June 27, 2010
AFSCME Local Challenges Reduced Work Week
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) – Members of Local 598 of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees have challenged the compressed and /or reduced work weeks implemented by the Wolfe Administration.
The controversial money saving fiscal cuts mean furloughs and a 10% pay reduction for most City of Huntington employees, except members of the Police and Fire Departments.
Although city employees have been without a contract, the union maintains that under Mayor David Felinton the terms of the previous collective bargaining agreement were to be effective until a new one is reached. However, the Wolfe Administration maintains that they have signed no Memorandum of Understanding with AFSCME employees and that the agreement with Felinton became void once he left office.
Lora Maynard, assistant city attorney, told City Council that the union had previously turned down a Memorandum of Understanding offer with the Wolfe Administration which would have extended services.
“It’s not this administration’s belief” that the Felinton agreement remains in effect, Ms. Maynard told council at the Friday, June 25 work session.
The complaint requests that the circuit court enter a temporary injunction and writ of prohibition enjoin the “City of Huntington from implementing the Reduced and Compressed Work Week policy which breaches the Collective Bargaining Agreement by unilaterally redefining the work week in a manner that is contrary to that specified in the existing CBA.”
Assigned to Judge Jane Hustead, a hearing on the injunction is scheduled at 4 p.m. July 7.
The June 10, 2008, Felinton letter stated that “in the event that a new contract is not reached by July 1, 2008, this is to confirm that all economic benefits and conditions of the existing Wage and Benefit Agreement between the city and AFSCME be continued indefinitely.”
Director of Finance & Administration, Brandi Jacobs-Jones explained. “Although we will be appearing before the Judge, we will proceed accordingly . Employees will begin working the nine hour or ten hour shift respectively on July 6 and will continue until some action is taken one way or the other.” July 9 will be the first Friday that it will be in effect.
During the work session, Maynard revealed that the union grievance procedures have “not been honored” either.
Councilwoman Frances Jackson stated, “that’s terrible.”
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AFSCME Local Challenges Reduced Work Week
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) – Members of Local 598 of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees have challenged the compressed and /or reduced work weeks implemented by the Wolfe Administration.
The controversial money saving fiscal cuts mean furloughs and a 10% pay reduction for most City of Huntington employees, except members of the Police and Fire Departments.
Although city employees have been without a contract, the union maintains that under Mayor David Felinton the terms of the previous collective bargaining agreement were to be effective until a new one is reached. However, the Wolfe Administration maintains that they have signed no Memorandum of Understanding with AFSCME employees and that the agreement with Felinton became void once he left office.
Lora Maynard, assistant city attorney, told City Council that the union had previously turned down a Memorandum of Understanding offer with the Wolfe Administration which would have extended services.
“It’s not this administration’s belief” that the Felinton agreement remains in effect, Ms. Maynard told council at the Friday, June 25 work session.
The complaint requests that the circuit court enter a temporary injunction and writ of prohibition enjoin the “City of Huntington from implementing the Reduced and Compressed Work Week policy which breaches the Collective Bargaining Agreement by unilaterally redefining the work week in a manner that is contrary to that specified in the existing CBA.”
Assigned to Judge Jane Hustead, a hearing on the injunction is scheduled at 4 p.m. July 7.
The June 10, 2008, Felinton letter stated that “in the event that a new contract is not reached by July 1, 2008, this is to confirm that all economic benefits and conditions of the existing Wage and Benefit Agreement between the city and AFSCME be continued indefinitely.”
Director of Finance & Administration, Brandi Jacobs-Jones explained. “Although we will be appearing before the Judge, we will proceed accordingly . Employees will begin working the nine hour or ten hour shift respectively on July 6 and will continue until some action is taken one way or the other.” July 9 will be the first Friday that it will be in effect.
During the work session, Maynard revealed that the union grievance procedures have “not been honored” either.
Councilwoman Frances Jackson stated, “that’s terrible.”
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