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Sisters and Brothers:
NEGOTIATIONS The County is under new leadership. Toni Preckwinkle was sworn in as Cook County Board President on December 6th, 2011, along with a few new County Commissioners. Toni Preckwinkle has indicated to AFSCME that she is very interested in ending our two year long attempt at negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement. With President Stroger, there were NO scheduled negotiations for the last six months which led AFSCME to file a complaint with the Labor Board. Although that ULP is pending, it may now become moot with the new leadership at the County Building. We believe that President Preckwinkle will be much more receptive to contract talks so stay tuned to further communications from the union regarding this topic.
21% ? Yes, President Preckwinkle has thrown around the 21% budget cuts for the offices of all independently elected officials. The Public Defender is not an elected official. He is appointed by the County Board President with the approval of the Commissioners and serves a six year term. Our budget is under the Office of the President. At this time, we do not know what cuts will be made in our office and how those cuts will affect our members. AFSCME has been in contact with President Preckwinkle and she has indicated her desire to “minimize effects on front line employees. ” Time will tell what President Preckwinkle does.
SIGN THE CARD As a way to remind the new County Board President of the County’s obligation to bargain in good faith, we are asking all members to sign cards that are being distributed at work sites urging her management team to return to the bargaining table “with a firm commitment to reaching a fair contract settlement in an expeditious manner.” How can anyone disagree with that? Please sign the card and get it back to me no later than December 10, 2010. The cards will be presented to the President by members of the bargaining team shortly thereafter.
WINTER PARTY The best party in town is scheduled for 1/21/2011. This year’s Local party will be at the Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier. As before, members will be required to RSVP. Please reply ASAP. Details to be provided very soon. This will be the party that everyone will be talking about for months, so don’t miss out.
MARTHA In Martha Marie Fitzsimmons’ memory, we are creating a special award to be given from time to time to an individual who exemplifies her incredible spirit and dedication to our clients. Martha, our dearly departed sister, was an incredible leader of this local from its inception and a fierce and zealot advocate for each and every one of her clients. We are forming a committee of volunteers who will be charged with the task of setting the criteria and process for selecting the awardee. Membership of this committee is open to members of management as well. Please contact me if you are interested in becoming a member of the committee. Let’s keep Martha’s dedication and spirit alive!
On behalf of the Executive Board of AFSCME Local 3315, Happy Holidays!
K. S. Galhotra, President