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|4| MAY 7 - 13, 2010 | www.el-observador.com
Upset City Employees
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By Cinthia Rodriguez - El Observador
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undreds of city employees have been given their pink slips. Some workers will be laid off, while others will be taking on different roles. American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 101 decided to protest these layoffs. "I think the biggest challenge that we all have is that we need to look at what the best alternatives are to meet this budget deficit," said Yolanda Cruz, AFSCME President. The city of San Jose is facing a $116 million deficit, a proposed budget for the 20101011 fiscal year deals with the problem through a combination of service cuts, layoff, and revenue increases. "We can only close this gap if everyone works together and shares the pain," stated Mayor Reed. "That's why I continue to call for all employees to give up 10 percent in pay and benefits to minimize layoffs and service cuts." Approximately 450 full time city employees will lose their job and another 250 part time employees. In a matter of weeks, employees will start their new job as a result from their demotion with a 10 percent cut in their pay. "We think that we should be looking at furloughs," said Cruz. "We think that it's an option for us to be able to address specific issues to
have some time to look at other options." The average salary of a union member is $54,000 a year. Cruz feels that the cuts will have a tremendous impact on them. She believes things are getting worse in the private sector and believes it takes a little longer for the government to come in do something. So to her furloughs is an ideal way of dealing with the deficit. "We saved some jobs last year and hope the same for us this year, so we wont have to take a pay cut, said Pamela Taylor, AFSCME member. "There's always an option." Last year, city employees gave up their raises and their salaries were frozen. This year they are fighting to keep their jobs, open and willing to look at better ways that they can still do things. "I know that the concessions I've asked for will be difficult for many of our employees and their families. However without these shared sacrifices, hundred of employees will lose their jobs and residents will lose the services they depend on," stated Mayor Reed. The union members feel it is unfair that the majority of the council members are not being open and willing to discuss what is going on. Throughout the protest they shouted "poor leadership, structural deficit," and held posters that read "we're your employees, not your pawns."