UNAP Convention delegates
Tom Flood, Sean Whelan, Pam Lord and Bonnie Chase
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Democrats vie early for labor support
Democrats vie early for labor support
By Nancy Remsen
Free Press Staff Writer
FAIRLEE -- Four of the five prospective Democratic candidates for governor came to the Lake Morey Resort on Saturday to court delegates representing the 9,500-members of the Vermont AFL-CIO -- even though the primary and general elections are months away.
The delegates didn't mind. Unions want to hear from potential candidates early, said Jill Charbonneau of Middlebury, Vermont AFL-CIO executive vice president. "We want to have our voice shape their campaigns."
As a result, the 53rd convention for this association of unions featured a parade of politicians including four Democratic gubernatorial aspirants -- Former Sen. Matt Dunne, Sen. Doug Racine, Sen. Peter Shumlin and Secretary of State Deb Markowitz. Sen. Susan Bartlett, who has launched a gubernatorial campaign, too, was scheduled to appear but canceled because of illness.
The union group also heard words of advice from Progressive Anthony Pollina, the gubernatorial candidate the AFL-CIO endorsed in the 2008 election. He said he has yet to decide whether he will run for statewide office in 2010, but he had plenty to say about how labor ought to measure the candidates seeking their votes, money and campaign support.
"How popular you all are going to be in the next few months because you have power," Pollina told the 50 delegates at the convention. Looking to the back of the room where a couple of the Democratic rivals stood, Pollina said, "They want your credibility. They want you to empower them."
"Don't give away that power too quickly," Pollina said. He suggested waiting until after the Legislature adjourns, noting that three of the five serve in the Senate. "See what these people are able to do."
Pollina suggested the AFL-CIO could make some demands now. For example, he said one litmus test would be to see what happens to S.88, a bill to create a single-payer health system in Vermont. The bill received no consideration last winter even though half the Senate has signed on as sponsors.
"That bill should have passed yesterday," Pollina said. He noted that two senators running for governor aren't sponsors of S.88 -- Racine and Bartlett. Shumlin is a sponsor.
Earlier Saturday, Racine had promised the delegates the health care bill would be taken up in the committee he chairs in January -- which drew applause. He didn't promise passage and cautioned, "There are a lot of issues to be worked out. It is not going to be easy."
Racine had come to renew his relationship with the AFL-CIO. He reminded the crowd he had enjoyed their support in past elections. "I have always been there for labor in this state," he said.
Acknowledging his Democratic competition, Racine said, "A lot of us are going to be talking to you and sort of saying the same thing." He urged people to consider his record.
All four candidates spoke of their "vision" for the state. Racine said he was on a "mission to restore the middle class to this state."
Racine was on another mission, too. He was wooing the Vermont Progressive Party.
"If you get their support," he said, referring to the union association, "it means you are looking out for working Vermonters. It carries beyond the union. It would help me earn the support of Progressives."
Dunne, the first potential gubernatorial candidate to speak, was the first to talk about the shrinking middle class. "The challenge that we face together," he said, "is investing in building our middle class."
Dunne hasn't formally announced his candidacy. "I'm being encouraged to jump into the race," he said, telling the crowd that some among them had urged him to run. He expects to announce his decision in November.
The youngest of the Democratic gubernatorial aspirants, Dunne mentioned several times that "Vermonters are clearly hungry to know what the next era is."
Shumlin, who has also yet to confirm his candidacy, nevertheless gave a classic stump speech. He outlined what the Legislature did for labor last session to protect unemployment insurance, to go after employer fraud in workers compensation and to insist on fair wages in the economic stimulus projects.
He made a political promise -- that whatever remedy was found for the looming deficit in the unemployment insurance fund, "We will not reduce benefits."
Shumlin also offered his strategy for reviving the Vermont economy -- focus on businesses that wean the state from fossil fuels. "I believe I have the vision and understanding to help get us there," he said.
Shumlin acknowledged his potential Democratic competitors around the room. "Anyone of them would make a wonderful governor," he said.
"We've got to win this election," Shumlin added, warning his rivals that "anyone who criticizes the others deserves to lose."
Markowitz spoke last. "Those of us who are running are old friends," she said. "On the issues, I don't think we are going to differ that much."
She suggested she had a record of bringing people together to find solutions. She sent a little dart toward her rivals in the Legislature concerning their budget squabble with Gov. Jim Douglas, which led to a veto.
"The veto override works. We got a budget, but I don't think very many Vermonters were happy with that," Markowitz said.
She reminded union members that she stood out in the cold with nurses when they organized at Copley Hospital in Morristown. She also recalled how she worked with unions to educate workers about early voting so they wouldn't lose out on their chance to cast ballots if they worked on Election Day.
Ben Johnson, a librarian at Vermont Technical College and an officer in United Professionals, American Federation of Teachers Vermont, said he appreciated Pollina's advice.
"What resonated with me was his advice to keep the bar high and to see that we aren't taken for granted," Johnson said. "We keep, as unions, giving money to campaigns. We have to be sure we support people who support us."
By Nancy Remsen
Free Press Staff Writer
FAIRLEE -- Four of the five prospective Democratic candidates for governor came to the Lake Morey Resort on Saturday to court delegates representing the 9,500-members of the Vermont AFL-CIO -- even though the primary and general elections are months away.
The delegates didn't mind. Unions want to hear from potential candidates early, said Jill Charbonneau of Middlebury, Vermont AFL-CIO executive vice president. "We want to have our voice shape their campaigns."
As a result, the 53rd convention for this association of unions featured a parade of politicians including four Democratic gubernatorial aspirants -- Former Sen. Matt Dunne, Sen. Doug Racine, Sen. Peter Shumlin and Secretary of State Deb Markowitz. Sen. Susan Bartlett, who has launched a gubernatorial campaign, too, was scheduled to appear but canceled because of illness.
The union group also heard words of advice from Progressive Anthony Pollina, the gubernatorial candidate the AFL-CIO endorsed in the 2008 election. He said he has yet to decide whether he will run for statewide office in 2010, but he had plenty to say about how labor ought to measure the candidates seeking their votes, money and campaign support.
"How popular you all are going to be in the next few months because you have power," Pollina told the 50 delegates at the convention. Looking to the back of the room where a couple of the Democratic rivals stood, Pollina said, "They want your credibility. They want you to empower them."
"Don't give away that power too quickly," Pollina said. He suggested waiting until after the Legislature adjourns, noting that three of the five serve in the Senate. "See what these people are able to do."
Pollina suggested the AFL-CIO could make some demands now. For example, he said one litmus test would be to see what happens to S.88, a bill to create a single-payer health system in Vermont. The bill received no consideration last winter even though half the Senate has signed on as sponsors.
"That bill should have passed yesterday," Pollina said. He noted that two senators running for governor aren't sponsors of S.88 -- Racine and Bartlett. Shumlin is a sponsor.
Earlier Saturday, Racine had promised the delegates the health care bill would be taken up in the committee he chairs in January -- which drew applause. He didn't promise passage and cautioned, "There are a lot of issues to be worked out. It is not going to be easy."
Racine had come to renew his relationship with the AFL-CIO. He reminded the crowd he had enjoyed their support in past elections. "I have always been there for labor in this state," he said.
Acknowledging his Democratic competition, Racine said, "A lot of us are going to be talking to you and sort of saying the same thing." He urged people to consider his record.
All four candidates spoke of their "vision" for the state. Racine said he was on a "mission to restore the middle class to this state."
Racine was on another mission, too. He was wooing the Vermont Progressive Party.
"If you get their support," he said, referring to the union association, "it means you are looking out for working Vermonters. It carries beyond the union. It would help me earn the support of Progressives."
Dunne, the first potential gubernatorial candidate to speak, was the first to talk about the shrinking middle class. "The challenge that we face together," he said, "is investing in building our middle class."
Dunne hasn't formally announced his candidacy. "I'm being encouraged to jump into the race," he said, telling the crowd that some among them had urged him to run. He expects to announce his decision in November.
The youngest of the Democratic gubernatorial aspirants, Dunne mentioned several times that "Vermonters are clearly hungry to know what the next era is."
Shumlin, who has also yet to confirm his candidacy, nevertheless gave a classic stump speech. He outlined what the Legislature did for labor last session to protect unemployment insurance, to go after employer fraud in workers compensation and to insist on fair wages in the economic stimulus projects.
He made a political promise -- that whatever remedy was found for the looming deficit in the unemployment insurance fund, "We will not reduce benefits."
Shumlin also offered his strategy for reviving the Vermont economy -- focus on businesses that wean the state from fossil fuels. "I believe I have the vision and understanding to help get us there," he said.
Shumlin acknowledged his potential Democratic competitors around the room. "Anyone of them would make a wonderful governor," he said.
"We've got to win this election," Shumlin added, warning his rivals that "anyone who criticizes the others deserves to lose."
Markowitz spoke last. "Those of us who are running are old friends," she said. "On the issues, I don't think we are going to differ that much."
She suggested she had a record of bringing people together to find solutions. She sent a little dart toward her rivals in the Legislature concerning their budget squabble with Gov. Jim Douglas, which led to a veto.
"The veto override works. We got a budget, but I don't think very many Vermonters were happy with that," Markowitz said.
She reminded union members that she stood out in the cold with nurses when they organized at Copley Hospital in Morristown. She also recalled how she worked with unions to educate workers about early voting so they wouldn't lose out on their chance to cast ballots if they worked on Election Day.
Ben Johnson, a librarian at Vermont Technical College and an officer in United Professionals, American Federation of Teachers Vermont, said he appreciated Pollina's advice.
"What resonated with me was his advice to keep the bar high and to see that we aren't taken for granted," Johnson said. "We keep, as unions, giving money to campaigns. We have to be sure we support people who support us."
Staffing grids
There is another meeting with management to discuss the staffing grids on Tuesday 10-20-09 at 1 pm. Management wants to be able to change the grid whenever they like. We say NO the that.
We have worked hard to have staffing grids in our contracts and we are not about to give them up!
Stay tuned for further news!
We have worked hard to have staffing grids in our contracts and we are not about to give them up!
Stay tuned for further news!
Monday, September 14, 2009
175th Birthday Party
Here are some pics of members who attended the party.
Barb L. Bonnie C. and Ed D.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Convention
This year we will be voting for new Officers of the UNAP, a President ,Executive Vice-President and 2 vice-Presidents as well as a Treasurer and Secretary.
As of September 11, 2009 we have 5 delegates going to the Convention to represent the over 370 members Local 5086.
Bonnie Chase, Tom Flood
Bruce Kendrick, Pam Lord, Sean Whelan
I would like to Thank everyone who volunteered.
Friday, August 28, 2009
UNAP Convention
This year UNAP will hold it's Convention on Tuesday October 27, 2009.
Each Local is entitled to send delegates to the convention ( one delegate for every 25 members). If you are interested in becoming a delegate, you must submit a written nomination to the local no later than SEPTEMBER 11, 2009 You may nominate yourself, or you may be nominated by another union member.
If this is something you would like to do contact Tom Flood at ex. 3282
Each Local is entitled to send delegates to the convention ( one delegate for every 25 members). If you are interested in becoming a delegate, you must submit a written nomination to the local no later than SEPTEMBER 11, 2009 You may nominate yourself, or you may be nominated by another union member.
If this is something you would like to do contact Tom Flood at ex. 3282
Meetings
Thursday September 17,2009 we will have an Executive Council meeting at 4PM in the West conference room. We will have speakers from RI at this meeting.
Tuesday September 22,2009 we will have a membership meeting at 2 and 4PM in the Central Conference room. Please mark this date on your calendar.
Tuesday September 22,2009 we will have a membership meeting at 2 and 4PM in the Central Conference room. Please mark this date on your calendar.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
staffing
Once again management is not following the contract. They are not following the staffing grids that clearing state minimum staff. The grids are there for both Patient as well as Staff safety. We fought hard to get staffing grids in the contract and we will not allow them to be disregarded by management. Management can always staff up just not at the cost of a union member!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Pay Increase
Watch your paycheck in July as you should see an wage increase in the first full paycheck of July. Also everyone who has a hire date in July , August or September you will be getting a Step increase in August.
Moving Forward
Two new programs will open. The LGBT program has opened as of July 7,2009 and the Uniformed Services Program will open in August. Welcome to all the new members as well as those of us moving to these programs.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
2009/2010 Budget
The budget was reviewed by some and voted on by few.
I do realize that the workplace is "crazed" lately yet the Union can not function with your help.
I do realize that the workplace is "crazed" lately yet the Union can not function with your help.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Step Increase
Do you have an Hire date in January, February or March you should have received your step increase. If not please contact a union official!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Newsletter
The newsletter is almost ready for publication,if you would like the Newsletter to be sent to your E-mail account just send an e-mail to 5086unap@gmail.com to be placed on the mailing list
Friday, March 20, 2009
In-services
Have you completed your yearly in services? Many of them you can access from the computers located in Anna's loft.
Skills Day as well as CPR and CPI require you to sign-up in advance. If you try to sign-up and are told the class is full, let your supervisor know this and let them figure out how to get it done.
Skills Day as well as CPR and CPI require you to sign-up in advance. If you try to sign-up and are told the class is full, let your supervisor know this and let them figure out how to get it done.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Positions
I noticed that many, if not all, of the job openings for the Alternative program are no longer listed as Internal and are posted for External applications.
The Union has a meeting with HR to figure this out. We also will be discussing Earned time and it's usage.
The Union has a meeting with HR to figure this out. We also will be discussing Earned time and it's usage.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Executive Council Meeting
The next Executive Council Meeting will be on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 4Pm in the East Conference Room.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Meetings with Management/Supervisors
FYI
Anytime you meet with your supervisor or any manager at the retreat and you feel that the meeting is heading toward some sort of disciplinary action you are completely with-in your rights to stop the meeting and ask for Union representation before it goes any further. They must stop the meeting until you have representation.
Any question E-mail the UNION at 5086unap@gmail.com
or ask any union representative.
Anytime you meet with your supervisor or any manager at the retreat and you feel that the meeting is heading toward some sort of disciplinary action you are completely with-in your rights to stop the meeting and ask for Union representation before it goes any further. They must stop the meeting until you have representation.
Any question E-mail the UNION at 5086unap@gmail.com
or ask any union representative.
Joint Executive Council meeting
MATT SCHIBLEY (Social worker rep.) and I went to Rode Island on Wednesday March 11 to attend the Joint Executive Council meeting of UNAP. It was good to have somebody besides myself go to the meeting. I think the meeting gave Matt a new perspective on the Union. We sometimes forget we are a part of a larger organization and this becomes apparent at the monthly Executive council meeting.
Sitting around the table with all the others presidents of the many other locals gives one a new appreciation of the fact that we are one local of many. Even with this you begin to understand that we all are struggling against the same thing, Management that can at times become out of control. It is good to know that in these times of economic crisis we are part of a UNION and we have rights guaranteed by our collective bargaining agreement, our contract.
Sitting around the table with all the others presidents of the many other locals gives one a new appreciation of the fact that we are one local of many. Even with this you begin to understand that we all are struggling against the same thing, Management that can at times become out of control. It is good to know that in these times of economic crisis we are part of a UNION and we have rights guaranteed by our collective bargaining agreement, our contract.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Meal and Rest Breaks
We seem to be having trouble getting breaks. So we have posted the section of the contract on this page so you will know your rights under the contract.
Section 14.2 - Rest And Meal Periods
Employees scheduled to work a shift of six (6) hours or more, or two consecutive six (6) hour shifts, will be entitled to a one-half hour unpaid meal period for each shift. The one-half hour unpaid meal period shall be scheduled first considering patient care needs and then employee preference.
Rest periods fifteen (15) minutes shall be given as scheduled by the Hospital in each one-half (4-hour) tour of duty.
Regarding Meal and Rest Breaks:
Management is willing to be flexible in assigning meal and break times including the ability to combine meal and rest breaks into a single break at any time during the shift. It is understood that individual program managers/supervisors will solely determine when and if such flexibility can occur. Further, Management in no way guarantees that such practice will continue. The union agrees that such practices are not guaranteed, that not all individuals are guaranteed this flexibility and that not all programs can or will schedule in the same manner. Management will not exercise this flexibility in an unreasonable manner. This flexibility agreement and/or the hospital’s exercise of its judgment hereunder is not grievable.
If you don't get a break please send an E-mail to 5086unap@gmail.com
or contact any union offical
Section 14.2 - Rest And Meal Periods
Employees scheduled to work a shift of six (6) hours or more, or two consecutive six (6) hour shifts, will be entitled to a one-half hour unpaid meal period for each shift. The one-half hour unpaid meal period shall be scheduled first considering patient care needs and then employee preference.
Rest periods fifteen (15) minutes shall be given as scheduled by the Hospital in each one-half (4-hour) tour of duty.
Regarding Meal and Rest Breaks:
Management is willing to be flexible in assigning meal and break times including the ability to combine meal and rest breaks into a single break at any time during the shift. It is understood that individual program managers/supervisors will solely determine when and if such flexibility can occur. Further, Management in no way guarantees that such practice will continue. The union agrees that such practices are not guaranteed, that not all individuals are guaranteed this flexibility and that not all programs can or will schedule in the same manner. Management will not exercise this flexibility in an unreasonable manner. This flexibility agreement and/or the hospital’s exercise of its judgment hereunder is not grievable.
If you don't get a break please send an E-mail to 5086unap@gmail.com
or contact any union offical
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