As many of you are aware, BCFPE and two other locals, AFSCME and FOP, were unable to reach settlement on the extension language that was requested by the County that included concessions. We are continuing negotiations with the County to resolve these issues and feel confident that we will be able to reach a new contract before FY2013. BCFPHN was not requested to make the same concessions being asked of the other unions in return for layoff and furlough protections.
BCFPE will continue to fight for the rights of all Pay Schedule I employees.
Recognizing that the County already has moved legislatively to address potential budget restraints by introducing an early retirement buyout, we believe that there is no need to begin threatening layoffs and furloughs in FY2013. We understand that there is talk that layoffs are inevitable, but we believe that the sacrifices made by all County employees—forgoing pay raises over the last two years—should cover our contributions to the budget saving obligations the administration says it needs.
We need your continued support for a fair and equitable contract. We ask that you stand with us as we continue to negotiate a new contract with the County that would give us the same benefits that other County employees are enjoying. There is NO defendable reason why the same provision of no layoffs and furloughs can't be reached.
The current memorandum of understanding is in force until June 30, 2012.
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