As we approach the dawn of another year, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to each one of you. Your support and passion for our union has been a driving force. The year 2023 has been truly remarkable. We signed a new contract through March 31, 2026, and increased our sick leave bank hours from 420 to 910 to help those with severe illnesses. We eliminated the out-of-network vision schedule starting in 2024 so those members will be reimbursed at the same rate as those in-network. We welcomed our largest academy classes totaling 47 new court officers in 2023. You voted to change how elections are to be conducted, opting for electronic balloting starting in 2024. We celebrated a few wins legally and legislatively. First, we won our improper practice on OCA's creation of their bias panel and OCA had to cease and desist from implementing the change. Our vaccine/test mandate lawsuit succeeded with OCA ordered to cease and desist from unilaterally imposing procedures that employees must follow to be tested or vaccinated for COVID-19, and make whole relief for certain COBANC members and also directed to bargain between UCS and COBANC the right to negotiate the impact of such implementation of OCA’s policies. Through our lobbying efforts, we were able to finally right an injustice for our peace officers who get injured while assaulted. The 3/4 accidental disability for injuries sustained in the performance of duty as the result of a physical assault by an assailant was finally signed by the governor after a nine-year battle. We also took in-house our COBANC benefit plan eliminating the middle person so we may process your claims without delay. And new for 2024, United Healthcare taking over our dental plan. Be on the lookout for the updates in your email blasts.
We wish you and your family a happy and healthy new year and look forward to representing you in 2024!
In Unity,
Pete Piciulo