Protesting cutbacks

Union employees of the Fairview Developmental Center in Costa Mesa picketed at the state-run healthcare center Wednesday to put pressure on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to soften his stand on proposed contract cutbacks.

The members of Service Employees International Union 1000, which represents nurses and healthcare workers across the state, want to draw attention to the governor’s offer to renew their contract with no rise in wages and a 14% cut in benefits.

The Fairview facility picket line, which organizers plan to continue every day from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., is one of a series of protests at health facilities across the state.

The union’s contract expired in July 2005. Negotiations continued throughout the summer but no agreement was reached, said union representative Lezlie Uko.

According to the union, the proposed benefit cuts include an increase in employee healthcare contributions, a five-day unpaid furlough each year and the elimination of two paid holidays.

“This is just an informational picket, but we may consider a strike as we get into the summer,” said area union coordinator Jodee Smith.

Registered nurse Marissa Gaviola, an employee at the Fairview facility, said the healthcare center is losing staff because nurses can earn higher salaries in the private sector.

Sandy Gonzalez, public information officer for A representative of the Fairview Developmental Center did not comment.

The healthcare union represents 87,000 workers,, making it the largest union of California state employees.dpt.09-protest-CPhotoInfoRG1OOG6P20060309ivu1gjknKENT TREPTOW / DAILY PILOT(LA)Richard McHugh, a food-service employee at Fairview Developmental Center for the last 16 years, protests with members of the Service Emloyees International Union 1000 outside the healthcare center Wednesday.