City of Dallas Employees Steelworkers

North Texas Association of Public Employees

Steel Workers Local 9479

Printable PDF Format of entire Aug 2004 Newsletter

Printable .DOC Format of entire Aug 2004 Newsletter

Meetings Times Have Changed

Join us on the 2 nd Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m.

500 South Ervay Suite 112A.

Don’t forget Parking is free in the attached garage after 5 p.m.

Cost Of Living Adjustments and Merit Increases

Well, as you have heard, this year’s budget is currently forecasting a two percent Cost of Living Adjustment for all employees to start in January and a zero to four percent Merit increase to start in May. While it stops us from sliding further into poverty, many on the council are aware that this is not going to mean more money for our employees anytime soon. Even though it is more than was originally earmarked for the employees, it will not undo the past four years of inflation or past health benefit increases.

The COLA is scheduled to begin just as our increased medical benefits kick-in and the Merit will start a few months before our increased pension contributions start. Interim City Manager Mary Suhm, stated that it could not start in October like the police and fire increases because the city did not have the money.

Medical Benefit Increases

Health costs are slated to increase yet again. While this is indeed a problem that all companies are having, many are concerned that the city could perhaps do more to contain costs. The Steelworkers have been meeting with Police, Fire and Retirees to see if there is something that can be done to eliminate or reduce this increase. Sadly, this is an uphill battle that may require more sacrifice by the employees.

One development from these meetings that has already occurred, is that our groups have managed to resurrect the long absent Employee Health Care Oversight Committee. One person from each department will be ELECTED (not appointed!) to make sure that next years benefits committee looks at all options to benefit the employees.

You want to comment on this - Click here

Pension Plan Update

As many of you know, at the council meeting on August 4^th there were a few pension changes proposed by council. Those changes were in addition to what was agreed on by the appointed Pension Study Committee and what was presented to the Texas Pension Review Board. Needless to say, there was quite a bit of concern over this last minute attempt to undermine the Employees Retirement Fund Board.

Charles Griffith, head of the retiree association, spoke before the council and took strong exception. He pointed out that these changes were not what was recommended by their own review commission or what was presented to the State Pension Review Board by the City.

But happily, Mr. Griffith and Ms. Carla Brewer, both reported that after discussion and compromises, the more damaging suggestions have be blunted or avoided.

What passed? Well, the council now has veto power over the special increases granted to the poorest of the retirees. Not the regular COLA increases that are defined by charter and given to all employees, but the small additional stipend that can be given to the poorest of the poor. Council member Ransansky was, of course, very upset that any additional monies were given to anyone without him and the other council members being able to determine the amount or veto it. He was most upset that the COLA is charter determined and not subject to his input.

What didn’t pass? The changes to the ERF bylaws will still be generated by the ERF board and the City Auditor will remain a swing vote and not be counted as an employee representative.

Are you ready for November?

As you know here are many, many items of importance to city employees coming up on the next few elections.

This November, in addition to important national elections, we most likely will have pension and charter changes that need to be voted on. We need all city employees and their families registered to vote so, that we can have a voice on those issues that effect our lives, employment and retirements benefits.

Attached to your newsletter is a voter’s registration form. If you are already registered….you will want to check the date and address on your current card. If you are ‘good to go’, then you can give it to a friend, family member or neighbor. We have many more at the office if you need them. You can call and make arrangements to pick up as many copies as you need, or we can mail them to you. Our phone number is 214-760-7422 or fax your request to 214-760-7423

Want to help with the effort?

Sam West of Rapid Response would like to hear from you. For more ways that you can assist this year You can contact Sam at 281-788-9247.

Our friends could use a hand

Sign building activities have already started. If you want to help you can join them every Wednesday beginning at 4:00 p.m. and every Saturday beginning at 9:30 a.m. during the month of August. They have 21,500 signs to build and can do it with a good turnout at each event. Join us at IBEW 20 Hall at 7940 Northaven Rd at Central. I will be joining them Wednesday the 26^thand Saturday the 29^th. BRING YOUR HAMMER!!! – M. R. Frey

Do you have a Harley Motorcycle Contest Poster?

You could win a Harley just for being a member and registered to vote! How cool is that? The international will be raffling two off sometime this October and all you have to do to get a raffle ticket is to be a registered voter and a member of our Association. Raffle tickets and deadlines should be here at the union hall sometime before the end of the month. If your department does not have a Harley Contest Poster please call for a faxed copy of it, or download it from the link below.

You Could Win a Harley Davidson!!!