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Tuesday, January 24, 2012
‘Right to Work (for Less)’ is Wrong
The next stealth attack by tea-party Republicans is their attempt to add a “right to work (for less)” amendment to the state constitution. This misleading proposal protects no rights, creates no jobs, drags down workers’ pay by $5,500 a year, destroys collective bargaining, and undermines unions.
It is wrong for Minnesota.
Tell your legislators to keep it off the ballot. To get their phone numbers, call 651-296-2146 or
1-800-657-3550 toll-free.
Sign On with the 99%
All workers deserve decent wages, health care, and a secure retirement. That’s what AFSCME stands for, that’s what unions stand for, and that’s what the 99 percent stand for. Council 5 is supplying locals with winter-proof lawn signs so you can demonstrate that those are values you stand for, too.
To get a sign: Contact your local union president.
Locals Vote on Contracts
Proctor Schools: Members of the basic unit in Independent School District 704 vote Jan. 31 on a
two-year contract. Members fought off the district’s attempts to make it harder for part-time workers to get health insurance, and to replace unit-wide seniority with a new system of classifications.
Instead, the tentative agreement gains across-the-board wage increases totaling 2.25 percent by July 1; a two-step range increase for educational assistants; and a $100 increase in the district’s deferred compensation match. The members are part of Local 66.
Shorewood: Members of this unit of Local 224 ratified a new contract for 2012 and 2013. The agreement provides a 2 percent pay raise this year and a 1 percent pay raise in 2013. In health insurance, it increases the employer contribution by $25 each year, and requires all employer contributions to health savings accounts to be deposited at the beginning of the year. New language also gives workers more options to cash out comp time.
Stillwater Library: Members of this unit of Local 517 ratified a new contract for 2012 and 2013. The agreement provides a 1 percent pay raise next year and makes language improvements, including adding five days of paternity leave. The agreement also provides workers the guarantee that furlough days (in which the library is closed for budgetary reasons) will be distributed equitably among employees.
Don’t Forget Your Precinct Caucus
The DFL, Independence and Republican parties hold precinct caucuses on Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m.
You can find the caucus in your community on the Secretary of State’s website.
For more information: Call the AFSCME political organizer in your area:
- Metro: Jon Grebner, 651-287-0587
- Northern and Western Minnesota: Chad McKenna, 218-310-8412
- Southern Minnesota: Laura Askelin, 651-287-0586
Join Day on the Hill March 27
Registration is open for Council 5’s Day on the Hill on Tuesday, March 27. Last year, a record 1,500 members ignited a push that saved 5,000 jobs; stopped $1.5 billion more in budget cuts; and defeated attacks on our pay, pensions and health care. We expect the same attacks – and more ¬– this year.
You can find more details and register online at Council 5’s website.
Next Wave Meets Feb. 25
Council 5’s Next Wave – for ¬members younger than 35 or so – will meet Feb. 25 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the South St. Paul office, 300 Hardman Ave. South. Lunch will be served.
Reservations are required: Contact Amy Johnson; the reservation deadline is Feb. 21.
Plow Driver Injured in Train Crash
Brad Bruegger, a member of Mankato MnDOT Local 280, remains in intensive care at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester. Brad was airlifted after a Union Pacific freight train collided with his snowplow Jan. 20, while he was plowing Highway 22 in Faribault County.
More information: To leave a note for Brad or his family, or to keep up to date with Brad’s medical condition, see his Caring Bridge website.
Member Needs Vacation Donations
State employees can donate unused vacation days to provide financial help to Local 3139 member Kevin Grams. Kevin, a general maintenance worker in the Department of Administration, is undergoing therapy after a severe heart attack in November.
To donate: Fill out a form at your human resources office, or go to www.state.mn.us/employee. After logging in, click “Other Payroll,” click “Leave Donations,” click the magnifying glass next to “Reserve Bank,” select Kevin’s name, type in the number of hours you want to donate, then click “Save.” Employees can donate up to 40 hours.
Jump In (It’s No Time for Cold Feet!)
Nearly two dozen members of Local 868 are taking the Polar Bear Plunge again this year in Rochester, to benefit Special Olympics. You can help by contributing cold, hard cash to their cause.
The plungers are part of the MnDOT District 6 team. On Feb. 11, at 1:30 p.m., they’ll jump into the icy waters of Foster Arend Park, 4109 E. River Road NE. You can pledge online.
Forum Dispels Tax, Voting Myths
The second “Debunking Common Myths” forum takes place on Tuesday Jan. 31 in Woodbury. Hamline University’s David Schultz addresses the myth that “Taxes and Regulations Destroy Jobs.” Kathy Tomsich, from the League of Women Voters, tackles the myth that “Voter ID Will Prevent Voter Fraud.”
The free forum begins at 7 p.m. at Woodbury Peaceful Grove/United Methodist Church, 7465 Steepleview Road, Woodbury.
U of M Grad Students Seek Union
Graduate student workers at the University of Minnesota have filed petitions to create a union representing 4,500 teaching and research assistants. Organizers say a majority of graduate workers have signed cards declaring that they want union representation as part of the United Auto Workers.
The graduate workers have asked university president Eric Kaler to grant recognition to their union. They also filed a petition with the state’s Bureau of Mediation Services to hold a union election if necessary.
More information: See the graduate workers’ union website.
We Run as One
Local 2829’s Duane Gatzke wants to break his own fund-raising record for the PEOPLE Fun Run during the AFSCME International Convention in June.
The run raises money to support candidates and legislation that support workers. The PEOPLE Fund is built exclusively by voluntary member contributions.
To support Duane – and help keep the trophy in Council 5’s hands – send a check (payable to AFSCME PEOPLE) to: Duane Gatzke, c/o AFSCME Council 5, 300 Hardman Ave. S, South St. Paul, MN 55075.
More details: Download a flier from Council 5’s website.
Upcoming Training
Council 5 is providing the following training for local leaders and activists:
- Chief Steward Training: Feb. 2 (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.), South St. Paul
- Basic Steward Training: March 7-8 (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. each day), South St. Paul
- Workplace Bullying: Train the Trainer: March 16 (10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.), South St. Paul
Additional training is offered later in the year in Bemidji, Brainerd, Duluth, Minneapolis, South St. Paul, St. Cloud, and Willmar. A complete training schedule for 2012 and full class details are available on Council 5’s website.
Scholarship Deadline Approaches
Union Plus Scholarships: Union members, spouses, and dependents are eligible if they enroll in an accredited college or university, community college, technical or trade school, or graduate program. The application deadline is Jan. 31.
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.