Posted by Lou on June 28, 2010
As we well know, cutbacks, specifically coerced reductions in the state workforce, have dire consequences. WRNI’s Scott McKay writes an excellent piece with this very message. Read the article and leave a comment thanking Scott for his support.
In other news, the AFSCME International Convention is going on this week in Boston. The convention page at AFSCME.org has highlights and photos. I was there this morning, and the delegation was fired up by International President Gerald McEntee and thankful for the long service of Secretary-Treasurer William Lucy. Mr. Lucy is retiring after 38 years of service to AFSCME. Keep up to date with the convention RSS feed
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Posted by Lou on June 12, 2010
This Thursday, June 18, our general membership meeting will be held in the 3rd floor cafeteria of 235 Promenade St. There is no major news on the agenda as of right now. If you have something you would like to discuss, feel free to contact us.
Following up on something Ken DeLorenzo and I have mentioned, the Council is working on creating a Next Wave committee to cater to the interests of younger members. To that end, I have created a Facebook page for the Council 94 Next Wave group. You can also stay connected with the Council via the Council 94 Facebook page. If you would like more information about AFSCME’s Next Wave movement, see the AFSCME Next Wave website.
If you are interested in being part of the Next Wave movement, please contact me for more information. Whether you are interested or not, if you under 35 years old, and a member of Local 2881, please fill out this survey and return it to me. I’d consider it a personal favor, and probably even buy you a beer for your trouble!
Posted by Lou on May 28, 2010
There are a couple articles in the Projo that you should be aware of:
Two weeks ago, the budget deficit was deemed to be less than expected.
Yesterday, the House Finance Committee voted to send their budget proposal to the full house by a 13-to-1 margin. This budget proposal includes the previously accepted proposal of cutting state employee pension COLAs to the lesser of the CPI or 3% on first $35,000 on pension benefit.
You know what this means, folks. It means it’s time to contact your representation and explain to them that cutting your pension benefit constitutes a breach of contract and takes money out of the RI economy in the future. Tell them that our pension is not the financial windfall that they and the public think it is. Ask them if pension cuts are so necessary, why are state troopers and legislators exempted from the cuts. Ask them to force all legislators, judges and state troopers to pay 8.75% towards their pension benefit and a 20% co-chare of their health insurance. But most of all, tell them that you refuse to support politicians who refuse to support you.
Posted by Lou on May 20, 2010
- As previously mentioned, Council 94 has filed a lawsuit to fight the recent pension benefit changes. Feel free to read the full complaint.
- Joe Antonio informed the executive board of the date for the summer outing. This year, our field day at Alton Jones will be on Thursday, August 26.
- If you are under 35 years old, and would like to participate in the Council 94 Next Wave committee, please contact me or leave a comment to this post. The Council is actively searching for younger members to get involved, and this is a great way to do so. Even if you aren’t under 35, please tell fellow union members who are about this new way to make their voice heard.
Posted by Lou on May 17, 2010
I’m sure most of you have seen the article in Sunday’s Providence Journal. Unfortunately, non-vested employees would, once again, not be protected even if the challenge were decided in our favor. I will be sure to forward any further information the executive board receives regarding this.
Also, we received word that the Council has decided not to appeal the health care lawsuit decision that was not in our favor. Based on the current case law, and the legal opinions of several attorneys working on the suit, Council’s resources would be more appropriately directed towards the new lawsuit.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
