The final count was 85% in favor of the package and 15% opposed.

Approximately 40% of the 1008 registered union members showed up to cast their vote on Friday. It was easily the biggest turnout for a contract ratification that the Local has ever had.

The changes that were made will begin to take effect on July 1st, 2010, which is the start of the fiscal year for the City of Phoenix.

The concessions as they were listed in the ballot proposal will be incorporated into the new Memorandum of Understanding for 2010-2012. We will have a copy of that MOU for download on the website as soon as it is written and verified by the Executive Board and our Local staff members.

Our task was not easy this year. We were asked to risk people’s jobs, absorb lost benefits and take cuts in our paychecks. And yet, as I personally watched people having to wedge their ballots into the box toward the end of the day, I noticed a funny thing. People were still managing to smile. Handshakes and hugs were passed out freely. Our brothers and sisters within the union stood firm together.

This election has provided many stories of triumph and successes across all of our departments. In the upcoming weeks while we prepare the final version of the new MOU, I hope to share the ones that I overheard with you all within these pages.

I also know that there are still lots of questions out there. Our stewards are equipped with many of the answers, and the time to start getting organized for the upcoming changes is now.

Also, feel free to general questions here, but please make them constructive. (Negative comments will be deleted; the time for negotiation is officially over.) You are most likely not alone with some of your concerns. It is the mission of the Local 2960 to do the best we can in helping you find the answers.

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By unanimous vote, Natasha Nimmer was reelected to her position as Trustee.

The Trustee Board consists of Natasha Nimmer, Mark Long and Karen Poe. Together, they are responsible for conducting an audit of the financial records for the Local 2960 affiliate of the AFSCME union. Quoting from the union’s main web site,

“The Trustees are thereby charged with the responsibility to see that an audit of all the funds of the affiliate is performed, either by an independent auditor or the Trustees themselves. It is then their duty to report any findings to the membership and to the Executive Board.”

Of course, all three members of our Trustee Board contribute more than just  a yearly audit. Each is a respected union member in good standing for at least one year. They are stewards in their respective departments, handling the day to day negotiations that allow us to provide top notch levels of service to all of our Phoenix communities. They are outstanding outstanding leader, and their efforts are well appreciated.

1. Increase Wages
2. Increase Deferred Comp
3. Increase Leave Time
4. Increase Longevity
5. Holiday / Vacation Time

If you still have a survey that you have not turned in, please mail it in ASAP, or contact your union representative. As we prepare for negotiations, we will continue to accept your feedback through the end of November. However, the sooner the information is submitted, the sooner we will be able to act.

If you did not receive a survey by mail, it is likely that the Union Hall does not have your correct address on file. If this is the case, please call the Union Office directly to update this information. Additionally, please contact your union steward and he or she can provide you with a copy of the survey to fill out and turn back in.

Your opinion is important to us and has a direct impact on the way that we present ourselves to the City management when we start the negotiation process in January. If you have any questions please let us know?