click here for printable PDF

click here to review Action Update archives

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Wrong Legislature, Wrong Priorities

Two divisive amendments, one state government shutdown, zero progress on issues that matter – and endless attacks on workers. It’s a good thing the Republican-controlled Legislature finally adjourned May 10 before they could do more damage.

The good news: Backed by a huge presence of AFSCME and other union members, Gov. Dayton vetoed the worst legislation. But the Republican majority:

• Wasted months attacking unions in general and attacking AFSCME in particular. They attacked our right to organize; attacked our right to bargain collectively; and undermined public-sector jobs and our ability to deliver the kind of public service that Minnesotans expect and deserve.
• Tried repeatedly – but failed – to put an unnecessary “right to work (for less)” amendment on the ballot.
• Borrowed billions from our children’s schools instead of making the richest Minnesotans pay their fair share.
• Preferred to jack up our property taxes while giving big breaks to big corporations that game the system.
• Voted against common-sense plans to create jobs.

Build a Better Legislature

The tea-party Republicans have proven that they’re extreme, out of touch, and value the priorities of big corporations over the priorities of Minnesota’s working families. Meanwhile, their party – the one that proclaims moral and fiscal responsibility – remains mired in lawsuits, scandal and debt.

Heading into November, it’s time to build a better Legislature: Learn how.

State Contract Remains Unsettled

The Vikings got a stadium, but we still don’t have a contract. State negotiators walked away from the table May 9, refused to negotiate a fair agreement, and chose to keep dragging out the process by handing matters over to an arbitrator.

Despite three mediation sessions, the issues in dispute have not changed since members resoundingly rejected the state’s “final offer” in April. Those issues are pay, insurance, and worker involvement in any government redesign.

State negotiators continue trying to stick us with higher insurance costs. Their tactic would eat up any wage increase and make it even harder for us to make ends meet.

There’s still time to negotiate a settlement: Call Gov. Mark Dayton today at 651-201-3400 or toll free at 1-800-657-3717. Tell him hardworking state employees:

• Can’t afford to pay more for health insurance.
• Deserve a fair contract, steps and a raise.

Help Wisconsin Dump Walker

Recall elections take place June 5 against Scott Walker and five of his cronies who helped destroy collective bargaining for public workers in Wisconsin. Our brothers and sisters are asking us to help them finish the job. Here’s how you can pitch in:

• Door-knock in Hudson, La Crosse or Superior.
• Make phone calls in Wisconsin or from the Metro.
• Volunteer for “get out the vote” efforts.
• Donate, individually or as a local, to: We Are Wisconsin Inc., PO Box 2567, Madison, WI 53701.

To sign up: Contact Council 5’s Jim Niland.

Member Needs Vacation Donations

State employees can donate unused vacation days to help Local 2829 member Connie Kiffmeyer retain her salary and health insurance. Connie, who works in the secretary of state’s office, is battling breast cancer. She has used up all her paid time off.

To donate: Fill out a form at human resources. Or, donate online: Sign in, click “Other Payroll,” click “Leave Donations,” click the magnifying glass next to “Reserve Bank,” select Connie’s name, type in how many hours you will donate, then click “Save.” You can donate up to 40 hours.

Here’s Something You’ll Really Like

Council 5 is now on Facebook. Take a look – and don’t forget to “like” us.

Locals Vote on Contracts

Guardians Ad Litem: These newly organized members of Local 3688 are voting through May 30 on their first contract. The tentative agreement standardizes policies across all 10 judicial districts on issues such as wages and benefits; hours; vacations, sick days and other leave; mileage, home office and other expense reimbursements; seniority; probation; personnel records; and severance. It creates a grievance and arbitration process, labor-management discussions, and commits to addressing pay inequity issues within and among districts.

The tentative agreement provides a 1 percent pay raise plus $500 lump sum this year, and another $500 lump sum in 2013. If approved, the contract would dovetail with other state contracts and run until June 30, 2013.

Minneapolis Public Schools: Members of Local 56 ratified their contract’s wage reopener. The deal includes revised job classifications; fewer steps; new language regarding pay for new hires or after being promoted, demoted or laid off; and lump-sum payments to employees at the top of their pay grade.

Going Above and Beyond

May 31 is the deadline to submit nominations for the Minnesota AFL-CIO’s community service awards, which honor individuals, youth, and union locals who make “unique contributions to their communities through volunteer service.”

Nomination forms and full details are available online.

Break Out Your Picnic Baskets

Metro locals are planning this summer’s council-wide AFSCME picnic for members, retirees, families, and friends. Locals and individuals who want to volunteer or support the picnic financially should contact Local 2829’s Duane Gatzke.

Festivities take place July 22 from 1-5 p.m. at Battle Creek Regional Park, McKnight and Upper Afton Roads, Maplewood.

SEPC Elects Leadership

The State Employees Policy Committee elected a new executive board during its conference May 4.
Re-elected as officers:

• John Hillyard, DOC, president
• Michael Lindholt, DOT, vice-president
• Melinda Pearson, MnSCU, secretary
• Jane Spaude, MnSCU, treasurer.

Elected to two-year terms on the executive board:

• Administration: Maynard Stavenau
• DEED: Deb Mihulka
• DOC: Gerald Firkus, Mike Keapproth, Thomas Walsh
• DOT: Dennis Hill, Myron Imholte, John McGovern
• DHS: Michael Dolney Jr., JoAnn Holton, John Knobbe, Paul Thompson
• DNR: Steven Johnson
• Faribault Academies: Tamera Weller
• Health: Francine Fieldman
• Judicial: Judy Cornelius
• MnSCU: June Clark, Julie Dornack, Mary Falk, Kimberly Johnson
• Pollution Control Agency: Duane Gatzke
• Public Safety: Steve Kuehl
• Revenue: Jennifer Foster
• Veterans Affairs: Sandra Berrian

Elected as trustees: Stephen Clark, MnSCU; Steve Herrick, MnSCU; Lynn Whipple, DHS

Get Your Own Next Wave T-Shirt

New, union-made T-shirts featuring the Council 5 Next Wave logo now can be ordered directly from Minnesota’s own Union House. The short-sleeve, heavyweight cotton shirts come in white or gray.

Individuals or locals can order them for $9.50 ($10.50 for 2XL, $11.50 for 3XL, $12.50 for 4XL, $13.50 for 5XL). You can order by email or by calling 651-462-7710.

Upcoming Council 5 Training

Council 5 is providing the following training for local leaders and activists:

• Workplace Bullying: Train the Trainer: June 12 (10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.), South St. Paul
• Basic Steward Training: July 10-11 (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. each day), Brainerd
• Chief Steward Training: July 18 (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.), South St. Paul

Additional training is offered later in the year in Bemidji, Brainerd, Minneapolis, South St. Paul, St. Cloud, and Willmar.

Get in on the Action

Action Update publishes twice a month for locals and activists in AFSCME Council 5. If you have an event people should know about, contact Michael Kuchta.

• For the most current AFSCME news and events, visit Council 5’s website.
• Download and print a letter-size copy of Action Update to post on your bulletin board.