Recently the 189 membership were mailed a survey so the bargaining team could better assess the priorities of our members. The results were not surprising. Seniority, benefits costs, and job security were the top issues. Many were also concerned about contracting out, transfer of work, layoffs and PERS reform. The City’s dysfunctional and generally medieval sick- use policy was also a bone of contention. The City average, used to calculate an employee’s place on the great attendance continuum, needs to be reformed. Currently that statistic includes data from management and non-reps. Both those groups enjoy a more liberal policy of personal time and tend to use less sick time.

This information will be taken into account when the 189 bargaining team begins it’s sessions with the City’s representatives.