What Happened?

In late March, Brian Green received word that co-workers in Utility Customer Services and Field Services were concerned that their departmental leave policies were inconsistent with the citywide policy and were impossible to adhere to.  Employees wanted to know “How can someone know 24 hours in advance if they are going to wake up sick the next morning?”

 

Brian contacted HR Director Anita Breen to advise her of the problem and they worked together to make sure it was solved.

 

Memos Sent

On April 10, City Manager Larry Stevens sent a memo to Jerry Smith to advise him that the UCS and Field Customer Attendance Policy had been “permanently rescinded”.  The city will now review, on a case-by-case basis, any discipline given under the departmental policy and will permanently remove any inappropriate discipline.  Mr. Stevens

also stated that the only attendance policy is in Section 10.3 of the Personnel Manual and it covers all Edmond employees.

 

Why We Need a Contract

“This is an example of why we need a contract that covers ALL employees in our bargaining unit.  Without a clear and universal set of rules, there will always be confusion.  When the contract is done it will help both the employees and city management know where they stand and what their rights and responsibilities are.

 

What Now?

 

If you or a co-worker are concerned about any discipline received regarding leave, please contact Brian Green or a Union Steward in your area.

 

AFSCME EDMOND

http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/afscme-edmondinfo/

Union Stewards

If you have the need for Union representation, please contact one of the following union stewards.

Brian Green - Water Res 405.694.3074

Brad Durbin - Parks/Cemetery 405.623.3350

Chuck Gleba - Park Maint 405.282.7937

Jamie Whitworth - Cemetery 405.863.2864

John Avera - Communications 405.520.7274

Tom Dobbs- Solid Waste 405.315.2025

Joe White – Solid Waste 405.210.1426

William Bryles – Union President........405.631.5531

Tim O’Connor – Business Agent.........405.740.7496

 

City Council Meeting

 

April 14th was the first time that Edmond City Workers went to a City Council meeting as a group of union employees and we wore our AFSCME green.  Word was out that there was a petition going around and it was going around because we were not happy with the pace of negotiations.  After several months of bargaining and several canceled sessions it’s time that our contract is made a priority.  We help make this city great and our needs are as important as our co-workers in Police and Fire. The Council now knows that City Workers are not afraid to bring their concerns to them and to the public.

 

As City Workers waited outside for the executive session to end, the Council reconvened and adjourned the meeting.  Although the petitions were not delivered that night, the message was sent: we need to have our contract made a priority.  The petitions are still in hand and can be delivered at the next meeting, if need be.  It is hoped that the next sessions are fruitful and will produce more of the language that is so important to so many of us.

 

The Negotiations Team is determined to get the best first contract that they can for the members.  They will meet with the City Team on Thursday, April 17.

 

Stay Tuned

 

 

Leave Policy Amended

 

Local 2406

May 2008