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VSEA Launches One-Stop Hub For All The Latest 2019 Legislative & State House News
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VSEA Communications Specialist Kris Lizzari took the Council on a tour this week of a new, one-stop, online hub for VSEA members and retirees to keep up to date with all the latest State House news and happenings throughout the 2019 legislative session.
Clicking on the hub’s main link, members and retirees are taken to a page that lists a number of options to click on, including:
There’s also a blank field, where members and retirees can submit questions or request information (legislative please, not general), both during and after the session.
The hub will be updated with new information as it becomes available, such as the just-approved VSEA legislative priorities.
Please bookmark or add this page to your favorites for quick reference. |
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Council Meets For Final Time Before Launch Of 2019 Legislative Session
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| VSEA President Dave Bellini conducted an impromptu town hall-style meeting to open this week’s Council meeting, asking frontline workers (like DOC member Steffen Flibotte, pictured here, standing and facing camera) to talk about what’s going on in their worksites. |
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| The VSEA Council met on December 11 at the Old Labor Hall in Barre to finalize the union’s legislative agenda in advance of the January legislative session, talk about member engagement and recruitment, hear from friendly politicians and brainstorm with each other about ways to address worksite issues and concerns.
VSEA members are encouraged to reach out to your Council members for more information about the meeting or about how to get involved.
View photos from this week’s Council meeting. |
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VSEA 2019 Membership Recruitment Drive Begins January 1, 2019! Cash Prizes For Highest Number Of New Recruits
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| After a very successful membership-recruitment initiative in 2017, VSEA is excited to announce a new drive in 2019. Never forget that ongoing recruitment is vital to the strength of your union.
Between January 1, 2019, and September 1, 2019, VSEA is calling on all members to become active recruiters—and you might be rewarded for your efforts. Here’s how:
- Members who recruit two members will receive a Dunkin’ Donuts gift card;
- Members who recruit five new members will receive a VSEA insulated coffee mug; and
- Members who recruit ten new members will receive a $50 visa gift card.
Every member you recruit a new member during the designated period, your name is entered into a drawing to he conducted VSEA’s 2019 Annual Meeting. Four names will be pulled at random and winners will receive a check for $300!
Need a quick reference to help with your recruiting? You can view an informational webpage with some recruitment tips and advice here.
If you have any questions, or want a list of non-members in your area, please contact VSEA Director of Operations and Organizing Ray Stout by email: rstout@vsea.org
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VSEA "Protect Your Pension" Tour Continues!
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VSEA’s tour to educate members statewide about the need to protect your existing defined-benefit pension plan by stopping any proposal to move new hires to state government into a "defined-contribution" pension plan (401K) continued this week.
Moving new hires into 401Ks means they are no longer contributing to the existing pension fund, and that’s a serious problem. It’s also bad for the new hire, as they would be at the mercy of Wall Street’s ups and downs to ensure future retirement security.
Important! A proposal could come forward to implement a "hybrid" pension plan for current state employees. A hybrid plan (some combination of a defined benefit plan and a defined contribution plan) would cause greater risk to members’ retirement security, which is why VSEA is actively opposing the concept and warning lawmakers about it now. You should, as well.
Please attend an upcoming meeting in your area to learn about the importance of this fight, its outcome and, most important, your role in it.
Upcoming "Protect Your Pension" Meetings:
December 18
11:45 a.m.
St. Albans
State Office Building
First Floor Conference Room
December 19
Noon
Newport
Emory Hebard State Office Building,
100 Main St.
Conference Room 250 |
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Bob Stone Elected New NMU Chair
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On Monday, VSEA’s Elections, Rules & Nominating certified the results of a recent online election to choose the new Chairperson of the union’s largest bargaining unit, the Non-Management Unit.
Here are the results:
Bob Stone (DPS) – 180 votes
Brett Pierce (DPS) – 172 votes
Pierre Lamarche (AOT) – 97 votes
Bob Stone, an Assistant State Fire Marshal, has served on the NMU Bargaining Team for years, including as Chair. Stone has also served VSEA as a Board member, Council member, Steward, Chittenden Chapter officer and NMU Executive Committee member.
VSEA congratulates Bob (pictured here) and thanks Brett and Pierre for running.
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Economic Services Division Member Sought For Seat On Labor / Management Team
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| VSEA members currently serving on the Economic Services Division’s (ESD) Labor / Management Team asked WIA to remind that the labor team is still looking for someone to represent your fellow ESD workers in Middlebury, Central Office, ADPC, Brattleboro, Rutland, Hartford, Newport, Springfield, or St. Johnsbury. A member from one of these locations is preferred, but anyone who is interested is encouraged to apply.
If interested, please send ESD Labor Team Chair William Wells (William.Wells@vermont.gov) one or two paragraphs, describing your experience in ESD, state government, VSEA, or other unions, why you would like to join the team, and what ideas, representation, or qualities you would bring to the team.
The deadline to submit a letter of interest is Friday, December 21 at 5 pm. |
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Brattleboro Chapter Holds Successful Fundraiser!
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| VSEA Member Jim Agate (BGS) staffs the Chapter’s table as travelers peruse the baked goods–and learn about the union! |
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| Chapter President Robin Rieske (hand on hip) and Katie Knaeble (DOL) represented their union well throughout the day-long fundraiser. |
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| Last week, WIA let readers know about a December 8 fundraiser sponsored by VSEA’s Brattleboro Chapter at an I-91 Welcome Center.
Here’s an update on the fundraiser from Chapter President Robin Rieske:
"The Brattleboro Chapter had a successful bake sale at the Welcome Center on 91 this past weekend. Many thanks to Barry Bozetarnik (BGS), Katie Knaeble (DOL) Robin Rieske (VDH) and James Agate (BGS) for helping with set up and getting out the good baked items to hungry and grateful travelers. And we could not have done it without our bakers, so thanks to all the VSEA members who contributed goodies for our successful endeavor: Noreen Oles, Amy Goldberg, Patricia Logue, Gene Wrinn, Katie Knaeble, Deb Kitzmiller, Kim Bonnette, Deb Forrett, Brooke Robinson, Kathleen O’Neil and Shyla Foss.
We have good tips about what works and doesn’t work at a bake sale, so let us know if we can support you."
Questions: Contact Brattleboro Chapter President Robin Rieske:
robin.rieske@vermont.gov |
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Getting Ready To Retire? Retired Already? Join The VSEA Retired Members’ Chapter!
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At Tuesday’s VSEA Council meeting, long-time VSEA activist and leader Terry Lefebvre asked Council members getting ready to retire to join the VSEA Retirees’ Chapter to continue to be an active and engaged union member, even in retirement. Lefebvre also appealed to Council members to talk up the Chapter to co-workers they know who might be preparing to retire.
With a possible fight looming on retirement security, Lefebvre stressed the importance to build the Chapter to be able mobilize large numbers of past state workers to protect and defend the benefits they bargained to win over decades.
If you already belong to the Retired Members’ Chapter, a big thanks you.
Learn More Here About The VSEA Retired Members’ Chapter |
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Enroll Today In VSEA Member-Only Supplemental Dental Plan!
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One key benefit of VSEA membership is access to a supplemental dental plan that has been helping VSEA families bring down the costs of expensive dental procedures for nearly a decade now. The program is so popular that VSEA is now offering a second chance in 2018 (usually just once a year, in the spring) for members to enroll in the program, which is a unique benefit for state employees represented by VSEA.
VSEA sent an all-member email this week about the new enrollment period. If you don’t recall receiving the email, you can learn more about the plan here.
The supplemental program is offered as an enhancement to state employees’ State-administered dental insurance benefit.
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Quote Of The Week!
“There’s a cost associated with [building a new prison] that’s hard to stomach. Having somebody come out of incarceration not having been reformed (is) a much greater cost.”
Outgoing Wyoming Governor Matt Mead (R), calling on the state to make a tough choice to expand Wyoming’s prison capacity, as reported in the December 8 Casper Star-Tribune.
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| VSEA Meetings/ Trainings/ Events: |
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Upcoming VSEA Chapter Meetings
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- Retired Members’ Chapter
Wednesday, December 19
5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
VSEA HQ
155 State Street
Montpelier
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Vermont NEA Sues Health Plan Administrator
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The Vermont National Education Association (VtNEA) issued a press release this week, announcing the union is suing Future Planning Associates for mishandling more than $1 million in teacher health claims and reimbursements.
From a December 13 Fox44 story:
The suit by the Burlington Education Association and other local unions aligned with the Vermont -NEA claims that Future Planning Associates "lacked the experience, expertise or capacity" to administer high-deductible health plans for some 24,000 school employees.
The unions say Future Planning failed to properly process claims or didn’t pay the employer’s share of employees’ qualified medical expenses.
As a result, some employees incurred thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses, the suit says, while others stopped receiving necessary medical treatment. In some cases, the suit claims, providers that had not received payment refused to schedule follow up appointments.
The suit accuses Future Planning of breach of contract and consumer fraud.
“Unfortunately, the expertise touted by Future Planning Associates didn’t exist,” said Don Tinney, president of Vermont-NEA. “Their incompetence has had real consequences on the women and men who teach Vermont’s children."
Future Planning terminated its contracts with local districts in May, according to the lawsuit. The company then failed to disclose problems with unprocessed or improperly processed claims.
Photo: Fox44
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Vermont Democratic Party Staff Ratify New Contract!
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VSEA is applauding this week’s news that the Vermont Democratic Party (VDP) has reached a contract agreement with its staff union; the nation’s first to organize a union.
VDP’s December 13 press release:
The Vermont Democratic Party has reached an agreement with their staff union, an affiliate of the United Steelworkers (USW) Local 4. The three-year contract includes a 3% COLA, 100% employer paid healthcare and a vehicle to join the Green Mountain Secure retirement plan.
“The USW applauds the Vermont Democratic Party for its leadership by example in recognizing its campaign staff’s desire to organize and bargain collectively as members of our union through card check recognition,” said John Shinn, Director of USW District 4. “Clearly, and especially when it comes to respecting that all work has dignity, our organizations share important values and beliefs.”
“This is a matter of practicing what we preach,” said VDP Chair Terje Anderson. “The 2018 election was a tremendous success for Vermont Democrats and much of that is due to having a professional, year-round staff. This contract is the result of giving our employees a voice at the table and treating them with the dignity they deserve.”
“We need to start thinking about working in politics as more than just a job – it can be a career,” said VDP Director of Party Operation and Chief Negotiator Brandon Batham. “I’m proud to be a Steelworker and was thrilled to work with Party leadership on this historic contract.”
Note: VDP Executive Director Josh Massey is a former VSEA Organizer and Union Representative.
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Technical Glitch Causes Email Meant For 80 To Go To 22,000 Utah State Employees
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| The Deputy Director of Utah’s DOC Job Training Section was left scrambling this week after she sent a holiday party invite meant for 80 employees to all 22,000 of Utah’s state workers.
From a December 10 New York Times story:
On Friday, [Maria Peterson] sent out a calendar invite for her division’s annual potluck. It was meant for 80 people. But someone in the technology department had been tinkering with her listserv email, a variation of everyone@utah.gov, and suddenly the invitation went to more than 22,000 guests. That’s nearly every employee in Utah government.
Ms. Peterson quickly sent a correction email to her division. Except that, too, went to all 22,000 people.
“Hey team! So fun times… Google Calendar automatically added every single person in the state of Utah address book to our Holiday Potluck. (And we don’t have room for all those people!)”
The party wasn’t canceled, she added, and she would be sending out an updated invitation.
Utah’s employees, unable to resist that button with the jaunty backward arrows, quickly replied all.
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| VSEA Meetings/ Trainings/ Events / Fundraisers: |
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| Upcoming VSEA Chapter Meetings
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December 17
Brattleboro Chapter Worksite Meeting
CANCELLED! To Be Rescheduled
December 17
Bennington Chapter Meeting
Catamount Tap House –
Back Room
309 County Street
Bennington
5:00 p.m.
December 18
Retirement
Education Meeting
St. Albans
State Office Building
First Floor Conference Room
St. Albans
11:45 a.m.
December 19
Retired Members’ Chapter Meeting
VSEA HQ
155 State Street
Montpelier
9:00 a.m.
December 19
Retirement Education Meeting
Newport
Emory Hebard State Office Building,
100 Main St.
Conference Room 250
Newport
12:00 p.m.
December 20
Springfield Chapter Meeting
State Office Building
First Floor Conference Room
100 Mineral St.
Springfield
4:30 p.m.
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| Complete Summary Of Changes Made To NMU, Corrections & Supervisory Units’ Contract |
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| To view the comprehensive overview of all the changes made to the contracts covering VSEA members in the Non-Management, Corrections and Supervisory Units, please click here (PDF).
Note: Members with specific questions about the new contract should contact a Steward or a Union Representative. |
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New Contract Printing
Can Move Forward Now |
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| 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. But now that mediation has concluded, and an agreement has been reached and the VLRB has approved it, 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. |
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| VSEA Announces 2019 Steward Training Schedule: First Is January 12, 2019! |
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VSEA Stewards are urged to mark the date of the 2019 Steward training nearest you.
* designates a Unit-specific training
January 12
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Double Tree by Hilton Hotel
870 Williston Road
South Burlington
*February 15
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Judiciary Steward Training
VSEA HQ
155 State Street
Montpelier
*March 15
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
VT State Colleges’ Steward Training
VSEA HQ
155 State Street
Montpelier
April 26
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Holiday Inn
476 Holiday Drive
Rutland
July 20
8:30 – 3:00 p.m.
TBD
St. Johnsbury
October 17
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Vermont Veterans’ Home
325 North Street
Crispe Room
Bennington
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| Help A Fellow State Employee By Donating Some Time To Your Unit’s Sick Leave Bank!
Donation Period Ends December 31, 2018! |
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| VSEA member Dawn Carrillo is reminding Non-Management Unit members that your Unit’s Sick Leave Bank is currently accepting annual and personal leave time donations to the bank and that the deadline to do so is December 31, 2018. Carillo reminds that donations to the Corrections and Supervisory Unit Banks are also needed.
“Just donating an hour of your time can mean the world to a fellow employee,” reads a DHR flyer. It also informs state employees that they can donate any amount of annual- or personal-leave timeto their respective Unit sick leave bank. “Know that you are performing a wonderful service by helping your friends and fellow employees, who, along with their families, are struggling due to serious health issues,” the flyer concludes.
VSEA members interested in donating some much-needed time to the NMU, Corrections and Supervisory Sick Leave Banks can find a donation form here.
"Big thanks to every member for considering a donation to your Unit sick leave bank,” says VSEA President Dave Bellini. “Even if you only donate one hour to the bank, these one-hour donations add up. It’s so worthwhile because your donation is going to help a fellow state employee who is battling a serious illness.” |
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| Guaranteed Issue Term and Whole Life Insurance for VSEA Members! |
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| WIA was asked by VSEA Benefits Administrator, Joanne Woodcock, to include the following in this week’s newsletter: |
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| Aflac life insurance helps take care of your loved ones* immediate and future needs if you should pass away. Immediate needs can include burial/funeral expenses, uninsured medical costs and current bills and debts. Future needs could include income replacement, education plans, ongoing family obligations, emergency funds, and retirement expenses.
Aflac is insurance for daily living. It’s never easy to think about life insurance, but it can mean that your family will have added financial resources to help with ongoing living expenses. Aflac life insurance is designed to provide you and your beneficiary(ies) with cash benefits. The following options are available and can help provide peace of mind during a very difficult time.
Apply Today – No health questions asked. Ask your VSEA Insurance Benefits Advisor how an Aflac life policy can help you and your family.
Joanne Woodcock
VSEA Insurance Benefits
888-510-4467 (call me toll free)
Joanne@vseainsurance.com
Learn More Here |
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* Certain face amounts may not be available. Underwriting requirements apply. ** Subject to certain conditions and payment of claims is subject to all policy limitations and exclusions and pre-existing conditions.
This is a brief product overview for illustrative purposes only. Benefits and/or premiums may vary based on the state and benefit option selected. Riders may be available for an additional premium. Policies described herein have limitations and exclusions that may affect benefits payable. For costs and complete details of the coverage, contact your Aflac insurance agent/producer. Individual coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus.
WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road, Columbus, GA 31999 | aflac.com |
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| What You Should Know About The Anti-Worker Janus v. AFSCME U.S. Supreme Court Ruling |
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Thanks in advance for visiting VSEA’s Janus webpage to ensure you are an informed union member.
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Bolton Valley Again Offering “Industry Rate” To VSEA Members On 2018-19
All-Access Season Passes |
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All VSEA members in good standing are eligible to purchase a pass or passes. You can purchase yours today by first contacting VSEA by email at vsea@vsea.org. VSEA will verify your membership status and provide you with VSEA’s code, which you will need to complete your online purchase.
Once you have the required code:
- Click here;
- Click “Buy Online”;
- In the “Cart View,” click on “Add / Change Guest” to set the pass-holder’s name and information to each pass, then;
- Click “Proceed to Checkout”;
- Enter VSEA’s promotional code and click “Apply Code.” The cart should refresh and reflect your discount.
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Pass Type: Pre-April 2 Price/Post-April 2 Price
Adult (18+): $379 / $429
Youth w/Adult (7-17): $159 / $179
Youth (7-17): $199 / $239
Senior (65-74): $229 / $239
Child (6 and under): $29 / $29
Ski Bum (18-25): $179 / $279 |
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| What is the VSEA Advantage Program? |
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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!
Learn More!
Questions? Feel free to email vsea@ vsea.org |
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Need To Update Your Contact Information
With VSEA?
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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.
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 is working hard to collect members’ contact information.
You can help us 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. |
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