AFSCME DISTRICT COUNCIL 47-LOCAL 810
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO
FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA-COURT OF COMMON PLEAS PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES
1606 WALNUT STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103 (215) 893-3754
Bob Zimmerman President Louise Carpino Vice-President Jeffrey DelagoTreasurer Lisa Poe-Dickens Secretary
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April 18, 2007

Dear Councilpersons:

Good Morning. My name is Bob Zimmerman and I am the President of Local 810. We represent the 550 Probation, Parole and Hearing Officers of the First Judicial District.

We all know about the crime and violence that is plaguing Philadelphia. Many of these crimes are being committed by individuals already under the supervision of the Courts. It is imperative that I remind you than in many instances Local 810 Adult & Juvenile Probation and Parole Officers are able to conduct a search without a warrant on offenders they are supervising. This is clearly an effective crime fighting tool.

However, retention of our officers is a very important issue. We have an approximate turnover rate of 40% every 3-5 years. One of the primary reasons that officers leave is the unattractive compensation package for senior officers. Our veteran officers are paid $6,000 less yearly than Philadelphia Social Workers in DHS.

We are here today to support the First Judicial District’s request to increase our budget to allow our members to receive pay parity with the Social Workers.

Local 810 has received assurance from the First Judicial District that this $1 million increase in their budget will be used to implement pay parity for our members.

With the pay parity, morale and therefore retention will increase. Without the pay parity, additional hiring of officers will only result in a proportionate growth in turnover.

Please feel free to call me at any time to speak on this issue.


Sincerely,

Bob Zimmerman
President, Local 810
215-893-3754