October 17, 2007 will mark the first anniversary of our protected union status under Cook County ordianance and we have scheduled a celebration.The past 12 months had some great highs, and some regrettable lows. As for highs, AFSCME was successful in passing an historic county ordinance protecting our rights to unionize and collectively bargain, and we began to reap the benefits of a good contract that we negotiated under difficult financial times. As for lows, we experienced layoffs in an office that was already understaffed. Many believe that never should have happened, but unfortunately, it did happen.Through it all, we learned a lot- who we can count on to fight for our rights and benefits and who stands on the sidelines. I am proud of the many assistant public defenders who stepped up during these events to help their brothers and sisters, and proud of the way the Union fought for our members. From petitions, to press conferences, to ongoing advocacy efforts, we have learned much about how to stand up for assistant public defenders.The County budget cycle will kick in again soon. As always, County revenue will be problematic, and again the Cook County Commissioners will be seeking solutions. We must be ready as a public defender local of over 400 members to take action, to show up to site meetings, to call Commissioners, and to advocate for ourselves. As we have learned, if we don’t do it, no one will. And we know that if our message does not get out, politicians will be looking to our office again as a place to shave cost.As I said earlier, October 17, 2007 will mark the 1st anniversary of the County passing the Cook County Asistant Public Defender Collective Bargaining Ordinance. In addition, we believe that by then, all our laid off attorneys will be back on the job. To celebrate, we are having an extended happy hour at Stanley’s. Come celeberate! Here’s the information:
- Wednesday, 10/17/07
- 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Stanley’s on Racine (former location for Tutto Orsi)
- 324 S. Racine Ave., Chicago, IL
- Cocktails, Beer, Wine and Finger Foods
- Local 3315, Full Share Members Only!
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