CSEA UNIT 7400 NEGOTIATION UPDATE

Dear Brothers and Sisters,


It has been a long 4 years without a contract; I want to give you an update regarding contract negotiations and fact finding.

As you know CSEA submitted proposals to the fact finder on June 20, 2011; as a result of that the County filed an IP (improper practice) charge against us for what they are claiming is “bargaining in bad faith”.

What seems to be getting the County “mad” is that we are now seeking retroactive pay.  We feel this is reasonable considering the delays by the county and the fact that we are almost four (4) years without a contract. ALSO THIS IS NOT A NEW DEMAND!

The other issue that they feel is “new” is that we are asking for “domestic partners” benefits.  THIS IS NOT A NEW DEMAND, EITHER.

The IP charge is being heard on May 24, 2012.  We have a strong defense that the issues were encompassed by proposals we made during the prior months of negotiations so they were not “new” issues.

Holding a hearing on the “bad faith” charge is especially unnecessary, because the County can just make their argument to the fact finder that these issues are not properly submitted.  Getting a hearing has resulted in another year delay already, and it will be another six months (at least) to  get the Judge’s decision… which can be appealed.  This is just a stall tactic on the County’s part to hold up negotiations longer.

We need to stand together to show the County administration that we are the people that make this county work.

Let’s send this message to the Brooks administration and the legislatures at every County Legislator meeting at 5:45 on the 4th floor.

Beginning June 12, July 10, Aug.14, Sept.11, Oct 9, Nov.13, and Dec.11. Thank you in advance and look forward to seeing you there.

Yours in Solidity,

Cris