UNITY a Newsletter produced by National Union President David J. Holway informing union members of important issues the Union Council is fighting for, watching, and lobbing for or against. This month comments were on “Higher Cost of Underemployment & Unemployment” “Public Safety Collective Bargaining Bill Reintroduced in U.S. House” “Federal Thrift Savings Plan Pursues Agenda with 111th Congress”, “Bush Bill offers Retirees One Years of Relief” and “NLRB Hopes to Receive Quick Case Lift”. Excerpts were pulled from these titles to inform union members on items of interest.

David Holway reminds us wages failed miserably to keep pace and worse, health benefits and public employee retirement plans are under daily attack. Employer’s cannot continue to nickel and dime workers year after year, threaten layoffs, increase workloads, cut programs and expect their employees to feel economically secure. Personal savings rates are at an all-time high because people are frightened about their own job security and discretionary spending has come to an abrupt halt. Work performance by public employees is not glamorous but essential to providing the way of life to which we have become accustomed, one that makes this a great country for us to live.(Unity 02/2009)

President Obama will sign the $787 Billion economic Stimulus Package on Tuesday February 17, 2009 in Denver Colorado. The President according to news sources will make efforts to communicate directly to the American public about the economic crisis (Washington Post Feb 16, 2009)

Many employees in the City of Atlanta government may have question on how the Stimulus Package will impact them. PACE will be monitoring the information from the Legistrative Branch and the City Council in an attempt to keep all Union Members informed of the Stimulus Package funding and how it will help the City of Atlanta.

The Union MOU and City of Atlanta Agreement has been posted to the website. Members can read this document using the Adobe Reader on your computer. The MOU covers Union and City of Atlanta Business such as Rights to Union Representation, Union Stewards and Representation, Union Meetings, Performance Evaluations, OT, Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays, FMLA, Education and Military Leave and more. Please read the current Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) under the menu on the left.

PACE Membership Drive is still in effect this month. As noted earlier the Union Plans a strong membership drive to increase participation and on the job Union representation for the City of Atlanta employees. “Strength in numbers” is our motto for 2009. Join Pace now, join in the fight to become a stronger union with a more unified voice in 2009.

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Georgia is a "Right to Work" state therefore, government employees do not have the right to negotiate labor contracts or go on strike. However, Mayor Franklin has agreed to support and sign a number of labor initiatives that employees would not otherwise enjoy. These initiatives are incorporated into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Mayor and PACE.

Below is the full text of the agreement:

The PACE Union Membership Drives will begin Monday January 19, 2009. Join PACE as we support the Employee Free Choice Act, as it becomes an important part of our economic recovery program supported by the Obama Legislation. Unions become stronger with each new membership. PACE Union helped to obtain better medical insurance, pensions plans, and higher wages for the City of Atlanta Employees.

In 2009 with a strong membership drive, we plan to stand up and be counted, have a stronger voice, as we build unity in the workplace, and question the hands we are dealt. “Strength in numbers” is our motto for 2009. Join Pace now, join in our fight to become a stronger union with a more unified voice in 2009.

Meeting w/COO today concerning upcoming Budget.

Coming Soon! Detail sent to members!

Union Member Questions Posted

February 19, 2009

1. Will the City of Atlanta Begin Layoff's again

2. What is going on with the City Of Atlanta Pension Fund

3. Will the furloughs be increased