CCMIN021511 - Laserfiche WebLink

Denis Lakner, read a letter into the record from Brandy, a police dispatcher of 28 years, citing the hard work of employees and voicing disappointment in the return to negotiations. Vanessa Schlehuber, read a letter into the record from Louise Gush, a police records clerk of 5 years, citing employee dedication, requesting the Council vote in favor of the modified contract, and voicing how unappreciated she feels. David Connelly, Vice President, Sailor's Union of the Pacific, voiced support of public sector employees. He said all workers have a stake in what is now a national debate and feels the contract has been undermined. Betsy Jones, police employee of 22 years, spoke of untrue rumors that employees live "high on the hog", of the many criminals they deal with on a daily basis, and asked the Council to be fair. Amy Hines, California School Employees Association, said they are in full solidarity with AFSCME Local 955 and asked the Council to not erode the sanctity of its words. Pam Deaton said she has never been so disappointed and saddened in the leadership for going back on their contract. She has difficulty coming to work and asked the Council to make a commitment and build trust back. Wei-Ling Huber, Unite Here 2850, thanked the Council for support of the Castlewood workers but disappointment in the integrity of the bargaining process which has been compromised in failure to ratify the MOU and negotiate in good faith. Cy Matin spoke of fiscal accountability and responsibility, said the solution is to go back prior to 2002 pension factors, and thinks employees should be happy they even have a job. Greg Bonato, IBW Local 595, voiced support of the AFSCME workers and the services they provide to members, and asked the Council to support the contract with them. Jeff Delbono, Central Labor Council and IFS 689 Member City of Alameda, said contracts represent benefits and defined pensions that must stay or it is not good faith bargaining, and said employees are trying to support their families. John Bartlett gave the City Manager a piece of bread his mother baked, spoke of his tenure with the City, and stood behind the public works car wash crew who are without representation. Jason Solak said negotiating is about establishing relationships and the foundation is trust, and asked Council to take into account that what is right is not always popular is what is popular is not always right. Tom Mullarkey, IB Local 959 which is a private sector union, reinforced that pensions and health care important benefits to all workers and is in solidarity with AFSCME. James Durke said the issue needs to be controlled and it will be painful for everybody. Mike Henneberry, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 5, said when they negotiate a deal with Safeway workers, they stand by it, and what has happened is unfortunate. City Council Minutes Page 3 of 11 February 15,2011