District, blue-collar union reach tentative deal
by Dale Mezzacappa on Jul 11 2012
Updated 7/12, 1:00 p.m: If the tentative deal is not ratified by 32BJ membership and approved by the School Reform Commission, 362 layoffs will take effect July 24, according to a District spokesperson. If the deal is finalized, each individual employee will receive notification of his or her employment status.
The School District and its blue-collar union have reached a tentative deal that averts wholesale layoffs of the union's members, who provide cleaning, maintenance, and transportation services.
A statement from the union, District 1201 SEIU 32BJ, said that the four-year agreement "saves thousands of jobs" and that the workers "will make direct contributions to keep schools open and to help the district solve budgetary problems." A District spokesperson confirmed the tentative agreement.
Dennis Biondo, an administrator for the union, said in a post on Facebook that the agreement averts outsourcing of the services performed by 32BJ's members.
Union members will vote on the contract July 20, the statement says. The School Reform Commission would also have to approve the deal.
“This agreement will help keep public schools open, provide a clean and safe learning environment for our kids and save jobs for thousands of hard-working men and women,” said local president George Ricchezza.
District spokeswoman Evelyn Sample-Oates said that the agreement was reached after a "marathon day of talking back and forth." The day was punctuated by the mid-afternoon resumption of a recessed SRC meeting that was recessed again until Friday as talks continued.
All 2,700 workers represented by 32BJ were threatened with layoffs that were scheduled to begin Sunday with 500 pink slips. Sample-Oates said that workers who already got pink slips would likely get letters staying the layoffs, but that details of that are being worked out.
The cash-strapped District said it needed to save $50 million in costs for maintenance and transportation, and the union previously said it had offered $20 million in concessions.
City Council members also pressed the SRC to reach a settlement with the union.
The details of the agreement will be disclosed after the membership has seen it and had a chance to vote.
Chief Recovery Officer Thomas Knudsen, while lining up potential private providers, has been saying all along that he preferred to reach a deal with the union.
The full text of the union's statement follows:
TENTATIVE JOB-SAVING DEAL REACHED BETWEEN THE DISTRICT & 32BJ SEIU
Blue-Collar School Workers Contribute Tens of Millions of Dollars to Keep Schools Open
Philadelphia, PA – A tentative agreement was reached today between the Philadelphia School District and 32BJ of Service Employees International Union, pending approval by the union’s members on July 20, 2012. Under the four-year agreement that saves thousands of jobs, blue-collar workers will make direct contributions to keep schools open and to help the District solve budgetary problems. The agreement must be approved by the School Reform Commission and ratified by the members of 32BJ, after which further details will be released.
“This agreement will help keep public schools open, provide a clean and safe learning environment for our kids and saves jobs for thousands of hard-working men and women,” said local president George Ricchezza.
The school workers provide a variety of critical services that keep schools running and children safe, including making emergency repairs to school roofs, air conditioning and floors. They also contribute to the area’s economy, with their salaries alone adding almost $100 million per year to the economy.
32BJ represents more than 10,000 workers employed in K-12 school districts; including in Philadelphia; New York City; and other districts throughout New York; New Jersey and Pennsylvania. With more than 120,000 members; including 10,000 in the Philadelphia area; 32BJ is the largest property services union in the country.
Additional reporting by Benjamin Herold
Comments (86)
Submitted by linda (not verified) on Wed, 07/11/2012 - 22:28.
"Chief Recovery Officer Thomas Knudsen, while lining up potential private providers, has been saying all along that he preferred to reach a deal with the union."
that in and of itself is circumspect to say the very least......perhaps his "kitchen cabinet members"who advise him are the same folks advising Romeny and his pathetic presentation for the NAACP....I'm just saying
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 00:15.
Let's see the details. Are these already low paid workers being blackmailed into taking pay and benefit cuts?
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 09:20.
they are holding a gun over our head. The other unions got there raises. They also cut our benefits. VOTE IT DOWN
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/13/2012 - 14:02.
IT SHOULD BE VOTED DOWN AND ALL UNIONS ESPECIALLY THE PFT SHOULD BAND TOGETHER. WE--THE PFT--ARE ONLY WORRIED ABOUT OURSELVES WHICH IS THE OPPOSITE OF WHAT UNIONS ARE DESIGNED FOR. WE ARE A DISGRACE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! JERRY JORDAN SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF HIMSELF.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 07/14/2012 - 04:03.
Uhh, if they vote it down they will lose their jobs. I don't think PFT's involvement will help in any way.
Submitted by Mick (not verified) on Sat, 07/14/2012 - 08:24.
That's because you don't understand the purpose of UNIONS.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 13:19.
I'll bet you they are!!! I bet they don't get raises and if they do, then when the teachers contract comes around there better be raises for them.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 04:12.
How do you close 40+ schools and promise no layoffs?
Sounds like the next fiscal crisis is baking in the oven.
Submitted by Pseudonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 07:49.
Because charters who steal our buildings rent-free often keep district cleaning and building staff.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 13:23.
By choice? If so good for the seiu.
Or is the obligation to take high cost workers off the psd schools in lieu of rent?
Submitted by Engineer (not verified) on Mon, 07/16/2012 - 07:49.
They put loopholes for "bumping" people out for seniority if schools do get closed as an option. NO layoffs can be layoffs if this is the case how is the seniority going to be decided?
Submitted by Annonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 05:38.
I'm sure members of District 1201 are revealed but they don't know the details. Some of this might have to do with the "deal" with the Renaissance Charters. Apparently Mastery is going to "source out" who they hire (Aspira did the same at Olney). Then, they don't pay anything ($12/year is a joke). The others agreed to use SDP "services" for a very reduced price.
I also assume there was pressure from City Council - they added a token amount to the SDP budget this year with the provision to maintain District 1201 jobs. Within 5 years, when the SDP closes 25 more schools, then the agreement is up.
I assume the SDP will push to have the PFT come up with a similar contract next year - meanwhile, the cost of living in Philadelphia (property taxes, PGW/PECO/Water bills, etc.) continue to go up. How many jobs do we have to have to pay for basic bills?
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 13:52.
Within 5 years property taxes will be over 2% and the city will be in another death spiral a la 1992 with the state taking over for real this time. Enjoy it in the meantime.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 13:58.
Don't you get it? The state is out of money too! It's been looted by the banks and big corporations.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 07:53.
Congratulations 1201....you can all finally get on with your lives without this over your heads...it has been longer than a year of uncertainty...an Awful way to live..you all stuck together..proves strength in numbers! Great job George!!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 10:14.
get one with my life are you serious yea with lessmoney in my pocket which means less food in my mouth.every other union called thier bluff except 1201everyone eles got thier raises whyo why do we let them do this to us
Submitted by Rich Migliore (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 08:31.
Yes, congratulations George and 1201 members. I have been impressed with how you have handled this situation and I was impressed when I saw your presentations at SRC meetings. You obviously care. Way to stick together and hang in there.
Also, I have to give the SRC and Mr. Knudsen credit for having the wisdom to settle with 1201. We need our leaders to be "community builders" at this time in our history.
The destructiveness of a showdown and labor battle would have hurt our schoolchildren for years to come. Every time we have contracted out to "private" firms in the past, it has resulted in poor service with no savings at all.
And let me just say this, "crunching" union workers is poor public policy and saves our community no money in the long run. Our economy will not improve until the working man and woman makes more money, not less.
Have a Great weekend 1201!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 13:23.
Sure hope they are getting raises over the 4 years. If they don't, I hope they don't expect the Teachers to go without a raise for 4 years. If I were Jordan, I would fight tooth and nail come next contract. But of course the PFT will be asked to give up raises....this financial mess is Ackerman's doing--$629 million in the hole. Take away the $629 million dollar hole and we wouldn't be where we are at. Time to walk!!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 13:42.
Jordan doesn't know how to fight tooth and nail. He'll just tell you to vote for Nutter whatever representative of the banks is running next.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/13/2012 - 15:17.
City Council had our backs, the SRC did NOT !!
Submitted by Truth (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 08:43.
I am relieved that our hard workers did not lose their jobs. Hope they didn't lose too much else in negotiations.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 09:44.
Wow what a snow job....we all know it was in the bag ...corruption is rampant....let's see mmmm more electricity bills water gas f-ING taxes....and now blackmail into to lower income......yea just fantastic
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 09:49.
Oh come on....it was in the bag....I don't know who are bigger liars ...the district or the union.....its all manufactured hype to make it look good...
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 10:23.
sdp could not afford outside contractor-we had them by the you know what-no george sell us out
Submitted by B.E. Victim (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 11:22.
Anyone suggesting that this might be a bad deal or to Vote No should seriously STOP BEING A PUPPET to the SRC! This vote is coming just days away from a Layoff of 575 Union Member. Union Members who did not receive ANY RAISES and still put concessions in to save their job and yet STILL RECEIVED LAYOFF NOTICES!
THE SRC WOULD LOVE FOR US TO VOTE NO, that way our entire union can be laid off and then PRIVATIZATION can begin for the ENTIRE School District---just like they always wanted!
Plain and simple: If you are a member of 32BJ SEIU Union 1201 and your AGAINST your Layoffs, then when the Ratification Vote is made VOTE YES and we will NOT be Laid Off! There are other factors that will be announce during the voting.
But the general understanding is a YES VOTE is a vote against a Layoff.
I'm voting YES for this agreement between the SRC and my Union. I commend the efforts made by my Union President George Ricchezza!
Now it's up to the rest of our Union members to swallow a bitter pill and just accept that this pill is a Thanks Giving Feast as oppose to being unemployed in a unstable job market. Not know when your benefits are going to end along with how many months you have left of Unemployment Compensation Checks!
I've been interviewing for jobs, but nothing sparks my interest and I still have others to answer.
If you must think...think about working and vote YES
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 12:31.
The school required the union to save $50mm the or $18,500 per person. The lower wages will not get the SRC the savings they need. This is again kicking the can down the street and not lowering costs as required to stay solvent.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 13:56.
You are being blackmailed!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/13/2012 - 14:11.
Victim--you are a boob if you really believe any of this. ALL unions in the School District should have raised hell about our blue collar workers haven't to settle for this contract. PA. is not broke. AMERICA is not broke. All of this is orchestrated by the 1% to dismantle the middle class by destroying unions. WE need to fight back and you're included in that. STOP whining and get mad--don't allow us to be marginalized. You mean well but you're laying down and allowing them to walk on you--get a GRIP !! Manup! By the way, Jerry Jordan is NOT a union boss in the traditional sense of the words. The TEAMSTERS know how to deal with BULLIES and WE better learn too before it's too late. I am ashamed to be part of the PFT letting these brothers and sisters accept this crap contract.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 12:24.
Seriously....wait until the agreement is made public. This sounds like another snow job. There will be layoffs. How many is the question.
The game that is being played is instead of the original projection of 500 there will be fewer layoffs. So we are supposed to be happy because some jobs are spared.
First 1201 and 32BJ, next PFT, then CASA. Everyone will pay the piper.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 13:27.
No everyone won't pay the piper. Those "janitorial jobs" don't have to purchase supplies out of their own pockets. I spend nearly $1000 per year on school supplies. Why can't the district supply the supplies? I have to have an ongoing education and therefore I have to keep paying college costs out of my pocket. So, my check is depleted amongst everything else. THIS WAS ACKERMAN'S DOING. $629 million in the hole. Why should any union have to have concessions???? I got an idea----tell the SRC to stop funding CHARTER SCHOOLS!!!!. That is costing us big time.
Submitted by B.E. Victim (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 15:22.
Who claims that we're not paying for our own supplies? I've never been reimbursed for damaged door locks, door glass, Rock Salt, Fuel for Equipment, Car Batteries for emergency generators, Light Tubes, Bleach (which is illegal to use but works so darn well in removing urine) brooms, mops, plastic gloves, mask, trash bags, padlocks, iweed wackers, ice scrapers nor using my personal snow blower....LAST YEAR I SPENT $6000 in making sure you had a sort-of good day other than a freaking nightmare!
A $1000 dollars...huh? Added to that I worked an entire year with a LAYOFF hanging over my head for July 1st, 2012.
I graduated from college and I'm still paying the remainder of my $47,000 in loans.
The 32BJ SEIU Local 1201 had no control over Arlene Ackerman, she was the SRC responsibility. Arlene took care of her own as did her replacement and hopeful Dr Hite will end the trend and actually help.
Charter School is a CASH COW for the School District of Philadelphia. Laying off the Facilities union is like removing the wheels of a car and expecting NOT to feel the roughness of a cobble stone road without wheels! Your going to feel it with wheels, but without wheels your pain and anguish is magnified!
SRC had a plan to close 40 school, but they layoff all the Bus Drivers. Mechanics, Building Engineers, Custodial Assistant and Cleaners for the ENTIRE SCHOOL DISTRICT of PHILADELPHIA. Nearly 280 Schools will be without any Facilities workers or Drivers.
Thats a Great Plan Pedro Ramos! A Car with no wheels...right?!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 13:14.
You can't maintain the same employment levels and wages in a declining enrollment environment.
That is just common sense. Not that public unions need to live by common sense when a corrupt bought off city council does their bidding.
So you chose lower wages, more votes, er jobs, and less money. I feel bad for the productive seiu members dragging around this dead weight to keep the philly machine rolling.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 13:46.
"If tentative deal is not ratified by 32BJ membership and approved by the School Reform Commission, 362 layoffs will take effect July 24, according to a District spokesperson. If the deal is finalized, each individual employee will receive notification of their employment status."
Blue collar workers are being told this BEFORE they know what is in the contract. It's all a setup to prepare them for a big sell out. This is outright blackmail.
Shame on the union leaders, including Jerry Jordan, for allowing this to happen without a fight. Doesn't he know the PFT will be next? It's called divide and conquer.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 13:59.
So we stop the layoffs from happening at cost of 4years without a paid increase the last time I look the water department is going to hold meeting about increaseing the cost of us using water, we know that our water bill is going up it seems that everything is going up except my paycheck . We gave the school district over 10millions because our great union took our health care from the district to save them this money. And our leader told us that this will paid for our raises will folks this is not the case. We have lost out on this agreement that our leaders has told us, We went from the penhouse to the out house because of our leader in this union.People you need to wake up a smell the coffee because if this is what we have in leading us into the future then we will found ourselfs outside looking in, people we need new leadership that can direct us in the right direction. WAKEUP
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 14:22.
To all those heartless people that feel the laying off 2700 union employees is a good thing. Shame on every single one of you! I can only hope that what goes around will come around and bite you in the butt. It's obvious that you have no idea of what this would eventually cost the city and what the costs would end up being utilizing outside private contractors within the district; remember the district tried that once and it didn't work! The district is probably still trying to pay those expenses off years later only contributing to the hole they are presently in. What about the costs associated with the laid off workers and their families?
These are not employees that make over 55+K a year. They are people who are trying to make ends meet and contribute to society and pay taxes, too!
Obviously you have no idea of what it is like out there or what it would be like for these people nor do you care. But there are NO JOBS! In fact, the real jobless rate is a little over 22% (close to 1 of 4 people out of work!!!) that includes those that have not been able to find work or have given up (unemployment benefits depleted). Last year I graduated with a duel degree in both Special Ed/Elementary Ed. I earned a 4.0 while raising a family. I have both life and job experience in the area of special education! But guess what, I can't find a full time teaching position ~THERE ARE NO JOBS!!! It's not that I'm not qualified or have enough experience, it is that the pond of "out of work" teachers is overflowing; thousands competing for 1 job. Oh...and btw I didn't go back to school to become a teacher for the money/benefits! These union workers would not have a chance!
To those 2700 union workers, I wish you all well~Congrats!
Submitted by spelling cop (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 15:46.
dual degree or duel degree? You majored in fencing?
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 14:38.
this union is a puppet of sdp
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 19:20.
LOL
Submitted by Retired SDP Employee (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 18:17.
I am curious to know what the parameters of this tentative agreement are. It is my hope that if the SDP still wants to close "x" amount of school buildings, they use the attrition system first in eliminating any positions instead of layoffs. FMS has already lost numerous postions in the last year or two when many employees retired and their positions were simply eliminated (ask Mr. Richezza) as a result of the budget crisis. These people work hard, with limited equipment, supplies, and staffing, yet everyone wants to criticize and ridicule them for being union employees. I would love to see any of the detractors attempt to do what a Building Engineer does on a daily basis (especially during a snow storm or school emergency). None of you would last a week. Kudos to all of the hard working men and women of SEIU 32BJ. Stay strong.
Submitted by The Janitor (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 18:42.
Great job to George Ricchezza and all the 1201 officers in keeping the union together and all of the membership.We ARE the foundation to the school dist.VOTE YES.VOTE YES,VOTE YES.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 19:22.
Here we are giving high fives to George Ricchezza for saving our jobs,as the word started traveling around about the gives back we are going to vote on next week. George agree to takeaway $1.05 per hour away from each person in our union. At a cost of $6000.
00 dollar a year for the next 4 years at a cost of $24.000 dollars, at this price it took our union leader to save us from bring layoff. We know how emotional he can get when he is trying to save us from being let go, but then did he also save management from getting layoff. As I see it Ralph Zambrano his F.A.C's Mr. Hunter's supervisor's foreman's are keeping their jobs are they taking an deductions like we are because George is looking out for everybody. Oh a by the way since our leader is making over 6 figures he can give back $6000.00 year because it won't affect his family like the people that it making $20.000.00 dollars. Like always George has threw us under the big yellow bus that our drivers drive everyday
Good Job to our Union
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 22:14.
I agree. I feel George did nothing for us. Yes It all sounds good when he is screaming and talking, but everyone is out for themselves. Some of these management people should be let go if they are not doing their jobs,some fac's are out of the buildings more then they are in them. 6000. a year to me as a cleaner is a big deal. Why should we be giving back when we have no even got our yearly raise. Then no raise for 4 years and just keep taking. WHY DON'T WE JUST WORK FOR FREE!!!!!! All these people saying VOTE YES, Vote yes to work for barely anything. Then they wonder why people do not do their jobs right.
Submitted by BrassBandit (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 23:22.
NOT!!!!!!!!!! WRONG!!!!!!REBEL MATH!!!!!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 19:24.
Now that we have that out of the way, it's time to get some concessions from the PFT so no more teachers have to be laid off. If we can get $200 Million, that should be about the same per person as 32BJ, roughly $20K. It will even be less on a percentage basis since the teachers are higher paid. Let's get it done and move on.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 19:52.
you go ahead and give back anything of yours that you want--keep your hands off mine. The PFT has already given back, in fact they were the FIRST to help out putting off raises for three years and giving $30m of our Health and Welfare Fund monies. Get educated before you start givng MORE of my stuff away
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 22:17.
We need to stand in solidarity- all of us- to prevent layoffs. Yes, the pft has conceded, but unfortunately I think it is inevitable that more concessions are ahead. Our contract is up in a year and I'm afraid that is the direction we are moving in. Congrats on the tentative agreement...
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 22:21.
You are exactly right!!! I can just see it now. They will offer the teachers a measly $500 signing bonus instead of raises or cry there is no money for raises!! It boggles my mind that Knudsen gets paid $25,000 per month. And, no one is mentioning about the $629 million dollar hole that Ackerman has caused. If we didn't have that hole, we wouldn't be where we are. Sorry Jerry Jordan, but we have families too. Don't expect teachers to allow no raises. 3% raise per year would be suffice!!! Jordan needs to go to the bargaining table and make the plea that the SRC is costing this District more by allowing Charter Schools. I see a court battle brewing. It's the only way the PFT will succeed!! Jordan should also go to court by arguing that Racism is being being played due to the closing of schools in mostly minority neighborhoods. Knudsen and Ramos keep saying they expect concessions from the PFT---we already conceeded $30 million of the pension fund.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 23:48.
We need to stop thinking of the "Take Over Act" as a Labor issue and start thinking of what's happening in Philadelphia as a Civil Rights issue. A group of teachers and students are being singled out simply because of who we are, isn't that the definition of discrimination? Take it to Court as a Civil Rights issue.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 22:23.
Sorry but PFT members have to continue education to meet Act 48 criteria, That means continuing education and paying for more college costs out of our pockets and money out of our pockets for school supplies. We got a whopping 3% raise over a period of nearly 2 years. We have done our share!! PFT Lawyers take this to court and battle it out!!!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 22:11.
Thank you so much George. Awesome I am so glad that I don't have to woory about my job for the next 4 years. Anyone who thinks George threw us under a bus or sold us out is a complete and utter IDIOT. Go ahead and try and find a job like the one you have now. They are not out there. Try and find the benefits you have now. If I was to use my wife's benefits it would cost us 1000.00 a month for our family. So anyone who thiks this is a bad deal, clearly does not live in the real world or has an IQ of a dognut. VOTE YES to keep your job. If you don't like the deal, then atleast you have a job and look for a new one while still working. Last time I checked the job market was not looking too healthy and don't compare us to the TEACHERS. The school district needs teachers. They can't layoff all of the teachers but they for sure can layoff all of us at LOCAL 1201. Wake up and be real. The only smart vote is YES. If not be a MORON and vote no.
Submitted by BrassBandit (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 22:50.
Some of you so called UNION BROTHERS@SISTERS don't know SQUAT about the deal yet!!!!!! Just the daily RUMOR MILL and LIES that the beaten down REBEL GROUP spit out!!!! Just go to the meeting on Saturday and get the facts before you sling out false numbers on money lost, $24,000 this $6,000 that!!!!! WAKE UP @ stop with the BS and trash talk that was being spread over the NEXTELL RAT LINE 2day!!!LMAO!!!!!STOP!!!!!!!!!!!! GO 2 the meeting on Saturday and make your choice when you get REAL FACTS!!!!!!!!! NOT THE REBEL FACTS!!!!!! Make up your own mind!!!! Thank you! Mr. George and all your Foot Soldiers
Submitted by BrassBandit (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 23:15.
GEE LETS SEEEEEEE ! Vote YES and have 1 good job guaranteed 4 more years! OR!!!! vote NO and go on unemployment for 18 months then work 3 SH&T jobs to make up for the 1 good job you had!!!!WITH benefits, 4 weeks of vacation, 10 sick days a year,3 personal days a year, 14 paid holidays , ect,ect,ect. need I go on! Gee Lets see??? Ahhhhhhhh!!! I think I will vote????? YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/12/2012 - 23:33.
You might have to vote yes, but it's still blackmail!
Submitted by BrassBandit (not verified) on Fri, 07/13/2012 - 07:29.
Sometimes blackmail is not a bad thing if the ransom is not that steep to justify the means! Lets get the TRUE facts before we send the ransom. Just show up on Saturday and get the facts.
Submitted by MBA to M'Ed mom (not verified) on Fri, 07/13/2012 - 00:29.
I don't understand why the union doesn't ask the city of Philadelphia to raise more money for the schools? It is disgusting that a kid in this day and age, would go to school that has mice running loose during the day in class...it's not difficult to require people to pay there property tax or impose penalties. Why isn't the SRC making the city get the needed revenue to actually run a school district?
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/13/2012 - 07:24.
no brass idiot collect 18 months unemployment-retire-pension-sit back and laugh at you fools
Submitted by BrassBandit (not verified) on Fri, 07/13/2012 - 07:49.
Brass idiot? Thats not nice. Most people in the union must still work many years for a good pension. I gess your close to the end of your service with the SDP.and have a decent pension to fall back ? OR? Your just a lazy Bum who wants to suck on the Tit 4 your easy money and free Goverment cheese you RAT!!!!! ME,ME,ME as long as I get what I want!!!!! SCREW everybody else. Go back to sleep in your GREEN chair after you punch in to day ! Its CRUMBS LIKE YOU THAT DRAGED THIS UNION DOWN.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/13/2012 - 10:06.
Hey Brass Bandit....you crumb! What the hell is wrong with those green chairs...I have 3 in my living room....(lol)
Big Red~
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/13/2012 - 08:37.
yes brass idiot me me me i am looking out for me because it looks like union is not losing 2000 bucks a year no idiot iam going back to scrubbing a hallway by myself and after i retire i might take a green chair home with me so i can sit on it and laugh at you fool
Submitted by BrassBandit (not verified) on Fri, 07/13/2012 - 09:43.
No! your the idiot for scrubbing the hallway by yourself!! Strap a set on and refuse to do it by yourself YOU JACKASS!!!!! If take a green chair home with you after you retire then that would be stealing! That would make you a Jackass and a theif!KEEP ON SCRUBING BY YOURSELF?? I LAUGH AT YOU FOOL!!!!! LMAO!!!!!! HAVE A NICE DAY!!!!!!!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/13/2012 - 08:38.
Can we f-ING see it first and why was it not made public----F THAT MEETING----.just make public the facts PERIOD what are they afraid of
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/13/2012 - 09:55.
He who fights and runs away, may live to fight another day.
VOTE YES!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/13/2012 - 10:09.
Good Job George! We support all your efforts and keeping 2700 employees working.....Vote YES!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/13/2012 - 10:25.
The first thing is to see what trully is the gives backs an then see if you want to vote yes.. Reading all these comments about vote yes we need to know what we are voting yes for now if some of you knows more then the next person on this notebook you should speak and tell the people what they need to know, so before we say vote let's hear the real words from our union leader.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/13/2012 - 16:06.
Just the fact that they have a job and benefits is enough...don't you know what the alternative is like-no jobs!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/13/2012 - 10:38.
you the man big red-brass idioti scrub by myself because i am by myself-you helping or are you doing paperwork
Submitted by BrassBandit (not verified) on Fri, 07/13/2012 - 13:24.
Hey Scrubbie Jackass. If your in a buliding by yourself scrubing, that means its a small building that only has you in it or. Your help is out sick or on workers comp and sticking too you. Either way your the one that Bid in the building!!! So stop bitching and keep scrubing!!!! Do I push paperwork???? NOPE!!! Just another HARD WORKING 1201 JACKASS like yourself with 28years of service!!! Have a very restfull weekend in your green chair!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/13/2012 - 16:20.
"scrubby jackass" the nicknames you come up with are great...made my day...."there are as many as the stars in the sky". Keep up the good work Henry.
Tatalia
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/13/2012 - 14:09.
do1201 members know thier union dues money go to support occupy movement
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/13/2012 - 16:08.
huh?
Submitted by BrassBandit (not verified) on Fri, 07/13/2012 - 14:10.
The SRC is giving a deal we can't refuse! YOU MAKE THAT DEAL TOM!!!!! VOTE YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by The Janitor (not verified) on Fri, 07/13/2012 - 16:30.
The give backs are according to your salary. under 30,000 would be 10.00 a pay.30,000 to 45,000 would be 50.00 a pay and over 45,000 is more. So if you dont think thats a good deal something is wrong with all of you. Also shoe money is gone. Now go to the meeting tomorrow and find out the rest.VOTE YES. Bottom line we are all working.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/13/2012 - 17:05.
1201 members should know that 1201 leaders were the ONLY ones - the ONLY union leaders in Council chambers Thursday after Thursday after Thursday sessions PUSHING, TESTIFYING, LOBBYING & sometimes crying & begging for Council to pass more money for schools. 1201 SWARMED those HALLS for WEEKS until that G_D HORRIFIC city budget passed with more money for ALL of our schools. There was NO CASA, NO PFT to be found anywhere
This contract may not be what you dream about at night & if you are inclined to leave your current position at the Sd of P, now may be the time to do it. But do all of 1201 members a favor and VOTE YES then RESIGN if you really want to VOTE NO because a NO VOTE risks ALL of 1201's brothers & sisters livelihoods, families, homes & more.
Submitted by Pseudonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/13/2012 - 17:10.
I think CASA and PFT do more behind closed doors, but you are right.
The PFT is doing a lousy job of supporting 1201, while 1201 has always done a great job of supporting PFT. You have my support and thanks. I hope you all have been treated fairly in this contract and I hope all jobs can be saved.
Submitted by Mick (not verified) on Sat, 07/14/2012 - 08:28.
I was there too--PFT member-a few of us were there BUT NOT Jerry Jordan and all unions should have been there. I am ashamed of the PFT.
Submitted by BrassBandit (not verified) on Tue, 07/17/2012 - 08:06.
AMEN!!!!Well SAID!!!!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/13/2012 - 19:23.
Now is about time they step out from behind closed doors & hit the streets
1. Cuz behind closed doors aint working
2. they are next
Submitted by Anonymous ok (not verified) on Sat, 07/14/2012 - 08:28.
Brass bandit so henery yo
ur name very interesting
Submitted by Pseudonymous (not verified) on Sat, 07/14/2012 - 10:48.
So, without ratifying it, 362 people get laid off.
With the deal, each person gets told whether they are laid off or not.
That doesn't actually sound like they aren't laying anyone off.
Submitted by Engineer (not verified) on Mon, 07/16/2012 - 12:46.
I never had any children, yet I have payed Phila. School taxes all of my employed life. If it is about the children then I will give up some more of my hard work in pay to keep public schools going on. Working with all the responsibilities as a building engineer with the PSD is not the most glorious job. In the eyes of many people I am probably viewed as an uneducated, throw-up cleaning overpaid janitor. After the past year of being responsible to keep a cleaning staff going with all this political pocket lining going on and looming layoffs. It is a slap in the face to be forced to pay out of my take home pay... which is only about $500 a week after taxes, dues,and all the other deductions in order to keep my job. I take pride in my job. It involves much more than we get credit for. Engineers are "licensed" and trained employees. With that we bare the responsibility of SAFELY running and maintaining every facet of our buildings ranging from heating, cooling, fire protection, emergency lighting and power, plumbing and water service,Gas and oil delivery and usage ...along with reporting time and attendance, deliveries, supply ordering and inventory, and even dealing with all the troubleshooting and proper control and reporting of hazardous materials. Please don't confuse us as just another MOP JOCKEY....SAME UNION...DIFFERENT JOB DESCRIPTION...YET WE MAY AS WELL DO JUST THAT, AS THE SDP ARE TRYING TO GET US AT THE SAME PRICE. I'm not sure on my vote...but it shouldn't have never have been forced to reach this level.......There is still plenty of fight left in the good workers continue to do jobs.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/16/2012 - 13:02.
Engineer: As a teacher in the District, I have seen how hard you all work on a daily basis and the "stuff" you have to put up with from, not only the the kids (which can be expected, as they are just kids), but from some of my fellow teachers and administrators as well. You all do a great job in some very difficult situations and under some very Trying circumstances. Please know that there are many more of us out here who DO respect and value your contributions, than there are who do not.
Keep up the great work.
PFT Proud.
Submitted by Brody[ (not verified) on Mon, 07/16/2012 - 15:06.
I second that!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/16/2012 - 12:54.
I feel you Engineer! When is the vote and when will it be announced?
Submitted by Anonymous ok (not verified) on Mon, 07/16/2012 - 18:25.
A few weeks ago at a union meeting george told us sdp told himm you go your way we are going our way meaning outside contractor remember union members then a few days before layoffs were to happen sdp wants to neiogate why did 100 million shortfall in charter school moneylets get 1201 in here to squeeze money out of them make you think george
Submitted by Mick (not verified) on Mon, 07/16/2012 - 22:10.
They had NO intention of following through on their threats to privatize. CITY COUNCIL had our backs all along. The SRC are punks.
Submitted by Engineer (not verified) on Tue, 07/17/2012 - 08:28.
Bottom line is there are too many trades in one union. A union should be made up of a strong workforce of skilled individuals in a specialized trade. A large mass of gears that don't mesh is a pile of junk. I can understand a large local union with individual separate trade specific chapters. Having busdrivers, security, cleaners, engineers trade mechanics, custodians ect...all in one box steals from the individual worker being properly represented. After all of the mess that we have been through this past year, all of the broken spirits, and all the disgruntled workers, the SDP is threatening the Engineers and making us scapegoats for the poor cleaning percentages in our buildings. I did my boilers, changed filters on cooling and air systems, oiled pumps, all my lights have bulbs and still have plenty of "ENGINEERING" duties to do.
Local 32 BJ/1201 does have some excellent cleaners and Custodial assistants working for them...however there is a bad work ethic when people cannot be kept accountable for their lack of work performance. You can't write up a member of the same union and expect any results. I try every possible and humble way to to get results on the smallest scale. I treat everyone as a human being first off. Then I wind up doing the work myself. I guess to some people any work is too much work. I can't do anything about it but get stressed and now these people are getting close too the same pay and benefits as me. Guess I'm just bitching because of all the frustration of the layoff situation and knowing that there are so many of us with too much time invested to make a move. They have us in a death grip. My pride for my job is at an all time low. I keep trudging on because I know this kind of failure to the American dream is happening all over the world...sad to say. WE must all stand together and be heard...not herded !!!!
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