RTC Member Update

VOTE RATIFIED

Members voted to ratify the agreement reached with RTC by a 54% majority with an overwhelming number of members voting. 

Now, our Longevity is protected and our renegotiated contract has been  extended until 2012. However, we did provide a provision that will enable  us to bargain for cost of living allowance increases for June 2010 and June 2011.  We’re all hoping this will allow enough time for the economy to get back on track. 

The Changes to Our Contract Are as Follows:

4/10 work schedule in writing for the duration of the contract.
2 year contract extension (renegotiate in 2012).
.5% net Cola (re-openers in 2010 and 2011).
.5% PERS contribution to be made by management. 
 Note: This means a 2.5% total net reduction for fiscal year 2009.
Room available on RTC main campus once per month for Steward Meetings.

We thank you for your involvement in this process. Thank you for your continued support.  We'll keep you updated.

Click here for an RTC Member Update--Vote Ratifies RTC Member Update--Vote Ratifies flyer.

~ Your SEIU Leadership Team


 

Important Update from Carson City: Info. on PERS

After months of discussion and days of fiery debate, the Legislature has reached consensus on a tax bill that is heading to Gov. Gibbon’s desk for approval. The tax bill will address the massive state budget deficit and also contains some minor but notable modifications to the Public Employee Retirement System.

Note: No changes to PERS for current employees. These proposed changes to PERS will only apply to new hires beginning on or after January 1, 2010.

The changes include the following:

1. Employees with an effective date of employment on or after 1/1/2010 will determine retirement allowance by multiplying average compensation by 2.5% (prior 2.67%).

2.Increase the age at which an employee can retire (beginning 1/1/2010), with 10 years of service, from 60 to 62 years of age.

3. Increase the reduction of unmodified benefits for each year to 6% (from 4%) and each month to 0.5% (from 0.33%), that the employee is under the appropriate retirement age. *Note: This will only increase the penalty for those who choose to retire early.*

4. In calculating the average compensation, the following limits must be observed:

-Compensation for the 13th through the 24th months may not exceed the actual compensated amount for the 1st through the 12th months by more than 10%.

-Compensation for the 25th through the 36th months may not exceed by more
than 10% the lesser of:

-The maximum amount allowed (on or after July 1, 1985 = not more than 75% of average compensation with eligibility for credits ceasing after 30 years. (Prior to July 1, 1985 = not more than 90% of average compensation with eligibility for credits ceasing after 36 years.)

- The actual compensated amount for the 13th through the 24th month.

* Compensation attributable to a promotion and assignment related compensation must be excluded when calculating the limits.*

*Employees whose retirement allowances are so limited will be eligible to receive a refund for a portion of their contribution to the system.*

5. Post retirement increases capped at 4%.

6. PERS must post on its website any document that a public employer is required to submit to the System on or after January 1, 2010 relating to the contribution mechanism used by the public employer.

Again, no changes to PERS for current employees. These proposed changes to PERS will only apply to new hires beginning on or after January 1, 2010. Though there have been some small modifications, these in no way mirror the Chamber of Commerce’s goal to completely dismantle the Public Sector Retirement System.

We will share more information as it becomes available.


It's Crunch Time in Carson City

With only two weeks left in the 2009 Legislative Session, it's crunch time.

To date, we've seen a lot of posturing and tirades about public sector employees and retirement benefits and numerous articles in the local papers fed by the Chamber of Commerce. 

We knew when the session kicked off last January that a 'protect and defend' mode would have to be sustained throughout, so that's exactly what we've done.  We've kept a real presence of SEIU members at the Capital sharing their personal stories and setting the record straight about PERS with Legislators.

Now, as the Legislative Session winds down, we need to pay close attention to any shenanigans that may or may not take place in regards to the budget and other vital issues. We will keep our guard up and members need to be ready to react if needed. Stay tuned for more updates.


RTC Member Update

Report Back from Our Meeting with Management

May 18, 2009

Dear RTC Member,

Your RTC SEIU Leadership Team met with management and decided to allow management’s best and final offer to be brought to you for a vote.

The offer is as follows:
4/10 work schedule in writing for the duration of the contract.
2 year contract extension (renegotiate in 2012).
.5% net Cola (re-openers in 2010 and 2011).
.5% PERS contribution to be made by management.
Note: This means a 2.5% total net reduction for fiscal year 2009.
Room available on RTC main campus once per month for Steward Meetings.

Join Us for Informational Meetings on Tuesday, May 26 to ensure that your questions and concerns are addressed.
9am—10am IBMF Training Room
9am—10am Room 268 RTC Bldg
9:30am-10:30am FAST
11am—12pm Room 268 RTC Bldg
1:30pm-2:30pm FAST
2pm –3pm Room 268 RTC Bldg

The Contract Vote on this Proposal Will Take Place On Wednesday, May 27th
7am—6:15pm
Room 264 at RTC Bldg
Only SEIU Members are eligible to vote. Member cards will be available. Please consult your supervisor to arrange time off for meetings and vote.

We thank you for your involvement in this process. Your input was crucial in helping your SEIU Leadership Team formulate and relay your position to management.  Thank you for your continued support. 

Your SEIU Leadership Team

For more information contact your Union Chapter Leadership:
Madalyn Reyes, 676-1642 ● Gregg Rogers, 432-5300 ● Mace Hardy, 676-1551 ● Dave Boocher, 676-1704 ●
Shondra Summers-Armstrong, 676-1503 ● Pat Rocco, 676-1594 ●

CLICK HERE FOR THE FLYER: RTC Report  RTC Report


RTC Member Update

Thank you for attending the informational meetings last week and providing your Union Representatives with your candid feedback on the proposal put forth by Management.

We have tallied your responses and believe we have clear direction from you for a counter proposal to Management.

Based on the information from your input, the majority of members are for the 4-10 schedule; however, concerns about Management’s proposed 3% COLA reduction remain.

We've requested a meeting with Management for Friday, May 15, 2009. We will inform you of the results of that meeting as soon as possible. Nothing will be finalized until the members vote.

Thank you for your continued support.

Your SEIU Team

For more information contact your Union Chapter Leadership:
Madalyn Reyes, 676-1642 ● Gregg Rogers, 432-5300 ● Mace Hardy, 676-1551 ●
Dave Boocher, 676-1704 ● Shondra Summers-Armstrong, 676-1503 ●
Pat Rocco, 676-1594 ●

Special Message from Our RTC Chief Steward, Madalyn Reyes


Last week, SEIU leadership and RTC management met to discuss an RTC proposal in which the agency as a whole would change to a 4-10 hour shift schedule, with the exception of a few areas due to operational needs.

It was also discussed that RTC would like to negotiate a possible COLA reduction. We responded by immediately requesting further information to review.

Now, we will be analyzing RTC’s books and soliciting feedback from members.

We will share all additional information as it becomes available. No action will be taken without a vote by the membership.


Stay tuned for more information…..

For more information call Madalyn Reyes, 676-1642.