Northbay Uprising - Information for the liberated zones of the San Pablo Bay

2011-12-16 "Solano halts imposition & furloughs despite takeaways" from "SEIU 1021" news
  As in nearby San Joaquin, Solano County members managed to fight off the threat of imposition this week with the approval of a new contract by the Board of Supervisors. But while the contract includes takeaways, members appear (for now, at least) to be safe from the threat of furloughs this fiscal year.
  According to the Vacaville Reporter, "the final vote didn't come easy for some on the board. Supervisor Barbara Kondylis said it was so difficult to swallow that she literally held her nose while casting her vote.
  "Kondylis explained that even though an agreement with Service Employees International Union Local 1021 was reached, she doesn't think it was fair or that it begun on a level playing field.
  "Her comments were cheered by the union members who filled the board chamber to capacity ... ."
  "We are willing to take the pay cuts in order to continue to provide services to our community," said SEIU 1021 Chapter President Jennifer LaRiviere. "But don't expect our members to quietly tighten our belts when there are over $4 million to save from legislative, executive, and senior management employees. Fair is fair. It's your turn."


2011-12-14 "Solano County leaders finalize SEIU contract" by Melissa Murphy from "The Vacaville Reporter"
[http://www.thereporter.com/news/ci_19544165]
The effort to finalize a new contract agreement between Solano County and its largest employee union took nine months of meetings, heated negotiations, rallies, public pleas and, on Tuesday, a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors.
But even the final vote didn't come easy for some on the board. Supervisor Barbara Kondylis said it was so difficult to swallow that she literally held her nose while casting her vote.
Kondylis explained that even though an agreement with Service Employees International Union Local 1021 was reached, she doesn't think it was fair or that it begun on a level playing field.
Her comments were cheered by the union members who filled the board chamber to capacity, leaving only standing room to listen to the supervisors.
Georgia Cochran, interim director of Human Resource, said it was a long and difficult process on both sides of the table.
The agreement was endorsed by a majority of union members of SEIU last week.
Cochran said both sides worked tirelessly and that everyone prefers that cuts included in the package didn't have to be so "draconian."
The union agreed to reduce the employer paid member contribution to their retirement plan, establishing a lower retirement tier for new employees, and sharing county costs of retirement contributions if those retirement rates are between 14 percent and 16 percent.
Additionally, starting next month, the county's contribution toward the employee's cafeteria plan of health-related benefits will be reduced from 80 percent to 75 percent of the Kaiser family rate. Employees will pay for the remaining costs of their health-related benefits.
The concession also includes providing the Board of Supervisors the ability to implement a furlough plan for up to 12 days per year, which equates to a reduction in pay of up to a 4.62 percent, if implemented.
That possibility of furloughs continues to be a sore spot with union representatives who spoke at Tuesday's meeting.
There isn't a policy in Solano County on how to impose furloughs on employees just yet.
Even so, supervisor Jim Spering said he didn't see furloughs as an option for the rest of the year.
"I wouldn't support it next year at all. I really don't think there is support for it," he said during a break in Tuesday's meeting. He added that while policy is developed for using furloughs, alternatives also will be considered.
"The unions' leadership should be included in this process," he said.
The union members erupted in applause and cheers during the meeting after Spering said, "I'm pretty confident there will not be furloughs next year."
Union members said furlough days would further prevent them from offering services to the community in a timely manner.
James Conradsen said his concern is the impact furloughs will have on the community and said the most vulnerable will suffer.
"Please don't hurt our community by not letting me come to work," he said.