As recently as 3/20/09 another victory against privatization has been fought and won. In many departments there is a move afoot to move 580 work to outside contractors. We are seeing this more and more everyday. The reports come from you, the members, who keep your eyes and ears open and let us know when you see workers you don’t recognize or shifting or responsibilities. This is exactly what occurred in the foster home licensing unit at DCYF. Due to the Governors ill conceived idea that a hiring freeze would help save the state money and his belief that reducing the work force through retirements were the answer to a leaner more productive state service. Well, he was wrong yet again. Faced with a limited number of employees to process foster home applications the administration at DCYF wanted to shift some of the work to outside agencies and were developing contracts with these agencies. The workers in this unit (with over 60 years of combined state service) picked up on this right away and brought it to the attention of President Keefe. Following a meeting with the director of DCYF and the chief legal counsel it was agreed that the work would be returned to the members without delay. The outsourcing of our work will not be tolerated by Local 580 and that is the message we are sending to the department heads. More than ever the Officers of Local 580 need your help in stopping any further attempts to privatize our work. If know or suspect that there something amiss let us hear from you. Call the union office or send us an e-mail. You will be contacted and the issue will be looked into.