Letter to the editor: Langford, you were misinformed

Editor's Note: The Clarion newspaper recognizes the role of letters to the editor as a forum for public opinion. The decision to post a letter is not based on its agreement or disagreement with the editorial positions of the staff.

Really, Bruce Langford?  Was your purpose at the July 17, 2012 Board meeting to defend the president’s salary increase or to slam the classified staff?  You were misinformed about why the classified staff didn’t get a raise and didn’t begin contract negotiations on time, and your comments about the classified staff were unnecessary.    If you really wanted “THE TRUTH”, as you continually referred to in your diatribe, you would have talked to anyone on the Classified Staff Employees' Association negotiating team. Instead, you gave an exaggerated and stagy speech to those you are continuously hoping to impress.  Here are the facts, so at least the readers of this paper will know “THE TRUTH":

• CSEA’s initial proposal was presented to the District at the November 15, 2011 Board meeting.
• In early December 2011, the District notified us that that the CDC would be closing. The CSEA negotiating team was asked to put off regular contract negotiations to begin the more time-sensitive issue of staff layoffs. Of course, we complied. 
• In January/February 2012, negotiations evolved into more serious issues surrounding the District’s use of short term staff. We worked together at a resolution that legally had to take place before layoffs could begin.
• On February 23, 2012 we began initial contract talks and continued discussing several yet unresolved issues involving the CDC layoff, bumping rights, etc. 
• On June 14, 2012, the Chapter approved the memorandum of understanding for the summer work schedule, but as of this writing, negotiations are not finished and the contract has not been ratified by the Chapter. 

This information is “THE TRUTH,” so if you need future clarification, please refer back to this timeline.  Oh – and by the way Bruce, due to lack of funds, a few custodians lost their jobs and benefits, so please be patient if your trashcan doesn’t get emptied in a timely manner.

Pam McGuern

Administrative Assistant

CSEA Negotiating Team Member