Item of Concern

I wanted to address an issue that many UPEA members have brought to my attention. Many of you have been contacted recently by a national union, AFSCME, that is attempting to make some inroads into the county. Some have heard that they are making promises and saying that County employees can have a “strong, new voice for better jobs and a better Salt Lake County.” The reality is that UPEA already has a strong voice and is doing a great job at making Salt Lake County a great place to work. UPEA has been involved at the state level for 50 years, and at the county for over 35 years. As a local organization, we have been instrumental in creating the Utah Retirement System, PEHP, and in gaining support each and every year for merit and COLA increases for Salt Lake County employees. Because of UPEA, employee compensation and benefits are the first thing discussed come budget time. UPEA has, over the course of the past 35 years, been able to meet with County elected officials to discuss working conditions, and negotiate pay and benefits. The bottom line is that we are the most recognized and respected public employee organization in the state of Utah.

UPEA is taking it very seriously that AFSCME is contacting county employees unsolicited, and has met with the Salt Lake County Human Resources Division to bring your concerns forward. Personnel has assured UPEA staff that they are investigating the issue, and have referred the information to the District Attorney’s office for further review. If you are receiving any additional contacts from AFSCME, please let me know, so that we can address your concerns.
As noted in previous emails, you have been able to see that UPEA is out there representing you. We have been busy protecting your compensation and, more recently, working on retirement concerns. I am dedicated to getting the message out that UPEA is committed to truly representing Salt Lake County employees. If you would like me to come visit your office to discuss the latest issues or just simply to explain what UPEA is to your co-workers. I am working very hard to be proactive and get the face of UPEA out there.