Here's the low lights of the County's offer to us:
Cost of living raise: 0% for 2010 and 2011
No step increases for 2010 and 2011 (What I find particularly insulting about this is that "steps" were originally a way to save the employer money by not having to pay you what the job is worth for a few years. Fine eliminate the steps and pay everyone top pay!)
Health Care to go up. Higher co-pays, singles to pay $50 a month, family monthly rate to stay the same. The usual passing the cost onto us at the same time they won't even offer a cost of living raise. Can you say, "Shrinking check?"
They offer $150 lump sum fee for 2010 and 2011 to employees making less then $18.00 an hour. Like that's going to make up for freezing your wages!
Freeze Stability Pay for 2010 and 2011. We all know this isn't a freeze but a fucking take back!
NEW: Limited Duration Appointments. "A non-permanent appointment which is expected to last less than two (2) years, including employees whose work schedules are non-continuous or irregular in nature. Such appointments may be extended with the approval of the Human Resources Director." Are you kidding me? This is just abuse waiting to happen.
So there you have it. My editorial comments are in red.
We are considered essential employees. Essential to Hennepin County simply means you can't strike and they can change your schedule at will! They offer us the same plate of shit they offer everyone else. Two contracts ago we voluntarily accepted a "once in a lifetime" wage freeze. Since then how many of us have been bit by inmates, punched, kicked, spit on? How many have turned positive for tuberculosis? All of us worked a very long stretch, some as many as 15 days straight, of 12 hour days during the RNC. Our thanks? The 28 day schedule that disrupted our lives and this bullshit offer. I'm sorry, do I sound pissed off?
THIS IS AN OFFICIAL NEWS SITE FOR CURRENT AND RETIRED CORRECTIONS OFFICERS! This blog will keep up on current events affecting Detention Deputies and Corrections Officers. SINCE 2006!
The dangers of the job are so often ignored, but the following story happened at one of the places used as a model for the building of the PSF!
ReplyDeletehttp://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/nov/04/inmates-credited-rescuing-hillsborough-deputy-duri/
I visited that very jail when we were getting ready to switch to direct supervision. Our job is dangerous and unpredictable. Never underestimate how far being professional with the inmates can help you. It can make your day easier and save your life when the administration cuts staff!
ReplyDeleteWhat is the next step? Is there another meeting? Are there any negotiations left to be done?
ReplyDeleteMediation then arbitration!
ReplyDeleteWade,
ReplyDeleteIf it ends up being a 0/0 for 2010/11. Than at least fight for the step increase and our senility pay. They will still come out ahead by us upping our co-pays and Health Ins deductions. I'm sure they'll increase our parking and why don't they charge the Lt's and up a parking fee to help cost while times are tough. It's not like it would meke or break their finances. Include in the meeting that the next contrat will ensure a 6/6 increase and make sure it's in writing. I'm sure I can go on and on but just wanted to say something.