November 16th, 2010

To the membership:

I would like to thank everyone who attended the informational meeting with the Teamsters last week. As you may not be aware, this meeting was a result of the request of just a few members. I attended as the Union President to make sure that our best interests were at the forefront of their agenda. Additionally, I wanted to see if what the Teamsters union had to offer were aligned with our mission.

The board and I personally met with the treasurer of the Teamsters separately. We have considered what the Teamsters bring to the table and fear that leaving our union would not serve as a benefit to the majority of the membership of the MCS PBA.

Our next membership meeting will be on December 13th at the Wishing Well on Chili Ave. We will discuss concerns that members may have about contract negotiations and other pressing matters. Our attorneys will be on hand to answer questions. Also in attendance will be the Union President of the Police Conference of New York, Inc., Richie Wells, Locust Club President, Mike Mazzeo, and Irondequoit PBA President, Mike DiGiovani.

Civil Service is not willing at this time to consider allowing Sergeants and Investigators to take the Investigator Sergeant position. We have a hearing scheduled with PERB on the improper practice charge in January, 2011. We have filed the proper paperwork for an IP and a lawsuit against the County over the creation of the position and the contract language changes. At our last meeting we discussed the pros and cons of the Investigator Sergeant position as it stands. Our union attorneys spoke on this process and our chances of success. A ballot vote will be held at our next union meeting to determine whether to pursue the IP and lawsuit against the position and language changes to the contract. The alternative is to leave the position as it is now, accept the language changes and attempt to renegotiate it at our next contract if that is what the membership desires.

The board and I sincerely thank you for your continued interest in making this union as strong as it can be. Your board will persevere in our pursuit of solidarity and integrity with the best interests of the majority in mind. To that end, we expect your show of support through attendance at the membership meetings. The next meeting is December 13th at the Wishing Well on Chili Ave.

As always, feel free to call or email me with any concerns 509-5601.

Thank you,
MCS PBA President, Greg Woodworth