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Good Night For VSEA VtPAC-Endorsed Candidates
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VSEA Legislative Specialist Tom Abdelnour has crunched the numbers, post-election, and determined that:
- 87% of VtPAC (VSEA’s political action committee)-endorsed candidates won on Tuesday night; and
- 82% of candidates receiving a VtPAC contribution won on Tuesday night (Abdelnour notes that these contributions to candidates in tight races helped flip six seats).
VSEA Legislative Committee Chair Margaret Crowley is thanking the VSEA membership for turning out to vote this week.
"Tuesday night’s election results have given labor, especially state employees, new hope for the upcoming legislative session," says Crowley. "The House and Senate now have the power to override a veto by the State. This means when it comes time for lawmakers to pass the Pay Act and the state budget, the State will find it more difficult to use state employees and the Vermonters we serve as pawns in any political games to force changes to our pension plan or any other benefits that VSEA members have fought hard for–and won–in several decades of contract negotiations."
Crowley is also thanking every VSEA member and retiree who turned out to vote on Tuesday.
"Now we see the positive change that can happen when labor unions and other groups mobilize to get our members to the polls on Election Day, with an understanding of where the candidates stand on our issues," says Crowley. "Thanks to everyone for voting!"
VSEA Members & Retirees
Win Office
Congratulations to the following VSEA member and retiree on winning election to office on Tuesday night:
- DPS member Andrew Perchlik – Senate (Washington); and
- Retired state employee Bob Hooper – House (Burlington)
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Vermonters Elect Veto-Proof Majority To House!
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VSEA members and retirees welcomed Tuesday’s local House race election results because it meant that pro-union parties and politicians were successful in securing a veto-proof majority in the House—on paper anyway.
“I don’t think I am telling VSEA members and retirees anything they don’t understand already, but having a veto-proof majority will be especially helpful if state employees run up against a potentially serious fight around the future of their pensions or the pensions of Vermonters just entering the state workforce,” says VSEA Communications Director Doug Gibson. “It will also be beneficial to VSEA members’ and retirees’ efforts to reform the Vermont Labor Relations Board to restore fairness, stop harmful privatization deals, enhance employee safety and health and a host of other important issues. It’s a shame working Vermonters weren’t able to secure the state’s top post, but winning a veto-proof majority in the House certainly helps temper that loss a little.”
Election Night Relevant Press
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VSEA Bargaining Team’s
Foresight Leads To Wage Increase For VSEA-Represented Vermont State Police Lieutenants
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VSEA Labor Relations Director Gary Hoadley shared the following message with VSEA VSP Lieutenants this week:
"Because of a contract provision negotiated by VSEA Bargaining Teams, Vermont State Police Lieutenants will receive a higher annual wage increase than the .6% imposed by the Last-Best-Offer (LBO) decision of the Vermont Labor Relations Board.
In August, VSEA and the State reached a negotiated settlement of the VSEA filed “Motion to Reconsider” the LBO decision that included contract language for the VSP Lieutenants to receive any wage increase in excess of .6% if the State reached agreement with the Vermont Troopers’ Association (VTA) on more favorable wage increases. In accordance with the provisions of the current Supervisory Unit Collective Bargaining Agreement, VSEA has been notified that the State of Vermont has tentatively agreed to a successor contract with the Vermont Troopers’ Association that contains a wage increase in excess of those bargained with VSEA for the VSP Lieutenants. Upon ratification by the VTA membership, wage increases of 1.25% effective in the first full payroll period in January 2019 and January 2020 respectively will be extended to the VSP Lieutenants in lieu of the scheduled .6% increase and the applicable provisions in the Supervisory Unit CBA will be changed accordingly."
Nice work VSEA Bargaining Teams and Gary! |
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TODAY Is Deadline For VSEA NMU Members To Self-Nominate To Run For Unit Chair
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| Members of VSEA’s largest bargaining unit, the Non-Management Unit, are eligible right now to run to become Chairperson of this important Unit. VSEA’s Elections, Rules and Nominating Committee is accepting self nominations right now.
Only members in good standing of the Unit and VSEA are eligible for election to this Unit office.
Role of the Unit Chair:
Shall conduct all business of the Unit during the interim between the Annual Meeting and between meetings of the Executive Committee; shall be a member of the Unit Bargaining and Master Bargaining Teams; preside at meetings of the Executive Committee and Unit Bargaining Teams; appoint Committees, serve as ex-officio member on all unit committees; and shall fill all vacancies in elected positions with approval of the Executive Committee.
If you are interested in running for Non-Management Unit Chair please send a letter of interest to Ray Stout at VSEA (rstout@vsea.org) no later than 4:00 p.m., TODAY, November 9, 2018.
Please contact Ray Stout or ERN Chair Sandy Noyes (snoyes@vsea.org) with any questions. |
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Vermont State Trooper Makes History As First Active-Duty Officer Elected To Legislature
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Photo: Brattleboro Reformer
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On Tuesday night, Vermont State Trooper Nader Hashim (D) became the first active trooper to be elected to the Vermont Legislature. The Brattleboro Reformer reports that Hashim has accepted a voluntary reassignment to the Royalton barracks to avoid any potential conflicts of interest with his constituents.
"We are pleased that one of our members has been elected to serve in the Vermont Legislature, as is his right to do so," says Vermont State Police Spokesperson Adam Silverman. "He has made arrangements to serve on unpaid legislative leave once the 2019 session begins until it has closed, which is permitted under the collective bargaining agreement.
Read Full Story
Congratulations Trooper Hashim!
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Alliance For Retired Americans Hosting Post-Election Forum
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The Vermont Chapter of the Alliance for Retired Americans is hosting a forum to discuss the outcome of this week’s mid-term election, both at the federal and state and local levels.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Alliance for Retired Americans’ Post-Election Forum
Saturday, November 17
10:00 a.m.
Unitarian Church
130 Main St.
Montpelier
- George Twigg from Rep. Peter Welch’s office will be sharing his perspective on how the election results will impact federal issues like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act; and
- Newly elected Lt. Governor David Zuckerman will be discussing what the election and a new veto-proof majority could mean for state issues.
Robust discussion encouraged! Refreshments available!
The forum is free but contributions are gratefully received.
Questions? Contact VT ARA Chapter President Jane Osgatharp by phone at 229-0850 or by email at annajaneo@aol.com.
Note: Forum sponsored by the VT Chapter of the Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA). The group’s parent organization is a national non-profit, headquartered in Washington, D.C. ARA Washington actively follows congressional activity, and the chapter’s weekly newsletter provides real-time information on anything happening in Washington that concerns seniors. The VT Chapter actively supports state legislation, such as universal primary care for all. The VT ARA is an affiliate of the VSEA Retirees’ Chapter. |
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Told You’re Being Investigated?
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In response to member inquiries about state employees’ rights when being investigated, VSEA will be ramping up its efforts in the coming weeks and months to educate members about their "Weingarten Rights" when being investigated and provide Stewards and Chapters with some tools and resources to have on hand, if needed. VSEA will also be discussing investigator conduct and what employees should know about certain investigator tactics.
WIA will let readers know when the Weingarten materials are available for downloading and posting to worksite bulletin boards!
If contacted in the interim that you are the subject of a pending investigation, please immediately contact a VSEA Steward or your VSEA Union Representative.
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November Is Health Care Plan Open Enrollment Time!
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| VSEA President Dave Bellini is reminding all members and retirees that November is open enrollment month for state employees’ health plans.
"I recommend members and retirees review the details of both the Selectcare and Total Choice plans," advises Bellini.
Learn More About State Employee Health Plans Here |
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Construction On Roxbury Fish Hatchery Is State’s Final Post-Irene Recovery Project
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Photo: VSEA VOICE, July 2013, Roxbury Employees
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ConstructionEquipmentGuide.com posted a story on November 8 about recovery work beginning this week at the Roxbury Fish Culture Station, which is Vermont’s oldest fish hatchery, built in 1891. The hatchery was heavily damaged by Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, and this project is notable for being the last of the state’s recovery projects, post Irene. The VSEA VOICE featured a story on the facility and its workers just after Irene hit.
From the story:
"The rebuilding of the Roxbury Fish Culture Station, first built in 1891, and known for its outdoor ponds, rather than the tanks used by more modern hatcheries, sunk into the ground. It will meet modern water quality standards while helping to provide the thousands of brook and rainbow trout that will be distributed to lakes, rivers and streams.
The construction is expected to take about a year, but it will probably have to pause for the winter, so it’s likely it won’t be ready for a ribbon-cutting until sometime in 2020."
Note: Congratulations to the dedicated state employees who work at the Roxbury Fish Culture Station and have persevered.
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Quote Of The Week!
“I wish that we didn’t have that obligation and they had put in the money back in the nineties and early 2000s, that they had paid the obligation and kept it up to date, but they didn’t. So we’re paying the burden now, but we’ve got to do it.”
Vermont House Appropriations Committee Chair Kitty Toll, responding in a November 9 VTDigger story to the State Financial Commissioner’s comments about the funding status of the teachers’ pension plan.
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VSEA Insurance
Representative
In Bennington
Next Week!
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| VSEA Insurance Representative, Joanne Woodcock will be available to meet with members in Bennington on November 14 and 15 from Noon to 4:00 p.m. in the canteen area of the Vermont Veterans Home.
Please email Joanne for an appointment here: Joanne@vseainsurance.com
Learn More Here |
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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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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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| VSEA Meetings/ Trainings/ Events: |
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Upcoming Member Appreciation Day Event
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Upcoming Organizer Worksite Meetings
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AFL-CIO Reports More Than 700 Union Members Won Public Office In Midterms
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| People’s World picked up on a press release the national AFL-CIO issued this week, where it announced that more than 700 labor union members across America won public office on Tuesday night.
From the PW story:
The AFL-CIO reported the 743-and-counting workers elected to public office were part of a wide effort that included 2.35 million door knocks, five million worksite flyers, more than 12 million mail pieces, and 260,094 text messages—-and 69 million “impressions on social media.”
The result: “Union members made our voices heard loud and clear,” said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. “Working people trust our unions, and that trust was at the core of an unmatched political program… In every corner of the country, working people showed up to fill the halls of power with union members and our allies. We made clear that we won’t stand for those who prioritize the demands of an elite few—whether they’re anti-labor Republicans or pro-corporate Democrats.”
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Columnist Rightfully Advises Federal House Of Representatives To Focus On Worker Issues
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| Josh Bivens, a columnist for The Hill, published a column on November 7, advising members of the federal House of Representatives to "fight for working-class Americans."
From Bivens’ column:
"Three issues stand out: taking further steps on health reform, getting high-income households and corporations to pay more taxes and undertaking an all-out assault on the policies that have suppressed wages for most American workers in recent decades."
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"The common root uniting these calls for fundamental health reform, more progressive taxation and stopping wage suppression is that all require confronting the prerogatives of the wealthy and corporations. This makes them a heavy lift, and too many would argue this means that they’re bad politics for any party looking to maintain a majority.
This seems like the politics of defeatism to me. More importantly, whether they’re good short-run politics or not, they’re what American families need for genuine economic security."
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| VSEA Meetings/ Trainings/ Events: |
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| Upcoming Employee Appreciation Day Event
Upcoming Organizer Worksite Meeting
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November 12
Veterans Day Observed
VSEA & Most State Office Closed
November 13
VSEA Board of Trustees’ Meeting
VSEA HQ
155 State Street
Montpelier
9:00 a.m.
November 13
Child & Elder Care Committee Meeting
VSEA HQ
155 State Street
Montpelier
9:00 a.m.
November 14
VSEA Organizer’sWorksite Meeting
Morrisville
State Office Building
63 Professional Drive
Conference Room
Morrisville
11:00 a.m.
November 15
VSEA Organizer’sWorksite Meeting
Vets’ Home
325 North Street
Luke Crispe Room
Bennington
6:30 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
2:30 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
November 16
Member Appreciation Day Event
Brattleboro Corrections
Brattleboro Corrections Offices
Spring Tree Building
Conference Room
Brattleboro
7:45 a.m.
November 17
Alliance for Retired Americans’ Post-Election Forum
Unitarian Church
130 Main St.
Montpelier
10:00 a.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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| 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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| 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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