Cook County Public Defenders Blog
Archive for May, 2009
It’s My Money and I Want It Now!
Wednesday, May 27th, 20091%: It’s my money and I want it now!
Yes, we won the arbitration. No, the County is not appealing the ruling of the arbitrator. But when are we going to see the money? Good question. I can tell you that last week, Council 31 approved the revised pay grid that was sent by the County in light of the arbitration which includes the 1% salary adjustment and that pay grid was sent to the Comptroller last week for implementation. I don’t have a date certain for when it will appear on our checks and if I did, they probably would blow that date anyway. So you are waiting just like me and it’s our money and we want it now.
Summer Party
Our Local will be having its annual summer celebration at a new location this year: NAVY PIER BEER GARDEN. This location is very convenient via public transportation. The Local leadership encourages everyone to use public transportation to avoid unnecessary legal and financial complications.
Here are the details: Wednesday, July 29, 2009 6pm to 10 pm. Members and Law Clerks are free but you need to send a $10.00 refundable check for each member or clerk attending to the Local Secretary, Amy Thompson, at 26th St. (HTF) and you must do it by July 22, 2009 (read deadline). The checks should be made payable to “The Jack Carey Memorial Scholarship Fund”. When you arrive at the party, you can choose to claim your check or you can donate it to the memorial scholarship. If you don’t show up, there is no refund.
By the way, here is the policy on guests, who are not members and not clerks: the non-refundable check you send in to reserve and admit your guest must be made payable as above but the amount is $25.00.
See you at the pier.
MVP
You probably received a letter by now from the Local written by Local Vice President, Brendan Max urging your participation in the People program at the MVP level of $4.20 per pay period. We have had an excellent response and ask those of you who have not yet responded to do so because your participation in our political action committee ensures that our voice is heard by politicians who determine the funding level for our salaries and benefits.
Golf Outing
Thanks to Dave Figura (MDD) who is chairing our golf outing committee. Dave is searching for a good date and location for the outing. A date and location will be posted as soon as it is available.
Rosa Silva
Congratulations to sister Rosa Marie Silva, who was recently elected as president of the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois. Rosa, we are all very proud of your accomplishment and wish you a very productive term!
Contract Negotiations
Difficult contract negotiations between the union and the County of Cook continue and we will update the members via email bursts as circumstances warrant. Not getting the emails? Stay in the know by sending us your name and worksite via email to board@cookcountypd.org
Jack Carey Memorial Scholarship
And finally, please put September 1, 2009 on your calendar. That’s the day 100 of you will be partying and watching the Cubs play the Astros at Wrigley Field. Tickets are selling now for the two hour party and night game at a discounted price of $85.00 until June 30th. The prices go up to $100 dollars after that. Sox fan? Just send money. Thanks for supporting the scholarship that benefits law clerks who clerk at our office!
In Solidarity,
K.S. Galhotra,
President, Local 3315
Unofficial Election Results
Friday, May 8th, 2009Election Results Anticipated SOON
Thursday, May 7th, 2009Sisters and Brothers:
A number of you have contacted various local officers asking about election results. Please be patient, our diligent and meticulous election chair, Christa Petty, is conscientiously attempting to gather and tabulate the results from the various work sites. As soon as we have the information, it will be made available to all.
Thank you for voting and also for your continued patience.
In Solidarity,
K.S. Galhotra
President, Local 3315
1 Case of Swine Flu Confirmed at CCDOC
Thursday, May 7th, 2009It was reported on May 6, 2009 in the Chicago Sun Times that an inmate in Division 5 was being treated for a confirmed case of the swine flu. More information regarding the H1N1 (Swine Flu) is available from the Centers for Disease Control.
Motion to Withdraw on Cole Denied
Friday, May 1st, 2009Judge Murphy denied the motion to withdraw from the Tony Cole VOOP case. Read the Sun Times article.