HomeMy WebLinkAboutEmail from Butte County Employee, Linda von der Mehden regardin Sweeney, Kathleen
From: Linda V [Isvdm@hotmaii.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 12:07 PM
To: Teeter, Doug
Subject: Negotiations
To the Board of Supervisors of Butte County:
I've been a Butte Co employee for over 23 years. I would like the Board to see how difficult it is for us (the
general union and others) to live within our means. Food, gas, rent, clothing, etc have gone up tremendously,
however our income has gone down in the last few years. Our medical insurance has increased and we are
paying 5% of CALPERS. I know the board gave us a 2% increase in our income but it was to cover part of the
7% of the retirement. Personally, $88 each paycheck is taken out for CALPERS and with the increase of health
insurance for next year, an additional $70 will be taken out each paycheck. I had to switch from an HMO to a
PPO due to the cost. I haven't had health tests done due to the copays that I cannot afford. That's a total of
$158 each paycheck. OUCH!
I don't know if the Board realizes that the people of the general union put their life at risk every day. Granted
we are not law enforcement, but we are dealing with the public every day. Whether it's handing out birth
certificates, passports, talking to people about their health, child support payments, or clients with mental health
and/or alcohol and drug problems, we don't know who is going to walk in the front door. WE ARE THE
FIRST people the public is in contact. We are having to work with less employees and less money but the
workload has increased. The stress has gone up, employees are calling in sick more often and going out on
stress leave. We deserve more money to catch up with inflation.
Personally, I'm having to use credit cards to pay for food and every month I wonder if I'm going to have
enough money to pay my bills. It would be nice to be able to go to Food Maxx, buy healthy choices for our
families and not have to think if I can afford it. I see people on CALFresh buying the best kinds of meat, and
name brand items, and I am having to live on spaghetti without meat and macaroni and cheese out of a box.
I have a co-worker who just started a few months ago in the same position as I am (Medical Records
Technician, Senior). She qualifies for Medi-Cal for herself and son. I have been topped out for many, many
years and I had to work up to that position. Nowadays it would be almost impossible to hire anybody with
experience and knowledge if she was to start on the bottom. Does that seem fair? I understand why, but
geez...maybe there should be longevity pay for people who have worked with the County for more than 15-20
years. I have been a dedicated employee who needs more money. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Linda von der 66. 1