Vallejo Unions Cry For More Money

2/5/09

By Marc Garman

In today's Times Herald article ”City unions win support in opposing bankruptcy” (Actually the TH spelled it “backruptcy”, but I took the liberty of correcting it here.) the union contracts are touted as hard won, and the target of a malicious city leadership intent on punishing the unions for bad decisions made by the city.

What we are seeing is merely the beginning of the expected “throw the baby out with the bath water” campaign the unions will wage—especially as the election gets closer. In a recent letter to American Police Beat, VPOA (Vallejo Police Officers' Asociation) president Matt Mustard demands that the judge punish Vallejo for bad decisions by previous city councils. Bad decisions that have pumped up his own wonderful salary and benefits. He also fails to mention the instrumental role union money has played in backing candidates and pushing agendas in city hall. Talk about passing the buck.

Under the Radar and Out of Your Wallet

LIVE LONG AND PROSPER

Longevity Incentives 

1/1/09

By Robert Schussel, Ph.D

How would you like your boss to come up to you and say “I just upped your wages by 5%” when you hadn’t done anything special to deserve it? Then he comes back 5 years later and ups your wages by another 5% just because you stuck around. Remember, this is an incentive whose stated purpose is to improve retention.

The above is basically how Longevity incentives work in Vallejo. After working as a City/State employee for 20 years, all Vallejo City Employees except IBEW get a 5% raise on top of any other raise.  After 25 years of service these City Employees get another 5% bump. Typically 30% to 40% of all Public Safety Employees get the Longevity Incentive.

The best part is that you get credit for having worked in other cities etc. In one instance a Police Department employee worked in Vacaville for 19 years and received his Longevity Incentive after being in Vallejo for just one year.  

Baci is History

Local eatery serves last supper

VIBatini Supply in Crisis

12/31/08

By Marc Garman

Tonight is the last night of 2008.  It also marks the last meal served at Baci "Ristorante Lounge and Caffe" on Virginia St. in downtown Vallejo.

"We can't really break even." said co-owner Alice Liu, citing a high overhead including rent and wages for 25-30 employees.  The overall economy has been a deciding factor as well for Liu and her partner Nee Lau. "I don't want to lose any more money" said Lau, who has no plans to close his other Vallejo restaurant China Wok (around the corner from Baci on Sacramento St.).

Judge to Unions:  

12/30/08

By Marc Garman

First, let's recap. Vallejo's bankruptcy is moving forward on two fronts:

1) In the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the unions are still arguing that Vallejo is not bankrupt.

2) In the Eastern District Bankruptcy Court,Judge McManus is preparing to hear arguments regarding the city's motion to reject the union contracts (CBA's or Collective Bargaining Agreements) This part of the case is in the “discovery” stage.