AFSCME 3090

• More than 1,600 people signed up already

Nov. 2, 2009 - If you are interested in ERIP and haven’t signed up – get on the list now (instructions below). Slots are disappearing fast. Even if you are thinking about signing up, fill out an application. You will have a chance to change your mind if you are accepted, but you won’t have a chance if you wait until ERIP slots are full.

Thank you to those who are taking advantage of this program and ending City service a little sooner, so that others can avoid bringing layoff notices home to their families. Retirements on this scale will also ease budget pressures on all of us in the next couple difficult years.

Council Approves DWP Agreement; Coalition Raises Still Set the Standard

There are many rumors circling about the contract for DWP workers, which was passed by Council and will go back to workers for ratification.

The information we have shows that DWP will indeed receive raises over the next two years while other City workers – including Police – have freezes. This reflects the reality that DWP is in a different budget situation from other City funds. Their budget has remained steady while general City revenues have plummeted. In fact, this year the Department is transferring nearly $230 million to the General Fund – money that helps keep programs running and salaries paid across the City.

However, although the timing of DWP payments may not seem fair initially, keep in mind that our MOUs will still shrink the gap between Coalition units and similar classifications over the next few years.

Over the life of the contract, DWP workers will receive wage increases totaling 8% to 16% depending on the economy, with a 3.25% cash payment in lieu of this year’s COLA. In the same time period, workers in Coalition units will receive wage increases of 17.5% guaranteed and cash payments totaling 3.5%.

By the end of the contract period, Coalition units will either have taken a small step or a large step towards parity, in the most difficult budget times.