Message from VCCCD Chief Steward Dan Casey on Board's Layoff Vote

Regretfully, I must inform you that, despite our efforts to the contrary, the Board of Trustees approved all of the classified layoffs on April 12, 2011, voting 5-0 on all except the CDC cuts which passed by a 4-1 vote.  I want to thank all of you who attended last night’s meeting which lasted until midnight.  It was inspiring to hear about the wonderful accomplishments the Child Development Centers and to hear from the students of the OC LRC which sought to defend our classified employees in that department.  I also would like to thank our SEIU Local 99 President, Eddie Reed; Vice President, Barbara Torres; Treasurer, Maggie Johnson and Executive Board Delegate, Edward Nwadibia.  They all drove up from LA to support our efforts last night and Barbara Torres delivered a rather stirring address to the board. 

On a more positive note, the board rejected Ventura College’s request to establish an additional management position.  Trustee Dianne McKay expressed her concern that adding a manager at the same time we’re deeply cutting classified is not only bad form, but is fiscally indefensible.  Thank you for drawing the line, Dianne.

Moving forward, there is clearly going to be some bumping.  I encourage each of you being laid off or bumped, to meet with Jay Wysard and take a steward with you to discuss your rights. 

In Unity,
Dan Casey

 Stewards:

OC: Dan Casey

MC: Dominga Chavez and Mickey Aguilar

VC: Lori Annala, Dana Boynton, Hilda Ruiz

DAC: Contact Dan Casey