We Need Your Phone Calls And Emails!!!

Originally posted Feb 14, 2012

We need phone calls and emails now – the Governor’s scheme to remove the merit will be heard this Thursday in committee – we need all AFSCME members to call their reps and to call Robson’s office (chair of the committee) to ask him to hold the bill.

URGENT ACTION NEEDED

Governor’s proposal on the merit system covered status and making state employees at-will in committee Thursday.

SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA

COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

DATE Thursday, February 16, 2012 ROOM HHR 3 TIME 2:00 P.M. or upon adj. or

recess of Floor

Members:

Mr. Eddie Farnsworth Republican District 22

House of Representatives
1700 W. Washington
Room 302
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone Number: (602) 926-5735
Fax Number: (602) 417-3122

efarnsworth@azleg.gov

Mr. Justin Olson Republican District 19

House of Representatives
1700 W. Washington
Room 341
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone Number: (602) 926-5288
Fax Number: (602) 417-3161

jolson@azleg.gov

Mrs. Kimberly Yee Republican District 10

House of Representatives
1700 W. Washington
Room 339
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone Number: (602) 926-3024
Fax Number: (602) 417-3110

kyee@azleg.gov

Mrs. Sally Ann Gonzales Democrat District 27

House of Representatives
1700 W. Washington
Room 116
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone Number: (602) 926-3278
Fax Number: (602) 417-3127

sgonzales@azleg.gov

Mrs. Lynne Pancrazi Democrat District 24

House of Representatives
1700 W. Washington
Room 324
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone Number: (602) 926-3004
Fax Number: (602) 417-3179

lpancrazi@azleg.gov

Mr.John Fillmore, Vice-Chairman Republican District 23

House of Representatives
1700 W. Washington
Room 331
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone Number: (602) 926-3012
Fax Number: (602) 417-3123

Mr. Kavanagh

Mr. Patterson

jfillmore@azleg.gov

Mr. Bob Robson, Chairman Republican District 20

House of Representatives
1700 W. Washington
Room 112
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone Number: (602) 926-5549
Fax Number: (602) 417-3157

brobson@azleg.gov

Mr John Kavanagh Republican District 8

House of Representatives
1700 W. Washington
Room 114
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone Number: (602) 926-5170
Fax Number: (602) 417-3108

 jkavanagh@azleg.gov

Mr. Daniel Patterson Democrat District 29

House of Representatives
1700 W. Washington
Room 117
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone Number: (602) 926-5342
Fax Number: (602) 417-3169

dpatterson@azleg.gov

________________________________________________

Bills Short Title Strike Everything Title

HB2571 (Olson)

ERA, RULES                       S/E: state personnel system

________________________________________________

AFSCME recommends a NO on this bill.

www.azleg.gov

Info Desk

(602) 926-4221

Toll Free:

1-800-352-8404

Also call Committee Chair Rep Robson and ask him to “hold” this bill. We do not want to see the removal of the merit system or a repeat of fiesta bowl type corruption in state government, 602-926-5549.  Instead they should form a study committee to look at this issue and devote the time necessary before making drastic changes to the merit system.

You cannot contact your representatives on state time, using a state phone or a state computer. You are allowed to call your representatives or email them on your own time using your own personal phone or computer.

Questions:

Visit our Contacts list, upper right hand corner.

Cenk Uygur Discusses Union Busting Bills In Arizona

Originally posted Feb 12, 2012

Should public sector unions essentially be abolished in Arizona and elsewhere? Nick Dranias, Constitutional Policy Director of the Goldwater Institute, debates Cenk Uygur of TheYoung Turks.

Arizona Judge Strikes Down Pension Rule. Pension Fights Pending Other States.

Originally posted Feb 10, 2012

Razing Arizona: Gov. Jan Brewer and her legislative allies lost this round over public pensions, but have a whole slew of plans that would hurt working families. Click here to see the video and sign the open letter.

Anti-worker politicians continue to push a slew of ALEC-inspired legislation in Arizona aiming to take away the rights of public service workers. They want to make it harder for police and firefighters to stay safe on the job, expand class sizes for public school teachers and make it impossible for all public workers to bargain collectively. All of this came on the heels of a unilateral pay cut enacted by Brewer and the state legislature when they raised the amount public workers pay into their pension plans.

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Eileen Willett, however, struck down this backdoor pay cut just last week. According to Judge Willett, the pension change broke a contractual agreement between the workers and the state government and therefore violated the state constitution. Willett’s common sense ruling is a good sign for AFSCME members in other states who are fighting to protect the benefits they have long been promised.

In California, public workers are under attack at the state and municipal level. The “hybrid” pension plan offered by Cali. Gov. Jerry Brown includes a 401(k)-style component that will place a dangerous burden on public workers, including low-income employees who are least able to absorb stock market losses. Measures on the ballot in San Diego and San Jose this June would leave future city workers with inadequate retirement security and harm current workers by repealing their vested pension benefits.

AFSCME members in California, Arizona and across the country are on the front lines of the fight to protect a future in which workers can retire in dignity after their many years of public service.

Leaders Wage War on Working People

Originally posted Feb 04, 2012

It would be inaccurate for me to suggest that the Arizona Legislature is waging a war on unions.
Legislators are very busy men and women with lots of important issues on their plate.
In order to be more precise and journalistically complete, I would have to point out that in addition to regular working people, Arizona lawmakers are waging war on children, on sick people, on poor people, on teachers and on unions.
Essentially, on all regular, hard-working people.
It’s a big job. Legislators can’t do it alone, and they don’t have to. The Republicans who control the Legislature appear to be controlled by the lawyers who run the Goldwater Institute, and who do most of the heavy lifting for them.
For instance, Goldwater folks helped to produce a series of proposals approved in committee Wednesday that would ban collective bargaining by any government employee in Arizona, including police and firefighters.
In other words, the men and women whom we ask to conduct the daily business of government for rock-bottom wages, along with the men and women whom we ask to confront armed criminals or run into burning buildings, would have no opportunity to engage their employer in contract talks.
Given the dramatic changes proposed in the bills, it might seem puzzling that the first witness called by legislators described the proposal he was speaking about as a “modest change.” That is, until you found out that the witness was a lawyer from (you guessed it) the Goldwater Institute.
The lawmakers say that these attacks on working people are “not personal.” It’s just business.
Big business. Mixed in with a little ignorance.
I’m wondering how many Arizona legislators would know the story of Mary Harris “Mother” Jones.
Would they know that in 1903, she led what was called the “March of the Mill Children” over 100 miles from Philadelphia to President Theodore Roosevelt’s Long Island summer home? Roosevelt refused to see her.
Business interests at the time considered Mother Jones to be a radical making unreasonable demands. Do you think the lawmakers know what those demands were?
She wanted to reduce the 55-hour workweek. For children.
It was union workers who got the workweek reduced to 40 hours. And who got health-care benefits.
And paid vacations. And safety regulations. And all the other things that we now take for granted.
Some of those activists died in the effort to win the right of negotiation for regular folks.
And now members of the Legislature want to take them away.
These same legislators have made ongoing cuts to education, making it more difficult for children to learn about American history, perhaps because they themselves don’t care about the past.
About transcendent events like the Triangle Shirtwaist Co. fire of 1911, in which more than 140 people, mostly women, died while locked in their sweatshop. Or the “Ludlow Massacre” of 1914, in which mine operators fired on workers and their families with guns.
Things have changed a lot since those awful days, of course.
We’ve gotten complacent. And in the process, clever politicians (and think-tank operatives) have persuaded working people to turn on other working people. They persuade us to envy and resent the benefits others enjoy, rather than using such people as examples of what all working people deserve.
This happens when you stop teaching or learning about labor icons like Mother Jones, Samuel Gompers, John L. Lewis, Walter Reuther, A. Philip Randolph or Cesar Chavez.
And instead elect men and women who don’t know history or care about working people, and who listen only to high-priced lawyers in fancy suits.

Reach Montini at 602-444-8978 or ed.montini@arizonarepublic.com.

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2012/02/01/20120201montini0202-leaders-wage-war-working-people.html#ixzz1lRGZn0DX

Jan Brewer's Latest Outrage

Originally posted Feb 04, 2012

Jan Brewer’s Latest Outrage

By Rebekah Friend, Arizona AFL-CIO (Contact)

To be delivered to: The Arizona State House, The Arizona State Senate, and Governor Jan Brewer

We urge all Arizona lawmakers to stop the attacks on firefighters, teachers, police officers and other hard-working public service workers. Vote NO on SB 1484, 1485, 1486 and 1487.

Taking a page out of the playbooks of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and Ohio Gov. John Kasich, Gov. Jan Brewer and extreme right-wing Arizona lawmakers are pushing a series of bills attacking firefighters, teachers, nurses and other public service workers who work hard to keep our communities safe and strong.

These bills would take away all collective bargaining rights for public service workers, leading to larger class sizes in our schools, more dangerous working conditions for firefighters and police officers and making our communities less safe.

As in Wisconsin and Ohio, these measures are not about balancing Arizona’s budget and are not about jobs. They are about the destructive political agenda right-wing politicians and their corporate funders are pushing across the country to consolidate their power.

NEW goal – We need 10,000 signatures

There are currently 7,784 signatures as of 2/4/12 9:53am

http://signon.org/sign/attacks-on-az-workers

Support AZ Public Employees and their Families

Originally posted Feb 03, 2012

Join Union Leaders, Public Employees and Community Leaders. Stand up to the attacks on union members and their families. These bills are being pushed by Corporate Outsiders and are not needed. They will harm our community and our economy. These Bills are harmful to all of us;

SB1484, Paycheck deductions employee authorization
SB1485, Unions; public employees; prohibitions
SB1486, Public Employees; activities, unions; compensation
SB1487, Government employees; union dues; withholding

Date:      Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012
Where:   State Senate Lawn
Arizona State Capitol Building 
17th Ave. between Washington and Jefferson
Time:     12:00 p.m.

These outrageous bills are moving fast. They have passed out of committee and will be go to the full AZ Senate. Join our conference to let the Arizona Senate know that attacking public workers is wrong! We need to pull together and create jobs, not destroy them. We must find solutions that work for the real issues Arizonans are facing.

AFSCME Members say "Democracy not for sale" in Arizona

Originally posted Jan 25, 2012

FIGHT, Get Involved!

Originally posted Jan 13, 2012

We are having an emergency meeting this Thursday in the Pine Room at City Hall.
Monthly meeting for January is cancelled. This emergency meeting will take its place.

AFSCME local 3282 is calling this meeting to discuss an attempt to outsource jobs in the Solid Waste Department.

Emergency meeting in the:
Pine room at city hall
Thursday January 19
5:00pm

We will post more information as it becomes available.

We're not backing down

Originally posted Jan 07, 2012

This year-end message is from Pres. Gerald W. McEntee and Sec.-Treas. Lee Saunders.

There can be no doubt: 2011 was a pivotal year for the working middle class. It began with the scapegoating of public service workers for the country’s economic woes, despite the fact that our members were suffering pay cuts, furloughs, layoffs, health insurance premium increases and more. This year continued with unprecedented attacks on our right to bargain collectively.

But by year’s end, we managed to turn the tide. In coalition with students, seniors, civil rights groups, and other community organizations, labor focused the spotlight on the politicians who have been willing – even eager – to protect the richest one percent of Americans at the expense of working families.

AFSCME members like you made the difference. Please watch our video to see what kind of year it has been, and sign up to continue the fight:

• In Wisconsin, AFSCME members helped light a spark, fighting an all-out attack on collective bargaining that has led to more than half a million people signing a petition to recall the governor of that state.

• From there, it spread to Iowa, where you fought the closure of state employment offices.

• It carried to New York City, where you spoke out against cuts to child care, and to Puerto Rico, where you helped restore collective bargaining for thousands of public employees.

• By the time it reached Ohio, the historic battle over collective bargaining rights and the fight for the American worker was ablaze, and the people there vetoed the anti-union billat the ballot box last month.

  The struggle continues, and in 2012 we are not backing down. Public service workers will continue to face tough times and serious budget cuts, but we have proven what we can do when we raise our voices together.

  http://www.afscme.org/blog/were-not-backing-down
  

Happy Holidays

Originally posted Nov 23, 2011

On behalf of AFSCME Local 3282 and its member we would like to wish you and your a safe and Happy Holiday Season!

We will not have a monthly meeting in December. We will continue our monthly meetings starting next year on January 19, 2012.

Phoenix area cities collect more sales-tax revenue

Originally posted Nov 15, 2011

A solid boost in sales-tax revenue, driven by more consumer spending, is providing Valley municipalities with much-needed relief for budgets that took a hard hit during the recession.

Nearly every major city in the Valley enjoyed a significant jump in sales-tax collections during the first eight months of 2011, a welcome message after three consecutive years of stagnation and decline.

Phoenix, which added a food tax in April 2010, has seen its overall sales-tax figures climb 16.4 percent year-over-year, through September. Retail activity was up 8.6 percent and restaurant collections increased 11.6 percent.

“It could be pent-up demand,” said Tracy Reber, a deputy budget director for Phoenix. “It could be that people can’t delay purchasing things any more. Maybe you’ve put off buying a washing machine, but you can only wait so long.”

The positive trend in Phoenix is mirrored by similar growth in Scottsdale, Glendale, Peoria, Chandler and Gilbert.

Among major cities, Mesa was alone in bucking the trend; overall collections increased by just 2.2 percent and retail revenue fell 2.7 percent.

Sales tax plays a large role in municipal budgets, generally accounting for 35 to 55 percent of the general fund.

“The percentage has actually increased in recent years as other sources, such as shared revenue, have declined,” said Ken Strobeck, executive director for the League of Arizona Cities and Towns.

That is good news for residents, who are less likely to experience cuts in services, and for city employees, who are less likely to be laid off.

Peoria

2011 – $40,111,631.
2010 – $37,718,610.

Percentage change – 6.3 percent.

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2011/10/31/20111031phoenix-cities-sales-taxes-up.html#ixzz1dmLW9nPp

Greg Stanton wins keys to Phoenix Mayor's office, enjoys double-digit win over Wes Gullett

Originally posted Nov 9, 2011

As the local kid who attended city-run after-school programs in west Phoenix and whose father took the city bus every day to sell shoes at J.C. Penney, Stanton said this is his chance to keep giving back to the community. Stanton said he wants to become the “education mayor” and “fight for every child in Phoenix,” including his own kids: 4-year-old Trevor and 1-year-old Violet.

​Phoenix mayoral candidate Wes Gullett conceded the Phoenix mayor’s race to Greg Stanton, who ended the night with 56 percent of the vote — a 13-point lead over his opponent.

AFSCME Arizona People Conference

Originally posted Oct 9, 2011

2011 AFSCME Arizona PEOPLE Conference.

Saturday,  October 22, 2011, 9:30A.M.

Phoenix Convention Center
100 North 3rd Street, Room# 121-A North
Phoenix, Arizona 85004

All AFSCME locals affiliated with AFSCME are eligible to send members to this Conference.  In order to maximize participation in this critical year, invitations to this Conference are being extended to all AFSCME members, of all Arizona AFSCME Locals, expressing interest in being active in AFSCME actions and programs.

Please mark your calendar.
Ask your officers for registration forms.
International and Public Official Guests will join us.
It is critical that members attend and be informed.

The Program will include:

Legislative Report,

Pension Presentation,

PEOPLE Presentation,

Lobbyist Presentation,

Retiree Presentation,

Media Workshop,

Organizing Workshop,

Preparing for 2012 Presentation,

Business of the Conference,

Lunch will be served.

If you have questions, please call  480-993-8799

Pre-Registered Members are eligible for gift drawing.  

Arizona At Work, Radio show on today

Originally posted Sept 28, 2011

Wednesday, at 10:00AM AST (1:00 PM EDT) join us on KXXT on 1010 AM.
and you can stream in our show on the Internet by going to http://www.kxxt.net/ and click on kxxt “on air”. Our call in number is 602-296-3632. We will Reveal the scams that the State Legislature has been pulling on the Taxpayers. Wasting our taxes. Sheri will expose the scandals. I am going to the station now to do our show, hope you listen and call in.

Roman Ulman

Feds overturn Arizona's anti-union bill SB1365

Originally posted Sept 28, 2011

Federal District Court Judge G. Murray Snow has issued a temporary injunction to block implementation of anti-union legislation SB 1365 in an order issued late Friday

In his order, Judge Snow writes, “The claims allege constitutional harms, which are necessarily irreparable. The balance of equities and the public interest likewise tilt in favor of enjoining a law that implicates core constitutional rights.”

The temporary injunction blocks Attorney General Tom Horne from enforcing SB 1365.

United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 99 brought the lawsuit against SB 1365 misleadingly dubbed the “Protect Arizona Employees’ Paychecks from Politics Act.”

Local 99 President Jim McLaughlin said, “SB 1365 and other efforts are just attempts to silence the voices of the middle class who depend on Arizona’s working families to engage elected officials on important issues.”

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/09/24/3935821/ufcw-federal-judge-rules-on-legislatures.html#ixzz1ZG7EQBgf

Monthly Thursday Meeting

Originally posted Sept 17, 2011

Another good meeting discussing a wide variety of topics from resolved grievance to safety perks and methods on approaching a possible disciplinary actions.  We understand that these meeting take time away from family, work, hobbies and other activity’s  but this is a vital part in helping us to make this a better more efficient union. With a better and more efficient union we are able to provide you with improved wages, hours and working conditions.

On behalf of Local 3282 we would like to thank all who joined us and provided important information on improving our services and methods of communication.

ATTENTION!!! ATTENTION!!! ATTENTION!!! ATTENTION!!!

Originally posted June 20, 2011

To all TOP OFF EMPLOYEES receiving a one time payment of $850.00 needing to make any changes to their W2 will need to do so by  July 19, 2011. Some will choose to do this in order to prevent an excessive amount of tax deductions.

This is part of the contract re-opener agreement voted on and agreed in the contract ratification process that took place in the Union meeting on April 21, 2011. Those not Top Off Employees will revive 3 floating holidays oppose to the $850.00 pay. All of the floating holidays will be given by normal shift. If you work a 8 hour shift you will receive 3 days of 8 hours floating, if you work a 10 hour shift you will receive 3 days of 10 hours floating.  Both the monies and 3 floating holidays will be given to full-time employees starting fiscal year 2012 which is July 1, 2011.

Those receiving the $850.00 will not have the 3 day floating holidays same with those who are receiving the 3 day floating holidays will not be receiving the $850.00

AFSCME Hard At Work In Arizona

Originally posted on June 15, 2011