YCEA Quick Notes September 8, 2009

Membership Appreciation Day - The Board of Directors have approved proceeding with holding an event on Thursday, October 8 at the Riverfront Park Nature Area. The event will be catered by "Bill’s Chuckwagon". The menu will include ball tip roast, chicken breast, spring salad, ranch beans with bacon, garlic bread and cookies for dessert. Food will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Volunteers are needed for setup/decorations, check-in, and cleanup/breakdown. If you are available and able to assist, please contact Office Manager, Anna Anderson at 674-0185.

Bridge Street Construction - Due to the construction on Bridge Street in Yuba City, which will continue through December, it was recommended that the Site Representative meetings be held at Mountain Mike's Pizza in Marysville during the next several months. Site Representatives should watch for specific announcements regarding future meetings.

Voluntary Work Furlough - The County has distributed the final policy statement outlining the Voluntary Work Furlough Policy, previously known as the Voluntary Time off Program. This policy allows employees to take up to 360 hours off work without pay and not affect their future leave accruals, seniority or service credit with CalPERS. It was noted that employees should be cautious when taking Voluntary Work Furlough time off, because if they exceed the maximum of 360 hours their benefits and seniority will be affected. Other unpaid leave such as Family Medical Leave and departmental leave would affect their benefits, seniority or service credits.

Early Retirement Incentive - The Board of Supervisors (BOS) will be encouraged to approve the proposed incentive of $500 per year for each year of County service when they meet on September 15. Assuming the BOS approves the incentive, employees will be notified on September 16 that they have until October 31 to declare their intent to retire during the period of December 1, 2009 through January 31, 2010. Employees who previously expressed interest will be provided a specific policy regarding this matter, application form, and Retirement/Resignation Waiver and Release Agreement. If employees are interested and have not received a packet of information, you contact the Personnel Department immediately.

California Budget Project - A report from the California budget Project organization was disseminated at the meeting. This document outlines the economic problems the State of California faces over the next several years and projects a slow economic recovery.

H1N1 Virus - Information was given encouraging employees to use proper hygiene and to be respectful of other coworkers by covering her mouth with a cough or sneeze and by remaining home when they are truly ill. If you are running a fever this is a definite sign that you should remain home until your temperature is back to normal without medication. YCEA Local #1 has requested that the County reissue information regarding the County's policy on this matter.

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