A Brief History of Labor Day

Brought to you by the United States Department of Labor
Image: Labor Day Parade, Union Square, New York, 1882. Image source: Wikipedia

"More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.

Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."

But Peter McGuire’s place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.

The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement."

Learn more about the history of Labor Day here

Today Is The Deadline To Cast Your Ballot In Officer Elections

Today is the deadline to submit your VSEA officer candidate ballot to headquarters. The positions being elected are President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Clerk and Treasurer.

VSEA’s Elections, Rules and Nominating Committee will be tabulating the results, and the winners will be announced at the VSEA Annual Meeting on September 12, 2015, and later through official communications.
 
Any last-minute questions relating to the election process and/or ballot should be addressed to: Mary Poulos, ERN Chair, at Mpoulos@vsea.org, or Ray Stout at VSEA, (802) 223-5247. 

VSEA Members Invited To 2015 Burlington Labor Day Event/BBQ

Working Vermonters and labor activists are gathering in Burlington on Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 7) for a celebration/barbecue, featuring speakers, musical performers and the official launch of a new worker friendly advocacy organization called Rights and Democracy.

The event begins at 2:00 p.m. In Burlington’s Battery Park, and it ends around 6:00 p.m. VSEA is proud to be an event co-sponsor.

Hope to see you there!
View event Facebook page here.

DCF FSD Workers Urged To Complete Revised Safety Survey

In light of the recent tragedy in Barre, labor team members of the DCF Family Services Division’s Labor/Management Committee are requesting that all DCF FSD employees please revisit and complete a revised safety survey concerning your job duties. While many employees did fill out a similar survey earlier in the summer, your team members are requesting that everyone take a few moments to fill out the revised survey, providing as much detail as possible.  Please respond no later than September 11, 2015. The survey can be accessed by clicking here.

VSEA Distributes “Lara Sobel Strong” Wristbands To Frontline DCF FSD Workers

VSEA Union Representatives and other staff conducted meetings on August 31 with DCF Family Services Division workers statewide, talking about the recent tragic events in Barre and learning what the frontline workers need most from their union moving forward. At several meetings, staff distributed purple wristbands with ‘Lara Sobel Strong” written on them to workers; a small tribute to their fallen colleague. The color purple was chosen because, according to family members, it was Lara’s favorite color.

VSEA did a limited initial run of the wristbands, but requests for them are now coming from employees working throughout state government, so more have been ordered and will be available to all members in the coming days and weeks, beginning with making them available to members attending VSEA’s Council and Annual Meetings on September 11 and 12.

If you and your coworkers would like some wristbands, please designate someone to gather numbers and sizes and send an email to dgibson@vsea.org with “Lara Wristbands” written in the subject line. The sizes available are youth (6” circumference) and adult (7” circumference). Please only order what you really need, as quantities are limited. We would like to avoid individual requests, and would appreciate bulk orders to save on potential individual mailing or other associated costs.
 
The wristbands will also be available for pickup at VSEA headquarters in Montpelier.

VSEA Rank-And-File Leaders Meet With Key Legislative Leaders

 
VSEA first Vice President Michelle Salvador and member-leader John Howe initiated a meeting this morning with House Speaker Shap Smith, House Appropriations Chair Mitzi Johnson, House Appropriations committee member Mary Hooper, House Government Operations Chair Donna Sweaney and House Government Operations Committee member Maida Townshend. Also in attendance were Corrections Unit Chair Dave Bellini and Non-Management Unit Chair Bob Stone.
 
“We scheduled the meeting to address the Legislature’s recent interference in topics of collective bargaining and to establish VSEA member relations with powerful committees to foster ongoing discussions around matters of funding government,” explains Salvador.
 
The meeting was initiated after members John Howe and Retirees’ Chapter President Joanie Maclay collected 80 signatures on a petition at the Democratic Party’s Curtis Awards event earlier this year to oppose legislative interference in collective bargaining. The petition denounces a letter from two powerful House Committee Chairs to the State, where they suggest several draconian changes to state employees’ contracts.

“This is how member-run unions work” adds Salvador. “Members openly challenge the actions of lawmakers, even if the legislators are often our friends. Building these relationship opens the dialogue and advances our cause. The meeting was very productive and we are looking forward to furthering our conversations with these representatives.”

VSEA Judiciary Unit’s ULP Gets Hearing At VLRB

VSEA Judiciary Unit Chair Margaret Crowley, General Counsel Tim Belcher and others were at the Vermont Labor Relations Board on September 3 to participate in a hearing on the VSEA Judiciary Unit’s unfair labor practice charge against management for failing to bargain.
 
VSEA Judiciary Unit members wore green to the hearing and VSEA buttons, and they were joined in solidarity by Judiciary employees across the state wearing green and buttons to work. Crowley and other leaders also attempted to hand-deliver a petition to the Court Administrator that was signed by a majority of frontline Judiciary workers, but she was out of the office. Another attempt will be made soon. The petition calls on the Judiciary Branch to begin negotiations with VSEA right now, as opposed to the Judiciary’s usual late winter start (anywhere from December to February), which hamstrings workers in bargaining because management has already submitted its yearly funding request to lawmakers.
 

For background on the Judiciary Unit’s ULP, click here.

Belcher says he is hopeful the Board will now expedite its ruling and that VSEA’s Judiciary Bargaining Team will be sitting down soon to begin formal negotiations with management.

VSEA Annual Meeting Weekend Begins
September 11!

More than 200 VSEA members are registered to attend the union’s 2015 Annual Meeting at Jay Peak Resort in Jay Vermont. Following the Council and Annual Meetings, keep your eyes on the VSEA website and Facebook page for photos, a summary of all the votes and a listing of all the VSEA award winners.

For more information on VSEA’s 71st Annual Meeting, including meeting agendas, please click here.

VSEA Retirees’ Chapter Seeks District 6 Trustee, Representing Windham/Windsor Counties

You do not need to reside in Windham/Windsor Counties. You do need to be a member of the VSEARC.
 
Please submit your name by email to Vsearc@vsea.org
 
Questions? Please email Vsearc@vsea.org
 
A successor will be selected at the VSEARC BOT’s Sept. 24, 2015, meeting.
 
Interested VSEARC members must submit your name by September 20, 2015.

State Conducts Lottery To Determine Which 300 Employees Will Receive Retirement Incentive

In a September 1 memorandum, Secretary of the Administration Justin Johnson informs all agency and department heads that 311 eligible state employees applied for a retirement incentive being offered by the State as a cost-cutting measure. This was 11 above the number of incentives allocated, forcing the State to conduct a lottery this week to determine which 300 applicants would receive the offer. Johnson adds that, due to a short time frame to “conduct retirement seminars,” the State is waiving the standard two-week resignation notice requirement and is urging all those being offered the incentive to let their supervisor/appointing authority know their decision as soon as possible.

Johnson says the State won’t have a final list of employees retiring under the incentive until October 1 and he advises that requests for extensions up through March 1, 2016, will be considered on case-by-case basis.

Discount Sugarbush Ski Passes Return For 2015-2016 Season

For the ninth straight year, VSEA is pleased to inform you that the VSEA Advantage Discount Program is once again offering discounted Sugarbush all‐mountain (& other) ski passes for the 2015‐2016 season. This year, Sugarbush is once again using an online sign‐up feature, which went live on September 1. This year’s rate will be (15+ VSEA sign‐ups) $899 + tax. Offer is available only to full-fledged VSEA members, meaning those who pay full dues. VSEA will be confirming names and status with Sugarbush representative. All-Mountain youth ($479), child ($30) and “20s” ($349) passes can also be purchased from the link.

Click here to go to VSEA’s website page with the link. If you receive an “access denied” message, it means you are not a registered with VSEA’s website for “member-only” status, which is available to members paying full dues. If you want to register for member-only status, please click here. To sign up to become a full, dues-paying member, please click here.
 
Please share this notice with any VSEA members you know who might be interested in the Sugarbush deal.
 
A few notes:

• The program is open to full time employees, their spouse, partner in a same sex marriage.  It is not meant for a "roommate" situation.
• Youth and child passes may be purchased only in conjunction with an adult pass.

Deadline to sign up is September 30, 2015!

Discounted Bolton Valley Season Passes Now Available To VSEA Members

 

For the third year in a row, the VSEA Advantage Discount Program is pleased to offer discounted season passes to the Bolton Valley Ski Resort in Bolton, Vt. VSEA members who order a pass before October 31, 2015, will receive a $70 discount off the regular $569 season pass price, making it just $499. Like last year, this offer is available only to VSEA members who are currently paying full dues to their union.
 
The sign-up process is pretty straightforward, but, like last year, in order for a member to view the special VSEA discount promo code (which can be found by clicking here), you must be a registered user of the VSEA website, which also requires you to be a full dues-paying member. If you want to register for member-only status, please click here. To sign up to become a full, dues-paying member, please click here.
 
After acquiring the special VSEA promo code, VSEA members can go here to place your season pass order. 
 

Follow these instructions to make your purchase:

• Click on “Buy Online” and select pass products, accepting or declining pass protection and adding each product to your cart.
• In the Cart view, click on “Add/Change Guest” to set the pass holder’s name and information to each pass product, then click “Proceed to Checkout.”
• Enter your Promo Code in the box where it asks for your promo code then click “Apply Code.” The cart should be refreshed and show the discounted corporate pricing.
   

A 2015-16 Bolton Valley All Access Season Pass includes:

• Unlimited alpine skiing and riding;
• 100km of Nordic and backcountry skiing;
• A 20% discount on rentals, retail shop purchases, group ski and ride lessons, and lodging (includes condos, suites, or hotel rooms); and
• Sports Center Membership including access to an indoor heated pool, hot tub, and sauna.
   

BV pricing allows you to build your own family pass. Adult passes are just $499 and passes for youth 17 and under are just $159 when purchased with a parent’s pass.

If you have any questions, please contact Brad Battin at 802-434-6813 or bbattin@boltonvalley.com

VSEA Member’s Firefighter Son Seeks Kidney Donation

 

VSEA member Gerald Garrow is the Fire Safety Division’s Chief Plumbing and Heating Inspector, and some of his coworkers recently contacted VSEA to let the union know about Gerald’s son, Brent, a union firefighter who is in need of a kidney donation. Brent, a Local 2323 firefighter, is O-blood type. In an appeal on Facebook, Garrow’s mother Jennifer writes, “If you are a potential donor or know someone who could help him. I’d be forever grateful!” She adds that he needs a new kidney by October to avoid dialysis.

If you are able to help, please contact the UVM medical center at 877-467-5102.

VSEA Teams Continue Bargaining Overview Meetings

VSEA Judiciary and NMU Bargaining Team members and staff are continuing a series of meetings across the state to give frontline workers an overview of upcoming bargaining with the State, talk with you about where to go for information and let you know how you can assist your Team throughout negotiations.

Here are some newly scheduled meetings—by Bargaining Unit: 
  
Non-Management Unit –
Contact: CC Reuge, CReuge@vsea.org or
802 223-5247

Montpelier
September 8
DMV, First Floor Break Room
11:00 a.m.

Montpelier
September 18
Tax Dept., 133 State, Room 410
Noon

Barre
September 16
McFarland State Office Building, ESD Conference Room
Noon

VSEA Seeks Legislative Specialist

Your union is currently recruiting qualified individuals to fill the position of:

Legislative Specialist

Scope of work:
This position works under the supervision of the VSEA Legislative Director. This position is responsible for all aspects of legislative activities under the direction of the Director. This position oversees monitoring of assigned legislative issues. The Legislative Specialist works to ensure the completion of all legislative drafting, reports, and other documents necessary to VSEA’s lobbying and political activities.

Job Duties will include:

• Assisting the VSEA Legislative Committee in the development of the union’s legislative priorities;
   
• Coordinating the lobbying and/or testifying activates of VSEA staff and members;
   
• Assisting the VSEA Legislative Committee and members in executing the unions legislative priorities thorough lobbying efforts;
   
• Testifying before legislative committees and at public hearings on VSEA’s issues;
   
• Developing excellent working relationships with member leaders as well as rank-and-file members in order to assist members in their union’s legislative advocacy;
   
• Researching legislative issues and preparing legislative reports as necessary;
   
• Working with VSEA’s communications team to assist with political and legislative messaging;
   
• Coordinating necessary action on proposed legislation;
   
• Collaborating with other unions and coalitions on legislation impacting VSEA members; and
   
• Coordinating VSEA’s political action and campaign support.

Experience:
Experience working with government, legislature, political campaigns or labor unions. Demonstrated experience building consensus and working relationships with a wide variety of persons and organizations. Demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication. Knowledge and understanding of the State of Vermont’s political landscape. Campaign experience is a requirement.

If interested, please submit your resume and cover letter to VSEA, c/o Operations Director Ray Stout, 155 State Street, Montpelier 05602. You can also send electronically to rstout@vsea.org.