Stuart A. Bussey, MD, JD |
You have no doubt heard about the Governor’s budget which includes a 54 billion dollar deficit and a 10% proposed cut to all state employees, including yourself. I have already heard from some of you and share your concerns. The union does not intend to stand idly by while the State tries to cut your hard-earned salaries.
We resume bargaining this Thursday morning and will ask the state to adopt a number of ideas that are described in an article that I plan to get into the press. These ideas basically involve moving the money our bargaining unit’s salary savings into your pocket as an employee. There are also various ways to backload money and preserve pensions… even if there are furloughs. Our bargaining team is creative but welcomes any responses or ideas you may have in order to avoid these cuts. It may be little solace to realize that there are even greater cuts to physician and dentists’ salaries all across the country. UAPD will do its best to soften the blow and be proactive. The economy will pick up eventually and we will emerge in better shape.
We will be sending you a Survey Monkey soon to further ascertain any ideas or actions you may be willing to take that would help our negotiations. Meanwhile, stay healthy, stay safe, and strong and work smart! Your union stands with you.
In Solidarity,
Stuart Bussey
UAPD President