ANSWERS
The Officers of Local 8599 believe
that an effective Union begins with
effective communication to the
membership.
This page contains answers to many
common and uncommon questions.
Do you have a question?
Click the link below.....
LOCAL 8599
Representing FUSD employees for over 30 years
I heard today that the teachers will be receiving 5 furlough days and that they will be on 5 Mondays. Do
you know if this is true and if it is does this apply to classified employees also ? I also am hearing that the
teachers will be receiving 2 or 3 training days, or what ever the official term for them is. So, that means
that the teachers will actually only be receiving 2 or 3 unpaid days ? Also, if classified gets 5 furlough days
does everyone in the District offices get 5 days also ?

The furlough days are being negotiated right now. There has been a proposal by the teachers to put the furlough
days on 5 successive Mondays. This has not been decided. Any instructional days taken as furlough days will be
taken by everyone, including classified employees and management/administration. It is our understanding that
there will be no substituting of training days for furlough days.
Why is it that the only time members attend meetings is to "slam" the Union officers, Grievance Reps or
the Union and no one seems to be able to bring themselves to say anything positive? I am aware of several
instances where the Union helped someone from being fired or saved their job, but I haven't heard anyone
say "Thank You".

We appreciate your comments. It is understandable in these times of reduction in force that people who are being
affected will be upset. Some members being affected have asked the Union to fight the District by going against
the Contract and Ed Code. This is something the Union cannot do. Other members have been frustrated by slow
movement on their issue. As Union officers we often get frustrated also. All members should be assured that your
Union is working hard and trying to resolve issues as quickly as possible.
Why weren't we told ahead of time that we are no longer going to get paid for the 4th of July if we are
track 5 employees ? A heads up would have been nice. Also, is payroll getting more than 5 furlough days
since there is a large reduction of pay warrants going out in July now ?

Notices were sent to Site Administrators for posting in the first week of May. After negotiation between the
District and the Union, it has been agreed  that affected employees will be given the choice to work one or two
more days in order to make up this loss in pay. Human Resources must be notified by calling a special telephone
number (357-5000 ext. 7276)  prior to June 11th if you wish to work these days. Make sure to leave your name,
work site,and which day or days you have chosen from the ones that have been designated in the calendars
issued by HR. Please click on the appropriate link below to view your calendar.



The Union is not aware of any plans to single out the payroll dept for further furloughs.
Ok so how does it work? If other departments get to work one or two extra days elsewhere to make up
the pay, How do bus drivers make it up?

There were 17 bus drivers that were converted to 10 months. Several of these employees decided to retire. Most
of the remaining drivers will be given summer school assignments. If a bus driver who was converted to 10 months
does not receive a summer assignment they should contact the Union so that some arrangement can be made to
make up the lost pay for the July 4th holiday.
I'm a 5 hour, 10 month employee Sp-Ed Aide. I got my letter of assurance  for 2010-2011. Do I qualify for
unemployment benefits for the 2 months in the summer? If so, whats the process?

It is our understanding that since you have a letter of assurance for next year, EDD will reject any claims for
unemployment benefits. Please check with the EDD for further clarification.
If we are participating in the 4 days 10hrs work schedule...we are already working a 10 hour day with only a
half hour lunch.  Does an administrator have the right to have us work over those 10 hours...and expect to
only give us comp time.  And what is comp time.  Straight time or time and a half, because it is usually asked
of us after we have worked an 8 hour day or 10 hour day.

According to agreements with District Administration, overtime is voluntary. You can say no. You also have the
right to be paid time and a half for any hours past your 8 or 10 hour workday. You may choose to accept
compensatory time in lieu of overtime pay, but if it is earned for time after your regular 8 or 10 hour workday then
you should receive 1 1/2 hours for every extra hour worked.
I just read the results of the contract vote and am very disappointed in the turn out by my fellow union
members. I think it is a shame that everyone wants to complain and whine, but nobody wants to participate
and help support our union. Shame on you!

While we always hope for the highest turnout possible, your Union is satisfied that the 6:1 ratio (of yes votes to no
votes) gives an accurate indication of the general membership's feelings. No one likes furlough days, but the
improvements to the Contract are significant, and after a grueling year of negotiations, we are happy to get the
membership's approval. Hopefully, with a new year, a new contract, and a new Union Hall, members will realize
they are part of a vigorous and involved Union.