No Layoffs at the City - The City Council is still undecided concerning the 2007-2008 budget. The Council members except Mr. Hashim have all stated that they do not want to lose any employees from our bargaining unit. But the additional cuts that they are demanding would have to result in the loss of employees to meet their demands. There is no fat in this budget only muscle and bonne are left.

City Manager Jerry Calhoun Resigns - It is with a heavy heart that I annouce the loss of the current City Manager. Although we got off to a rocky start and have had a few ups and downs, it is sad to see him go. I hope the Council will appoint the City Attorney in the interim till a new City Manager is found. I hope the City Council will include the Union in the selection process.

The Budget Process Continues - As of this writing on 8/25/2007 there is no negative news that will affect our members in the immediate future.

:Budget - As contract negotiations continue in the face of budget cuts and the loss of positions in the bargaining unit, I was heartened by the majority of commissioners who refused to make the draconian cuts that the state legislator wanted made. In these times it is good to see people of integrity and honor in positions of leadership. The outcome of the upcoming City elections will once again affect the future of our Largo members. Please make sure that you donate to C.O.P.E. so that we will have the funds necessary to support our candidates.

Health Insurance - The Benefits Committee voted to go out to bid instead of accepting the renewal offer from United Healthcare which demanded a 12% increase to keep the plans we have. The City Council has made it clear that they do not want to pay more for insurance than they did last year. United did submit a plan that would not increase the City's cost but it would have called for co-insurance instead of co-pays for several services. What this would have meant is more out of pocket costs for all of you and your families, this is not acceptable. Please check back for the latest updates in the next few weeks.

Budget Fight Continues - The budget fight continues with much acrimony on the part of some of the commissioners. They continue to attack our Union and our hard won benefits. So far no one is losing a job but some members may see there work assignments change. More to come.

News You Can Use

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Our Local provides a $15,000 life insurance benefit for our active members.  If you drop your membership you lose this benefit.  If you retire as an active member of our Local, we honor your service by extending to you a $5,000 death benefit at no cost.

We have over 100 members who still have not provided a beneficiary form.  This is vitally important because we need to know who is entitled to receive this money.  If you experience marriage, divorce or other life changing events, you must update your beneficiary form on file so that your wishes are fulfilled.

The plan is administered by our Local and the employer's name is Communications Workers of America Local 3179. The process for paying a claim is for the employer or a member of the family to make the Union aware of a member's or a retiree's death.  We then provide the insurance company the information and complete the necessary claim forms for the beneficiaries to receive payment.

Helpful Hints to Help You Keep Your Job

1) Join the CWA today and be an active member!  Free riders are the scabs of the labor movement.

2) Do not abuse any drugs or alcohol, the loss of your job is never worth it.  If you are having problems ask for help.  Ask the Union or use your employee assistance program at work.  Remember it is always confidential. You can save your job if you ask for help before you get caught.

3) If you are in a job where you are subject to random drug testing, do not even think about abusing drugs or alcohol.  Do not use any prescription drugs that are not prescribed to you. These substances remain in your body even if you stop using them. Think of the consequences to yourself and your family if you lose your job.

4) If you are tested, do not try to doctor your specimen.  They know all the tricks.  It is grounds for immediate dismissal.

5) Remember your Weingarten Rights!!! You have the right to have Union representation in any meeting that you have with your employer if the discussion could lead to discipline including development plans or action plans. You have the right to stop the meeting and demand union representation.  If the employer refuses to honor your request, do not commit insubordination by just walking out.  Do not answer unreasonable questions just ask for your Union representative. 

CWA along with the AFL-CIO have worked for years to protect this hard won benefit that only your Union membership guarantees you!! 

Weingarten Rights are granted to every Union member based on a ruling of the United States Supreme Court in a landmark decision that helped to level the playing field between Labor and Management.  Do not have a meeting with Management if discipline can be a result without a Union Representative being with you.  A meeting can start out talking about the weather, kids or the job but then the subject becomes you.  At that moment you need to stop the meeting and request Union representation before it continues.  Do not give your rights away protect them.

Union Privilege, founded by the AFL-CIO in 1986, develops and manages the Union Plus benefits program, which uses the combined buying power of America’s union members to obtain top quality goods and services at competitive prices. In addition to a money-saving credit card, the Union Plus programs include free and discounted legal services, education services, discounted health services, a home buying program, travel and recreation discounts, and much more.  For more information visit www.UnionPlus.org.

Because you are a member or retiree of CWA, you and your family are automatically eligible for Union Plus benefits.