Monterey County Members tell Supervisors:

Seek Budget Solutions without Layoffs

Facing a $40 million county deficit, about 30 county workers attended the Monterey County budget hearings on Monday, June 8. Their message to the Board was: Seek budget solutions that maintain services and avoid layoffs.

Members held up signs that said "Protect Services, Protect Jobs, Protect Contract." Chapter President Ben Franklin, Chapter Vice-President Maria Castillo and Bargaining Team Member Marianne Criswell addressed the Board of Supervisors. 

It's SEIU's stance that there are other changes that can be made that will not include getting rid of or laying off people, said Marianne Criswell to Channel 46 news.
Photo above on the right: Marianne Criswell, Office Assistant II, Unit J, speaks to a Channel 46 reporter

Maria Castillo reported to the Board that we reached a tentative contract agreement, which will be voted on Monday, June 15. She also highlighted how the new agreement gives us the opportunity to work with the county to review various options such as flexible schedules, golden handshakes or parity wage adjustments.
Photo above on the left: Maria Castillo, Chapter Vice-President, addresses the Board of Supervisors

Ben Franklin stressed the importance of working together with the county to seek smart budget solutions. 

Together we face a terrible crisis, he said. We want to be partners with you in making decisions necessary to maintain services and our jobs.


Media Coverage
Watch Marianne Criswell and other members on KION TV.

Read the Herald articles:
http://www.montereyherald.com/national/ci_12544312
And
http://www.montereyherald.com/local/ci_12551289  

Read The Californian:

Monterey County, union strike tentative deal
BY LESLIE GRIFFY
lgriffy@thecalifornian.com

Hours before Monterey County officials are scheduled to begin budget talks -- including considering a proposal to cut 17 jobs -- its biggest union announced a tentative deal today.
SEIU 521, which represents the bulk of county workers, said that, under an agreement reached last week, union members would forego increased benefits and wages for one year.
Members will vote on the contract June 15.
“This allows us to continue to provide quality services during a tough economic time,” said Ben Franklin, Monterey County chapter president.
The county Board of Supervisors will begin its budget hearings at 1:30 p.m. today in the Supervisors Chambers at 168 W. Alisal St., Salinas.

And

Monterey County plans cuts, awaits state budget decision, June 9