April 15, 2009 - ATU International Representative Ray Rivera and Local Union President Mike Lowery met with the BCC Union officers and shop stewards at the Homewood Suites Hotel near the airport tonight. 

Mike Lowery lead the meeting with updating the BCC Union officers of where the pending issues were at.  The following is a brief update:

1.  Lowery talked about the final outcome of the unfair labor practice and PERC hearing concerning County Administrator Bob McLaughlin.  Lowery pointed out that the Union is attempting to post information regarding the ULP decision and BCC VP Bobby Nigh (Union cell phone (850) 791-2033) and Financial Secretary/Treasurer Chris Hayes (850) 572-8708 have copies of the ULP decision and Union response - If it is not posted on your Union Board at your department please feel free to contact either of the two men listed above.

2.  Next Lowery talked about the current Unfair Labor Practice that is file concerning the 07-08 wage increase.  PERC ruled that there was enough sufficient evidence to have a hearing.  The Union is going to amend this ULP to include the fact that the County is obligated under Florida law to recognize the Union grievance process.  The ATU has filed 3 grievances and the County has ignored them.  Therefore the ATU is amending the ULP to include this violation of Florida law under stature 447.

3.  Next Lowery showed BCC Union officers how the County is wanting to move toward Impasse regarding the negotiations.  Lowery stated that at this time PERC has not ruled on the Impasse.

4.  Lastly the discussion talked about negotiations and the Union position.  It was determine that further discussions will occur when ATU International Vice President Gary Rauen could be involved.  IVP Rauen had a family emergency and was unable to make this business trip to Pensacola.