'PAYCHECK DECEPTION' INITIATIVE QUALIFIES FOR BALLOT

Measure to muzzle unions and working families to face voters in 2012

The gauntlet has officially been thrown down on a plan to silence your voice and steal the future of firefighters and their families.

As expected, the Secretary of State has certified a new “paycheck deception” initiative that would ban dues collections through payroll deductions, restrict direct contributions to candidates or causes, and restrict participation even in independent campaigns by defining union locals as “government contractors.”

“This sneaky initiative hides behind the smokescreen of ‘campaign reform,’ but it’s really a dagger at the heart of labor and working people everywhere,” said Lou Paulson, President of California Professional Firefighters. “Whether you’re a small local or a large one, this is the important issue on the 2012 ballot.”

The timing of the vote on “paycheck deception” remains unclear. Legislation signed this past fall moves all ballot measures to the November election, but that legislation is currently subject of a referendum drive and a court challenge. If either effort is successful, the issue would be on the June ballot.

“If this passes and our locals’ voices are silenced, there will be nobody to stand up for proper staffing, workplace safety and retirement security,” said President Paulson. “Whether it’s a June or November election, we simply can’t afford to sit by and let our voice be silenced. “

Posted 12/07/2011

Recently the Governor released his 12-point pension reform plan for state and local government employees. Also, a state pension reform committee is traveling the state seeking input from local agencies and taxpayers about their idea for tax reform.

His proposals include:

Increases the non-safety retirement age from 55 to 67
Imposes a "hybrid" system for new workers -- part pension, part 401k-style
Mandates a 50-50 employer-employee split of pension costs
Adds three governor's appointments to the PERS Board
Proposes a range of smaller changes aimed at spiking, state employee health costs
Elimination of “Air Time” (That’s ARC time for us)
Highest 3 year final average salary

The impact of this proposal on County retirement systems is unknown. While the Governor is saying his reform plan will affect all systems, he will have a long road fighting labor groups and the county retirement plans themselves to force these changes on our members.

At this time each proposal has a different road to travel. While the elimination of ARC time may come quickly because it may not be a vested benefit, the elimination of highest single year or imposing a “hybrid” pension plan can only be imposed on new employees.

Local 1014s’ position will remain consistent with all County labor groups – leave us alone. We have a well run pension system that is well funded. The county and its employees have spent generations balancing good pension benefits with the needs of the county in financing those benefits. Our benefits don’t need to be changed, our contributions don’t need to be changed and our board governance is fine.

Local 1014 will continue to carry that message to Sacramento and to the Governor. We are in contact with Gerry Browns offices, CPF and our legislative offices and are working hard to carry our message to our state offices.

We feel it is important to highlight the ARC time proposal. We will do all we can to protect this benefit, but whether this is seen as a vested benefit under the law is unknown. If you are considering buying ARC time, please contact LACERA soon and get an estimate.

Look for regular updates from the following links:

http://iaffloacl1014.org

http://local1014.org

http://www.facebook.com/Local1014

http://www.cpf.org

http://www.letstalkpensions.com/newsroom/press-releases/132--pension-truth-squad-public-employees-are-doing-their-part