Local 3/PORAC

[ateamer]

We are represented by Operating Engineers Local 3. We have PORAC, but that is only for LDF coverage. Would we be better served at contract negotiation time by PORAC? Seems to me that since their sole focus is law enforcement, instead of it being a sideline, they will be more experienced and aggressive in getting a good contract.

[LeeRoy]

Hey Val,

PORAC is a parent organization for associations. I've never known PORAC representatives to come in and assist with negotiations. I just know about their training classes in collective bargaining that they put on for members. Your deputies would have to petition to withdraw from local 3 and form your own association which would then join PORAC. You could then get some assistance from PORAC for negotiations advice but most likely you would have to pay a law firm that specializes in labor negotiations. My former agency did very well over their last two contracts and one contract update by paying Mastagni et al of Sacramento for Dr. Dave Swim's negotiation expertise.

The process of leaving one union for another can be complicated. You can expect the current union will call in help from their parent organization such as LAF-CIO to bring in money to fight a campaign to leave.

Take care and say hi my other berkeley-by-the-sea friends.

Lee

[ateamer]

Thanks Lee. There has been some talk about looking at hiring Mastagni. I think SCPD used their firm and came away with a great contract, and are looking at another big raise. Heck, if they get the raise that they are talking about, I could go over there and put up with the management BS (it'd be about $2400 a month more than us).

[sgttom]

I second the firm of Mastagni et al. They (the firm) are part of LDF too (providing defense work as well as negotiations).

the process of de-certifying from one union to join another is a long one - especially when the first union you are trying to get out from is going to challenge the de-cert.


good luck.