Effective the 2020-21 budget year, over a dozen hardworking AFSCME 1635 / City of Rochester Recreational Directors and Facility Supervisors are scheduled to be demoted.

Along with a lower title, this permanent demotion proposal includes a draconian cut in pay, anywhere from $3,000 - $20,000 per person, at a time when so many are enduring financial and familial hardships related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

These members have committed the last 10-20 years to serving our community, delivering excellent customer service, and organizing summer and educational enrichment programs for Rochester’s students. They moved up the career ladder on their own merits and earned their responsibilities with hard work and effort.

The fallout of this decision does not only affect these employees. For many Rochester children, the programs provided are some of the few constants in their life. Now is not the time to threaten the positive outcomes of an otherwise successful City operation. This demotion will alter the atmosphere of camaraderie and cooperation that has been cultivated over decades.

This budget proposal comes in the wake of hundreds of half and full-time furlough arrangements meant to save hundreds of thousands of dollars for the City. The officers of AFSCME 1635 are doing everything they can to protect our members, but they can’t do it alone.

By signing this petition, you show support not only for our hardworking members but for the entire Rochester, NY community. It is our responsibility to come together and demand that Rochester City Council Members and DRYS leadership amend this portion of the budget and return these workers to their rightful positions.