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In our latest newspaper

Read the Summer 2010 issue of the Council 2 newspaper in its original form by clicking on the PDF icon below.

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Click on the links below to read the stories in the Summer 2010 edition of the Council 2 newspaper, County and City Employee:


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Layoffs loom in City of Spokane

AS THE CITY OF SPOKANE faces a $10 million shortfall for its 2011 budget, preliminary indications are that Local 270, which represents City workers, will lose 10 positions next year, says Council 2 Staff Representative Mike Smith.

But, he adds, negotiations lie ahead and “we are not sure whether it will work out that way.”

The prospect of layoffs means that 2011 might prove to be a worse year for Local 270 than this year, which has seen cutbacks and furloughs, but no layoffs so far. The reason: The city’s budget deficit for next year is projected to be about $10 million and comes on the heels of a shortfall of $7.5 million for this year.

Closing the gap, says Mayor Mary Verner, is a “daunting task.” She adds, “We continue to face depressed collections of sales tax and real estate excise tax. Lowered utility rates have impacted our revenue and new construction remains low, impacting our property tax.”

Among the targeted reductions are converting City Hall to a 4/10 work schedule, reductions at the Spokane Public Library, freezing pay for senior staff, and no increase in pay for deputies who fill in for managers.

The City also plans to save $1 million through reducing employee medical benefit plans. “We are in ongoing discussions with the City of Spokane to try to mitigate the shortfall,” Smith adds.

Saunders elected AFSCME secretary-treasurer

LEE SAUNDERS is the new International Secretary-Treasurer of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO. He was elected during the closing session of the union's 39th Biennial Convention in Boston. He replaces Bill Lucy who resigned from the post after 38 years in office.

Saunders told the delegates that solidarity is all about “standing up for the dignity of all work and all working people.” He pledged to work for AFSCME members and workers across the country, saying “throughout our history, this has been what we do. We come together in support of those whose names may never be known, but whose work safeguards neighborhoods and strengthens communities.”

"Lee has worked side by side with me for many years," said AFSCME Pres. Gerald W. McEntee. "He has the experience, the judgment and the integrity to strengthen our union and keep us on the path to victory. He will be an outstanding Secretary-Treasurer."


Scholarships update

2010 scholarships honor others

Council 2 offers $65,000 in scholarships

2009 scholarships: list of recipients

Thank you letters received from scholarship recipients

 

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What Council 2 is all about

THE WASHINGTON State Council of County and City Employees, (WSCCCE) AFSCME, AFL-CIO represents more than 16,000 employees who provide services to the citizens of Washington state. It is a democratic union providing a real voice for its members through active participation and professional representation. The Union works to preserve and enhance workers' compensation and benefits. It also promotes job security and improves other employment conditions.

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Call us at 1-800-775-6418 or
e-mail us at: c2everett@council2.com.

Council 2 President / Executive Director Chris Dugovich

chris dugovich