Congratulations
We’d like to congratulate and welcome the following new members:
John Fetzner, Journeyman Maint Mech; James Kovacs, Trades Helper-Architectural;
William Champlin, Custodian; Kathleen Galinski, Custodian; Anna Phipps, Custodian;
Melinda KINKEAD, CUSTODIAN; Rebecca Henry, Custodian; Rosemarie LaValley, Custodian;
Dan Dickman, Custodian; William Lobert, Electrician Helper
Congratulations to Edna Daymon, Mary Timmer and Liz Sanchez on their recent retirements
Congratulations to Frank Sytek, Marv Ludwig and Bob Reihl who were promoted to SM-10 Lead Journeyman Maintenance Mechanics
Congratulations to James Francisco and John Yardley on their progression from SM-4 SM-6 senior caretakers.
Termination
As most of you have probably heard, we had a member terminated last year for sleeping on the job. The union made clear from the beginning that we never condoned this behavior but argued that termination was too severe a punishment given the person’s length of service and clean work record. On May 22, 2007 an arbitrator agreed with the union’s position that the punishment was indeed too severe. The arbitrator’s judgment was that a three day suspension was an appropriate discipline in this case and ordered the person reinstated with back pay. AFSCME Council 25 assigned Arbitration Advocate Betty Gaston to the case and she did a fantastic job for us.
New Position
The University recently created a new SM-10 Lead Journeyman Maintenance Mechanic position. The Lead Journeymen will be in charge of overseeing and coordinating the work of other Journeyman Maintenance Mechanics. This is an effort by management to increase the efficiency of a very large Shop. The Union was able to negotiate what we feel is a decent wage for the position considering the level of responsibility assigned to this new classification. The position will pay a flat rate with no adjustments for longevity for the 07-08 year.
Sign Shop
The Union was able to successfully stop an effort by management to run the sign shop, which is currently operated by SM-8 paint shop staff, with an SM-4 Architectural Trades Helper. The helper would have been expected to perform nearly all the duties currently being performed by a journeyman for a lot less money. The union was able to convince management that the work was too technical for a helper to perform and an agreement was reached that will allow the helper to work in the sign shop performing the less skilled work in that area.
On Call Agreement
An agreement was reached with the University on a proposal to have a Maintenance Mechanic “on call” rotation. The Journeyman Maintenance Mechanics will be assigned weeks in order of seniority in which they will be on call for after hours emergencies. They may trade or relinquish any or all of their assigned weeks if they can get another mechanic to pick them up. I feel that the agreement adequately compensates our members and gives the University the after hours coverage they need.
Absenteeism
The University has notified the Union of their intention to implement a revised absenteeism policy with more strict limits on non-fml sick time usage. The revised policy is not definite yet. You’ve probably heard some of the details. The union is not in agreement with what has been proposed by the University so far. If you use any sick time it is highly advisable to complete the necessary FMLA paperwork if you qualify and to save any documentation of doctor visits etc. Also check your pay stub to see that time off is recorded accurately. If you need help completing the paperwork ask your supervisor or contact one of your union representatives.
New Hires And Bidding
I want to remind any new hires that they are eligible to bid on job postings as soon as they complete their probation. They are not limited by articles 19-9 and 19-15 of the contract until they have made a job change.
Key Policy
Some members have been asked to sign a key policy which assigns monetary punishments for lost keys. The Union’s advice is not to sign any such document. An employee should not have to accept financial responsibility for an employer’s equipment. If you’ve already signed it, I wouldn’t worry about it as it won’t mean much that only a handful of people signed it. This attempt to get people to sign the document was dropped after the Union made it clear that we were advising people not to sign it.
AFSCME Journeyman Cards
A few of our members have recently applied for AFSCME Journeyman cards and one member has been awarded his. This program does not require any schooling but does require a minimum of 16,000 hours of verifiable and relevant work experience or a combination of work experience or schooling. This is twice the number of hours required for most apprenticeship programs and gives people who’ve not had the opportunity to enroll in a formal apprenticeship to use their work experience to gain journeyman status. Our local committee will not approve an application if we do not feel the applicant has the necessary amount of relevant work experience and AFSCME Council 25’s Skilled Trades Committee will not approve an application unless they feel the applicant has the necessary amount of relevant work experience. Anyone who feels they have the necessary work experience and or schooling and wants to apply for an AFSCME Journeyman card should contact me or their steward. The University recently has announced that they’re not sure they will consider the AFSCME Journeyman card a proper equivalent as journeyman status which is very disparaging. It is our argument that the University may be overlooking skilled, experienced and dedicated workers by not accepting this as a minimum qualification.
Officer Pay
There was discussion at the July meeting to increase officer pay to cover dues plus the amount of taxes that need to be taken out. This would require a change in our constitution which requires that the issue be discussed at three meetings and then voted on by membership. The new constitution would then have to be approved by International. Current officer pay is $52.50 per month for the President and $30 a month for the Vice-President, Chief Stewards, Secretary and Treasurer.
Uniforms
C&O Sportswear is now taking orders for uniforms for the 07/08 year and all members are encouraged to order theirs as soon as possible.
United Way
CMU’s annual United Way fund drive kick off will begin September 12th. Mike Anderson and Jay Kahn will be in the dunk tank on the Central Park walkway by the library and food and refreshments will be available. There will also be a silent auction Septemebr 18th. Items and services may be donated until the day of the auction. Contact Deb Herclif at 774-7194 for more information.
Bargaining Research Committee
As you know our contract is up next year and we need to start thinking about negotiations. A committee will be formed to survey membership, study and make comparisons for wages benefits and contract language and to make recommendations to the elected bargaining team. Anyone interested in serving on this committee should contact one of their union representatives.
Membership Meetings
Membership meetings are held the third Monday of every month (except November which is held the second Monday) at 4:30p.m. at the union hall at 2185 3rd Street Mount Pleasant. Nominations for officers will be taken at the November meeting. If you want to know what’s going on, come to the meetings!
In Unity
Tobin Hope
President AFSCME Local 1568