President's Message by Robert A. Kaczmarek - President

Contract negotiations have concluded and the membership overwhelmingly approved the 2004-2005 MOU. This is a one year deal with 2.4% salary adjustment, sunset of the "Medical Pool" to cover out of pocket medical premiums on 9/30/04. Additionally, the city is providing a $50,000 accidental death and dismemberment benefit on top of it's current life insurance. This was at no cost to the BCEA and covers 30 hour employees who die at work, or on work related trips. This was a response to a review of our benefits policy after the Matthew Pavelka murder. It was a fair deal given the City's finances. The Finance department has targeted the November 10th payroll for retro paychecks.

On the other subject of negotiations, the Retirement Coalition (BCEA, IBEW & BMA), had several meetings with the City about better pensions. From these meetings the coalition made two credible land fiscally responsible proposals to the City. The City Council directed staff that they were not interested in any plan to upgrade our pension. This caused frustration to the coalition team & BCEA members. This was very apparent at our ratification meeting.

If you are not happy with the City Council's unwillingness to come to the table and exchange proposals on retirement, you need to get active! First, join the BCEA PAC, a dollar or two a pay period will go a long way to us influencing the City Council races in 2005. You can sign up for the PAC on payroll deduction at the BCEA Office. If you live in Burbank, write the City Council and let them know what you think. Volunteer for phoning or walking when the city elections come up. We will be looking at all of the candidates, to see who would be best to change City Council's direction to a more employee friendly one.

In the state election two ballot initiatives are very important. First, Prop 1A will stop the legislature from future raids of local government funding sources. It will allow for borrowing with repayment terms to local agencies. This initiative is part of the agreement reached in the Governor's budget package. This should make our City's budget less volatile from the State taking away our funding. Vote Yes on Prop 1A.

Second is Prop 72 - the health care initiative. Prop 72 is the Cal Labor Federations SB2. The Governor signed a bill putting this to the voters. It will require that companies provide health care for their employees. Large corporations like McDonalds, Macy's & Wal-Mart are against this and are spending millions to kill this. You can get more information at calaborfed.org/index.html

Click on the "Yes on 71" button. Vote YES on Prop 72.