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Gues Column A Message from LIUNA General President Terence M. O'Sullivan |
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As our headquarters
is based in Washington, D. C., I unfortunately have to witness first-hand
how those with more of the power in the Capitol try and abuse those
with less. |
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decision signals the administration’s intent to dismantle the
only federal agency representing the needs of women in the paid workforce.Established
in 1920, the Women’s Bureau plays a critical function in helping
women become aware of their legal rights in the workplace and guiding
them to appropriate enforcement agencies for help. The Regional Offices take the lead on issues related to training for higher paying jobs and non-traditional employment, enforcement of laws against pay discrimination, and the promotion of childcare and other family-friendly policies. This decision had taken place on the heels of the decision by the Department to eliminate the Equal Pay Matters Initiative, and sends the message that the Administration is placing a low priority on the concerns of working women. Thanks to a tremendous amount of pressure put on the Administration by unions, civil and women’s rights organizations, the Bush administration proposal that threatened to eliminate the ten regional offices of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau has reportedly been withdrawn following the protests of activists and members of the House of Representatives. A Labor Department spokesperson was quoted in the San Francisco Chronicle on January 15 saying that the plan to close the regional offices — made late last year by the Office of Management and Budget — will not be included in the new federal budget. That’s why membership involvement makes a real difference.  |
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Carmen Franco Appointed
to Community Council
Carmen Franco has been
active since the beginning with Local 777 and is a true example of a Union
member making a difference in her community. We are therefore pleased to report
that Carmen has recently been appointed to the Sky Valley Area Community Council.
The Council makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on a widely
divergent range of issues. “We deal with everything from safe neighborhoods
to development and environmental issues”, said Carmen. Not only is she
the first Hispanic woman to sit on the Council, she brings a perspective heavily
informed by her Union background. ‘I really want to represent the interests
of working families as we take on the various challenges facing our community.”
Those who know her are sure that she will. Congratulations Carmen, your Union
is very proud of you!
David Hess Termination Rescinded!
David Hess had been working
in IT in the Treasurer/Tax Collector’s office for over a year and a half.
He was given an Intent to Terminate letter as he had driven a County car with
a suspended license. In his hearing the union was able to convince the county
that he had not gotten the information that his license was suspended. As
soon as he found out he took care of the problem.
A settlement was then agreed to for a reduced discipline and David is happy
to be back on the job!
After a long and difficult round of negotiations, Local 777 members employed by the City of Indio have reached an agreement on a new Memorandum of Understanding.
The one year Agreement includes a 5.5% cost of living increase; two additional steps of 5% each to the salary range; and a new salary range adjusted to reflect a recent wage survey.
Chapter President Greg Eastman reports “With the new range, those employees who have been topped out for years will have at least three more increases of 5%. Even though at times these negotiations were extremely frustrating, the bargaining team hung in there until we had a deal that made sense for our members.”
Representative Stephen Switzer, who acted as chief spokesperson for the union reports that “We could not have been this successful without Greg and the rest of the team and I want to congratulate them for their efforts.”
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Looking
for a change |
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