The Vermont State Colleges’ Board of Trustees voted unanimously on September 29 to proceed with a plan to “unify” the Johnson State and Lyndon State into “one school with two distinctive campuses.”
According to a September 29 Seven Days story, the vote occurred “despite pleas from some campus groups to delay it,” including Lyndon State faculty and an alumni group. The groups contend there are still too many unanswered questions. Many workers at the two campuses, including VSEA members, remain concerned about possible position cuts due to the unification. In the story, the Chancellor says the unification is expected to save $2 million annually, “largely through the elimination of four high-level administrative positions.” He adds that the unification will generate $2 million in new revenue as well. VSEA State Colleges’ Unit members will be closely monitoring the unification process as it progresses.
In an effort to elevate the fight by Vermont Docket Clerks to secure a fair hearing process to resolve pay disputes, VSEA Judiciary Unit member Beth Aiken recorded a 30-second radio spot that begins a two-week run on Monday, September 26. The ad will appear on radio stations across Vermont. In the ad, Aiken also reminds Vermonters that Docket Clerks are leaving the position at an alarming rate and that their pay remains very low—and they have no recourse to address this reality. The ad ends with an ask to Vermonters to sign an online petition to support the Docket Clerks and all Judiciary workers.
VSEA’s Communications Department produced this video year-in review to show at the union’s 2016 Annual Meeting at Killington Grand Resort on September 10.
