700 Tulare County Workers Rally
Fired Up: More than 700 Tulare County Workers Rally at Courthouse to Speak Out Against Poor Decisions Made by County Leadership
Photo: The Crowd gets fired up for the march.
VISALIA – A record setting crowd of more than 700 County workers gathered together on Thursday, June 26th at the Tulare County Courthouse on 221 South Mooney Blvd. to collectively speak out about the escalating issues threatening the county.
Tulare County's budget has jumped 35% in the past 3 years, reporting surpluses each time. Despite good financial health, county services continue to deteriorate and vacancies in critical departments such as public health and safety remain open for months.
"The community is growing at a rapid rate, even in this economic recession. With more patients and caseloads to attend to and a lack of staff to accommodate, it is putting a strain on all of us," says Janet Baker, a Tulare County Nurse Case Manager.
Photo: Katherine DeYoung leads the march.
Last year, the Board granted up to 10% salary raises and restructured salary caps for Executive Management, in addition to increasing their own health care contributions to $14,000.
Steve Browning, a Self Sufficiency Support Assistant II, noted that "We need to take a stand. It's time that the Board recognizes our hard work and to start investing in the people who make this county a great place to work and live."
A combination of poor decision making by the Tulare County Board of Supervisors and Executive Management has been a catalyst to the situation, subsequently draining tax revenue and relying on budget increases rather than proactively investing public resources into improving services.
Photo: Tulare Workers show their spirit for the KMPH 26 News Crew.
Tulare County workers peacefully marched around the Tulare County Administrative Center, grabbing the attention of the public, with numerous cars showing their support of the crowd by honking horns or stopping to find out more about the event.
Tulare County Superior Court employees Alice Lopez and Lesia Mervin attended the rally, encouraging them to remain strong in their efforts, and to stand up for what they believe in. "If there is one message we want to convey to all of you; is that there is hope. But you have to make it happen. This rally tonight, is a very big step, and shows the
community and the Board that you are an important piece of this County," said Lopez.
The Tulare County contract expires on June 30th, with a bargaining session scheduled for July 2, 2008. Membership meetings will be held July 2 in Porterville at the Holiday Inn Express on 840 South Jay Street and July 3 at the Visalia Veteran’s Hall on 609 W. Center. Both meetings begin at 5 p.m. The meeting will cover a summary of bargaining
in addition to the Bargaining Team’s suggestions for the next step in settling a new contract.
Press Coverage:
Watch the photo Slideshow of this event >>
New Tulare County Bargaining Team ready to win a fair contract for all members.
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