|
Friday Update
Brothers & Sisters,
CA Supreme Court Upholds PEPRA But Preserves CA Rule on Pension Rights
As many of you may have heard by now, the California Supreme Court has issued a narrow ruling upholding several provisions of the 2013 Public Employees Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) that limit terminal pay provisions that were negotiated before the law went into effect.
However, the court has preserved the core of the California Rule, which holds that basic pension promises made when an employee is hired must be kept, unless offset by other compensation.
In partnership with the California Professional Firefighters (CPF), Local 1014 has been tracking and analyzing several court cases that have now made it to the CA Supreme Court on this issue. This issue landed frankly right where everyone thought it would. In a very narrow ruling, the Court upheld the constitutionality of the reform items PEPRA changed in 2013. So simply put “Ventura” remains the same for legacy employees and changed for new employees post-PEPRA (Plan C).
President Gillotte, along with President Rice of CPF, has had numerous productive conversations with the Governor about protecting negotiated benefits. There is always a possibility to see additional pension or retiree healthcare attacks in the future, and now the challenge affirms it is not only legal but constitutional. More now than ever our political action and legislative advocacy work are critically important. We must also be judicious in the cases we take to challenge such an important issue in court.
We will be continuing to use all our available resources and relationships to achieve a level playing field for all members. This remains one of the top priorities for not only our Union but Fire Unions throughout the State of California.
Staffing and FFS Crisis
Local 1014 is acutely aware of the FFS staffing shortage that has now hit a critical level in many battalions resulting in recalls and denied days off once again. The last few days we have been meeting with the Department to negotiate temporary solutions to aid our members in the FFS ranks.
We will resume our talks with the Department again early next week with a sense of priority and a goal of negotiating real solutions to rapidly establish an Engineer’s List and also offer short-term staffing solutions to aid in the battalions that are hardest hit.
Stay tuned as these volatile discussions continue and we work toward an agreement. We understand and share the anger and frustration on staffing. Your Union Board is committed to coming up with real long-term solutions to this issue, but right now once again we need short-term immediate help as we head into brush season. More next week as we get this done. Stay tuned.
WE NEED YOUR HELP! Virtual Fill The Boot Campaign Begins NOW!
For 66 years, the IAFF has been committed to supporting MDA and the families they serve. The COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted that support.
Local 1014 has been a proud sponsor and fundraiser of the MDA for over 60 years! As public servants, our members are not only serving on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic, they are also helping our most vulnerable communities survive and thrive. Children with muscular dystrophy are some of the most susceptible to this virus. Additionally, the quarantine has limited available resources for their parents and caregivers.
The inability of our members to conduct traditional Fill the Boot drives has been devastating to MDA, which still must continue to provide vital services for families in need, especially for their most vulnerable children in the midst of this pandemic.
It is that time again! Time to Fill The Boot!
If every member donates just $15 we will make our goal of $50,000!!!
MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND DONATE TODAY!
As always stay safe, practice social distancing, wear your masks and take care of each other.
In Solidarity and Strength,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board
|
