Shawn Parker - President, LBLGA

All Members,

This is an update on contract negotiations….

The LBLGA has been meeting with human resources over the last three months to negotiate a contract for the period of 10/1/2010 to 9/30/2011. There are a number of significant issues that have been being discussed during this process which are; salary freezes, a different retirement tier for new employees including a 100% pick-up of all P.E.R.S. contributions and a 36 month average salary calculation for retirement. There is also some energy on the City Council to reduce or eliminate skill notes as well as the educational incentive. As you can see, the attached proposal from the City is requesting current employees pay an additional 2% for the membership contribution of P.E.R.S. beginning 9/30/2011. The Association is working on a counter offer which will include a 2% @ 50 PERS formula and keep all step increases, skill notes and educational incentive in place. The Board is also working on structuring a multi-year contract which would address current employees picking-up the remaining 7% of the membership contribution during the duration of a multi-year contract without affecting our salaries. This would be accomplished by apply savings reductions obtained by a staffing model modification and duplication of service charges within the Tidelands budget. Of course this is an ongoing process and there is no certainty other than there will be pension reform for all employees.

On an operational note; Chief Foster has requested that we continue to focus on our enforcement efforts and citations are an important and effective part of Marine Safety’s enforcement program. The Chief was not suggesting a “quota” he would like to make sure we are utilizing citations when appropriate in our overall enforcement efforts and the Association agrees, we can always as a Division strive to do better.

As we endure another year of economic challenge and work toward significant positive change within the Marine Safety Division, it is imperative that we continue to strive to represent the LBFD in the highest positive light both professionally and personally while on duty and off. By maintaining a consistent high level of service delivery, as well as being good ambassadors of the LBFD while off duty we will enhance the Association’s chances of accomplishing positive change for our division and the department. Please do not to hesitate to contact the Board with any questions or suggestions.

Board of Directors,
Long Beach Lifeguard Association