VSEA Questions VOSHA Decision Not To Issue Citation To DCF

VSEA issued the following press release this morning:

VSEA leaders and members are questioning VOSHA’s decision early this week to issue just a warning letter to DCF and not a formal citation, after completing an extensive review of Department for Children and Families’ (DCF) worker and workplace safety protocols in the wake of Lara Sobel’s murder.

VSEA says if a citation had been issued, in addition to levying fines, VOSHA, by statute [21 VSA§225 (a)], would be required to “fix a reasonable time for the abatement of the violation.” But the only timeline mentioned in VOSHA’s warning letter is a reminder to DCF that “VOSHA may return to your work site in approximately one year to further examine the conditions noted above.” In its letter, VOSHA also recommends that “the State voluntarily take the necessary steps to eliminate or materially reduce your employees’ exposure to the risk factors stated.”

“VOSHA’s failure to issue a citation in this instance is very disheartening.” says VSEA DCF Social Worker Trissie Casanova, who has been advocating this session at the State House to improve safety protections for frontline DCF workers. She adds, “A lot of the things VOSHA highlights in its letter are issues DCF employees have been talking about with management since January 2015.”

VSEA President Dave Bellini agrees, adding, “Just last week, we read about the DCF office in Newport being on lock down after a threat, and, trust me, that’s not the only threat these offices are receiving. It seems time is kind of the essence here, and maybe if VOSHA had issued a citation, DCF would have been forced to act on some of these issues in a timely manner. The deficiencies in the letter warrant more than a visit in a year. The time to act is now.”

Bellini and Casanova are also asking what would cause OSHA to issue a citation(s), if its DCF findings did not warrant one or more.

“It does make you wonder,” says VSEA President Dave Bellini. “The letter VOSHA sent to the State documents many missed items and holes in DCF’s existing safety protocols, and it makes the layperson wonder when VOSHA would actually issue a citation. I would think things like safety policies not being fully developed, protocols not meeting minimum guidelines, no one being assigned responsibility for oversight, no annual review and incomplete record keeping might warrant more than a slap on the wrist and a directive for DCF to ‘voluntarily’ implement the many remedies offered by VOSHA. And that’s not even all the findings.”

Some of the other findings cited in the VOSHA letter include:

• No comprehensive hazard analysis of the threat of violence in the workplace;
• No evidence that comprehensive controls to address threats had been implemented in each worksite;
• Training was not effective, and is being revised;
• Deficiencies in the procedures and responsibilities that direct workers how to deal with a violent incident; and
• Could not determine if an incident “Response Team” exists.

“The VOSHA letter shines an even brighter light on many of the safety issues and concerns frontline DCF workers want to see addressed before another one of us is harmed or worse,” says Casanova. “Implementing VOSHA’s recommendations may not be able to completely prevent another tragic death, but workers need to know that every measure that can be in place to protect us is in place and is fully operational.”

Read the VOSHA Letter Here

Manchester Journal Editorial Supports Passing S. 154

The February 10 Manchester Journal published an editorial in support of the legislature passing S. 154; a bill to enhance the penalties for assaulting a DCF and criminalize the act of making threats.”

Here’s an excerpt:

“DCF is having a hard time recruiting qualified people to work in a department that is currently on the front lines here in Vermont. The shooting death last year of a social worker in Barre who was a central player in a child custody dispute has highlighted the need to protect these workers as best as possible. To some degree, these unpleasant interactions come with the territory. This is difficult, and important, work, and none of these folks are getting wealthy out of the deal. They deserve the same support police and firefighters get. Are there ways that perhaps the department could be more efficiently run? Probably. But that’s a different question from safety.”

To read the full editorial, click here.

Register Today! VSEA State House Day Is Thursday, February 25, 2016! 



VSEA’s annual State House Day is Thursday, February 25, 2016.

This event is the perfect venue for frontline state employees to meet face to face with their local lawmakers to talk about the service you provide and the challenges that confront you daily, especially when it comes to safety and staffing.

Register to attend VSEA’s State House Day by clicking here!

Upcoming Trainings:

Steward Training: Supervisory Unit
Wednesday, February 17
VTrans Training Center
1716 U.S. Route 302
Berlin

Steward Training: Health Care Facilities
Wednesday, March 2
VTrans District Office,
61 Valley View
Mendon (five miles east of Rutland)

>> Register for trainings here!

State Hosting Five Joint Public Hearings on State’s Proposed FY 2017 State Budget

Monday, February 15

VSEA members working at the St. Johnsbury Work Camp, HAEU and the Community High School of Vermont are especially urged to weigh in on the State’s FY2017 budget proposal, during one of five budget “public hearings” being conducted jointly on Monday, February 15, by the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations.

Each meeting is from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in one of five locations across, which can be found here. Time limits on testimony may apply depending on volume of participants.

To view or print a copy of the State’s proposed budget, please click here.

For more information about event format, or to submit written testimony, call Theresa Utton-Jerman or Rebecca Buck, Joint Fiscal Office, 802-828-5767 or toll-free 1-800-322-5616; or e-mail: tutton@leg.state.vt.us or rbuck@leg.state.vt.us.

Important Meetings For Workers At St. Johnsbury Work Camp!

On Wednesday, February 17, VSEA and employee leaders are hosting shift meetings at the Work Camp in St. Johnsbury to talk with employees about ways to combat the State’s budget proposal to close their facility. It’s a rolling-meeting structure, meaning someone will be in a facility office to talk with workers on breaks, or in between shifts, from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and again from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. There will be an update on the State’s proposal to close your facility, and you can share your ideas with VSEA on a plan to fight back.

Vermont Progressive Party Passes Strong Resolution Of Support For State Employees In Bargaining

Not blind to the reality playing out in front of them, members of the Vermont Progressive Party voted recently to pass a strong resolution supporting a fair contract for state employees.

The Party’s resolution begins:

"Whereas [the State is] deliberately pushing toward imposition of contracts with VSEA Executive Branch Units rather than working toward settlement shows serious disrespect for the collective bargaining process; and

Whereas [the State] deliberately failed to include a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA ) increase for State employees in its 2017 Budget Proposals and is thereby requesting the Legislature not honor nor even acknowledge the position of State workers; and

To read the remainder of the Party’s terrific resolution, please click here.

VSEA Chapter Presidents At State House To Support Black Lives Matter

Several VSEA Chapter Presidents took time from their meeting today to go to the State House to attend a press conference being conducted by Black Lives Matter. The BLM activists were at the State House to participate in Black Lives Matter Day, which, in 2015, Gov. Shumlin declared every February 12 to be.

Pictured here (l to r): Robin Rieske (Brattleboro), Sue LaFleche (Barre), Michael Gordon (Franklin/Grand Isle), Cassandra Edson (Central Vermont), Nikolas Stein (VSEA staff)

VSEA Donates $750 To Vermont State Colleges’ Hall Of Fame Inaugural Celebration

VSEA State Colleges’ (VSC) Unit Chairperson Janis Henderson presented a check this week in the amount of $750 to VSC Chancellor Jeb Spaulding, to help inaugurate the VSC’s newly established Hall of Fame, honoring distinguished alumni from each college and one at-large alumni. A special event to celebrate the Hall of Fame’s creation is being held on March 9. The contribution was approved by the VSEA Board of Trustees.

“The individuals selected shine a spotlight on the positive impact of the VSC on the economic, intellectual, and civic wellbeing of Vermont,” says VSC Board Chair Martha O’Connor. “Each one is exceptional in their field and in their service to the community.”

VSEA Hosting Special Feb. 19 Meeting For Employees Working In The St. Albans State Office Building

VSEA is inviting all employees working in the St. Albans State Office Building to a special meeting on Friday, February 19, in the First Floor Conference Room. The meeting begins at noon and the topics being discussed include safety concerns, building issues and needed action steps. Lunch is being provided.

Barre Chapter President Pens Letter To The Editor To Explain & Promote VSEA Lawn Signs

This letter by VSEA Barre Chapter President Sue LaFleche appeared February 11 in the Times Argus. VSEA thanks Sue for her initiative and help.

"I am writing to let your readers and the public know why “We Support Our State Employees” signs are popping up across Vermont. They are union members of VSEA’s efforts to rally support of Vermonters to protect the services they rely on by supporting the state employees who provide them. We want the state to negotiate a fair contract with its employees.

Displaying a sign in your yard or storefront tells Vermonters you support a fair contract for state employees and you understand the importance of having fully staffed and functioning state agencies and departments. It informs people you reject further attempts by the state or legislators to save money by making additional cuts to services and positions. For many years Vermonters have had to suffer with inadequate or understaffed services due to financial and staffing cuts. This is unacceptable, especially when the demand for services is increasing.

State employees are your family, your friends and your community members. We work so Vermont works for everyone!

If you would like a sign please contact VSEA headquarters at 223-5247.

Thank you for your support.

Suzanne LaFleche
Williamstown

VSEA Central Vermont Chapter Invites Members To Help Distribute Signs Of Support On Saturday

Central Vermont Chapter President Cassandra Edson kicked off the Chapter’s sign distribution effort last Saturday, giving out dozens of ‘We Support Our State Employees” signs to backers in central Vermont.

“Our goal is to distribute as many of the signs as possible in advance of VSEA’s State House Day on February 25,” explains Edson. “Let our legislators and the State see the visible support Vermonters have for state employees. We would be happy to have you join us.”

Edson and Chapter members will be going out again to distribute signs on:

Sunday, February 13
1:00 p.m.
Meeting at VSEA HQ
155 State St., Montpelier

If you would like to volunteer to help, or if you have questions, please contact Cassandra Edson by email at cassandraedson@hotmail.com. Edson says she is open to working with members to schedule distribution times more favorable to the member’s schedule.

NEK/St. Johnsbury Chapter Meeting February 17!

VSEA NEK/St. Johnsbury Chapter President Ellen Hinman asked WIA to remind Chapter members that your next meeting is Wednesday, February 17, at the ANR office, located at 1229 Portland Street in St. Johnsbury. The meeting begins at 5:00 p.m.

If you have questions, please contact Ellen Hinman by email: ellen.hinman@yahoo.com.

VSEA Insurance Program Adds New Easy-Issue, Permanent Life Insurance Option

VSEA is pleased to now be able to offer members an opportunity to purchase voluntary permanent life insurance through the convenience of payroll deduction and easy online enrollment.

PureLife-plus is affordable life insurance with the following features:

• Permanent life insurance to age 121;
• Easy qualification for Express Issue with only 3 work & health-related questions; and
• All with coverage that you own and may take with your when you change jobs or retire – it’s yours to keep!

Employee, spouse, children and grandchildren may apply.*

Remember…the State offers 2x your salary in life insurance. This coverage reduces to $10,000 at retirement with 20 years of service.

Don’t miss your chance to protect your family with permanent, portable life insurance from Texas Life Insurance Company.

>> Watch your inbox for enrollment details!

*Texas Life complies with all state laws regarding marriages, domestic and civil union partnerships, and legally recognized familial relationships. Coverage and spouse/domestic partner eligibility may vary by state. PureLife-plus (PRFNG-NI-10) is an individual, flexible premium universal life insurance product. For details of coverage see the PureLife-plus brochure. PureLife-plus is underwritten by Texas Life Insurance Company, P.O. Box 830, Waco, TX, 76703; 1-800-283-9233 16M016-C (1) 1013 (exp0218)

NMU Bylaw Changes Due February 26!

Non-Management Unit Chairperson Michelle Salvador asked WIA to let NMU members know that the deadline to submit proposed Unit bylaw changes is Friday, February 26.

Proposals should reference the number, section, sub-section, etc. of the bylaw you would like to change. You should also include the language you want to add, delete or substitute. Also include the reason(s) you are making this proposal. Example: “Bylaw 0 A (1) (b) Change: Monday to Sunday. Reason: Makes it easier to work with the calendar.”

To view existing NMU bylaws, click here.

Judiciary Unit Schedules Bargaining Update Meetings

Members of the VSEA Judiciary Unit Bargaining Team are embroiled in tough negotiations right now with the State on a new contract. To update members on the status of bargaining and let them know what help is needed in the coming days and weeks, Team members and staff are currently conducting a series of information meetings across Vermont

Here are the remaining meetings scheduled:

February 17
Barre
Courthouse
Second Floor Conference Room
11:30 a.m.

February 18
White River Junction
Judicial Bureau
Lunchroom
11:30 a.m.

February 18
Bennington
Jensen’s Restaurant
5:00 p.m.

February 19
Rutland
9 Merchant’s Row
Noon

VSEA Insurance Representative In Windsor Next Week

VSEA Insurance Representative Joanne Woodcock will be at the Southeast State Correctional Facility in Windsor two days next week to talk with interested VSEA members about member-only insurance benefits.

February 17 & 18
Southeast State Correctional Facility
Administration Building
546 State Farm Rd.
Windsor
12:00 to 3:00

Receive information on disability coverage, family life insurance, family accident and cancer coverage. You must be a member paying full dues to be eligible for this VSEA benefit. If you are an agency-fee payer, Joanne can provide you information about signing up for full membership.

VSEA Labor Educator Announces Winter/Spring 2016 Training Schedule

VSEA Labor Educator Tim Lenoch asked WIA to announce a new round of trainings he has scheduled for winter/spring 2016. If you are interested in registering to attend one or more trainings, you can do so by clicking here. Please direct your training questions to Tim at tlenoch@vsea.org.

Trainings in blue are for all members.

Steward Training: Supervisory Unit
Wednesday, February 17
VTrans Training Center
1716 U.S. Route 302
Berlin

Steward Training: Health Care Facilities
Wednesday, March 2
VTrans District Office,
61 Valley View
Mendon (five miles east of Rutland)

Steward 1: Introduction & The Basics
Friday, March 4
VTrans Training Center
1716 U.S. Route 302
Berlin

Steward 2: Protecting The Contract & Building The Union
Wednesday, March 16
VTrans Training Center
1716 U.S. Route 302
Berlin

Steward Training: The “Hostile Work Environment”
Wednesday, March 23
VTrans Training Center
1716 U.S. Route 302
Berlin

Steward 3: The Contract & Challenges in the Workplace
Friday, March 25
VTrans Training Center
1716 U.S. Route 302
Berlin

Steward Training: Investigations & Working With Human Resources
Wednesday, March 30
VTrans Training Center
1716 U.S. Route 302
Berlin

Steward Training: Corrections Unit
Wednesday, April 6
VTrans Training Center
1716 U.S. Route 302
Berlin

Steward Training: The Grievance
Wednesday, April 13
VTrans Training Center
1716 U.S. Route 302
Berlin

Steward Training: The Labor/Management Committee
Friday, April 15
VTrans Training Center
1716 U.S. Route 302
Berlin

Diversity & Solidarity For Public Sector Union Members
Friday, April 22
VTrans Training Center
1716 U.S. Route 302
Berlin

>> Register for trainings here!