Contract Modification Vote

CONTRACT MODIFICATION BALLOT RESULTS
On the question to accept the Contract Modification submitted for consideration to the membership, the resulting votes are as follows:

June 5, 2009

NEWS FROM THE
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
SAFETY EMPLOYEES' BENEFIT ASSOCIATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SAN BERNARDINO, CA - Votes were counted this morning at the SEBA office to determine if the four bargaining groups SEBA represents would forgo salary increases for one year. The intent of this vote was to protect SEBA members and other county employees from potential furloughs and or layoffs along with assisting the County of San Bernardino with an ever increasing budget deficit.

All four of the bargaining groups agreed to defer salary increases between 3% and 3.25%, depending on which bargaining group they belong to for one year. This deferral of salary increases will save the County approximately $5.7 million from July of 2009 to July of 2010. The results of the vote are as follows:

SEBA President William Abernathie said; "I am very proud of my members; not only for their day to day dedication of putting their lives on the line, but also their willingness to put other county employee jobs before their own. This is just another example of how our men and women are willing to put others before themselves. I only hope that throughout the County other county employees will follow the example set by our members and give up a little so that others will be spared the loss of a job."

The San Bernardino County Safety Employees' Benefit Association (SEBA) represents over 3,100 active and retired county-level public safety officers from the classifications of Deputy Sheriff, District Attorney Investigator, Probation Correction Officer, Welfare Fraud Investigator, Coroner Investigator, and Hazardous Materials Investigator.

The SEBA Board of Directors unanimously voted to send a proposed agreement between SEBA and the County to the membership for a vote.

As you are aware, the County, State and the Country for that matter are in great financial difficulties. SEBA along with the other bargaining units in the County are making a good faith effort to assist the County in this time of financial hardship.

You will be receiving a ballot very shortly through the mail with a return date of June 4, 2009. It is imperative that you vote one way or another to show your commitment and support for the Association and the County of San Bernardino.

If you have any questions or concerns contact your Station Director who has been fully briefed on the components of the agreement, or contact the SEBA office at (909)885-6074 -or- (800)655-7322.