The Purple Buzz – Dec. 8, 2011

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Quick Quiz:

Overall, income inequality in America has grown how much since 1980?
A) 10 percent
B) 15 percent
C) 25 percent
D) 75 percent
Scroll down to see answer.

An important tele-town hall for SEIU Local 521 members

California faces enormous fiscal challenges. Join the tele-town hall conversation on Thursday, Dec. 15, to hear the latest about our state revenues and what’s at stake on pension reform. These are matters that affect all workers and our fight for quality jobs and services. We will also be talking about the governor’s $7 billion tax initiative and the paycheck deception ballot initiative that, if passed, will destroy unions.
Click here to find out how you can join the tele-town hall:
https://www.seiu521.org/2011/tele-town-hall

SEIU 521 Fresno County workers file ULP against county

Hundreds of SEIU 521 Fresno County chapter members packed the Board of Supervisors’ chambers Tuesday to demand a chance to vote on the county’s “last best and final” offer. But anti-worker supervisors ignored the plea, voting 3-2 to impose the contract even before the workers concluded their voting.
SEIU 521 has filed an unfair labor practice charge against Fresno County. Fresno members are meeting Thursday night to decide what to do next.
Read more:
https://www.seiu521.org/2011/fresno-county-workers-file-ulp

Judge halts IHSS reduction notices

Bringing temporary relief to home care workers and consumers facing steep cuts, a judge issued a Temporary Restraining Order on Dec. 2 that blocked the state from moving on cuts–but only until a Dec. 15 court hearing on the issue.  IHSS is facing up to $100 million in cuts that would result in a 20 percent reduction in hours for workers and consumers.
Take action: Candle light vigil for home care Thursday, Dec. 15
Read more:
https://www.seiu521.org/2011/judge-halts-ihss-reduction-notices

Local 521 members speak up at state pension hearing

Gov. Jerry Brown made a surprise visit Dec. 1 before a Legislative conference committee that was holding a hearing about his 12-point pension reform plan. But it was an impassioned speech from a union representative—urging retirement security for all—that drew the only applause during the five-hour-long public hearing.

More information:
https://www.seiu521.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/TownHall-and-PensionCommitteeMeetingDec2011.pdf
Read more and see photos:
https://www.seiu521.org/2011/state-pension-hearing

Reach your goals with a 2012 SEIU scholarship

Higher education can be expensive. To help members and their children fulfill their educational goals, SEIU International and Local 521 award yearly scholarships to attend accredited colleges, universities, and technical schools. Deadlines to apply are in March 2012. You must be a member to apply.
Read more information:
https://www.seiu521.org/scholarships
Not a 521 member? Apply for membership here:
https://www.seiu521.org/membership

Quick Quiz:

Overall, income inequality in America has grown how much since 1980?
A) 10 percent
B) 15 percent
C) 25 percent
D) 75 percent
The answer is C. According to a study released Monday by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the income disparity in America has risen 25 percent since 1980. The share of income going to the richest 1 percent more than doubled from 1980 and 2008. The U.S. is among countries with the largest ratios between the rich and the poor.
Read more:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/oecd-report-cites-rising-income-inequality/2011/12/05/gIQAWrwZXO_story.html