Report From State Board Meeting

By Ali Guitron, ASP C/O — The State Board meeting started off by discussing the issue on counting the chapter ballot at SATF, they had an issue regarding some of the ballots that weren't counted. They had a lengthy discussion on the subject. They made a “motion” to re-count all the votes that were “dismissed” due to a variety of different reasons. The motion failed, they will go back and look a...t the “SOP” to see if they can change some of the wording about “discounted” ballots during the next state board meeting in April.

There was talk about having a “forensic audit” when the issue was brought up Mike Jimenez seemed a little irritated. Herschel Keel (CMC chapter president) advised Jimenez that his membership was requesting it, and he’s here to express the concerns for his members. He was told that a forensic audit was “not normal”, they also expressed their concerns about it costing a lot of money that the union doesn’t have. They (EC) also stated that they haven’t had an audit in 5 years, and one was being conducted now which goes back only two years. The majority of the board members seemed to be against the forensic audit. Some expressed that the books are always open to members that want to see where the money is going. Shortly after this they went into “executive session” meaning everyone but the chapter presidents had to leave. This lasted almost an hour.

Mike Jimenez talked about AB109 and the staffing issues. He stated chapter presidents need to fight for the membership. That if they have any issues with administration they need to go to them. That he is not familiar with a lot of prisons, and what jobs are important to keep for safety reasons. He stated that he knows the layout of Avenal, but it’s been a while so he needs Plott to let him know about what jobs are being taken. He stated that Administration might think that the job cuts are final, but they are not. He stated he needs Chapter Presidents to fight and stand up for the members. They need to supply headquarters with information, so they can see what they are working with. He stated that he knows administration has to cut jobs, but not to cut jobs that make it unsafe. He wanted the Chapter Presidents to document everything with administration. He kept bringing up that they have to stand up and fight for jobs. He continued that even if administration retaliates, he stated that a lot of people have not worked under a contract. Some of the board members were talking about having their local law makers involved, and have them visit the institution to see what AB109 is doing.

Chuck Alexander talked about needing details about jobs that are being taken away. He said contact wardens with a memo and signature to have a record of it. Chuck stated that every institution has a “staffing” packing and a detail of all positions. He stated that the department is “hiding” these jobs and claims the “package” doesn’t exist. They are trying to get more information, so they can hold the state accountable.

There was a lengthy discussion on post and bid, and we were advised that the state would like a global post and bid, not just for local chapters. There was a lot of back and forth about the post and bid.

There is a state memo dated Dec. 11th, 2011 about the state looking over the Inmate Classification. They are trying to change the point system. A level 4 inmate would be a level 3 inmate, and a level 3 inmate will be a level 2 inmate. The EC is looking into it.

Now on to the confusion that is the layoffs. I’m almost certain no one knows what is going on. Everyone including the Executive council seems confused. Chuck said 250 officers will be getting a “layoff” notice by January 29th. Those 250 that are affected will get one more chance at a “state wide” bid prior to the layoff date of Feb. 29th. When asked if the layoffs will be statewide or by county, it was answered with a “yes.” PICO / OTAP don’t guarantee you safety. Even though the contract protects “PICO,” AB109 modifies that.

The budges review was next, the highlight of this was the removal of the AAA rivercats tickets for next year. They already had placed $50,000 aside for the tickets next year. Herschel Keel and a couple of other board members expressed their concerns with wasting $50,000 on useless baseball tickets. A motion was made to stop using that money for the AAA tickets, and put it toward Gold shield express (hamburger / weenie wagon). It was expressed that the money would be going towards the membership. The motion was made and passed. No more Rivercats tickets after this year. The budget review continued, and the meeting was adjourned till tomorrow at 0830 hrs.