The Civil Service Employees Association, Inc. Local 1000, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO W e s t c h e s t e r   C o u n t y   E m p l o y e e s   U n i o n  Jack McPhillips, President

Re:    Sick Bank Questions                                                              October 22, 2007

I would like to address some of the most recent round of questions and concerns regarding the Sick Bank, knowing full well that this will again foster more questions that I may not be able to answer at this time.
I must point out that this is a contractually negotiated benefit (Pages 24-25) that requires the County to agree to make significant changes.  

It is, and always has been, the Union ’s position to preserve and, therefore, continue the Sick Bank as evidenced by the annual requirement to donate one (1) day every year in the future.

We are doing what we can to address the current deficit while trying to figure out the future of this very beneficial contractual clause to our membership.  There has never been a stated desire to disband the Sick Bank by the Union, or for that matter, the County!  We have tried to address the deficit by requesting a contribution of the needed 5 days by all Sick Bank members, regardless of Union affiliation, over an extended amount of time so as to build (or re-build) up the time to contribute.   The Executive Board and the (Union member) Committee are working together to insure the future of this benefit.  All future contribution dates will be reminded to Sick Bank members and not to those who have already met the 5 day contribution.  

Regarding the suggested infusion of days via the retiree balances, that must be done with the consent of the County, something that does not exist at this time.  All future balances will be posted monthly on the Union ’s web site and announced at the monthly meetings, thereby keeping all members notified on a continual basis.  There will also be semi-annual audits conducted by the County.
I must remind all members that the County has a significant role in this entire process both from an operational standpoint and with oversight responsibility.
It is the Union ’s intent not only to sustain the Bank but to make it better operationally and more accountable to you, the members. 

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