On April 5th, FWC held a membership voting in over 30 new members and hearing from employees and members from everywhere in Fairfax. Librarians, health care workers, solid waste folks, Housing, human service workers- County employees wanted to know how to support the independent voice that is FWC.
The meeting was held at Green Acres Community Center in Fairfax and was conducted both in person and virtually. We were delighted to have nearly 100 in attendance, representing workers across the County.
What continues to resonate is just how little County workers know about collective bargaining and what it really means for all of us. During so much rhetoric, slogans, and false statements, the truth is important.
The other primary topic was County workers’ pay, and the anemic 2% Market Rate Adjustment that has been proposed. While it is certain that this will increase, most likely to around 4%, it is still well short of the actual cost of living and what is needed to stem the tide of County workers leaving for better paying jobs. The public budget hearings are for April 12-13th, with FWC speaking at slot# 11 beginning at 3:00 PM. The budget decisions concerning pay raises will be finalized near the end of the month.
Other issues discussed included favoritism in promotions, difficulties with leave approval, and of course, the unfathomable process of “pay compression,” of which a second round is supposed to be underway. FWC’s position is simple: raise the pay of veteran workers to above mid-scale (closer to sixty percent) and above the rate new workers are being paid.
Members were shown and informed of FWC’s finances and what we were spending money on, including rent, attorneys, health and welfare costs to members in need, and other expenses. Bank statements and financial information will be provided to members upon request. FWC’s finances are well into the black. (Try getting that information from the other union). There are no salaries paid to FWC officers.
The meeting was recorded. We can provide this recording upon request and will have it posted shortly.
The next FWC meeting will be held on May 4th, 2023.