Solidarity with VSEA Workers
Gubernatorial candidate David Zuckerman took a pause from the trail to record a message of solidarity to the VSEA members working at the Vermont Veterans’ Home in Bennington. Watch the video message on YouTube.
VSEA’s Week In Action Newsletter: October 23, 2020
This Week:
Special Dues Meeting This Sunday, October 25
Say What? AHS Secretary Labels DOC’s Use Of Garbage Bags As PPE As “Experimental”
President Towne’s Op-Ed Praises VVH Employees For Pandemic Response. Admonishes Management’s Response
VSEA Hopeful VLRB Decision This Week On Judicial Temps Will Someday Apply Across State Gov’t
VSEA Chapters Schedule Meetings To Elect New Officers
State’s Attorneys’ Office Bargaining Unit Special Meeting 10/29, Via Zoom
Read The Full Newsletter Here!
AHS Secretary Labels DOC Use Of Garbage Bags As PPE As “Experimental”
VSEA has been hearing for months about Corrections members being given garbage bags to wear as PPE. In some cases, the bags were being dipped in disinfectant and reused! Some workers have reported being burned by the bleach.
At his Friday, October 16, press conference, the Governor was asked by a reporter about DOC asking employees to wear garbage bags as PPE. He deferred to AHS Secretary Smith, who denies it at first and then starts walking it back.
DOC members. What do you think of Secretary Smith’s answer? Little did you know you were taking part in a “unique opportunity.”
VSEA’s Week In Action Newsletter: October 16, 2020
This week’s WIA features stories about openings that currently exist across VSEA, including the First Vice President post, several Judiciary Unit positions, and two VSEA Chapters needing officers. VSEA urges members who aren’t currently active in VSEA to consider these open positions or any others in the future.
Vets’ Home Members Make Their Case Against Management To Facility’s Board
President Towne Officially Certified. Search Begins For New First Vice President
President Towne Posts First Video Update
VSEA Chapters Schedule Meetings To Elect New Officers
VPCH & MTCR Member 10/21 Zoom Meetings
Judiciary Unit Casting Net To Fill Unit Vacancies
Special Meeting To Discuss Dues Proposal Is October 25!
State’s Free Flu Clinics Open & Operating
Iowa Public Employees Look To Continue String Of Re-Certifying Their Union(s)
Report Ranks States By Amount Of Land Owned By Feds
Read The Full Newsletter Here!
State Treasurer Cautions VSEA Members To Ready For A Pension Fight
At VSEA’s 76th Annual Meeting, VSEA members participating were greeted by State Treasurer Beth Pearce, and she cautioned state employees to begin preparing (again) for a renewed attack soon on state employees’ defined benefit pension plan. Actually, Vermont’s own pension Chicken Little, David Coates, has never stopped his now decade-long campaign to convince lawmakers to implement a 401K plan for new hires to state government. Mind you, the last time VSEA checked, a majority of exempt state employees (read: not VSEA members), when given a choice, chose a defined benefit pension plan.
Pearce did stress that she is unsure right now what action(s) state employees could be asked to make to shore up the pension fund, but she warned it could include a call for employees to increase your contribution. Pearce promised to keep us informed, and she vowed to continue to fight alongside VSEA members to protect your pension.