CHAPTER TWO June 30, 2009 Minutes
Chapter Two
Meeting June 30, 2009
Minutes
The meeting was held at Eat’N Park in New Castle.
Chapter Chair Laurie Kubli opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
There was discussion that we need a Vice Chapter Chair from the eastern part of the Chapter. A motion was made to nominate a Vice Chair for the eastern part of the Chapter. The motion was tabled until the next Chapter meeting. Laurie stated that she would see if anyone was interested from those counties, and then we could proceed with the motion at that time.
A motion was made by Sue Urbassik and 2nd by Lynda McNeill to cover any Lobby day expenses not covered by Statewide PSSU. Motion was passed by acclamation.
A motion was made by Ken Jasper and 2nd by Karen Heasley to pay for Steward’s Training at a location to be determined. The Chapter will pay for any expenses that are incurred. Motion passed by acclamation.
A motion was made by Mary Ann Isaac and 2nd by Jeff Policaro to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. Motion passed by acclamation.
A motion was made by Karen Heasley and 2nd by Ken Jasper to donate $500.00 for Day of Caring for the United Way of Lawrence County. The Day of Caring is September 10, 2009. Motion passed by acclamation.
A motion was made by Jeff Policaro and 2nd by Ken Jasper to pay for expenses for the next Chapter meeting to be held August 20, 2009 at the YWCA in Butler County. Motion passed by acclamation.
We still need volunteers to fill various positions on our Chapter committees. The list of what committees still need to be filled is attached. If interested please contact Laurie Kubli at 724-284-5143.
There was a request made to consider contribution to COPE. Money means power when talking to our legislatures and the more COPE contributions we have, then the louder our voices are.
There are still some shops that need to hold steward elections. The elections should have been conducted in January, but can still be held if there are candidates for the positions that are open. If you need any assistance you can contact your Business Agent.
There was discussion concerning the “Human Services Campaign”. This campaign was named and designed by the SWEB board. We want members taking action to help all of our union members. We are all experiencing cut backs and hiring freezes and problems with decent contracts and raises. One way is to contact your legislature and let them know the issues and what is needed to resolve some of them. All of our programs need enough funding to support them. Also, state employees need to contact their state legislator to enact “stop gap funding” so that even if there is not a balanced budget soon, the state employees would continue to receive their pay checks. Union members need to keep in touch by looking up our web site at www.seiu668.org. There are also direct links so that we can send messages to our legislators with issues. SEIU does have lobbyist currently working in Harrisburg on our issues. It was reported that Mercer County CYS is currently laying off caseworkers because of shortness in funding. Venango County is considering outsourcing all of the county work. In Venango County CYS is the only work that cannot be outsourced.
July 1st has been designated purple day and every Friday is purple day. We hope to show our solidarity by demonstrating to our bosses that we are together on these many issues.
Business Agent Laura Kowalski gave a report.
Butler County workers are still trying to get a contract. They will be going back to the table August 3, 2009. The contract for Butler ARC expired June 30, 2009 and they are currently under negotiations. Laura is waiting for dates.
Business Agent Charlene Smith gave a report.
The County Commissioners for Mercer County are trying to reopen parts of the county contracts. They want workers to take five furlough days.
She is trying to get a contract for county workers in Venango County.
She is also working on 2 PDCs at Polk State Hospital and the New Castle YDC has several outstanding grievances.
The Sheriff’s department and Program Specialists in Crawford County have joined PSSU.
Committee Reports
OVR-Russ Goddard reported that OVR’s funding is currently safe. The Statewide Committee is trying to see what they can do to help state employees that may not receive pay checks if the current budge impasse is not resolved. He also stated that OVR is currently filling their open positions.
A SEIU staff person, Rick Grejda, gave a report on the “PA Change that Works” Campaign. There is hope the “Employee Free Choice Act” will be passed with modifications. And that those modifications will be acceptable to the unions. There is also a huge push for National Health Care. Right now they are pushing for the Public Health Insurance Plan. Rick gave out letters for members to fill out and mail to their federal legislators to get a National Health Plan done and done right.
It was reported that the state will be closing Allencrest in Beaver County by July 31, 2009. Forty workers will be affected. Hopefully most will be able to transfer to other jobs. Beaver County has already laid off their assessors.
The next Chapter meeting will be held Thursday, August 20, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. at the Butler YWCA located at 120 W. Cunningham Street. Light snacks and beverages will be provided.
A motion was made to adjourn. Motion passed.
Submitted by,
Chapter Secretary Sara Dudash
Directions to the Butler YWCA: The YWCA is one block from Main Street (Rte. 8). Take the Route 8 exit off of Route 422 and head toward downtown Butler.