DOC bargaining update #2

Let’s be clear about what is happening at the bargaining table.

Management is attempting to solve a budget deficit on the backs of employees—while failing to recognize inflation, failing to protect bargaining-unit work, failing to make personnel safety a priority, and choosing operational shortcuts over the integrity of the processes that protect our members.

The handling of layoffs is especially concerning. Employees deserve a process that is transparent, accurate, and fair. Instead, management is moving toward a process where employees may not have access to all of their options—or may receive incomplete or incorrect information about those options. Efficiency cannot come at the expense of integrity.

Now, rather than addressing these issues at the bargaining table, management has threatened to file Unfair Labor Practice charges against our union. We believe these actions improperly interfere with our ability to fully address important contract issues and have the practical effect of restricting certain articles from moving forward to arbitration until the ULP matters are resolved.

We believe these issues are mandatory subjects of bargaining, and we are prepared to defend that position.

Make no mistake: we are going to arbitration.

And if management refuses to recognize its obligations, this Union will use every LAWFUL workplace action available to hold management accountable.

Our message is simple:

We will not balance the budget by sacrificing our members.
We will not accept inflationary losses while being asked to do more with less.
We will not surrender bargaining-unit work.
We will not compromise employee safety.
We will not accept efficiency at the expense of integrity.
And we will not be intimidated by threats of a ULP.

This fight is bigger than any single bargaining proposal. It is about whether employees who keep the Department operating will be treated as an asset—or as the easiest place to cut.

Your bargaining team is standing together. Your Union has your back. And we are prepared to take this fight all the way.

Stronger together. Union forever.

DOC WFSE Bargaining Team

Bill Copeland

Sean Raybell

Scott Lee

Jim Fuchert                                  

Doug Chaput            

Marlanea Aspden

Ton Johnson, Chief Negotiator                                      

Jose Garcia, Labor Negotiator

Teresa Parsons, Class/Comp Labor Negotiator

Chris Coker, Attorney

AFSCME Council 28/WFSE
Speaking Up for Our Jobs, Families & Communities
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