This is important to remember. Why? Because, in just a few months, the House Speaker and Senate Pro Tem will gavel in the 2022 legislative session, and there’s a host of issues for VSEA members to come together to support, including: full funding of the Pay Act, fair pension reform, enhanced employee safety and health protections and finding ways to address the staffing crisis across state government.
View larger image. This postcard was mailed this week to VSEA Corrections Unit members statewide. It’s a reminder of the many gains VSEA Corrections Unit Bargaining Teams have been able to successfully negotiate over decades for Unit members. Hopefully, it also serves as a reminder to all VSEA members of how union membership benefits your work and personal life, while raising the bar for all Vermont workers.
A story posted this week to VTDigger appears to validate workers’ and union’s concerns that it will be difficult for the State to find a new home in a timely manner for the now-shuttered Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center youth facility.
Last year, VSEA frontline workers at Woodside joined VSEA leaders in warning lawmakers about the ramifications of a decision to close Vermont’s sole care facility for at-risk youth. While the level of care and services were the workers’ and union’s primary reason to fight the closure, they also warned that siting a new facility would be a challenge in itself.
VSEA members can now watch a recording of Monday’s Pension Task Force Update Webinar. In a collaborative effort with the Vermont NEA and Vermont Trooper’s Association, VSEA is producing a series of webinars to update members and retirees about any and all developments with the newly formed Pension Task Force. The webinars are being held on the first Monday of every month, and all are encouraged to log in.
A photo of VSEA Board of Trustees member Dr. Leslie Matthews ran at the top of a story posted this week to VTDigger about a building moratorium being implemented around Lake Morey until there is a better understanding of the nutrient sources that are contributing to repeated cyanobacteria blooms. Matthews, an Environmental Scientist with ANR, is pictured here testing the lake water. We appreciate your service, Dr. Matthews!
