CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE
JUNE 28, 2008 MEETING - MINUTES
SHERATON INN IN HARRISBURG

Those in attendance were: Paul Gambill, Carmen Hopson, Rayshiang Lin, Denise Odeniyi-Marshall and Lester Wright

Excused members are: Karen Cunningham, Yvette Diaz, Wesley Johnson, Jeff Johnstonbaugh and Myrtle Walker

This was the committee’s first meeting since the resignation of its long-serving Chairman Emmanuel Marshall. Emmanuel has accepted a new position with DPW in Harrisburg. Emmanuel’s compassion and support for the rights of others is well known throughout the PSSU Local 668 and on the national stage at SEIU. His presence and work will be missed by the committee.

Committee members discussed in detail the work of the Civil and Human Rights Committee, this past year’s budget constraints and where do we go in the future.

It was agreed by all members the Civil and Human Rights Committee has a number of duties and responsibilities mandated by SEIU and PSSU Local 668, including but not limited to:

1. Provide fair and equitable representation of all members of the local union.

2. The committee shall ensure non-discrimination practices in the workplace monitor and investigate sexual harassment complaints in the workplace.

3. Issue and disseminate explicit statements on racial, sexual discrimination and sexual harassment.

4. The committee shall concerns itself with all allegations of discrimination in the workplace, study the problems and submit solutions to the local union leadership.

5. Committee members shall be familiar with procedures for filing complaints with city, state and federal agencies in order to assist members that invoke various laws to obtain their rights.

6. The committee shall be vigilant in the prevention of injustices within the local union and in the community. SEIU has pledged support for civil and human rights in community affairs such as education, housing, employment and public facilities.

7. The committee shall cooperate with a wide spectrum of organizations which are national or local in scope. These include trade union, community, civic, civil rights, women and religious organizations that coordinate information and research with SEIU or join with the union on legislative matters seeking greater enforcement and extension of civil rights for all citizens.

8. Assist in the representation of workers in situations where they are discriminated.

9. Educate union members on the role and function of the Civil and Human Rights Committee.

10. Collect and analyze information on the workforce.

11. Increase minority participation in local union activities.

12. Work with labor, community and minority organizations to support coalitions which aim to eliminate discrimination.

13. Strengthen ties between the union and minority politicians.

14. Committee members play a dual role. They represent the interests of their constituency groups while they protect and extend the rights and benefits of all union members.

15. Committee members work cooperatively with SWEB, other union committee and union stewards.

16. Support civil and human rights events, conferences, marches, rallies, public and private functions for the good of the union.

17. Consult with the leadership of PSSU Local 668 in all matters related to the Civil and Human Rights Committee.

Committee members felt our work this year was limited and largely ineffective because of budget constraints. The committee needs adequate financial resources and support to accomplish its mission of service. Committee members unanimously agreed to seek an increase in next year’s budget. Committee members also requested and will be given copies of all budget matters related to the committee.

Finally, each member present confirms his/her commitment to civil and human rights issues. To be supportive of civil and human rights for all people. To educate SEIU PSSU 668 members on civil and human rights cause and issues.