VSEA’s Week In Action Newsletter: August 10, 2018

 

Don’t Forget
To Vote On
August 14!

Your union is urging members to vote in the Tuesday, August 14 primary election. Earlier this year, VSEA’s Legislative Committee published a Council- and Board- approved a list of VSEA-endorsed candidates, running in the primary. Polls close at 7:00 p.m.

VT Primary Election 2018 –
VSEA-Endorsed Candidate List

VSEA Bargaining Teams & State Reach Agreement In Mediation

VSEA’s NMU, Corrections and Supervisory Bargaining Teams sat down with the State and mediator Bonnie McSpiritt on August 7, at the request of the Vermont Labor Relations Board (VLRB), to engage in further mediation in an effort to resolve of the outstanding issues related to the VSEA motion to reconsider the Last Best Offer decision.  After several hours of back and forth negotiations, VSEA and the State reached an agreement that was submitted to the VLRB on August 8 and so ordered by the Labor Board on August 9.  The Last Best Offer decision will be amended by the Labor Board to incorporate the terms of the stipulation of agreement between the parties.  The order by the VLRB also dismissed the VSEA motion to reconsider and the unfair labor practice charge filed by VSEA.

Here is an outline of all the changes to the Executive Branch contracts that are effective July 1, 2018-June 30, 2020.

View the VLRB Order to Amend.

VSEA members with questions about negotiations are urged to contact a member of your respective Bargaining Team.  Find your Bargaining Team members by clicking here

Thanks For Stickering-Up VSEA!

VSEA put the word out for members to wear a union sticker on August 7 to support VSEA’s Bargaining Teams in mediation, and a big thanks to all of you who responded.

VSEA posted pictures to its Facebook page of members showing their solidarity with the Bargaining Teams, and you can view some of the photos below. View more on Facebook here.

"HAEEU supporting VSEA, and
remembering Lara Sobel."

 

"Vermont Department of Health in
Newport stands with our union!"

 

"VPCH night shift staff
supporting our union!"

 

View more photos on Facebook here.

AHS Secretary To Meet August 15 With VPCH Workers

Once VSEA’s Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital (VPCH) members get done sharing their concerns and questions about privatization with VSEA at a special August 15 emergency meeting, they will have an opportunity later in the day to vent openly to the person spearheading the privatization, AHS Secretary Al Gobeille. He, the State and many lawmakers decided in the past session to turn the care of Vermonters who are suffering acute mental illness over to the private University of Vermont and its deep $21 million pockets.

VSEA leaders and staff’s 3:00 p.m., August 15 emergency meeting at VSEA HQ is open to any and all VPCH members. In addition to fielding questions at the meeting, VSEA also wants to hear ideas from the frontline workers on how to best respond to the reality that a large chunk of Vermont’s mental-health system is now being privatized. The Gobeille meeting begins at 5:00 p.m.

State Looking Into What Caused August 8 Internet Blackout

The message that greeted people on the
State’s website on August 8

VTDigger reports on August 8 that many state employees were without internet access for a good portion of the day due to a break in a fiber optic cable used by State internet provider, FirstLight. At the time of the story, State Agency of Digital Services Secretary John Quinn said he is still uncertain of the cause of the outage or when the issues would be fixed. Online portals for the Department of Motor Vehicles, Vermont State Police, Vermont Health Connect and the Vermont Secretary of State’s Office were just some of the services adversely impacted by the outage.

Register Online Today To Attend VSEA’s Annual Meeting 2018

This year’s Annual Meeting promises to be a busy one, with Janus decision fallout, possible implementation of the State’s new health care copays on January 1, ongoing safety and health issues statewide, privatization of services and a host of other issues weighing heavy. To save some money, the VSEA Board decided months ago that this year’s meeting would be just a one-day affair, as opposed to the historic two-day meetings of years past.

Book the date!
VSEA Annual Meeting 2018
Saturday, September 8

Capitol Plaza Hotel, Montpelier

Register Online!

Or download PDF registration forms here.
Registration deadline is August 28.

 

What is Annual Meeting? 
Major decisions in the union occur at Annual Meeting, held every September, at which every active member of the union in attendance receives an equal vote. Learn more about VSEA’s structure here.

VSEA Annual Meeting 2017

 

New Contract Printing & Posting Still
On Hold

VSEA members continue to inquire to headquarters about the status of the new NMU, Supervisory, and Corrections’ contracts and where they can find them online to review and understand.

To date, the contract the VLRB ruled in favor of has not been printed or posted because, as many VSEA members and retirees know, VSEA and the State just completed VLRB-requested mediation this week. But now that mediation has concluded, and an agreement has been reached, it should pave the way for the new contracts to be printed and posted soon.

In the interim, members with specific questions about the new contract should contact a Steward or a Union Representative.

Print & Post
Week In Action!

Please help spread the word about VSEA news in your worksite by printing and posting a condensed version of Week In Action.

Thank You!

View/ Print A Condensed Version Of This Week’s Issue Here!
(Opens/ downloads a PDF)

 

VSEA Meetings/ Trainings/ Events:

 

Upcoming Chapter Annual Meeting

  • Newport / Island Pond Chapter
    Wednesday, August 15
    5:00 p.m.

    Kingdom Brewery
    353 Coburn Hill Road
    Newport​

    Questions: Contact Newport / Island Pond Chapter Officer Karen Marchant at kmarch9060@yahoo.com

 

  • Central Vermont Chapter
    Wednesday, August 15
    5:30 p.m.

    Steak House Restaurant
    1239 U.S. Route 302
    Private Dining Room
    Barre

    RSVP/Questions: Contact Central Vermont Chapter President Dawn Carillo at dcareo@gmail.com​

Upcoming VSEA Member Appreciation Day Event(s)

  • Newport / Island Pond Chapter
    Tuesday, August 14
    11:00 a.m.
    Emory Hebard State Office Building
    100 Main Street
    Outside Gazebo
    Newport​

    Questions: Contact VSEA Organizer Danielle Warner at dwarner@vsea.org.

Bus Is Full For VSEA 2018 “Day At Fenway” On August 17, But Waiting List Being Built

The bus to attend “VSEA Day 2018 at Fenway” on Friday night, August 17, sold out this week, but a waiting list is being built for any member or retiree who wants to be added to it.

The Red Sox are battling the Tampa Bay Rays, starting at 7:10 p.m., and the cost is $80 per person, which includes a bus ride to and from the park, as well as a ticket to the game. The bus is making stops in Waterbury (2:00 p.m.) and White River Junction (3:00 p.m.). ETA at Fenway is 5:30 p.m.

If you and your family would be interested in placing your name(s) on a waiting list for the August 17 game, please contact VSEA Union Representative Bob South or VSEA Administrative Assistant Sue DeVoid. You can reach Bob by email at bsouth@vsea.org or by phone at 223-5247. You can reach Sue by email at sdevoid@vsea.org or by phone at 223-5247.

Upcoming Steward Training

The next Steward training is
September 18 at VSEA HQ in Montpelier.

Training begins at 8:30 a.m.

To register, please email Gretchen Naylor: gnaylor@vsea.org

 

Points of Interest:

 

Consolidated Communications Reaches Tentative Agreement With Its New England Unions

Some 1,000 Consolidated Communications’ workers spread across three northeastern states, including Vermont, are voting this week on a tentative contract agreement with their employer. These same workers, who are represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the Communication Workers of America (CWA), struck Fairpoint Communications for 131 days in 2014. Consolidated purchased Fairpoint in 2017. If ratified, this would be the first contract the workers have negotiated with Consolidated.

“We saved a lot of jobs and got a good exit package,” CWA Local 1400 President Don Trementozzi tells the Associated Press on August 5 about the tentative deal. “The goal was to get the best package and to let our members vote on it.”

Missouri Voters Strongly Reject Right To Work!

Victories for working people don’t come easily anymore, so it was great to read on that, on Tuesday, Missouri voters rejected “right-to-work” coming to their state by a strong 2 to 1 margin.

From an August 8 New York Times Story:

The victory in Missouri aligns with other tentative signs of a labor revival. Among them are polls showing rising popular support for unions and an uptick in membership in teachers’ unions after walkouts in several states during the past school year.

“I think this will build momentum and send a message to all legislators,” AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka tells the paper, “that if you vote against the people, go against the will of the vast majority of working Americans, it’s going to cost you.”

New Study Finds 38% Of U.S. Workers Don’t Consider Themselves “Financially Well”

Bank of America and Merrill Lynch released a workplace benefits report this week that found 38% of American workers don’t consider themselves “financially well.” What that means, according to an online post about the study, is “that these workers are struggling to manage their current finances while preparing for the future, and feel they don’t have the capacity to meet their near- and long-term financial goals.”

To address financial uncertainty, the site recommends following a budget, building an emergency fund, establishing good long-term savings habits and keeping debt under control.

This Week:

Don’t Forget To Vote On August 14!

VSEA Bargaining Teams & State Reach Agreement In Mediation

Thanks For
Stickering-Up VSEA!

AHS Secretary To Meet August 15 With VPCH Workers

State Looking Into What Caused August 8 Internet Blackout

Register Online Today To Attend VSEA’s Annual Meeting 2018

New Contract Printing & Posting Still On Hold

 

VSEA Meetings/ Trainings/ Events:

Upcoming Chapter Annual Meeting:

Upcoming VSEA Member Appreciation Day Event(s) :

Bus Is Full For VSEA 2018 “Day At Fenway” On August 17, But Waiting List Being Built

Upcoming Steward Training

 

Points of Interest:

Consolidated Communications Reaches Tentative Agreement With Its New England Unions

Missouri Voters Strongly Reject Right To Work!

New Study Finds 38% Of U.S. Workers Don’t Consider Themselves “Financially Well”

 

VSEA Reminders:

“I’m Sticking With My Union” Video Series

Friendly Reminder: What Has Our Union Done For Us Lately?

What You Should Know About The Anti-Worker Janus v. AFSCME U.S. Supreme Court Ruling

Show Your Facebook Friends You’re VSEA Strong With VSEA Facebook Profile Picture Frame!

VSEA Insurance Benefits Enrollment

Vermont Magazine Offering A Free Issue Plus Special Subscription Rate Exclusively For VSEA Members!​

What Is The VSEA Advantage Program?

 

 

VSEA Calendar:

August 14
Vermont Primary Election Day
VOTE!

August 14
Board Of Trustees’ Meeting
VSEA HQ
155 State Street
Montpelier
9:30 a.m.

August 14
Newport / Island Pond Chapter Member Appreciation Event
Emory Hebard State Office Building
100 Main Street
Outside Gazebo
Newport
11:00 a.m.

August 15
VSEA Emergency Meeting With VPCH Staff
VSEA HQ
155 State Street
Montpelier
3:00 p.m.

August 15
AHS Secretary Gobeille Meeting With VPCH Staff
VSEA HQ
155 State Street
Montpelier
5:00 p.m.

August 15
Newport / Island Pond Chapter Annual Meeting
Kingdom Brewery
353 Coburn Hill Road
Newport
5:00 p.m.

August 15
Central Vermont Chapter Annual Meeting
Steak House Restaurant
1239 U.S. Route 302
Private Dining Room
Barre
5:30 p.m.

August 16
Battle Of Bennington Day Holiday
Most State Offices & VSEA Closed

August 17
VSEA Day At Fenway Park
See WIA Story

 

Contact Your Union

Communication between Union members and Union leaders is important for a strong organization. Click the links below to find VSEA contact information for each category:

Board of Trustees

VSEA Council

Chapter Presidents

Find A Steward

 

“I’m Sticking With
My Union”
Video Series

Watch On YouTube:

"I’m Sticking With My Union" – Sue LaFleche

 

Watch On YouTube:

"I’m Sticking With My Union – John Vorder Bruegge"

 

Friendly Reminder: What Has Our Union Done For Us Lately? 

Just in case. Here is a reminder of just some of what VSEA has been able to accomplish for state employees (guided by rank-and-file leaders and activists) since its inception in 1944:
 

Yearly wage increases totaling more than 45% in cost-of-living and step increases since 1990;

Improved health benefits, comprehensive dental insurance including benefits for domestic partners;

A 30-year/no-penalty retirement plan with five-year vesting;

Enhanced mental health benefits;

Double-your-salary life insurance;

Time-and-a-half overtime benefits for over 4,600 employees;

Guaranteed maternity/paternity and adoption leave;

A strong grievance procedure to guarantee your rights;

Layoff (RIF) rights; 

An effective lobbying and political program that defends your rights in the legislature;

A Communications Department that provides timely news and analysis of developments affective you and your job;

Member benefits including discount programs; and

Access to stewards, Union Representatives and lawyers to answer questions and address workplace issues.

 

What You Should Know About The Anti-Worker Janus v. AFSCME U.S. Supreme Court Ruling

If you haven’t already, begin educating yourself today about what the Janus decision means—or supplement what you know already. Please also inform your co-workers about this Janus page and talk with them about what you learned and remind them of the importance of a union in their everyday life. You could make a difference. Every study shows that nothing is more effective than member-to-member communication.

Thanks in advance for visiting VSEA’s Janus webpage to ensure you are an informed union member. 
 

 

Show Your Facebook Friends You’re VSEA Strong With VSEA Facebook Profile Picture Frame!

You can set the frame to your profile picture here or you can following these directions:

  1. On a desktop, go to your Facebook profile.
     
  2. Hover over your Facebook profile picture and click, “Update Profile Picture”
     
  3. In the next menu, select, “Add Frame”
     
  4. Search for "VSEA" and select the color frame you would like to use, set the duration, and click “Use as Profile Picture”
     

Note: The following colors are available: Green, Gold, Black, White, and Green/Gold.

 

VSEA Insurance Benefits Enrollment

WIA was asked by VSEA Insurance 
Benefits Administrator, Joanne Woodcock, to include the following announcement:

  • Disability
  • Accident
  • Cancer
  • Hospital
  • Specified Health Event
  • Life Insurance
  • Payroll deducted

GREAT NEWS!  We’ve been working hard to make it easier for VSEA members to sign up for our insurance benefits.

You can now enroll anytime just by making an appointment.

The sign up is done remotely using your computer and speaking to me over the phone.
 
For more information email Joanne Woodcock here.

 

Vermont Magazine Offering A Free Issue Plus Special Subscription Rate Exclusively 
For VSEA Members!

Vermont Magazine, published independently since 1989, is making a special, free introductory issue offer (and a special subscription offer) to VSEA members.

Vermont Magazine profiles Vermont people, places and towns, history, general stores, workplaces and fine homes and gardens in every issue.

To receive your free copy of the next (September/October) issue of Vermont Magazine, click here, and enter your name and address in the form that will appear. After you receive your free copy, you will receive a one-time, special subscription offer (one year, 5 issues for $19.95, which is a $4.00 savings from regular price) and a free, 2019 wall calendar, to be shipped with the Winter, 2017-2018 issue). 

 

What is the VSEA Advantage Program?

Did you know?
The average VSEA member can save hundreds of dollars a year by taking advantage of some of the Members Only benefits offered through their union?

GET EXCLUSIVE OFFERS, DISCOUNTS & MORE

It’s free, just for being a Vermont State Employees’ Association PerksConnect member!

SIGN UP ON THE WEB FOR EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS

  1. Go to  VSEA.org  and login to your VSEA account. Don’t have an account? VSEA Members can sign up for a free account here!
     
  2. Once you have logged in, locate and click the yellow "Advantage Program" button on the lower left column of VSEA.org. You can also click here to be redirected to this page.
     
  3. At the top of the Advantage Program page, click the link that says "Click Here To Log Into The New VSEA Advantage Program". This will redirect you to the new Advantage Program website. Please note this link will not work unless you are logged into your VSEA.org account first.
     
  4. Select a category and start saving!

Present your VSEA union card, mobile device or printed coupons and offers at participating businesses and receive immediate discounts.

Don’t see what you are looking for?
Request a merchant by filling out the Vendor Information form here. Please note submissions are subject to approval.

Questions? Feel free to email vsea@ vsea.org

 

Need To Update Your Contact Information
With VSEA? 
Don’t Have
A VSEA
Union Card? 

Request A Green VSEA Union Card

Have You Been Threatened
At Work? 

Send A Threat Report To VSEA

Subscribe To VSEA Today!

VSEA’s Communications Department is happy to disseminate any and all communications the leadership, Chapters, Units, and others request, however, the lists the Department currently pull from are provided to the union by the State of Vermont. VSEA’s Communications Department has found the lists to be dated, incomplete and sometimes lacking key information that was entered by a VSEA staff person but later overwritten or deleted during a State data dump.  

To help VSEA more effectively reach active members—and really all those members who want to know what’s going on in their union—VSEA will be working hard in the coming months to collect members’ emails on its own and begin to build contact lists that cannot be altered by a State download.  

You can help us get started by clicking here and signing up for the VSEA communications you are interested in receiving.

Thank you in advance for subscribing. Please urge your colleagues to do the same.

We Want To Know What You Think of VSEA’s Week In Action! Send Us Feedback Here

 

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