- Fair and Equitable Pay System
Fairfax may have done the right thing this year in regard to the MRA, but the real problem is that our compensation system needs to be reformed. It needs to be made fair, transparent, and accountable. “Pay compression” was not handled fairly. Compensation needs to be a priority for the Board, and this can only happen with real pay reform that stops the annual cycle of pay anxiety.
- Decent and Affordable Health Insurance
While other jurisdictions have frozen or reduced health costs, Fairfax continues to provide little choice with two vendors and no relief for the ever-increasing cost of care. Retirees are still without a meaningful supplement for health care.
- A Safe Workplace with Good Equipment and Training
In many work locations, especially where heavy equipment is involved, substandard equipment is being utilized. Nonpublic safety workers have few legal protections for compensation, and exposures are often not reported.
- Responsive Management that values workers
This sounds basic- and it should be. But the culture of our county workplace-wide varies from Agency to agency, even within agencies. Every agency should adhere to the supposed county policy of treating all workers fairly and giving them a voice.
- Freedom from Discrimination and Harassment
The County claims to be a place dedicated to eradicating harassment and discrimination, but it still happens far too often. We need to do more than just offer online training and cumbersome processes to address cases; we need to change this culture that says one thing and does another.
- A Retirement Plan that fairly pays people in benefits and health care
Our retirement system is better than most, but the Board has reduced benefits twice in 10 years. It’s time to increase the health care benefits for retirees.
- A Promotional System free of favoritism that gives all workers a fair chance at advancement.
Every week I hear of a concern regarding our promotional system. It is not done fairly across the County. Every County employee deserves a fair shot at advancement. Promotional systems, certification lists, and rating systems need to be transparent and consistent. Training should be consistent, education universally available and equal, and all employees, especially those in trades, must be given full access to county resources.
- Fair Treatment and Increased Benefits/Protections for Limited-Term Employees
Now that limited-term workers are part of the Collective Bargaining unit, they need to become more than just employees at will. FWC has been the only group advocating specific changes to enhance the status of limited-term employees, including Paid Family Leave, the right to appeal adverse actions and a path to advancement and tenure within the County.
- Employee access to all benefits, forms, and resources to help workers get all the County benefits to which they’re entitled.
We’ve repeatedly noticed that employees have had difficulty accessing basic forms for FML/PFL, mileage reimbursement, and other necessary items that benefit employees. Often these forms are not in the workplace or Human Resources isn’t available for employees with limited computer access.
- Fair Treatment for Workers’ Compensation Injuries.
Too often, employees receive little or poor advice when hurt on the job. What you do in the early stages of an accident often determines whether the claim is covered. Too many claims are denied that should be covered.
Please let us know what you think, what else you would like to see, and what is happening in your workplace.
FWC will always be fighting for your rights.