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Time to Act
A message from the Director of AFSCME/CEC7, Brian Olsen
January 26, 2012
After 21 years as one of the founders of AFSCME/CEC7 in Texas, I look back to see all we have accomplished together over these many years. I have spent much of that time working for the correctional employees in one capacity or another, to improve your lives, and we have been successful. On this website, you can check it out and see. Stopping the latest attacks of rolling back TDCJ and UTMB salaries by 7%, and stopping the career ladder from being frozen for 2 years. We got the comp. time bill passed when no other organization in Texas or around the country was able to get a positive corrections bill passed. It was never easy.
Unfortunately, I have run into a lot of employee apathy in TDCJ, UTMB, myself, and my staff, and our active members have worked too hard to give up now in this huge time of crisis. As a member, or as someone who is considering joining, their comes a time when it is time to act. What I want to convey is this: just do something. Don't concede, don't give in, and don't give up. You have too much at stake for yourself and for your children's future. Fight for what you know is right, and don't take no for an answer. Your job and your pensions are at stake. Get involved and help me with the good fight. The AFSCME organization here in Texas has proven itself with the sacrifices of our members and our staff. We are not going to live on our success of the past, but forge ahead, striving for new goals and accomplishments. We cannot do it without you. Get involved, and sign a co-worker up with AFSCME. We have strength in numbers. Let's get it done. God bless Texas and God bless America.
Criminal Justice Sunset Review Questionnaire
The Criminal Justice Sunset Review Questionnaire is live on our website, and we need everyone's input! Click on the link below to open the form, and after you fill it out, it will be emailed to us.
View Form
Job Growth in Texas Restrained by Government Service Cuts
October 21, 2011
Maybe Gov. Rick Perry is changing his campaign message to "flat tax" that benefits the wealthy because the jobs issue that he began his campaign on has faltered.
Today's Fort Worth Star-Telegram elaborates on why Perry's jobs claims haven't caught fire: The governor is unable to take full credit credibly for job creation in the Texas economy, and, moreover, a big chunk of the job creation is in a public sector that he claims is an overbearing presence.
Moreover, the huge cuts to public schools and other basic services in the current state budget are putting a damper on jobs numbers in Texas:
As Gov. Rick Perry tells it, Texas lawmakers fueled a jobs boom in recent years by getting out of the way of the private sector.
Yet a decade-long hiring boom in public jobs -- teachers, engineers, administrators, census workers -- played a significant role in the state's impressive jobs record, and some fear that the same sector will prompt a reversal of fortune.
"We are definitely seeing jobs growth restrained due to the layoffs in government," Waco-based economist Ray Perryman said. "No doubt about it."
Over Perry's nearly 11 years in office, the public sector in Texas has grown faster than the private sector.
Since the start of the recession, more than 60 percent of the state's job growth has been in government positions, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics...
"If you cut government to make it more efficient, that can have a positive impact on the economy," Perryman said. "If you make cuts the way we did this time ... big cuts in critical areas without any rhyme or reason behind it, that can be very harmful in terms of jobs."
On top of school layoffs, concerns about the size of the shortfall facing state lawmakers in 2013 is prompting predictions that a further hit to the state's public sector is coming early next year.
In January 2010, Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and House Speaker Joe Straus ordered state agencies to quickly cut spending by 5 percent for their current biennium, though some were exempted.
State Rep. Garnet Coleman of Houston, a Democratic leader in the House, said more such cuts are coming next year.
Eva DeLuna Castro, a senior budget analyst for the liberal Center for Public Policy Priorities in Austin, said two rounds of pre-emptive budget cuts are possible.
"Any money they can get from additional ... cuts will help reduce the hole they have going into the 2014-15 budget," Castro said.
Read more at star-telegram.com
Interim House Committee Assignments Raise Labor Questions
Texas House Speaker Joe Straus today posted interim committee assignments for that body.
Texas Legislative/Political Director René Lara immediately zoomed in on this passage, which points up the likelihood that the 2013 Legislature will again consider serious attacks on traditional public pension systems:
House Committee on Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
Review local retirement systems that are not a part of statewide systems, the administration of these retirement systems, and current liabilities. Study and make recommendations aimed at curbing rising pension costs to local governments.
Review the Texas County and District Retirement System and the Texas Municipal Retirement System and examine plan provisions offered to individual participating counties and cities...
Monitor all agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, monitor the study by the Employees Retirement System of Texas and the Teacher Retirement System of Texas of the viability of the current defined benefit plans as well as the implications and feasibility of creating a defined contribution or hybrid plan.
The interim charges also include calls to study whether more state services can be privatized, as well as what can be done to reinvigorate manufacturing in Texas. See the full document:
View the pdf documents at www.house.state.tx.us
The Public Employee Pension Battle Begins
October 5, 2011
State employees' pensions are now under attack by the Tea Party and other right wing think tanks. We have been informed that TDCJ pensions are included in this attack. Do you want to keep your pension? If you do, you better get involved! Current employees are not exempt. The powers we are facing want the current pensions defunded, and new pensions to only be 401Ks. Current retirees must also be vigilant because they could take what you have. This attack is a nationwide attack that we were able to stop in the last legislative session. These attacks will be intensified in the next legislative session in 2013. Combined with the pension problem, TDCJ employees will also be looking at privatization of state jails, maintenance, food service and inmate transportation. The employees will also face changes in their medical benefits to the negative. AFSCME will be at the forefront of fighting against these attacks, but we need your help. If you are not a member, join us! You can do that on this website, or by calling 1-800-374-9772. TDCJ employees have power in numbers. AFSCME is your spokes piece, so help yourself by getting on board with the only public employees organization that has the clout and power to get the job done! Channel your efforts through us; help us to save your way of life and your job.
Beware Employees
August 30, 2011
It has come to our attention that some FTO's and supervisors are telling New Boots once they get to their assigned units they must drop out of the union. If this ever happens to you, please contact the AFSCME/CEC7 union at 1-800-374-9772. Not only is this against TDCJ policy, but in many cases it could be a violation in state and federal law. Supervisors or employees with access to officers must remain neutral at all times. If a FTO or risk management employee tells you to drop out of AFSCME "Beware". They may want you to join other organizations that are not what they appear to be. AFSCME is the only true union. Call us or look on this website to see who we are and who they are not. If you work on any unit and this has happened to you call us as soon as possible. The Stiles unit in Beaumont is now under the microscope and we are conducting an investigation into these allegations and turning over to TDC.
Texas State Employees Organizations Comparison Study
July 6, 2011
"Don't be confused"
This report will show the differences between an association, foundation and a union. There are several groups out there who are after state employee dollars so please pay attention to the FACTS!
T.P.E.A. - Texas Public Employees Association
This group is a lobby group for all state employees. They work on systemic issues that affect all state workers. They are not a union! They can not handle employee unit work related problems. They do not attend disciplinaries, grievance hearings or mediations. They also do not help employees with workers comp. problems, or any unit problems. If you call them to get help with a hearing, they will tell you that they do not do hearings. AFSCME gets several calls a week from T.P.E.A. members who are in trouble but can get no help from them. Part of the confusion, and a real problem, is that some T.P.E.A. representatives are misrepresenting their association. I have had numerous reports that these representatives say they do the same thing for Texas state corrections employees as AFSCME does, but for less. This is a bold face lie and contemptible. Recently, I also received a report that a representative from T.P.E.A. told a pre-service class that T.P.E.A. is a union. This type of misrepresentation is inexcusable. T.P.E.A. is not a union, and will not represent its members in any type of hearing or help them with any work related issues on the units. People, you get what you pay for. AFSCME is the real deal. The phone calls we receive is proof when the chips are down. You better be with AFSCME.
T.S.E.U. - Texas State Employees Union
T.S.E.U. is our sister union within the Texas AFL-CIO. They are a union and they represent Texas state employees outside of corrections. All state employees outside of corrections or managed healthcare can count on them. We work closely with them and they do a great job.
C.P.O.F. - Correctional Peace Officers Foundation
This too is a good charitable organization. They help correctional and peace officers who have catastrophic needs. We have no problem with this organization. But it must be noted they are not a union or organization that can help correctional officers with unit problems. The are a charity group only. We partner with them on many events.
AFSCME/CEC7 - American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees Union, Correctional Employee Council 7
We are the only union for TDCJ employees. We are also the only organization that can and will represent members in a disciplinary, grievance or mediation hearing. In fact, the only reason TDCJ has a grievance or mediation procedure is because of this union! The grievance procedure was won in Texas District Court several years ago and AFSCME wrote the bill for mediation, in which AFSCME got the bill passed. If you research who attends and represents TDCJ employees in the Criminal Justice legislative hearings, you will see it is just AFSCME. All others are absent. We attend these legislative hearings and killed numerous harmful bills that would have done great damage to TDCJ employees. The correctional officers stand on the wall for Texas and keep us safe. AFSCME stands on the wall for the correctional employees, always vigilant, always there.
AFSCME will also help you with any grievances or EEO issues, not only representing you in hearing but helping you write up the grievance as well. We will help you with ADA issues, workers comp., FLSA or FMLA issues as well. We are the experts in employee problems, and that in itself sets us apart. If there is an escape or natural disaster we will be there during escapes. Our trailer is allowed inside the escape perimeter, to get out water and soft drinks. We done this for 20 years. After hurricane Rita and Ike, we assisted thousands of TDCJ employees in the recovery efforts. We were recognized by proclamation twice by the Texas legislature for all we have done for TDCJ employees after the hurricanes. We are the only ones with this honor. No one can compare to what AFSCME does. No one has ever matched us in what we do, and no one ever will. Join the winning team and don't go through the embarrassment of being deceived by other organizations that sell snake oil. We are the only real deal. Listen to Senator Whitmire, the chairman of the Senate Criminal Justice subcommittee: "If all the corrections officers would join AFSCME, they would get what they want."
We stand alone as the state's leader in representing TDCJ employees. We are the only employees organization to get a positive bill passed for any public employee in Texas, and possibly the whole country for 2011. That bill was HB988. This bill gives COs 2 years to use comp. time instead of 1 year. We wrote it, got Legislators to carry it, testified on it, and got it moved through both the House and Senate, and got the Governor to sign it. Everyone said it could not be done. Never tell AFSCME that! We just worked that much harder and got it done with our political friends. We know how to get it done. We are proven and tough. We astonished everyone with our victories. We killed so many bad bills, one politician told me, "I do not know how you guys do it." I just smiled and said, "We are persistent and never give up." We represent only corrections employees so don't be confused.
The Governor signed HB 988 into law on Friday, 06-17-2011
June 20, 2011
Thanks to everyone who attended the Lobby Days in Austin; made telephone calls and sent FAXES and e-mails supporting the passage of the bill during the 82nd Legislative Session.
HB 988 will be effective September 1, 2011.
Now, the front-line uniformed Correctional Officers have an additional year of grace to utilize their accrued Compensatory/Holiday Time.
GOOD JOB, EVERYONE!
The Anatomy of Texas House Bill 988
May 23, 2011
by Toby Tobias and Brian Olsen, Huntsville, Texas
We were acutely aware in January, 2010, that Texas would be facing a horrendous budget deficit, but never in our wildest moment did we think in terms of a $25-27 billion state deficit. That was just unbelievable and TDCJ would be directed to slash their budgets by 17.5%. But, sooner than later, it sank in, and as it did our thoughts turned to how and where could the Correctional Employee Council of Texas, all of our state-wide locals and significant membership - THE UNION - find a way, venue or cause to help or provide some relief for TDCJ front-line Correctional Officers. A pay raise? Forget it! More health coverage and benefits at a lower cost to the employees? You must be dreaming! More time off with pay? Now there's a thought worth looking into; simply because we had discussed this possibility at the highest level of TDCJ's administration for the last two years.
In short, why not permit those employees who have accrued Compensatory/Holiday time to draw down the accrued time in lump sum payments of 20, 30 or even 40 hours, for cash pay for some special occasion, i.e. their anniversary, a christening, Christmas time, etc., under the guise that a little extra cash is always helpful and beneficial.
The administration liked the idea and suggestion, but the budget would not accommodate it. And, at the time, the debt load TDCJ was holding on these employees was $35 million that the tax payers of Texas owed these employees. And, as you know, this accrued time is a "use it or lose it" policy, as directed by state law.
In June, 2010, our plan for a Comp/Holiday Dream Bill to address this issue was complete in our minds eye, yet we had to address the powers-at-be before advancing our idea of sponsoring, drafting and securing a State Legislator to accept the challenge of filing a bill that would change a long-standing state law as it relates to the statute of limitations governing Comp/Holiday time frames for usage. Current state law: 12 months from date accrued, "use it or lose it", and many were doing just that. And that was totally unacceptable to us as an employee organization - THE UNION.
By October, 2010, we had secured TDCJ's endorsement and support, along with State Representative Lois Kolkhorst, who also found great favor for a bill addressing the issue and directed us, the Correctional Employee Council of Texas, to research, draft the verbiage of our choice for a bill and submit to her to carry it - and it was on! What was to become HB 988 was the first bill this year Representative Kolkhorst filed. After filing the bill Rep. Kolkhorst's office was contacted by the DPS and TABC with the request their departments be added to the bill. A call to us for our approval was rejected, due in part to the possibility of causing an unforeseen fiscal note attachment, which would have been the death knell of the bill, not that we objected to these political subdivisions enjoying the extended benefit the bill would create. So, the bill was viewed as very desirable to their class of employees. HB 988, as originally drafted by us, cleared the House Criminal Justice Committee with all Ayes, no Nays, and was sent to the Calendars Committee. A point of order must be noted here. "If you can't get your bill out of Calendars, it's dead!" and a tag by any member of this committee will hold it up for upwards of two weeks, and that happened to HB 988 simply because someone labeled it a "Union bill". Well....Yeah!
We had a great deal of help in breaking the "union" tag placed on the bill, simply by pointing out that it would have been an absolute Union bill if the verbiage in the bill stated it would be applicable only to our dues-paying members, which was not the case or intent. It has equal application to the tens of thousands of front-line TDCJ gray shirts in a non-partisan fashion, and to label it a "union" bill without considering the context of the bill and what it would achieve would have been myopic and parochial. Consequently, the tag was lifted and it was on its journey to the Senate. Here, again, the Senate Criminal Justice Committee passed it with all Ayes and no Nays, followed by the Full Senate vote of approval and was forwarded to the Governor's office. The Governor's office can exercise one of three options: approve, veto or leave it alone for 30 days, at which time it becomes law, as we understand it. A caveat worthy of consideration here: Until the governor executes his will, it is not a done deal.
Anatomy of HB 988
- The content of the bill extends the statute of limitations from the current twelve (12) months (use it or lose it) to twenty-four (24) months from date of accrual.
- It benefits all the front-line TDCJ Correctional Officers (gray shirts) without exception.
- A 24-month cycle allows many, many more Correctional Officers to utilize this time without losing it, whereby the $30 million debt load in TDCJ's budget we tax payers owe these employees will become more manageable.
- HB 988 would become law September 1, 2011, or sooner, if the Governor signs off on it.
On May 30, 2011, the Speaker of the House of Representatives will gavel with these words: "Sine die", it's over, finished; you can go home!
HB 988 Passed!
The Senate passed HB 988 without a hitch 5-17-11, and it now moves on to the Governor. We will see if he signs or vetoes this bill. He has used his veto power in the past to stick it to COs, and other correctional employees. This is the first positive TDCJ bill to get passed through both Houses and most likely the only one. AFSCME was successful in getting this bill through from start to finish. It was not easy but you deserved it.
With the House and the Senate having to go into the conference committee everything is up in the air. The same goes for the special Legislative session if we have one. We killed numerous bills attacking state employees but we now have to wait and see what the conference committee does. We will keep you informed. The battle continues.
Privatization Amendment Stopped
April 18, 2011
A House bill 3368 was up in the Texas House of Representatives Corrections Subcommittee 4-13-11. This bill was not so bad, but an amendment that was attached to it was. This amendment by Rep. Erwin Cain District 3, North Texas area, would have begun the process to privatize all state jails and inmate transportation. It's hard to believe but true. We worked behind the scenes, and in committee hearing to stop this untimely disastrous amendment. Thousands of state jail employees would have been put out of work or would have had to go to work for half the pay, and no benefit. This obviously was a serious attack on Correctional Employees, and it's not about to stop. Transportation could still be privatized at any time. It took all we had to stop this harmful amendment. Now we are trying to stop the furlough bill, that allows forced unpaid furloughs for state employees, the suspension of longevity pay bill, just to name a few. The Tea Party wants to balance the state budget on state employees backs. They showed up with 50 protestors, and the state employees showed up with seven thousand on the same day. We have another Lobby Day of our own on May 19th, 2011. Be there if possible. Everything is so up in the air. It's time to make a stand because if you do not you might as well roll over and play dead, and they will do whatever they want to you. Believe me they would eat you alive without this union. See you in May 19th at the AFL-CIO building at 9AM. then to the Capitol. There is no parking in the AFL-CIO parking area. Please park at the Capitol parking garage and shuttle service will be provided from 8AM to 9AM. Thanks in advance.
Perks: To Be or Not To be.
April 6, 2011
There are a number of Lawmakers in Austin who want to cut every little benefit TDC employees have. These perks are very few and far between, and cost the state very little, and in some cases the state makes money.
Talking about meals on the unit, one Lawmaker told me that he had heard that COs had their own mess hall where they received special meals to order like steaks and other luxurious items.
I informed the politician that TDC employees who eat on the unit basically eat inmate leftovers, and never get special meals. I informed him that was a total fabrication. He seemed surprised. There hasn't been a steak on these units in so long I cannot remember.
These same legislators want unit employees to have to pay per meal they eat on the unit. I told him it was so rare for officers to get a lunch break that I doubted they ate many meals on the units. If employees were charged they simply would just not eat on the unit. We will see how this turns out.
One of the other perks they were fussing about was the haircuts and laundry service. Employees pay $7 a month for this service and it turns out it costs TDC $250,000 dollars a year to cover the service and they make over a million dollars a year on employee service payments. TDC makes $750,000 in profit each year on their employees. How is this perk detrimental? This is just another example of micromanaging from the Capitol. When will the madness stop? AFSCME will fight these attacks wherever they come from, and we will try to keep you up to date.
AFSCME Lobby Day
March 30, 2011
The March 24th Lobby Day was a very successful day for all correctional employees. Although there are numerous ways for the Current Legislature to make cuts and balance the budget on the backs of state employees, we stopped a couple. Please click on legislation to get up to date info on bills we are watching.
AFSCME/CEC7 worked hard behind the scenes to stop the 7% pay roll back for unit employees. This was a huge under taking that took hours of work to convince law makers to restore the 7% pay raise and not take it back. For a CO 5, this would have been a pay cut of around $300.00 per month. AFSCME was the road block. If AFSCME doesn't stand up, you lose.
AFSCME was also successful in getting the career ladder restored. The Appropriations bill in the House of Representatives had frozen the career ladder for two years. This would have been disastrous for COs. The TDC turnover rate is already astronomical and this freeze would have created an even higher turnover rate.
I want to thank the over 200 officers who attended and we all appreciate their committment to "making a difference". Success can be measured in many ways, but our lobby day efforts and other behind the scenes work has saved thousands of dollars for hundreds and thousands of TDC employees, and we are proud of that.
This session is far from over, but we will be there to fight the irresponsible bills that pop up. We are there for you. We will be bloodied and scarred when this legislative session is over, but we will still be standing proud.
Remember, April 6th is the all state employees rally in Austin at the South Capitol steps at 12pm, Noon. Details below. Let your voice be heard.
Also, May 19th is our next lobby day for corrections. See you there.
Get registered to vote.
March 9, 2011
AFSCME/CEC7 is committed to trying to stop any housing payment increases to any employee who wears gray. We feel any increases would be detrimental to those officers who live on the units, and help to keep Texas safe. All gray from correctional officers up should not have to pay one more cent towards housing.
Everything is on the table for cuts in Austin. From housing to meals and laundry service, just to mention a couple. We will continue to try and stop any changes to any benefits correctional officers have, but help us to fight by getting involved.
HB 988 was layed out before the House Corrections Subcommittee March 8th, 2011. Rep. Lois Kolkhorst filed this bill on our behalf, she put it before the committee, and it was well received. We hope this bill will come out of committee 3-16-11.
HB 988 is the Comp. Time Bill that allows officers to use their comp. time over a 24 month cycle instead of just 12 months. We hope this will help officers from losing that time on the books.
It must be noted that AFSCME/CEC7 is the only employee organization to attend all Corrections Subcommittee hearings and Criminal Justice Appropriations Hearings to date. AFSCME was there and no other group. Their absence is to be expected. In life you get what you pay for.
House of Representatives - Committee on Corrections
March 9, 2011, 2:00p.m. - 5:13p.m.
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Legislative Update
March 3, 2011
On Tuesday, March 1st, 2011, the House Appropriations Committee met with several state agencies including the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. It was tough to watch as agency after agency went forward to get sliced and diced with budget cuts. As TDC was brought to the cutting table before the House Appropriations committee, as the Executive Director of AFSCME, I was very nervous. The committee had already cut TDCJ 555 jobs layed off before April 1st, and was getting prepared to do more damage. The committee had also frozen the career ladder for two years, starting September 1st, 2011. They had also cut numermous programs and departments, and also looking to privatize other parts of TDCJ. Another cut was to cut all unit staff by 7% in pay. The same amount as the last biennial pay raise in 2010-2011. A roll back of pay to everyone on the prison units. This was astounding to us that the state would balance the budget on the backs of its employees, but then again, it is happening all over the country. These are tough times people, and get use to the attacks on public employees by the right wing. They do not believe state workers should have any rights. Even though AFSCME in Texas does not have collective bargaining, we have thrived and had success because of hard team work and a will to win. Sometimes we have confronted the enemy and beat them down on grit alone.
My point is this, with very tough work behind the scenes, AFSCME has been able to get the career ladder restored against all odds. If you think this was easy, think again. Much of the rest of the cuts are pending, including the 7% roll back on pay, so keep calling and writing and e-mailing your state reps and senators. We are in the fight for our very lives. I have to also mention that Oliver Bell (Chairman of the TDCJ Board), and Brad Livingston (Executive Director TDCJ), have also been working tirelessly to stop these cuts. I take my hat off to them. I will see you March 24th for this continued fight for dignity and professional respect.
Brian Olsen, Executive Director AFSCME/CEC7
Pro-labor vigil in Austin supports Wisconsin protesters
February 23, 2011
As protests in Madison, Wis., continued Monday, the Texas chapter of the AFL-CIO held a vigil in support of the Wisconsin workers' cause, prompting hundreds of supporters to march two blocks from the union's headquarters to the Capitol.
Congregating at the gates of the statehouse grounds, a mix of union members, teachers and Wisconsin transplants waved flashlights and neon glow sticks, their picket signs expressing solidarity with demonstrators nearly 1,000 miles north of Austin. A smaller gathering of a few dozen tea partyers supporting Wisconsin Republican Gov. Scott Walker's austerity measures could be seen and occasionally heard from the south steps of the Capitol.
Scenes out of Madison have dramatically captured the fiscal plight of states as they grapple with revenue shortfalls and budget deficits. Tens of thousands have turned out to protest Walker's proposals to require state employees to chip in more for health benefits and pension plans and to take away the collective bargaining rights of public employee unions.
The protests have received national attention, both for the spectacle — daily mass marches, a sizeable contingent of protesters sleeping in the Capitol rotunda and 14 Democratic state senators on the lam — and the broader implications for organized labor in America.
"The general belief within the labor movement is that whatever happens in Wisconsin could happen anywhere," said Ed Sills , spokesman for the Texas branch of AFL-CIO, the nation's largest labor federation. "We see public employees under assault in the budget process here as well."
Texas is one of 22 "right to work" states, meaning compulsory union membership is illegal . Bureau of Labor Statistics data show Texas has about 545,000 union workers, nearly 200,000 more than Wisconsin, but union representation here is 5.4 percent of the work force, compared with 14.2 percent in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin's public sector union leaders have said they are willing to accept what amounts to about an 8 percent pay cut, but they've balked at Walker's attempt to strip away collective bargaining — the right to negotiate salaries and working conditions — something most Texas public employee unions lack. The Wisconsin governor says all provisions of the bill are nonnegotiable.
Wisconsin faces a $137 million shortfall in the current budget year and a projected $3.6 billion gap over the next two years. Lawmakers there propose a $67.4 billion budget for 2011 through 2013, the Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau reports.
Texas is projected to be up to $27 billion in the red in the next biennium, with an overall budget that would be $159 billion under a Texas Senate bill and $156 billion under a House bill.
Where the Wisconsin governor is effectively asking state employees to take a pay cut, layoffs by the thousands are the fiscal reality in Texas. Austin school district employees are bracing for more than 1,000 layoffs as Texas prepares to cut back public education funding.
Wearing a Green Bay Packers jacket and holding an American flag, former Wisconsin resident Del Taebel came out to support relatives still living there.
"I don't know what (the Madison protests) mean for Texas," he said, "but it means a lot for America."
Texas Rep. Elliott Naishtat, D-Austin , offered his support to protesters in Madison and the 14 state senators who left the state to prevent a vote on Walker's proposal, recalling his own 2003 flight from Austin during a redistricting battle with Republicans that he called "patently partisan."
"The Democrats didn't have the votes to stop it, but we had the wherewithal to shut down government," Naishtat said.
akaspar@statesman.com; 445-3851
Article from Statesman.com
CAPITOL - THURSDAY
Posted February 21, 2011
Brian Olsen and I chose to make an early foray into the Capitol, inasmuch as a great deal is at stake for this 82nd Legislative Session, i.e. a huge budget deficit, proposed budget cuts and state employee cuts, and a slew of newly elected House members. Our goal was to rekindle relations with House Coalition members we have successfully worked with over the years and, just as importantly, if not more so, establish our name and organization introduction with those new House members. And there are many, several of which landed on the House Corrections Committee; five (5) to be precise on the 9-member committee. So, half are neophytes and will be in a large learning curve, knowing little, if anything, about the long history of Corrections. So, getting off on the right footing with these Corrections Board members is imperative and absolutely essential if we are to be heard and successful with our stated goals and objectives for this legislative session. The likes of which few have ever witnessed or been a part off.
Coach Darrell Royal of the Texas Longhorns many years ago coined a phrase very appropriate for our participation and success in this session. He said, "You have to dance with who brung you", and that is exactly our game plan. Dance with our coalition members and get on those newly elected House members' dance cards. We were invited to this party, so we might as well enjoy the music and dance the Texas "Two-Step", which we have done many times before.
Remember that movie "The Russians Are Coming"? Well, Brian and I can assure you the Capitol House Members are well aware that the "Correctional Officers" are coming, and the lobby dates they will be there - March 24th and May 19th. We made absolutely sure of that. And to that end the welcome mat is out from the House members, and they indicated they look forward to the uniformed Correctional Officers visits.
A word regarding HB 988 is in order. HB 988 was conceived by us, written by us and authored by Representative Lois Kolkhorst, per our request. Visit our website (afscme7@wt.net) for further information. There are some interesting inquiries floating around the Capitol and especially to Kolkhorst's office. The D.P.S. and one other group have contacted her office requesting their memberships "dove tailing" onto our bill; it seems to have found favor with several state entities. It is a no fiscal-note, straight forward, single-shot, free-standing bill applicable to TDCJ Uniform Correctional Officers ONLY. We advised Rep. Kolkhorst and her Chief of Staff our preference to not allow any add-ons. It was, after all, conceived, promulgated and tailored specifically for Uniform Correctional Officers under our banner. Those wishing to benefit from a bill of this nature have until March 15 to file their own bill. Should that occur, and two bills of similar nature and verbiage are filed, the powers-at-be could consolidate the two. Should this occur, we will deal with it. After all - it is what it is. All in all, a good day's investment here.
TDCJ EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING - FRIDAY
It is wise to always, without fail, arrive early for TDCJ Board Meetings, if you have a need to "hob-knob, break bread, get your point across, or just generally garner and exchange information." When the Board is called to order, it's too late; it's then all business. Remembering our mantra for this session: "If TDCJ doesn't have a seat at the table, they could be on the menu!" Well, they are, and this consternation will be felt by all.
Brian and I met individually with various TDCJ administrators, Executive Board members, and then we tag-teamed our approach to others. We thought perhaps the Board Meeting would focus on TDCJ's budget deficits, budget cuts and staff reductions, but not a word about these issues.
Early in the meeting Mr. Oliver Bell, Chairman of the TDCJ Executive Board, introduced several people in attendance, and then "lightening struck." We assure you there was no cajoling, coercion, nor any forewarned indication of what was to follow. Chairman Bell called for Brian Olsen and Toby Tobias to stand and be recognized. As Brian and I stood we looked at one another with the same equivocal question: "Well, here we go; what's going on now?" We are pleased to report that Chairman Bell recognized our Correctional Employee Council, our staff and all the solid support, good and welfare and support services we have contributed as an organization to, for and within TDCJ over the years. It was quite a moment, and our only regret is that our entire CEC7 staff, locals and membership were not there to enjoy it. Afterward Chairman Bell called for a short recess, which provided Brian and I an opportunity to "get the Hell out of there while the getting' was good!" Again, all-in-all, another day well invested.
For AFSCME/CEC7 Membership, please call 1-800-374-9772 or log on to our website, afscme7@wt.net. There is a membership card available to you. Simply download it, fill it out and mail it in to us.
82nd LEGISLATIVE SESSION
IMPORTANT NOTICE AND REQUEST TO TDCJ UNIFORM CORRECTONAL OFFICERS
February 2, 2011
| HB 988 |
Author: |
Representative Lois Kolkhorst (AFSCME/CEC 7 originated this bill) |
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Last Action: |
01-28-2011 H Filed |
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Caption: |
Relating to Compensatory Time accrued by a Correctional Officer employed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice |
Representative Kolkhorst filed this bill, per our request, to stem the loss of Comp/Holiday time from the current state statute of 12 months to 24 months from the date of your accrued compensatory time.
Representative Kolkhorst and AFSCME/CEC 7 are respectfully seeking input from Correctional Officers who have lost accrued time due to the current 12-month limitation. It does not matter whether you are a member of the Union or not. You will be invited to testify before the House Corrections Committee in support of passage of HB 988, and you might request time off using Comp/Holiday Time to advance this bill.
However, if you cannot arrange to appear in person, please feel free to write your personal statement as to your Comp/Holiday lost time and submit it to us. We will present it to the House Corrections Committee in your behalf. This is a very important piece of Correctional Officer Legislation for you and your fellow officers.
Thanking you in advance for your support and participation.
Corrections Officers Warn Against TDCJ Budget Cuts
AFSCME's Proposals Will Save TDCJ Jobs And Maintain Security
January 31, 2011
HUNTSVILLE – The executive director of the leading union representing Texas correctional officers and prison support staff expressed hope today that lawmakers will find ways to avoid destructive House budget cuts proposed recently.
"If the Legislature passed the budget as proposed, it would compromise security in Texas prisons and put thousands of employees out of work," said Brian Olsen, Executive Director of Council 7 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. "Corrections officers would quit in droves to find better pay, and that would leave Texas prisons dangerously understaffed."
However, Olsen emphasized that this is a preliminary budget and he believes much of the budget carnage will be avoided. "Strong legislators – such as Senator John Whitmire (D, Houston) and Representative Jerry Madden (R, Plano) – understand what's at stake," said Olsen, whose union represents more corrections officers and support staff than any other employee group in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. "They won't be penny-wise and pound-foolish."
Olsen said the worst proposed and/or rumored cuts would:
- Roll back correctional officer salaries to 2009 levels
- Freeze the career ladder for two years
- Increase employee insurance and pension costs
- Fire a total of 2,409 TDCJ employees
- Cut the community justice and parole programs the Legislature and Governor Perry worked so hard to pass in 2009
"Oddly enough, the budget proposal assumes CO turnover will actually improve -- from 19% to 18% -- even though their pay is less and their career advancement is blocked," Olsen said. "As we know from past experience, you'd see turnover soar to nearly 30 percent, which would mean dangerous inmates would once again be supervised by inexperienced, over-worked and underpaid corrections officers."
Olsen said his union will play a constructive role in the budget-writing process. "We're not going to sit on the sidelines and complain," he said. "We're pitching in with our own alternative proposals to save TDCJ jobs and maintain security."
Olsen's proposals would:
- Sell thousands of acres of unused land owned by TDCJ
- Continue energy conservation programs and explore innovative, "out-of-the-box" ideas
- Close two or more medium security private prisons
- Reduce the number of management positions
"We're obviously not budget experts, but we believe our proposals would save millions for the taxpayers while helping ensure that Texas prisons remain secure," Olsen said. "In addition, we've called on all of our members to offer money-saving ideas, and we already getting a great response."
What the Texas State Deficit Could Mean
January 29, 2011
On the evening of January 19th, the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)/Correctional Employees Council 7 (CEC7) held an 'informational meeting' for Correctional Officers from the Huntsville area.
This 'open forum' was attended by COs from all the prison units in the area.
A number of AFSCME staff members spoke addressing the possible measures to be taken by the Texas State Legislature to meet the State of Texas Law that requires the Budget to be Balanced.
It is a Law of the State of Texas that the State spend only those amounts of money that the State will receive as revenue (Balance the Budget).
The State Legislature is meeting now; January-June, 2011. They are making decisions, Laws, Statutes, Rules, and Regulations that will affect every aspect of life in Texas--especially affecting the employees of the State of Texas, Correctional Officers. THAT IS YOU!
There is talk of job losses, furloughs, freezes, and decreases in benefits, just to name a few; this does not look good!
Do you 25 thousand men and women that 'wear the grey' think it is just might be time for you to stand up to be counted. AFSCME/CEC7 is asking to you to fight for your jobs, the support of your families, and just as importantly, for yourselves!
I personally try to be diplomatic, and respectful as I can be, when I visit, and/or speak with the Senators, and members of the Texas House of Representatives. You know why? They deserve it! They have been elected by Texans to represent us! Whether you voted for a particular Legislator or not, or even if (God forbid), you didn't even vote; they still represent you. They were sent to Austin to do our bidding. They are to carry out what we believe to be fair, just, and equitable. They weren't sent to Austin to do whatever they might think was 'cool' or 'neat'. They weren't sent there to come up with some nitwit ideas. They are to carry out the will of the people, and by God, YOU ARE THE PEOPLE!
O.K., how are the Legislators going to know what you as the people want? YOU ARE GOING TO TELL THEM! You are going to telephone, E-mail, and write letters. YOU ARE GOING TO STAND UP AND BE COUNTED!
Contact your AFSCME local, or call the AFSCME Regional Office (936) 295-5265, or 1-800-374-9772, to find out what we are working toward so we will have a strong coordinated effort. AFSCME can also tell who your Representatives, and Senators are and the addresses for them.
If you feel there is a need for an 'open forum' informational meeting in your area, contact AFSCME, and have them set it up. You don't have to be a Union member to request one of these meetings; you just have to care about your job, your fellow COs, and care about supporting yourself, and your family.
At this very point in history, there are two things we believe you should do:
- Every day you go to work, do the best you can do. Deserve "Professional Respect Now." Make your family proud of you.
- Contact your Texas Legislator. Because you have entered the 'fight'. Be proud of yourself.
GOD BLESS THE U.S.A. - GOD BLESS TEXAS
LA Olsen
Fight Back!
January 29, 2011
If you are fearful about your job with TDC or UTMB or Windham, you have a right to be. The state is talking of laying off a minimum of 8,000 employees. Many of these will be in TDCJ. The Appropriations bill clearly show 2,500 layoffs in TDCJ as of Sept. 1st, 2011, and the closure of the Central Unit as well as two private units. Cutting pay and freezing the career ladder are also on the table for Sept. 1st, 2011. But it must also be highlighted that the agency must now cut 2.5% out of their current budget before Sept. 1st, 2011. Look for these cuts soon.
But do not let the politicians off the hook; 'Fight Back!' Call or write your state senators and state representatives, and give them a piece of your mind. Be professional, but contact them to make sure you don't go down without a fight. We are going into tough times but we will not lay down for anybody that's just us, AFSCME. By the way, AFSCME is asking that only non-union people get laid off. This may be an unreasonable request but I fight for the membership because that's my job, but you also need to fight for yourself. Lets get it done.
Membership Applications at all TDC units
January 7, 2001
We now have approval to have our membership applications available on each and every TDC unit. This was negotiated by AFSCME/CEC7 and is approved by TDCJ. Look for our application dispensers on your units to see if it is in an accessible place for people to see and use, or if it needs to be refilled. If you cannot find the dispenser, ask H.R. where it is. If it's locked up in some back room, let us know at H.Q. in Huntsville, and we will let TDC officials know what is going on. Union members need to be vigilant in making sure everyone sticks to what has been approved. Our members are our eyes and ears. You make it happen. If you are interested in becoming more involved in your union, call your local or call the AFSCME headquarters in Huntsville at 1-800-374-9772 or email afscme7@wt.net. We have Steward's training coming up in July, or just attend the area membership meetings for these times and places. Each area has its own meeting times and dates. Get involved. Its your future.
AFL-CIO Meeting to Discuss Budget Cuts
November 17, 2010
On November 17th 2010 AFSCME/CEC 7 met in Austin at the Texas AFL-CIO building to brainstorm with other public employees unions. We came together at the request of the AFL-CIO to try and get on the same page as far as the upcoming legislative session. Twenty-two people were in attendance, representing eight different unions, all with much at stake with the upcoming legislature and impending budget cuts. It was a very good strategy meeting, working together for the common goals of helping our members and all state workers. We discussed ways to save money, and cut budgets without laying off employees, and the sharing of ideas was a benefit to us all.
With the proposed 21 billion deficit this legislative session may prove to be most difficult in recent memory.
Agency after agency are trying to come up with ways to get leaner with out getting meaner. Meaner meaning layoffs. We will do everything we can do to stop the massive cuts that may come. With TDCJ a 15% budget cut without exemptions to the agency could cost up to 7,000 jobs within TDCJ 2,500 non-security and 4,500 security. Obviously there are currently some unfilled positions within the agency as a small buffer, but these would not be enough. AFSCME is committed to standing up for all TDCJ agency employees. We will fight to stop even one person from being laid off. To quote one legislator “its going to be a blood session in 2011”. We know this and are working right now to keep TDCJ employees on the job. In other states there have been lay offs, furloughs, pay cuts, benefit cuts, and pension cuts. We will do all we can to keep what we have, and even introduce a couple of bills to help correctional employees, but we need your help. This is not the time to run and hide out of harms way. This is the time for employees to stand up and be counted. If you are a member, get with your local to see how you can help and if you are not a member, please join with us and help us to help you. This is the most serious attack Public employees have had working against them in 20 years, so get on board with us by joining and getting involved with AFSCME. This union is all that stands between you and unemployment and we need your help. Call and ask for a membership card to be sent out to you or email us at afscme7@wt.net or contact us on our website. The clock is ticking so get involved.
June 2, 2010
The Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) has some upcoming Proposed Cost Changes for September 1, 2010.
Please view this document.
For the glossary and common questions associated with the Recommended Cost Changes, please view this document.
May 1, 2010
The Honorable Kevin Brady, 8th District
United States House of Representatives
200 River Pointe, Suite 304
Conroe, TX 77304
Dear Congressman Brady:
As the letterhead conveys, I am associated with, and work in behalf of, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Correctional Officers in Walker County, and have for the past twenty years. Our organization – The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) – is the umbrella union of our state council – Correctional Employee Council 7 of the State of Texas, and we represent some 5,000 correctional officers throughout our state, with approximately 2,000 members locally in Huntsville, Walker County.
You are probably familiar with the Federal Collective Bargaining Rights for Public Safety Officers, known as HR413. Rumor has it you sit on a committee associated with this bill, which is the first federally sponsored collective bargaining bill specifically designed to provide job protection and security for police officers, fire fighters and correctional officers in a way not heretofore available to this group of public servants.
I firmly believe the time is now to embrace collective bargaining for these first responders, who step up daily in behalf of our communities, and provide them with job security, job protection, good, safe working conditions and a healthy working environment, which, after all, serves the best interest of the entire community.
I do hope you will find a way to lend your support to this worthwhile legislation, and find favor in their long-term interest.
I look forward to your response, and thanks for giving these community and state employees the benefit of your most important support.
Respectfully,
Toby Tobias, Special Representative, CEC 7 Texas
760 Elkins Lake
Huntsville, TX 77340
We're working for you in your unit, in Austin, and in Washington
We've got your back.
When it seems no one will help, AFSCME is there.
We're the correctional workers' union—the only employee group that represents correctional officers and staff in disciplinary hearings, grievances and mediations. And we're successful 75% of the time.
We're the only group that regularly meets with the TDCJ executive director and the board chairman to discuss pay, training, the grievance process and other key issues. Management hears you loud and clear—because of AFSCME.
In April 2009, AFSCME's CEC7 organized a "lobby day" in Austin, and dozens of COs visited their representatives and senators to push our agenda. At a rally on the Capitol steps, COs heard from Sen. John Whitmire, chair of the Criminal Justice Committee, and from TDCJ executive director Brad Livingston.
Demanding professional respect!
When it seems no one will help, AFSCME is there.
At the State Capitol in Austin, AFSCME is the only union demanding that you receive the professional respect you deserve.
Because of the hard work last session of AFSCME's professional staff and members, TDCJ works received larger pay raises than any other state employee group—and the largest CO pay raise in a non-collective bargaining state. We won the fight to end banked overtime, and we won third-party mediation on termination, which no other public employees enjoy.
Working with legislative leaders, our Austin staff waged successful efforts to create a new CO position and extend the career ladder. We've repeatedly defeated efforts to privatize the system. And we continue to fight to create professional certification for corrections officers.
Battling for collective bargaining!
Even with recent pay raises, TDCJ correctional employees are among the lowest paid in America.
That's why AFSCME is pushing the U.S. Congress to pass the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act (S.1611 / H.R. 413) to require most U.S. employers of public safety officers—including TDCJ—to enter into collective bargaining agreements with their employees for decent pay, long-term job security and better working conditions.
If we win in D.C., the Texas Legislature will be required to enact collective bargaining into state law.
AFSCME REPRESENTS more corrections officers than any other union or any so-called "employee association." We fight for tens of thousands of COs. And we get results.
Join our effort to win professional respect for TDCJ's COs and staff so we can make TDCJ a good place to build a career and earn a good living you can raise a family on.
CEC7: Fighting For You!
Dear TDCJ Employee:
Correctional Employees Council 7 is the Texas union local of AFSCME's nationwide Corrections United.
Backed by thousands of TDCJ COs and staff who have joined our union, we've been working hard on your behalf—at your unit and in Austin—to improve your working conditions, your paychecks and benefits, your professional training, your grievance procedures and your personal safety.
Corrections work is high-stress, underpaid work. That's why TDCJ loses one-quarter of its COs every year—and why our prisons are chronically understaffed. We're working to change that—to make TDCJ a place where more people want to build lone-term careers.
We've made great strides and scored many successes, but there's a lot left to do as we fight for your recognition as corrections professionals—and for the pay and respect that go with that.
AFSCME has the ear of the powers-that-be, but with you and thousands more of your co-workers at our side, we can win many more concessions and make TDCJ a much better place to work.
Brian Olsen
Executive Director
Legislature 2009
When we learned that corrections was going to get a 7% pay raise we were obviously disappointed, but we were also realistic. Because we also learned other state employees (as well as the teachers) were to receive little or no pay increase. In the current political climate and economic condition Corrections was still at the forefront of the legislatures mind. This is the first time in Texas history that Corrections was not just an after thought, but; the focus of legislature attention. It must also be noted that in many other states CO's rarely received pay raises this year and in some pre-service we are now seeing CO's from other states coming here to work. California laid off 50,000 state workers recently and other states have had to lay off some CO's.
We are not trying to gloss over our disappointment but we also see the troubled world around us and we appreciate the hard work it took to get this raise by the men and women of AFSCME.
There is no question we will be back in the next Legislature to get the other 13% we now feel is owed to us.
Stay tuned for further information about the few bills we have left in the legislature we are following.
Resolution honored by Lois Kolkhorst
March 12th
81R2700 CBE-D
By: Kolkhorst
H.R. No. 586
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Corrections Council 7 in Huntsville have distinguished themselves through their generous assistance to correctional officers affected by Hurricane Ike; and
WHEREAS, In the aftermath of the hurricane, union members began coordinating efforts to help correctional officers located in the devastated Gulf Coast region; they collected and prepared a variety of essential goods, including food, ice, water, and hygiene kits, and distributed them to officers in Beaumont, Dayton, Texas City, and Angleton; and
WHEREAS, The contributions of these caring public servants remind us that many individuals working together for a noble purpose define the best sense of community and that the strength of a society can be judged by its response to those in need; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby commend the members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Corrections Council 7 for their Hurricane Ike relief efforts and recognize them for their commitment to their fellow officers; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Corrections Council 7 as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
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