VSEA.org

We need your help to save the libraries of Vermont State University. Please take 30 seconds right now to leave a message for your senators, and ask them to “keep the VTSU libraries open in their current form!”

This is an issue that may be decided by a razor-thin margin, and your senator may be the one that casts the deciding vote to keep the libraries open.

Call (802) 828-2228 to leave a message, or send an e-mail NOW. You can find your legislators here.

Learn more by visiting the Save Our Libraries webpage on VSEA.org

The Times Argus recently covered Saturday’s VSC Board of Trustees meeting in Montpelier, where, during the public comment portion of the meeting, Board members received a lot of blowback for the administration’s recent library decision. Pictured here is VSEA VSC Unit Chair Billie Neathawk delivering her remarks to the Board opposing the plan.

From the Argus story:

Community members questioned why those within the system would seek feedback and input from them on certain topics, like libraries, when that input is ignored. They urged the board to listen to them and their desire to keep books in libraries. They talked about the damage this announcement has already caused to recruitment efforts, noting the announcement was made at a critical time in recruitment.

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Plainfield resident Glenda Bissex said while she had taught at Johnson previously, she was there to represent the community. Bissex said she was dismayed the sign-in sheet for the meeting asked the participant what institution they were part of and their title, as if the board did not want nor expect to hear from the community.

VSEA is encouraging members and retirees to support striking Goddard College employees, who called for the action last Friday after talks broke down on increasing workers’ wages. Members of the Goddard College Staff Union say college administrators want workers to give up their right to negotiate working conditions in exchange for a three-percent wage increase.

“VSEA stands with striking Goddard College workers in their fight for fair and competitive wages,” says VSEA Second Vice President Leslie Matthews. “The administration’s counter to give up negotiating rights is ludicrous and extreme, to say the least.” She adds, “VSEA will be helping these workers however we can.”

Sign a Petition “For a Just, Democratic, and Thriving Goddard College”

The Goddard College staff’s picket line is in the upper parking lot at the main entrance (not Pratt entrance) on route 214. The address is 123 Pitkin Road, Plainfield, VT. Keep up-to-date with the latest on the workers’ Facebook page here.

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Post & Share! Support VSEA Librarians!

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The Next VSEA Veterans Council Meeting Is April 18!

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The 2023 VSEA Scholarship Application Deadline Is May 5!

Solidarity Stories:

Support Striking Goddard College Employees!

LA Teachers Conduct Three-Day ULP Strike

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Here’s the release VSEA issued this afternoon:

The Vermont State Employees’ Association (VSEA) recently filed an unfair labor practice (ULP) that alleged violations of the State Employees’ Labor Relations Act (SELRA) by the Vermont State Colleges administration, specifically bargaining in bad faith and allegations of retaliation against union activists.

In their ULP, VSEA Bargaining Unit members alleged that administrators withheld information during a recent bargaining session, provided a misleading statement regarding anticipated layoffs, and within an hour after the bargaining session ended, announced that eight VSEA members were being laid off as a result of a plan to transition to an all-digital library. Four of the eight VSEA members being laid off are bargaining team members and union activists.

“We are pleased the Labor Board saw the merit in our unfair labor practice filing, and that they have issued an unfair labor practice complaint. They acted promptly due to the urgent need to get bargaining back on track and scheduled a hearing for May 4,” explains VSEA Bargaining Team member and Unit Chairperson Billie Neathawk, a librarian and one of the eight being laid off. “We look forward to making our case in person, and we’re hopeful the Board will agree with us and issue a strong remedy for this unfair labor practice.”

The VLRB hearing is scheduled for May 4, 2023, beginning at 9:00 AM.