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Three VSEA Bargaining Teams Wait For State’s Response To Invite To Return To Table
It’s been just about a week since VSEA’s Non-Management, Corrections and Supervisory Bargaining Teams sent formal requests to State negotiators to return to the table to talk about the contents of a fact-finder’s report, which was presented to both sides on February 29. But, so far, no response.
Recognizing that the clock is ticking on a 20-day period for VSEA Teams and the State to come back to the table to see if the terms and conditions contained in the fact-finder’s report are agreeable, or even negotiable, VSEA Labor Relations Director confirmed this week with the Vermont Labor Relations Board (VLRB) that the official deadline for the State to respond is Monday, March 21. If the State does not respond by then, both sides will be forced in front of the VLRB to argue their case, and the the findings in the fact-finder’s report are expected to definitely play a role.
If you have a question, please contact a member of your Unit Bargaining Team. Click here for a list.
3/11/16 4:28 Update: After WIA was sent, VSEA received word from the State that their negotiators would meet next Thursday with the Corrections and Supervisory Bargaining Teams and next Friday with the Non-Management Team.
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Full Senate Votes 26-2 To Move S. 154
VSEA and its DCF members are cheering a 26-2 vote this week by the full Senate to move S. 154 to the House for debate and a vote. The bill, which the VSEA Legislative Committee labeled a “priority” for the 2016 session, enhances the penalties for assaulting a DCF worker and criminalizes the act of making threats.
Under the terms of S.154, DCF workers and mandated reporters will join the ranks of police officers, first responders and medical providers. Assaulting a member of any of these professions carries a stronger penalty than the assault of an average person on the street. The enhanced penalty for assaulting a mandated reporter would only be in effect if the assault is directly related to the act of making a DCF report. |
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Paid Sick Days Signed Into Law
At a special signing ceremony at the State House on March 9, Vermont became the fifth state in the nation to pass legislation that grants most Vermont workers paid sick days. The bill allows employees who work at least 18 hours a week to accrue three days of paid sick leave starting in 2017. That increases to five days in the third year. Employers with five or fewer employees were given an additional year before they are subject to the new law. Employees can use the leave to care for himself or herself or a family member.
After the bill was signed, the State received the following message from the President of the United States:
“I commend…the state of Vermont for taking action to provide paid sick leave for Vermont’s working families. This action means thousands of families will no longer have to choose between losing income and taking care of a sick child. It’s a choice no one should have to make. So I’m once again calling on Congress to help us catch up with other advanced nations and provide this basic security to all Americans. Until Congress acts, I urge other states to follow Vermont’s lead. And I’ll continue to do everything I can as President to support working families – because it’s the right thing to do to give everyone a fair shot to get ahead.” |
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Upcoming Trainings:
Steward 2: Protecting The Contract & Building The Union
Wednesday, March 16
VTrans Training Center
1716 U.S. Route 302
Berlin
Steward Training: The “Hostile Work Environment”
Wednesday, March 23
VTrans Training Center
1716 U.S. Route 302
Berlin
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Game Warden Okay After Falling Through Ice While Attempting To Rescue Drowning Victim
Photo: @jess_aloe
VSEA was pleased to learn that Game Warden and member Dana Joyal has been released from the hospital after falling through the ice this week while checking on a report of unattended ice fishing gear on Shelburne Pond. Joyal saw a body in the ice, but he fell through it attempting to reach the victim. Thankfully, Warden Joyal was able to radio for help, but he did have to wait in the water for 25 minutes for rescue, so treatment for hypothermia was necessary. Sadly, fisherman Kenneth Gaudette died in the icy water.
Burlington Free Press Story
Stay Off The Ice!
Game Wardens are warning Vermonters that ice on waterways has deteriorated to unsafe levels across the state with the record warm temperatures, wind and rain.
The department says the ice may appear thick but is structurally weak and melting from underneath. |
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Reminder:
Deadline To Submit Bylaw Changes Is March 25!
The deadline to submit proposals for changes to VSEA’s Master Bylaws is Friday, March 25, 2016. Proposals must be mailed to: Janis Henderson, Bylaws Committee Chair, c/o VSEA Headquarters, P.O. Box 518, Montpelier, VT 05601-0518.
Proposals should reference the number, section, sub-section, etc. of the bylaw you would like to change. You should also include the language you want to add, delete or substitute. Also include the reason(s) you are making this proposal. Example: “Bylaw 0 A (1) (b) Change: Monday to Sunday. Reason: Makes it easier to work with the calendar.”
Please be sure the changes you are recommending include all Articles and/or Bylaws that may be affected by the proposed change.
If you have questions, please contact Janis at jhenderson@vsea.org. |
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Compromise Ends Effort This Session To Allow Lawmakers To Have Say In State Employees’ Pension Fund Investment Strategies
A few weeks back, WIA informed readers that VSEA was working with the State Treasurer to oppose efforts by lawmakers and the State to allow politics to enter into the investment strategies of the State Employees’ Pension Fund. VSEA leaders have been steadfast on their position that investment decisions should be made by financial experts in coordination with the Treasurer, not by politicians.
This week, VSEA was pleased to learn that the Treasurer has agreed to a compromise to effectively kill the prospect of anything passing this year that would allow politicians to enter into the Pension Fund’s investment process. According to a February 9 VTDigger story, under an agreement reached this week, the Treasurer’s Office and the Vermont Pension Investment Committee (VPIC) have agreed to form a subcommittee a “to examine how state retirement money might be withdrawn from coal and oil companies without any risk of reducing pensions of retired state workers.” The end result hopefully being the development of a solid plan to gradually pull investments from out of most fossil fuel companies, but Treasurer Pearce adds the plan would not invite “legislative investment” in the process, reminding that their involvement could introduce unwanted factors in the Funds’ investment strategy. Pearce says “fiduciary responsibility” should be the only factor in the process. In the story, VSEA Legislative Director Nancy Lynch calls this week’s development an “excellent compromise.”
Digger adds, “The agreement is tentative, with several details still to be worked out.” |
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Legislation Introduced To Break Up AHS
VTDigger reports that two bills were introduced this week, both intended to “reform” state government’s largest agency.
Sen. Jane Kitchel (D-Caledonia) introduced S. 107; a bill to create a new AHS body called the Agency of Health Care Administration. The Senate Government Operations Committee gave the legislation unanimous approval, but the State remains opposed to the bill, calling it a “step backwards” when it comes to the integration of services.
On the House side, H. 522 would create a new position to oversee Vermont’s child protection system, labeling the person an “ombudsman.” In the story, child protection advocates argue for the position, but the State counters that “Vermont already has a number of different forms of oversight already in place.” |
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Central Vermont Chapter Meeting Monday, March 14
VSEA Central Vermont Chapter President Cassandra Edson asked WIA to remind the Chapter’s next meeting is Monday, March 14, at VSEA headquarters in Montpelier. The meeting begins at 5:00 p.m. Please RSVP to Cassandra at cassandraedson@hotmail.com. |
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Lamoille Valley Chapter Meeting Is Friday, March 18
VSEA Lamoille Valley Chapter President Aimee Towne asked WIA to remind the Chapter’s next meeting is Friday, March 18, in the AHS Conference Room at 63 Professional Drive in Morrisville. The meeting begins at noon, and food and beverages are being provided. Please RSVP to Aimee at atowne@vsea.org. |
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VSEA Seeks Union Organizer
VSEA is seeking an experienced Union Organizer.
Areas of Responsibility Include:
- Leadership Development – Identify existing leaders within VSEA and build relationships with those members through the work of building the union; Identify and recruit members to fill leadership roles within the structure of VSEA; Educate members on ways in which they can talk to their colleagues about the union, develop effective strategies to identify issues, use direct action to make workplace improvements, and staff Labor/Management Committees;
- Support VSEA’s Broader Organizational Goals and Activities – Facilitate turnout to events, trainings and meetings; Support key legislative, political, and community and workplace actions as outlined by the VSEA Strategic Plan;
- Identify Member Issues & Move a Plan of Action: Meet with members to discuss current issues of importance; Work to develop and execute a clear work plan around the issues;
- Increase Union Membership: Demonstrate success in signing up fee payer and new employees as VSEA members while engaging union activists and leaders in the process of signing up new members; and
- Communication with Members: Be a frequent worksite presence in worksites, holding face-to-face conversations with VSEA leaders, activists and rank-and-file members; Provide the VSEA Communications Department with regular updates on internal and external organizing efforts; Update VSEA bulletin boards in worksites by providing activists and leaders with updated materials as often as possible.
VSEA seeks to interview dynamic candidates with a track record of commitment to the labor movement and preferably two (2) years of experience as a union or political organizer. Any applicant must have reliable transportation as daily in-state travel is expected. Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their labor or political experience toRstout@VSEA.org. Exceptional candidates will be scheduled for an interview. |
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VSEA Seeks Administrative Assistant
The Vermont State Employees’ Association is seeking an experienced Administrative Assistant.
Areas of Responsibility Include:
- Administrative support of the VSEA legal team;
- Querying employee information from the database;
- Processing grievances for the Field Team;
- General filing and document processing;
- Answering incoming calls and directing them to appropriate extensions/individuals;
- Greet and direct members and visitors coming to VSEA;
- Help maintain the scheduling of conference rooms/meetings;
- General database administration;
- Preparation and production of membership mailings; and
- Event support for Council and Annual Meeting, as assigned by the Director of Operations.
VSEA seeks to interview dynamic candidates with a track record of commitment to the labor movement and preferably two (2) years of administrative experience conducting database queries. Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their labor movement experience to Rstout@VSEA.org. Exceptional candidates will be scheduled for an interview. |
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VSEA & State’s Child & Elder Care Committee Announce Benefits To State Employees
The VSEA/State Child and Elder Care Committee met this week at headquarters and asked WIA to announce the following programs available to state employees in the Executive Branch.
1) The Child Care Reimbursement Program provides reimbursement for care supplied by a state-approved provider (separate from FSA).
- Reimbursement will be available for employees who spent at least $300 dollars for regular, ongoing, work-related child care for children who were under 14 years of age (as of 12/31/15);
- Employee’s (plus spouse’s or partner’s) federal taxable income (after deductions) must not exceed $60,000;
- The application deadline for 2015 reimbursement is 4/16/16; and
- Applications and additional information are available by calling (800) 287-8322 or click here.
2) The Child Care Referral Service provides parents of infants and children (through age 12) with assistance in locating suitable child care.
- A network of referral agencies are located throughout the state to serve your geographic area;
- Assistance with year-long and summer child care;
- Available free of cost; and
- FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact the Child Care Resource and Referral Service at 1-800-339-3367
Additional information about these programs and their guidelines can be obtained by calling (800) 287-8322.
3) The Elder Care Reimbursement Program offers mini grants to help Vermont state employees with their elder care expenses.
- Reimbursement will be available for employees who spent at least $ for care for aged or . The maximum reimbursement per household per year is;
- Elder care items eligible for reimbursement include but are not limited to: respite care, Lifeline or similar service, home modification, ramp installation, safety bars, door widening, rental or purchase of medical equipment, transportation to medical appointment or needed medical services, housekeeping provided by a service, mileage over 50 miles (round-trip) for an appt., etc. Items not on this list will be considered by the committee. Items not eligible for reimbursement are: nursing home care, medical & dental bills, eyeglasses, hearing aids, medications and hospital bills; and
Applications are available by calling (800) 287-8322 or click here. |
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VSEA First Vice President Looking To Fill Vacant Council Seats
VSEA First Vice President Aimee Towne asked WIA to remind members about several open seats on the VSEA Council. These Council seats (by departmental heading) still remain open:
Aging and Independent Living
Agriculture
Auditor of Accounts
Buildings and General Services
Children and Families
ACCD/Housing
ACCD/Economic Development
ACCD/Marketing and Tourism
Commission on Women
Criminal Justice Training Council
Education
Finance and Management
Financial Regulation
Forests and Parks
AHS/Rate Setting & Auditing
AHS/IT Unit
Labor
Library
Liquor Control
Lottery
Mental Health
ANR
Public Safety – Civilian
Public Service Board
Public Service Department
Secretary of State
Tax Department
Transportation
Transportation Agency/DMV
Treasurer’s Office
You can find a self-nominating form by clicking here. (opens/ downloads as a PDF)
With more than 120 VSEA members, the VSEA Council is one of your union’s primary governing bodies and its largest and most diverse, with departmental representatives from across state government. The Council meets quarterly and retains a right to override decisions made by the VSEA Board of Trustees.
Questions? Please contact VSEA Administrative Assistant Ayla Hudson at 802-223-5247, or by email at ahudson@vsea.org. |
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Special Alert To Stewards From VSEA Labor Educator
Note: Be sure to read #3 and then click to sign up.
1) UPDATE! Save the Date! Friday, May 20: VSEA Steward Summit Training.
All Stewards are urged to attend this special, all-day training. VSEA officers and staff will join us to collectively explore ways to improve public services, strengthen our contracts, and build our Union.
The day will include breakout sessions and workshops by bargaining unit, department and Field territory. Breakfast and lunch will also be provided on May 20.
New! Folks are invited to stay overnight at the hotel on May 19, especially if you are traveling from far away. You will need to make your own room reservation by April 11. Call Best Western directly and ask for the VSEA rate for May 19. VSEA will reimburse you for the hotel stay. There will also be a group dinner on May 19.
Best Western Waterbury: 802-244-7822
Questions about the training, contact Tim Lenoch: tlenoch@vsea.org
Questions about hotel reservation, contact Amy Haskins: ahaskins@vsea.org
2) Spring Trainings
Click Here To Sign Up
See WIA entry “Labor Educator’s Winter/Spring 2016 Training Schedule” for more information.
3) Individual trainings/meetings at your worksite.
I would like to hold one- to two-hour individualized trainings with you, depending on your availability. Stewards can sign up for a training by clicking below on whichever link is nearest your worksite, and then select a time and suggest a location to meet. I will follow up with an email to confirm and discuss logistics.
Topics range from your experiences and worksite challenges to statewide issues and current VSEA campaigns.
Burlington & St. Albans
Newport & St. Johnsbury
Morrisville & Waterbury
Montpelier & Barre
Rutland & Middlebury
White River Junction & Springfield
Bennington & Brattleboro |
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>> New Trainings Added!
Winter/Spring 2016 Training Schedule
VSEA Labor Educator Tim Lenoch asked WIA to announce a new round of trainings he has scheduled for winter/spring 2016. If you are interested in registering to attend one or more trainings, you can do so by clicking here. Please direct your training questions to Tim at tlenoch@vsea.org.
Trainings in blue are for all members.
Steward 2: Protecting The Contract & Building The Union
Wednesday, March 16
VTrans Training Center
1716 U.S. Route 302
Berlin
Steward Training: The “Hostile Work Environment”
Wednesday, March 23
VTrans Training Center
1716 U.S. Route 302
Berlin
Steward 3: The Contract & Challenges in the Workplace
Friday, March 25
VTrans Training Center
1716 U.S. Route 302
Berlin
Steward Training: Investigations & Working With Human Resources
Wednesday, March 30
VTrans Training Center
1716 U.S. Route 302
Berlin
Steward Training: Corrections Unit
Wednesday, April 6
VTrans Training Center
1716 U.S. Route 302
Berlin
Steward Training: The Grievance
Wednesday, April 13
VTrans Training Center
1716 U.S. Route 302
Berlin
Steward Training: The Labor/Management Committee
Friday, April 15
VTrans Training Center
1716 U.S. Route 302
Berlin
Diversity & Solidarity For Public Sector Union Members
Friday, April 22
VTrans Training Center
1716 U.S. Route 302
Berlin
*Just Added!*
Steward 1: Introduction and the Basics
Wednesday, April 27
VTrans Training Center
1716 U.S. Route 302
Berlin
*Just Added!*
Steward 2: Protecting the Contract and Building the Union
Wednesday, May 11
VTrans Training Center
1716 U.S. Route 302
Berlin
*Just Added!*
Steward 3: The Contract and Challenges in the Workplace
Wednesday, May 25
VTrans Training Center
1716 U.S. Route 302
Berlin
>> Register for the above trainings here!
*Just Added!*
All VSEA Steward Summit Training
Friday, May 20
8:30am to 4pm
Best Western Waterbury
(45 Blush Hill Road, Waterbury)
Register for the May 20 All VSEA Steward Summit Training here! |
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VSEA Insurance Representative In Newport Next Week
VSEA Insurance Representative Joanne Woodcock will be in Newport two days next week to talk with interested VSEA members about member-only insurance benefits.
March 15 & 16
Northern State Correctional Facility
Newport
12:00 to 3:00
Receive information on disability coverage, family life insurance, family accident and cancer coverage. You must be a member paying full dues to be eligible for this VSEA benefit. If you are an agency-fee payer, Joanne can provide you information about signing up for full membership. |
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Do you have Week In Action feedback?
We want to know what you think of VSEA’s
Week In Action. Send us your feedback here |
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