Hundreds of workers sign petition calling on BOS to bargain a fair contract and to treat us with respect!
On Tuesday, July 17, Fresno County supervisors officially adopted a resolution proclaiming July 16-20, 2012 as “Appeals Specialist, Eligibility Worker and Job Specialist Appreciation Week.”
County workers were appreciative of the gesture, but called on the board to recognize the hard work of every Fresno County employee by negotiating a fair contract.
“It’s an honor to be recognized for our hard work. We really do care about the work we do. However, what’s more important is that the county shows all of its employees respect and appreciation by bargaining in good faith and agreeing to a fair, reasonable contract,” said Carol Neff, Eligibility Worker.
Workers demanded that the board stop looking for quick fixes that hurt working families and vital public services.
“During these hard economic times, it’s more important that we position ourselves to build a secure future for the long term, instead of crippling thousands of employees in the short term,” said Margie Gomez, Job Specialist.
Neff, along with Gomez and Jennifer Jensen, Job Specialist, presented the board with hundreds of signatures from county employees in Unit 4 who have pledged to stand together during these drawn-out contract negotiations.
“We’re here to say that we are standing stronger together. We ask that the county treat its workers with respect and to agree to a contract that is fair to employees and preserves the services that our communities depend on,” said Gomez.
