The Public Employees of Local 270, called U.P.E.C. (United Public Employees of California), do many of the some of the same types of jobs as our construction workers.  They repair roads, build curbs, lay pipe, etc.  Others work in offices, issue building permits, perform job inspections and assist in planning.  They also provide custodial services, landscaping and keep our parks beautiful.  When you take your children to sign up for a summer recreation program, you may be talking to a fellow Local 270 member.  We also have members that are sworn peace officers and who enforce the parking regulations, as well as other code enforcement functions.  In short, they perform all the work that keeps our cities, libraries, airports and water districts able to provide services to our residents.

There are about 700 active members of Local 270 who work in Public Employment at the cities of Seaside, Capitola, Carmel, Milpitas, Monterey and Pacific Grove and the Monterey Peninsula Airport District and the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District.  Some of these employers have as many as 2 to 4 different bargaining units covering general employees, management employees, professional and technical employees, mid-management and Public Works employees.  Each unit has their own separate contract called a Memorandum of Understanding.  All of the employees participate in the California State Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS), and some also participate in the LIUNA Industrial Pension as well.  Most also use the PERS medical insurance but there is also a separate medical trust plan available through the LIUNA Clerks and Lumber Handlers Local 886.

The Public Sector of Local 270 is sponsoring a Shop Steward Training on October 30, 2007 at the Local’s office 509 Emory Street, San Jose from 10-1:30.  If you are interested please call Tim McCormick at (831) 475-7058 to register.  Lunch will be served and materials provided.