Volume 2 / Issue 2
The Best Is Yet To Come!
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Mission Statement To provide quality service to the REAP members with integrity and respect, understanding the member is the priority. |
Did you receive an email from SEIU with an invitation to enroll in a discount program offered by a 3rd party vendor? I always thought the primary function of any labor organization, REAP included, is to put the members FIRST by providing solid representation, hiring professional negotiators during contract negotiations and above all, showing members complete transparency throughout. Taking care of the business of the members should trump any discount service.
Because I wanted to know what SEIU is doing with my union dues, I decided to check it out. The representative I spoke with told me how they benefit almost every organization they’re associated with because they create value…at least this is how the sales pitch went. He also shared with me that the services offered could also aid in generating additional revenue for the organization… interesting. Based on that statement, I would suspect that an organization could artificially inflate pricing. Hmmm, does that sounds like something SEIU would do to their own members? Someone once said, past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior. Here is your answer… (click here).
So how much is this new benefit costing us, the members? According to the rep, prices vary. At the lowest price possible per member, we the members are paying $27,834.80 per month using 69,587 members (2012 LM-2 Report Schedule 13 – Membership Status) or an annual cost of $334,017.60. Try contacting SEIU for the exact cost. This is the type of ploy SEIU uses to divert the focus from what they aren’t doing for the members.
SUPERVISORY BARGAINING UNIT –
Did you know that between April 1st and April 30th, those in the Supervisory unit can opt out of SEIU? It’s true! SEIU is still obligated to represent you if you are involved in a disciplinary action – but why would you want that? REAP has established a relationship with City Employees Association. CEA is a Professional Labor Law firm dedicated to providing top-notch legal assistance for less than what you are currently paying SEIU!
To opt out of SEIU there are a few rules that MUST be followed. As outlined in Article 24 of our MOU, the letter must be hand delivered or sent via US Mail. No faxes or email notifications will be accepted. If US Mail is your preferred method, I highly recommend sending Certified/Registered mail with return receipt requested – you know why. Whether you live in the metropolitan Riverside area or the Desert region, there is a letter designed specifically for you.
REAP recognizes The Coachella Valley General Employees Association
| REAP 19510 Van Buren Blvd. F3-197 Riverside, CA 92508 951-202-8058 / 951-858-6759 http://reap4us.org/ |
Remember the attempted dues increase on June 18th, 2013? This could be considered the beginning of REAP and “The Day the Music Died” for SEIU at the Coachella Valley Water District. In order to establish themselves as a recognized labor organization, they chose to decertify SEIU. On January 30, 2014, after many sleepless nights, constant meetings and organizing, the overwhelming barrage of out-of-state SEIU organizers, and dealing with the relentless home calls from the union and organizers, the men and women of the Coachella Valley Water District were SUCCESSFUL in decertifying SEIU. They are now in charge of their destiny and all the members of REAP wish them well.
Congratulations – Job well done!
In closing…remember – There’s a price tag on everything SEIU does. The discounts are a great novelty, and they may be beneficial if used. But used or not, they are going to cost you and that cost is going to come in the form of a dues increase…Be forewarned!
Remember, if Coachella Valley General Employees Association can gain their freedom from SEIU, so can we!
Looking towards the future…