City & Union set Tentative Dates for Collective Bargaining Sessions at LiUNA!, Local 261.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012 - 2pm
Friday, March 2, 2012 - 10am
Thursday, March 15, 2012 - 10am
Friday, March 23, 2012 - 10am
Friday, March 30, 2012 - 10am
Friday, April 13, 2012 - 10am
Wednesday, April 18, 2012 - 10am
Friday, April 27, 2012 - 10am
Friday, May 4, 2012 - 10am
Friday, May 11, 2012 - 10am

- Vince Courtney
LiUNA!, NCDCL/Local 261
Http://Twitter.com/vincecourtney
cellular/text: (415) 810-4500

Dozens of dedicated Union Members Select 2012 Bargaining Team!

Today, several dozen Union members took the first important Step toward adoption of a new Memorandum of Understanding to begin July 1st 2012.

Committee *Assignments are as follows:

City-Wide:
Nikki Mixon Chair
Vince Courtney, Representative
David De La Torre, Representative
Joan Vellutini, Edison Fincher, Dan Feerick, Norflis McCullough, Zac Salem, Alex Alvarez, Larry Montoya, Jose De La Mora, Anthony Travis. (City Hall: Ramon Hernandez & Theresa Foglio)

SFRPD:
Nikki Mixon Chair
Vince Courtney, Representative
Joan Vellutini, Zac Salem, John Raulli, Bruce Ricci, Adrian Rojo, Theresa O'Brien, Steve Elder, Rob Sheets.

SFDPW:
Nikki Mixon Chair
Vince Courtney, Representative
Edison Fincher, Dan Feerick, LaVonda Williams, Norflis McCullough, Sean Healy, Jon Beazor.

SFPUC, MTA, SFIA, SFPort:
Nikki Mixon Chair
Theresa Foglio, Representative
David De La Torre, Representative
Alex Alvarez, Jose De La Mora, Larry Montoya, Anthony Travis.

*vacancies have not all been filled. Candidates who demonstrate capacity & willingness to serve, will be considered by Ramon Hernandez for appointment subject to member approval.

Important Updates:
http://Twitter.com/vincecourtney
http://Facebook.com/LIUNA261

Link (copy & paste,) to current 2010/11-2011/12 CCSF/LiUNA!, Local 261 Memorandum of Understanding

http://www.sfdhr.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=11534

Vince Courtney
LiUNA!, NCDCL/Local 261
Http://Twitter.com/vincecourtney
cellular/text: (415) 810-4500

Rank & File Negotiations Team Gears up for Talks with the City & County over a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

In 2009, during contract negotiations the City and the PEC were successful at negotiating 12 furlough days per year for a reduction in time of 4.6%.  This contract would be for fiscal 2010/11 & 2011/12, & Members of Local 261 ratified their tentative agreement by a vote of 398 Yes, 12 No, (this was more of a vote of support for the rank & file negotiating team than enthusiasm over the furlough days.)  Many of you are aware that  since then, the vast majority of public sector labor unions in San Francisco also reached a consensus proposal on the pension benefits that with save the City millions of dollars per year (see proposition C.)

The current MOU will expire on June 30th of this year; we don't know where the City will start this time, (there is a 200+ million dollar budget deficit projected for the 1st year,) but it doesn't matter.  What matters is that our Chief Steward Negotiators, Department Reps., City-wide Stewards, and rank & file are ready to defend and protect everything we have.

For this reason, we will meet at 12:00pm January 25, 2012, at LiUNA!, Local 261 to select our negotiations team, and plan our sessions with the City Department by Department.  We will develop on, and then execute a plan for collection proposals for incorporation into our new agreement.   Please attend the local union meeting and understand that the only way to achieve a fair contract is to have a unified front.

As always, important schedules & updates throughout the process will be found here, and at twitter/Vincecourtney & facebook/liuna261.

Bay Citizen/USF Poll: Lee Dominates - The Bay Citizen

Bay Citizen/USF Poll: Lee Dominates - The Bay Citizen

THIS Saturday October 8th, 10am walk, 3:00pm UNITY BBQ & ... on Twitpic

THIS Saturday October 8th, 10am walk, 3:00pm UNITY BBQ & ... on Twitpic
THIS Saturday October 8th, 10am walk, 3:00pm UNITY BBQ & Celebration! (program @ 3:30,) at Local 261. Join hundreds of workers, union members, and Friends of Labor as we blanket the City with our message about what is important to working families, and good for San Francisco.

Chronicle recommends Yes on C/No on D!

How the measures compare

Pension formula for police and firefighters{+1}

Current: 3% of final salary (average final two years) X years of service at age 55.{+1} (Pension for 30-year veteran who earned $100,000: $90,000 at age 55).

Prop. C: 3% of final salary (average final three years) X years of service at age 58. (Pension for 30-year veteran who earned $100,000: $90,000 at age 58).

Prop. D: 2.7% of final salary (average final five years) X years of service at age 57. (Pension for 30-year veteran who earned $100,000: $75,000{+2} at age 57).

Employee pension contribution, $100,000 salary{+3}

Current: 7.5% of salary

Prop. C: Between 2.5% and 12.5% of salary, depending on level of city contribution. As city's cost rises, so does employee's.

Prop. D: Between 7.5% and 15% of salary, depending on level of city contribution.

Employee contribution to retirement health care

Current: None for employees hired before 2009; newer hires contribute 2% of salary.

Prop. C: Pre-2009 employees must contribute 0.25% of salary starting in fiscal 2016, increasing by 0.25% of salary annually to a maximum 1%.

Prop. D: Does not change current system.

{+1}For other city employees, the formula is 2.3% of final salary X years of service at age 62. Both propositions would raise the retirement age for maximum pension to 65. Changes apply to new hires only; would not affect vested rights. {+2}Prop. D reduces the maximum possible pension for public safety workers (now 90%) to 75% for new hires (same as for other city employees). Prop. D also imposes overall pension cap of $140,000; Prop. C has no such ceiling. {+3}Example is for non-public safety employees.

This article appeared on page E - 10 of the San Francisco Chronicle

On October 8th & November 5th Union Members will drop our campaign literature City-wide!

The Consensus Plan: Yes on C from YesOnC NoOnD on Vimeo.

Laborers' Union Northern California District Council and Laborers' Local 261 Endorse Leland Yee for Mayor.

Mayor Edwin Lee Declares "City Gardener Day!" 3rd Annual William Hammond Hall Award Presentation is a Great Event!

San Francisco Golden Gate Park, Conservatory of Flowers: Many many thanks to all who attended this special event. The men & women of LiUNA!, Local 261 are grateful that the Recreation and Parks Commission has endorsed the continuation of this unique celebration. Mayor Edwin Lee was met with resounding enthusiasm for declaring it to be "City Gardener Day," and for all of his kind words about the work that we do. The Union members are also grateful to State Senator Leland Yee, and SF Supervisor John Avalos for coming by and addressing the membership on matters related to Park funding and the importance of the Park system to the Community that we serve. We were especially pleased with the Parks Trust, for their continued sponsorship and General Manager Phil Ginsburg for championing the Gardeners, their Union, and for proposing an unprecedented budget for the Department. Most importantly, the Subcommittee of Denny Kern, Ana Alvarez, Margaret MacArthur, and Theresa Folgio for making sure that the event went smoothly and was enjoyable for all. Congratulations to the deserving winners, enjoy your Parks, and see you next year.

WIlliam Hammond Hall Award is on the way again! June 23, 2011.

Mayor Edwin Lee - Press Conference announcing agreement on Ballot Initiative to address pension fund health.

Mayor Ed Lee ready to introduce pension reform measure | Brent Begin | Under the Dome | San Francisco Examiner

Mayor Ed Lee ready to introduce pension reform measure | Brent Begin | Under the Dome | San Francisco Examiner

Ramon Hernandez and LiUNA! Chief Stewards recognize membership at 1st Annual Montoya Award ceremony.

Congratulations to the deserving recipients of the Montoya Recognition Award! In recognition of selection as recipient of the
SFDPW/LiUNA!, Local 261 "Montoya" AWARD
FOR OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE
In testimony thereof this certificate is awarded
On this 19th day of May, 2011 to
LaVonda Williams, Toriano Brown, Robert Williamson, Mike Fincher, Chris Banks, Amy Craven, Edward Godsy Jr., Leonard Doss Jr., William Mitchell, Ofelia Buntas, Paul Snow, Eduardo Pacheco

San Francisco Supervisor Scott Weiner to join men & women of LiUNA!, Local 261 to talk Parks, Budget.

April 21, 2011
City Committee Agenda

Call to Order - Field
Budget Report - Courtney
Special Guest:
SF Supervisor Scott Weiner
Pension (Ballot) status - McDevitt
Political Action - Courtney
New Business:
May 7th: Leland Yee Kickoff Event
May 26th: SFDPW Montoya Event
June 23rd: William Hammond Hall
Old Business:
Mobile Work Crews
Bid Committee reports
Announcements:
3422 only meeting 4/27
Adjournment:

San Francisco's Mayor Lee still formulating pension-fix plan | Joshua Sabatini | Local | San Francisco Examiner

San Francisco's Mayor Lee still formulating pension-fix plan | Joshua Sabatini | Local | San Francisco Examiner

“We are almost at the finish line,” said spokesman Nathan Ballard. “Within weeks we’ll have a finished product that will have the support of the mayor and the supervisors.”

Yet labor is concerned about how much employees will be asked to increase their pension contributions. Most workers currently contribute 7.5 or 9 percent to their pensions. But labor leader Bob Muscat, who is participating in the pension talks, said The City is looking at contributions as high as 14 percent, which he said would be “disastrous” for some city workers. Labor has explored increases of up to 3 percent over the current amounts.

Full Board of Supervisors to decide between Ideology and Pragmatic Decision making next Tuesday.

Strong memories and fond attachments will not lead us out of this recession. While, the Parks are for everyone, the citizens of the City and County of San Francisco are the true owners. It is not logical to suggest that we must also extend the "tax cuts" to folks who have not asked for it. It is critical for us to generate revenue for Recreation and Parks. Let's move in unison, and do everything we can do to assist the Department at solving real revenue problems because it directly impacts us year after year. As stewards, we love our Parks and care about them too, but they are destinations that require investment, upkeep, and sometimes a modest fee to keep them running well, beautiful, and safe for everyone.The LiUNA!, Local 261 City Committee has consistently and overwhelmingly supported such revenue because the workers have been subjected to a slow bleed for the past several years as a result of our economic downturn. Because they respect our Union and the work we do, our coalition of Labor, Business, and Community leaders and Organizations is pulling for us. Mayor Edwin Lee has decided to make the fee for non-residents permanent, while the Board of Supervisors is considering a one-time payment. Spectacular showing by the workers on their days off, and personal time (lots of construction workers from Brother Oscar De La Torre's office,) and great support from all of our friends who support our efforts! (You can watch the tape here, and Brother Courtney states our position at about 3:08:00.)

We Fight, We Win! Broad Based Coalition Opposes the Avalos Legislation. Keep critical funding for our Parks!

ORANGE – Action Alert! April 6, 2011 10am City Hall Help us tell City Hall, and our friends in the Labor Council “NOT JUST US!” We expect shared sacrifice. Please join the Recreation and Parks Department, The Arboretum Society, Tens of 1000’s of workers from the SEIU-UHW Healthcare Workers, The SEIU Local 87 Custodians, The SEIU Recreation & Parks Chapter, The San Francisco Building & Construction Trades Council, The Laborers and Gardeners of LiUNA!, Local 261, & The Northern California District Council of Laborers Community leaders from Plan C, the San Francisco Parks Trusr, & The Laborers’ Community & Training Foundation Business Leaders from the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, Building Owners & Managers Association, Committee on Jobs, & the Golden Gate Restaurant Association, and thousands of individual supporters in our support of a reasonable fee for non-residents only! The Board of Supervisors should not negotiate away compensation and benefits of the workers during this severe economic crisis, and then turn around and fail to generate responsible revenue. Our Parks are worth it! Like last year (when the Board voted 8-3 for the important fee,) we still support a responsible fee structure for our beautiful facilities. (pictured: over 70 LiUNA! 261 members attended last year's hearing when the critical fee passed.)

City Committee - March 24, 2011 12:00pm

1. Call to Order: Field
2. Budget State/City
3. Collective Bargaining
Ballot, Budget, MOU: Courtney/McDevitt
4. RPD - "reassignment"
Bid Committee report: open
5. DPW - OT matter, Bid status: open
6. SFMTA - Shift Bid: open
7. Special Guest:
San Francisco Supervisor Jane Kim
8. Old Business - 3410 update: Mixon/Raulli
District Captains: Courtney
9. New Business
-Mobile Crew proposal: Vellutini/Childers
-PAC Mayor/DA, 261BM, Sec-Treas.: Courtney/Foglio
10. Announcements
Critical Action Alert - April 6 City Hall: Courtney
11. Adjournment

ORANGE Action Alert! Support Responsible Revenue on April 6, 2011! Orange Up @ City Hall at 10am Sharp!

Dear Brothers & Sisters:
April 6, 2011, 10am
City Hall - Orange Action Alert!
"Shared Sacrifice...Not just sacrifice of the workers!"
Last year, many of you recall our effort to protect responsible revenue in the Department of Recreation and Parks. One particular item has drawn the aggression of an active vocal-minority of park advocates. That item is the continuation of the admission fee for non-City residents at the Botanical Garden.
While they have reached agreement with both Local 261 & SEIU on Community hiring practices for miscellaneous non-jurisdictional work (such as ticket-taking, etc.) and, have been major sponsors of our own Annual William Hammond Hall Event at RPD, the Society appears to be subjected to the brunt of most of the attacks, but I can attest that the General Manager (& even yours truly,) has been subjected vicious personal attacks related to the issue.
This may be only the tip of the iceberg as there in a move underway to by some of the same people to "landmark" the parks which will require gardeners to apply to City Hall in order to plant, and make small changes to the landscape. One of the benefits of a strong union membership, is that we do have the power to be heard and sometimes, that's all it takes! We must show up!
Last year, over 50 Union members showed up to City Hall to support the fee because we believe that it is unfair to TAKE ONLY FROM THE WORKERS INSTEAD OF SHARING THE PAIN OF THIS ECONOMIC CRISIS! We took a position last year because we were fresh off of a negotiation which saw our earnings take a 4.6% cut. We expect the Board of Supervisors to make tough decisions and to raise revenue where it can, instead of just taking from the workers through negotiations.
We revisited the position again this year because I met with the advocates of the other side who asked us to, and Supervisor John Avalos requested to meet with us. We heard both sides, and again, overwhelmingly support this modest fee because it is fair. It is simply wrong to take our money (they plan on taking more, see pension/healthcare,) so that they can look good politically by not even charging the non-tax payers to use our unique, world-class and not-so-inexpensive facilities. We know Supervisor John Avalos is a great friend of Local 261, and he respects our position, but we must agree to disagree.
Now, we must prevail! We must converge on City Hall on APRIL 6th, so that we have the greatest success at helping our Board of Supervisors make difficult, but necessary decisions, so our respective Departments generate much-needed revenue, and they don't keep taking from the workers through layoffs and compensation reductions. We are meeting now to increase revenue, not decrease it. In short, our reputation is riding on it! See you there!