Ruling

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

AFSCME 2620 Member Update - 12/17/09
Social Workers/Psychologists Alert

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.

AFSCME 2620 Member Update - 11/30/09

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

Election Update:

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

Senator Steinberg and Assemblymember Bass Ask The Governor To Reduce Furloughs to Two Days

Employer Health Benefit Contribution rates for 2010

Your Union In Action- Update August 2009

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...

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AFSCME 2620 Election Underway

Election Information

AFSCME International Constitution, Appendix D, Elections Code

Participate in the Political Process: Submit Candidate Questions and Ideas for Legislation

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Jerry Brown, John Chiang & Gavin Newsom Top Leaders Speak to AFSCME 2620 Members at San Jose Convention

Click here to Watch Bay Area TV Coverage

YOUR UNION TAKES ACTION!!

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!

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AFSCME 2620 CONVENTION INFORMATION - EXCITING GUEST SPEAKERS, GREAT WORKSHOPS

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Budget Update- 3rd Day of Furlough, Layoffs, and IOU's

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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State Controller Will Pay State Workers - No IOU's Yet.

State workers may be forced to take 3 days off

San Francisco Chronicle
Matthew Yi, Chronicle Sacramento Bureau

"The governor has made us into budget scapegoats," said Nancy Swindell, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees AFL-CIO ... "
Click here to read article

Governor Threatens 3rd Furlough Day for State Workers

News10.net - Sacramento,CA,USA
Posted By: James Scullary

"American Federal of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 2620 President Nancy Swindell said her union's 5000 state health service employees have ... "
Click here to read article

SB 788 Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors Update

State Workers Should Be Part of the Budget Solution - Not Budget Scapegoats

''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...

Budget Update, June 10, 2009

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

AFSCME 2620 Members- Urgent- Take Action!

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!

Latest budget proposal eliminates CalWORKs, lets out inmates early

The Sacramento Bee
By Kevin Yamamura

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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State Budget Crisis Gets Worse!

Click here for President Nancy Swindell's Analysis of the Worsening Budget Crisis

IMPORTANT UPDATE

LAO Recommends 3 Furlough Days and Retirement Changes

Click here to read the May 21, 2009 Budget Analysis

AFSCME 2620 President Nancy Swindell Addresses Pink Slips

ABC-News10 May 15, 2009

AFSCME 2620 President Nancy Swindell Speaks Out About Special Election,

San Francisco Chronicle
STEVE LAWRENCE, Associated Press Writer

"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

AFSCME 2620 President Nancy Swindell Opposes Budget Cuts on News10 ABC-TV

ABC-News10 May 14, 2009

Governor Schwarzenegger's May Budget Revision

Click here to read more about Schwarzenegger's proposed cuts...

LAO Cites 'Slow Progress' on AB 900 Prison Initiatives

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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'STATE'S FUTURE AT STAKE IN MAY 19 VOTE'

San Fransisco Chronicle
John Wildermuth,Matthew Yi, Chronicle Staff Writers

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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'SEIU CONTRACT SNARED IN SPECIAL ELECTION FIGHT'

Capitol Weekly
Anthony York, Malcolm Maclachlan and John Howard

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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MFT Bill (AB 1113) Update: ALL STATE PSYCHOLOGISTS AND SOCIAL WORKERS IN CDCR

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.

Bargaining Update April 13, 2009

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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AFSCME 2620 Takes Stand On May Ballot...Measures

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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Frequently Asked Questions About Furloughs

- 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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Attention Social Workers and Psychologists: - 1/8/2010

Apologies for the confusion caused by posting the first draft of this letter prematurely. The letter was originally intended for only psychologists working in the adult institutions of CDCR. It was decided to broaden the scope of that based on the interest expressed by social workers and those working in CDCR and DMH with inmates who were are not working only in the adult institutions.

There is a substantial number of psychologists and social workers of CDCR and DMH working with the state's inmate population who are opposed to the confirmation of Sharon Aungst as Chief Deputy Secretary. The following is a letter that you may wish to sign, ONLY IF you do not have plans yourself to send a letter of opposition to her confirmation. Your own personal letter would be preferable, of course, and this letter may serve as a template you may wish to use as a resource for your own letter.

If you wish to be a signatory to this letter, please provide your full name, degree, and institution at which you work.

THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY SENT IN THEIR INFORMATION NEED NOT DO SO AGAIN, UNLESS THEY WISH TO BE DELETED FROM THE SIGNATORY LIST.

Please remember, this letter is suitable ONLY for psychologists and social workers who work in CDCR or DMH since it is about Sharon Aungst in CDCR and her commitment to include MFTs as clinical staff working with inmates.

Dr. Backlund will coordinate the names and send the letter with your name and information attached to the state senators on the Senate Rules Committee who will be conducting the confirmation hearing on Wednesday, January 13th.

Here is his email address if you would like to be a signatory - please remember to include the relevant information above. There will not be a lot of time for verification of the information, or contacting you if you leave something out.

backlund@scientist.com

January 8, 2010

The Honorable Darrell Steinberg [the other members of the Rules Committee will be added separately]
Senate President pro Tem
Chair, Senate Rules Committee
State Capitol , Room 205
Sacramento, CA 95814

Dear Senator Steinberg [ or N.]:

We are licensed mental health clinicians employed by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the California Department of Mental Health (DMH). Among our other duties, most of us who are signatories to this letter provide direct mental health care services to incarcerated men and women suffering from serious mental disorders as our primary work. As both highly trained specialists in the science of psychology and as citizen taxpayers of California, we are committed to providing the highest quality and most cost-effective care, diagnostic assessments and evaluations, and treatment and discharge planning services available to us in order to improve recidivism rates, decrease morbidity and mortality associated with suicide, lower the violence potential from untreated mental illness in inmates in our overcrowded state prisons and associated state hospitals and among our parolees, and do our part to sustain our shared mission of ensuring the safety and security of the people of this state, the free staff and volunteers in our facilities, and the inmates and parolees committed to the state's custody.

Ms. Sharon Aungst has been nominated for appointment as Chief Deputy Secretary of the Division of Correctional Health Care Services for CDCR by Governor Schwarzenegger.

We oppose her confirmation.

Early in her appointment, she indicated to us that she was disinclined to include licensed marriage and family therapists (MFTs) as members of the interdisciplinary mental health teams in our facilities, particularly within CDCR. She has since clarified her position and has publicly stated she is fully committed to the employment of MFTs as primary clinical service providers, beginning in the state's adult prisons.

Marriage and family therapists are practitioners whose specialty is, as the license name implies, statutorily limited to the arena of interpersonal relationships primarily within families. This is an important clinical sub-specialty of psychology, but one that has very limited utility within the Mental Health Services Delivery System (MHSDS) as it exists under the federal order of US District Judge Lawrence Karlton. It would be a great step backward for this state to employ persons who are not licensed for, and do not have the training and experience to provide, both the extensive and intensive psychological services demanded by that federal order in the highly complex and challenging environment presented by our prisons and hospitals.

Ms. Aungst is well aware that MFTs do not have the education, training, or experience remotely comparable to that of licensed clinical social workers and psychologists, and yet insists MFTs will be capable of providing the kinds of services the Coleman v. Schwarzenegger order requires. She is wrong, is irresponsible in advocating such a sweeping expansion in the scope of practice of MFTs without commensurate education and training, and is using the mentally ill inmates and parolees as a means to further the agenda of the MFTs and MFT organizations that support her. Employing MFTs as additional clinical staff will add needless costs to an already overburdened budget. If the intent is that they eventually replace psychologists and clinical social workers in direct service provision positions for the purpose of cost savings, the state will no doubt be at higher risk for much higher long-term costs when suicide morbidity and mortality rates begin to rise once again, when diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of mental illness deteriorates in a manner unacceptable to the federal court, and when increased supervisory personnel will be needed to oversee the clinical work of these marriage and family therapists.

It is unfathomable to us that while currently employed psychologists and clinical social workers are being furloughed three days each month, Ms. Aungst intends to begin hiring MFTs. Ms. Aungst has stated that hiring MFTs would be particularly helpful in the women's prisons because of their expertise in family issues. Working with women inmates and their families with a focus on family dynamics is a worthy endeavor but is certainly peripheral to the core services needed by the overwhelming majority of mentally ill inmates presently included in the MHSDS. Without a doubt, Ms. Aungst's argument is a subterfuge for her real intent to substitute lower cost and lesser trained clinical staff for higher cost better trained psychologists and clinical social workers while hoping she and her superiors can close out their term of appointment prior to the next gubernatorial election without another major federal lawsuit.

California and CDCR does not need and cannot afford a Chief Deputy Secretary like Ms. Aungst who is committed to undermining the fragile quality of care in our institutions even while we as a state struggle to improve that care to the minimum standard mandated by the United States Constitution. Ms. Aungst's vision for including MFTs in the provision of mental health services to inmates and parolees is penny-wise and pound-foolish and will ensure California does not emerge from exceptionally costly federal court scrutiny.

Thank you for your kind attention.

SEIU Contract Stalled

The labor contract for Service Employees International Union Local 1000 has stalled in the state Assembly, reports Jon Ortiz on the State Worker blog.
The bill is scheduled for a hearing in the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Wednesday. But the real challenge will be the floor, where the contract needs GOP votes to pass -- and doesn't have Republican support. Rumors have swirled for the better part of a week that the contract is dead. Union executives and rank-and-file workers have called and e-mailed The State Worker to report that the bill is dead. Some said it won't get out of Appropriations. Others opined that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signaled to his party that, given the worsening state of the economy, that he is ready to walk away from a deal that took the administration and the union nearly a year to negotiate...

Bargaining Update March 24 2009

Dear AFSCME Brothers and Sisters,
The negotiating team for AFSCME Local 2620 met with the state again on March 24, 2009. We did not reach an agreement nor did we make much progress. Many of you have asked us to reach an agreement consistent with another union. Our team has been forthright in appraising the state of the need for fair and equitable treatment. Unfortunately, the state does not seem to see it that way. They have informed us they are under no obligation to offer us the same provisions as any other union. We have made it very clear that we will not accept any agreement without them! ....

Union Wins Victory on Contracting Out

Union Fights Contracting Out
AFSCME Local 2620 continues to file challenges with the State Personnel Board on all contracts where bargaining unit 19 work is being performed by contractors. Recently the Executive Officer of the State Personnel board ruled that the following departments must cease the contracts for the following departments and occupations:...

Bargaining Update, March 5, 2009

Dear AFSCME Brothers and Sisters,
By now most of you have heard that the last mandated set furlough day is March 6th. The wage reduction equal to two-furlough days per month will continue until we reach an agreement with the state and it is ratified by the legislature. The difference is that offices will remain open five days per week, and all employees will be able to determine which days to take as furlough time off. We are pleased with this change and see it as a small concession that allows you to make some decisions for yourself. We hope it signals a change in the states attitude toward our workforce. I guess one can always hope...

Bargaining Update, March 3, 2009

Bargaining Update, February 19, 2009

Bargaining Update, Furloughs and Layoffs, 2/17/09

Meeting with DPA- February 4, 2009

Letter from Receiver Regarding Furloughs

Judge Upholds Governors Executive Order on Furloughs

AFSCME Local 2620 Meets with DPA about Furloughs

Governor Schwarzenegger's State of the State Address

President Swindell Statement to the Media on Governor's State of the State

Furloughs and Layoffs, AFSCME Local 2620 Fights Back

AFSCME Local 2620 - Message to the Legislature.

Happy Holiday's! Listen to 'A California Carol'

President Swindell's Response to the Governor's Proposals

Read related information at these links:

- Summary of Governor's Proposed Budget Adjustments

- Budget Action Bulletin

- Governors Proposal Fact Sheet

- Keeping Californians in Their Homes

- Employment Stimulus for California

- Unprecedented Decisions in an Extraordinary Situation

- Closing the Budget Gap- Again

Psychologist Occupational Committee Update

The Latest in Bills Being Followed!!

LPA Labor/Management News

Meet and Confer with Maxor over CDCR Pharmacist Callback

Budget Impasse - Local 2620 Takes Action

Letter from the Governor to State Workers

President Swindell's Response to the Governors Letter

Governor Schwarzenegger Signs Executive Order - Letter from the President

Governor's Executive Order - Fight Back!!

Read related information at the links below:

- What are the chances of an override? - CapitolAlert.com | California Political News - Most Trusted Source for California Politics

- State employee lawyers petition federal court to hear pay cut dispute

- Dan Walters: Democrats' shift could crack budget impasse

- It may all come down to a whole lot of borrowing - again

- State Worker Salaries: 11 Days of Savings

- Legislative counsel: Governor can't make state controller cut pay

- Chiang Responds to Governor's Proposal to Pay Minimum Wage to State Workers

- Breaking News Alert: Schwarzenegger plans to cut state worker pay to cope with late budget

- PM Alert: Whither the retired part-timers

CDCR Pharmacists - No Call Back Agreement

Contract Negotiations Begin

AFSCME Local 2620 kicked off the bargaining for our next contract on June 11, 2008. Our team submitted 45 proposals to the state representing significant contract improvements in the areas of Alternate Work Schedules, Allowances and Reimbursements, Education and Training, and Caseload /Workload issues. Our AFSCME Local 2620 Negotiating Team was present for the kick-off session and will be present for many of the subsequent sessions when general proposals are being submitted, or state responses are being received. However, this year we are doing things a bit differently.

In years past the negotiating team, comprised of representatives from nine (9) occupational groups, two Vice-Presidents, and the President, attended every bargaining session. This time we have formed teams from each of the occupational and discipline specific groups AFSCME Local 2620 represents. For example, in years past the Social Services Consultants were represented at the bargaining table by the Social Workers Occupational Committee Chair. These two classifications are really very different, including the job they actually perform. This year a team of Social Services Consultants will come to the table to present proposals specific to their needs. The same is true of some of our other smaller groups, such as Health Education Consultants, Speech Pathologists and Audiologists, Physical Therapists, Adoptions Specialists, Behavior Specialists, Physicians Assistants, and many more. We have a specific schedule we will follow which you can access by clicking on Tentative Negotiations Schedule. We will provide you with an update after each session.

We fully anticipate bargaining will go on for quite some time, as we are adamant that we must see significant improvements in our contract. Other unions are reporting that the state is rejecting even the smallest of monetary improvements such as $15.00 for as few as 100 people. Given the severity and extent of the fiscal crisis the state has presented to the legislature and to the public, the states unilateral rejection of monetary proposals is to be expected. It is reasonable to say we will face the same challenges as we attempt to negotiate fair market salaries for our workers. We believe the salaries must be discussed as the state must be made fully aware of the monetary disparity between the private sector and their own workforce. Salary improvement proposals will be presented by each of the discipline specific groups and will vary based on what each group has determined will bring their classification to a fair market rate. Again, it should be said the state is taking a very hard line on proposals with any cost associated.

Go to Tentative Negotiations Schedule to see when your group’s proposals are being heard. We will post any schedule changes on the website should the need arise.

In Unity,

Nancy Swindell, President

Reason To Give

Mr. James Conwell MSW, a clinical social worker at California Substance Abuse Treatment Program (SATF) in Corcoran has been an advocate for not only his inmate clients but also all Health and Social Service Employees within CDCR. He is a Union Steward of AFSCME Local 2620 Bargaining Unit 19 who gives his time, energy, and ideas to improve the working conditions for workers and provide effective treatment and interventions for clients.

With that said, we at SATF State Prison would like the opportunity to show our support to Mr. Conwell as he recently was diagnosed with vascular bleeding for which he has undergone brain surgery. Given that he will need time off from work to heal and has depleted his vacation, sick and holiday time, a Catastrophic Time Bank (CTB) has been approved for him. Any donations of time to his CTB would be greatly appreciated by James and his family.

Thank you in advance for your attention, cares and donations from friends at SATF SP.

Sincerely,

Gail Penny LCSW

AFSCME BU 19 Steward

Clinical Social Worker at SATF

Catastrophic Time Bank Request

Catastrophic Time Bank Authorization

PLATA Proposal- Tentative Agreement

January 11, 2008

Dear AFSCME Brothers and Sisters in DMH, DDS, and CDVA,

The union recently reached a tentative agreement with the State for the Pharmacist I and the Clinical Dietician classifications in DMH, DDS, and CDVA. These are the same classifications that received salary increases in CDCR as a result of the PLATA federal court order. A letter is being mailed to our members in these classifications along with a ballot which will allow them to vote on whether or not to accept the terms of proposed agreement.

This agreement comes as the result of three separate bargaining sessions. In October of 2007 the union was called to the bargaining table by the State to discuss the PLATA classes. At that time the union was offered a salary equal to 18% below that being paid to the Pharmacist I and the Clinical Dietician classes in CDCR. The union returned to the bargaining table in November, with a counter offer of full parity for these classifications as well as salary increases for similar or related classifications in our bargaining unit. In January the State called the union back to the table. The State submitted a proposal to the union which increases the maximum of the salary range of the Pharmacist 1 and the Clinical Dietician to 10% below CDCR effective January 1, 2008 and 5% below CDCR effective January 1, 2009. The proposed salary schedule can be viewed below.

It was made clear to the Union that if we did not accept the terms of the tentative agreement the offer would be pulled back by the State and the money would come off from the table. We would then return to the offer of a salary 18% below CDCR. Given the State of the State and the current fiscal crisis, the Union took an action to secure a salary advancement opportunity for the Pharmacist I and Clinical Dietician classifications that will eventually bring these classifications up to 95% of the salary being paid to the same classifications in CDCR.

The Leadership of AFSCME 2620 is committed to providing our members the opportunity to participate in the decisions of the union. After consulting with the Occupational Committee Chairs for the Pharmacists and the Dieticians, it was decided by these leaders that you, the members, should be allowed to decide for yourself whether to accept the assurance of the proposed salary advancement or decline the offer with the hope you will receive a more substantial offer from the State. In compliance with our Constitution and in keeping with the focus of this administration, we are allowing you the opportunity to make this determination for yourself. By reaching a tentative agreement with the State, we are able to put this proposal before you, the members, for your vote.

What does a yes vote mean? A yes vote will secure the proposed salary range for the Pharmacist I and the Clinical Dietician classifications in DMH, DDS, and CDVA. The salary range will increase the maximum of the class to 90% of that being paid in CDCR effective January 1, 2008, and 95% of that being paid in CDCR effective January 1, 2009.

What does a no vote mean? A no vote means the money for the salary increases will be pulled back by the State and the union will return to the bargaining table to discuss the States prior proposal of a salary 18% less than that being paid in CDCR.

The Governor recently announced deep cuts in every State Department. California is facing a fourteen billion dollar deficit which some fiscal analysts are saying could grow to as high as eighteen billion by 2009. No matter how deserving our members may be of a substantial salary increase and no matter how far below the market rates our members are presently being paid, it is simply not reasonable to believe there will be more money coming our way in the near future. I urge you to carefully consider your decision on this matter as the agreement reached between the union and State will allow you, the Pharmacists and Dieticians, to continue to receive salary improvements during years when others likely will not. Also, when making your decision, remember that the salaries being paid in CDCR are the result of a court order and therefore considered by some to be a windfall. No matter what the reason or the cause, the salaries would not be what they are today had it not been for federal government intervention. We would not be offered the salaries proposed in this agreement had it not been for the special circumstances surrounding the PLATA case.

In Solidarity,

Nancy Swindell
President, AFSCME Local 2620

Click here to view the Salary Schedule (in PDF format).

AB 756 was signed by the Governor

This bill would approve the addenda to memoranda of understanding entered into by the state employer and State Bargaining Units 1, 3, 8, 18, 19, and 20 that require the expenditure of funds, as specified. The bill would further approve provisions of the addenda that require the expenditure of funds, and would appropriate $26,516,000 from the General Fund and other unallocated nongovernmental cost funds for those purposes. The bill would provide that those provisions shall not take effect unless the funds are specifically appropriated by the Legislature or already exist within available appropriations, and would allow the reopening of negotiations if the Legislature does not approve or fully fund any addendum.

This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.

This is the bill underlying the raises within 5% for certain mental health classifications within DMH, DDS, and DVA.

Coleman Tentative Agreement Ratified !

The tentative Agreement reached between the State and AFSCME 2620 regarding the raises for Coleman related mental health care classes has been ratified by the members with an overwhelming vote of 361 for and 8 against.

Read the full story here.

Raises for Coleman Related Mental Health Care Classes

AFSCME 2620 has reached a tentative agreement with the State regarding the implementation of the Coleman Court order of June 28, 2007. The agreement will be sent out to the affected members for ratification by vote.

Read the full story here.

Read President Nancy Swindell's letter on Coleman Raises

August Newsletter Now Online

Click here to view the August Newsletter. Please note that Adobe Acrobat is required to view this newsletter.

New Section - Bills Being Followed

We've added a new section to keep you posted on the legislative bills we are following. Click the item "Bills Being Followed" on the menu on your left to view these bills.

Order T-Shirts to to help fund the Martin Luther King Memorial Fund

COUNCIL 62 LOCAL 3412 is offering T-Shirt sales to help fund the Martin Luther King Memorial Fund. For more details, view the order form (Adobe Acrobat required).

COLEMAN JUDGE ORDERS DMH SALARIES TO BE SET AT 95% OF CDCR RATES

On June 28, Judge Karlton ordered salaries at DMH to be increased to 95% of those paid at CDCR. The actual classifications include psychologists, social workers, and rehabilitation therapists.

There are - and will be for some time to come - many unanswered questions about how this order will be implemented. In the coming weeks, we will meet with the state as it prepares a “pay letter” to implement the order. Because this is a court order, we cannot accept or reject it - but we can and will make our voice heard in response.

Like the salary increase ordered by Judge Henderson in the Plata case, which covers medical staff in CDCR, Judge Karlton's order waives many sections of state law governing salary placement. The state will surely use the waivers to its advantage to minimize the financial impact of the order - a penny-pinching evasion that would once again come at the expense of a long-term solution.

Read the full story here.

State's Response to the Coleman Court

6/28/2007 - Read the latest on the Coleman Court case.

New Sections Added To Web Site!

We've added a Press Release section and a In the News section to the site.

Update: Fighting For 2620 Members, In Court And Behind The Scenes

Judge orders state to provide plan for equal pay to DMH clinicians

AFSCME 2620 representatives President Nancy Swindell, Business Agent Pam Manwiller, and Council 57 Executive Director George Popyack attended Monday's Federal Court hearing on the class-action suit which argues that inmates are being denied their constitutional right to receive mental health treatment while incarcerated. At issue is the mass exodus of mental health and health care professionals from state mental health hospitals to jobs in the prison system.

Though it was not our case to argue on behalf of our members, we filed an Amicus brief which gave us standing on the matter. Our attorney was present and prepared to respond to any questions the court might have about our position.

On Wednesday, Judge Karlton ordered the state to submit a plan that would require that psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and psychiatric technicians who care for mentally ill prisoners at DMH hospitals receive raises to match the salaries of their counterparts in the CDCR. The order, issued yesterday, requires that the state submit its plan within 30 days.

This is an important milestone - reached in no small part because of the many of you who have joined us in protest outside DMH locations, especially this past Monday. Now our task is to ensure that the state responds with raises that bring pay equity throughout all facilities. We are in the process of analyzing all of the aspects of the judge's order. Over the next 30 days, we need to stay vigilant to ensure that instead of looking for loopholes, the state finally meets its responsibility to provide equal pay.

DPA negotiations: despite bullying and threats, the 2620 stood strong

President Nancy Swindell, Chief Negotiator Pam Manwiller, and Council 57 Executive Director George Popyack also met with the DPA on Monday to discuss the state's offer to increase salaries paid to Psychologists, Social Workers, and Recreation Therapists, in DMH, DDS, and VA to 18% below the salaries being paid to the same classifications in CDCR. We didn't waver from the stance that you, our members, directed. We stood firm for full salary parity. Pam Manwiller was clear in stating the -18% would not solve the state's problem of mass transfers to CDCR.

The state negotiator said the offer on the table was the administration's final position, to force Pam to say we would not move on the offer. Pam was clear in stating we are representing the views and positions directed by our members. The State then informed BU 19 they would move to file “impasse papers.”

The meeting had ended. As the AFSCME 2620 representatives were leaving, the state threatened to withdraw the 4/1/2007 effective date, and to pull the offer off the table altogether. This was viewed as a desperate action by the state to get BU 19 to agree to their inadequate salary offer.

We followed the direction given us by you, our members, based on meetings and extensive dialogue statewide. We stood firm for full salary parity and would not yield to the state's antics and threats.

May Newsletter is online!

Click on the Newsletter link and select May 2007 to read it online
(including supplemental material available online only)

Crisis in California Mental Health Hospitals Puts Employees, Community at Risk

Video Implicates State Director Mayberg; Demonstration Set for Wednesday, April 25

VIEW THE PRESS RELEASE HERE

VIEW THE VIDEO HERE

Read about AFSCME Local 2620’s State Of California Individual Development Plan For Stephen W. Mayberg, Ph. D, Director, California Department of Mental Health

AFSCME Local 2620

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