Negotiations Update #1

Hello Brothers and Sisters,

The preliminary process for negotiations for our next contract has begun. Ground rules have been set, and the first proposals have crossed the table. Our negotiations team continues to meet regularly in preparation for the challenges ahead. As expected, our team is fired up, equipped, and ready to advance and protect all Local 444 members’ working conditions.

Our dedicated team has dissected the current contract/M.O.U., word for word. Various articles and language were identified, debated, and ultimately improved. The team has diligently worked to incorporate our negotiations survey results, for which a good percentage of our membership responded.  Proposals continue to be drafted. The final day for exchanging proposals with management is March 17, 2021; proposals will not be accepted after.  This date will mark the official beginning of negotiations.

In the hopes of streamlining the information chain and providing our membership with clear, transparent information without causing any delays or impairment to our negotiations process, an email containing all the proposals that have been accepted will be sent out on March 18, 2021.

Please be aware that the negotiation process is at times slow-moving.  We will be updating the membership with key and pertinent information when available.

Join our General Membership Zoom Meeting on Thursday, March 18, 2021, at 6 PM to get face-to-face updates and voice any comments or concerns. We hope you will join us.

As always, never hesitate to reach out to your steward or any of the executive board officers with questions. We are 444, and we stand stronger together.

In solidarity,
Paul Irvine
AFSCME Local 444
Member Relations Secretary
paul.w.irvine@gmail.com
248-390-1869 cell
510-385-9727 cell work