VSEA.org

Just three days after the Governor announced his plan for the future of Vermont mental health, there was sadness, anger, frustration and fear in the VFW Hall yesterday, as a large group of Vermont State Hospital caregivers met with State officials, including Secretary of the Administration Spaulding, to learn more about what will happen to the patients in their care and what will happen to their job. Unfortunately, the employees left the Hall with little more knowledge then they entered with.

Following official meeting, VSEA President and Director meet directly with VSH employees to talk strategy and campaign development! Coming soon!

“Outside of possibly staffing a new 15-bed facility, there is really no mention in the plan of what will happen to a majority of hundreds of existing VSH caregivers,” said [VSEA Director Mark] Mitchell. “And the [VSH] caregivers believe—as does VSEA—that they are really the only Vermonters with the specific training and experience needed to provide the highest level of therapeutic care to these particular patients with the most severely acute mental health diagnoses in the state."

Monday, December 19
Montpelier
Unitarian Church, 130 Main St.
5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 21
White River Junction
Hotel Coolidge, 39 S. Main St.
5:00 p.m.

"It is time to stop playing defense against the often absurd and always misguided attacks on public employees. There are alternatives to austerity. All that we need is the political will to demand them."

Note: Dr. Friedman is also an economic advisor for VSEA bargaining teams

Election officially confirms BISHCA employee John Reese as new VSEA President!  Other newly elected officials include:

Shelley Martin – First Vice President
Jeff Briggs – Second Vice President
Tracey Tapley – Clerk
Lucas Herring – Treasurer