VSEA Announces 2020 General Election Endorsements
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President Towne included a short video clip with the endorsements email, urging members and retirees to vote.
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VSEA recently announced and emailed its 2020 general election candidate endorsements to all members and retirees. You are urged to cast your vote for these endorsed candidates on November 3, or when you early vote.
This list has been vetted and approved by VSEA's Legislative Committee, the VSEA Council, the VSEA Board, as well as being approved at the VSEA 2020 Annual Meeting.
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Tuesday's BOT Meeting Allocates Time For Member Input
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VSEA President Aimee Towne sent an email to all members this week about the upcoming Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, October 6, via Zoom, which read, in part:
"VSEA members are invited to watch the entire Board meeting, from 8:30 a.m. to conclusion. At 11:30 a.m., the Board is opening up its meeting to members for a public forum, where you can ask questions, voice concerns and offer comments to your Board."
October 6 Zoom Log-In Information:
When ready to join, please click here*:
Meeting ID: 839 6211 2889
Passcode: 100271
* All members logging in to join this meeting will have their VSEA status verified, prior to being permitted entry.
Upcoming BOT Meetings
President Towne also provided dates for BOT meetings through August 2021. Each is the first Tuesday of each month, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Please note these dates on your calendars:
10/6/2020
11/3/2020
12/1/2020
1/5/2021
2/2/2021
3/2/2021
4/6/2021
5/4/2021
6/1/2021
7/6/2021
8/3/2021
Towne wrote she is hopeful that scheduling the meetings for a consistent day each month will encourage more members to log-in to participate.
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House Resolution Honors State Employees' Service During Pandemic
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Rep. Bob Hooper spearheaded an effort in recent weeks to successfully get a House of Representatives' concurrent resolution passed to honor state employees for their service during the pandemic.
Hooper's resolution reads:
House concurrent resolution honoring Vermont State employees who have performed their duties in a professional and exemplary manner during the COVID-19 pandemic
Offered by: Representative Hooper of Burlington
Whereas, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 13, 2020, Governor Philip B. Scott issued Executive Order 01-20, declaring a state of emergency; on March 16, 2020, the Vermont Supreme Court adopted Administrative Order 49, declaring a judicial state of emergency; and on March 25, 2020, the Vermont House of Representatives adopted H.R. 16, declaring a state of emergency and affecting the Rules of the House, and
Whereas, whether processing a once-unfathomable number of unemployment insurance claims, treating patients at the Vermont State Hospital and the Vermont Veterans Home, guarding prisoners at State correctional facilities, providing expert public health guidance, overseeing judicial matters under challenging conditions, or supporting the General Assembly using daunting technology, during the COVID-19 pandemic, dedicated employees across State government have served Vermont with honor, now therefore be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives
That the General Assembly honors all Vermont State employees who have performed their duties in an exemplary manner during the COVID-19 pandemic, and be it further
Resolved: That the Secretary of State be directed to send a copy of this resolution to the Vermont State Employees Association, the Commissioner of Human Resources, the Office of the Court Administrator, and the various legislative staff and parliamentary offices.
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VSEA President's Message About Reconstituted Member Committees
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WIA was asked by VSEA President, Aimee Towne to include the following message in today's newsletter:
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Hello VSEA Members!
I am pleased to announce the appointment of members, from across all units of VSEA, to a variety of the VSEA member Committees. VSEA is working to create a VSEA Activist training to help orient newly appointed committee members to the organization and how committee work will aid in impacting the direction and decisions of our union. Please note, if you do not see your name on the list and you expressed interest in participating on a committee in the survey, you may not have completed the personal information section of the survey. It is very exciting to have so many people willing to step up and participate. If you are currently a member of one of the committees listed, and you don’t see your name, as long as you are still interested in serving, you are still a member of the committee. If you are interested in participating in any of the VSEA Committees, please reach out to me at Aimeetowne@gmail.com or 802-793-4754.
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Note: Depending on your settings, the link above will open a PDF in your web browser or download the PDF to your computer or device. If you have any questions please email vsea@vsea.org.
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Monday, October 5 Is The Deadline To Self-Nominate For VSEA Council Seats
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A friendly reminder for VSEA members interested in running for a Council seat: Self-nominations must be received no later than 4:00 PM Monday, October 5, 2020. More information here.
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Quote Of The Week!
"It’s going to be a challenge, there is no guarantee."
Vermont Department of Corrections Commissioner James Baker, commenting in a VTDigger story this week about the reality of ending Vermont's practice of sending inmates out of state to be housed in private, for-profit prisons. Discussion was spurred after 185 Vermont inmates housed in Mississippi contracted COVID-19. |
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UA Secures Full-Time Status Restoration For UVM Lecturers
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FOX44 reports this week on 63 University of Vermont (UVM) lecturers having their full-time status restored thanks to a grievance filed by United Academics (UA).
From the story:
The [UVM] administration informed the lecturers in May of 2020 that their jobs and pay would be cut back by 25%. Following months of pressure from the union, along with the community, 63 of 68 affected faculty jobs have been fully restored and the remaining five affected positions have been partially restored.
“The administration was asking for more and offering less, and had no financial or curricular justification for cutting these lecturers’ jobs. This move caused unnecessary stress and upheaval for these faculty members and their families,” said Union President Julie Roberts.
“I’m relieved that, for most of our colleagues, we were able to reverse this in time” said Roberts.
Union Academics filed a grievance with the Vermont Labor Relations Board in early July of this year, requesting that the university restore hours for affected faculty. United Academics has fought these cuts on multiple fronts: through the grievance process and with proposals at the bargaining table.
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Missouri Governor Proclaims September 30 To Be "State Employee Appreciation Day"
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The Missouri News Tribune published a story this week about Missouri Gov. Mike Parson deciding to honor state workers exemplary service during the COVID-19 pandemic by proclaiming September 30 as "State Employee Recognition Day."
"Our state team members work tirelessly each and every day for the people of this state," Parsons said in a news release. "Since COVID-19, they have stepped up to continue providing critical services to Missourians and ensure business does not stop. We are proud of their commitment to public service and extend our appreciation to them not just today but every day of the year."
Parson's proclamation declares, in part, "Missouri's public servants preserve public safety and health, help educate children, care for less fortunate members of our society, rehabilitate and counsel those in need, and preserve economic well-being by attracting and supporting commerce," in addition to building and maintaining infrastructure, administering justice, protecting food and the environment, and making advancements in research and technology."
Read Full Proclamation
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Article Reminds That State & Local Governments Are Crucial To Economies
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Without some kind of federal help, state employees nationwide are bracing to once again to hear that service and position cuts will be at the center of forthcoming debates about how to address gaping budget holes created by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as this story, posted this week to Governing reminds, state lawmakers and officials need to remember how "crucial state governments are to the economy."
From Article:
In the debate in Washington over additional pandemic fiscal aid to state and local governments, the fact that they constitute a huge component of the economy seems to have been overlooked or forgotten. State and local governments' severe fiscal problems could cause the recession to drag on longer than otherwise while also hurting public services.
Many people — both federal officials and the public — don't seem to realize how crucial state and local governments are economically. Most of us likely think only about our own city or state, which may not seem that large. However, state and local governments, taken together, comprise one of the nation's largest industries, so they have a much greater economic impact than many understand.
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In addition to paying employees and providing public services, it is sometimes forgotten that state and local governments are substantial buyers of goods and services from private businesses. By one estimate, state and local governments spend as much as $2 trillion each year purchasing goods and services from private businesses. When a state or a county repairs a road or bridge, or when a school district builds a new school, private contractors are hired to do the work. Governments buy computers, furniture, vehicles and other equipment from private business. Medicaid and other health-care programs pay for services from doctors and nurses, hospitals and pharmacies. These governments also purchase materials and supplies, including motor fuel, electricity and natural gas, books, paper, software, and chemicals (salt for the roads in winter, for example).
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Safety & Security Division Offering SSIR Reporting Training
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Note: This information was submitted to WIA by the State's Safety & Security Office, and we're happy to share information about this important training.
State Safety & Security utilizes a statewide internal reporting database known as Safety & Security Incident Report (SSIR). SSIR is the means for reporting incidents and security concerns at all state-owned and leased facilities and grounds. In cooperation with all state organizations and their employees, this data allows State Safety & Security to provide a safe and secure environment to work in. The data collected also assists in the customized allocation of security measures, such as access controls, surveillance cameras, panic alarms, lock down buttons. This data also tracks individualized training such as CPR, Stop the Bleed, Active Shooter and evaluation for on-site security officers.
Participants in SSIR training will leave with an understanding of what a security incident is and when to file one, who can file a report, and how the information provided is evaluated. Participants will also learn how SSIRs are triaged to include:
- Interview from Threat Mitigation Specialists
- On site security assessments
- Personal Safety Planning
- Liaison with Law Enforcement when appropriate
- Assistance with protection orders when appropriate
For more information on SSIRs and training offered by State Safety & Security, contact James Brigham 802-760-9738.
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Thank you for reading Week In Action!
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Current Executive Branch Unit Contracts Posted!
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VSEA Labor Relations Director Gary Hoadley recently let WIA know that the current contracts for all VSEA Executive Branch Units are now posted to the Department of Human Resources and VSEA's websites.
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Now Is The Time For Corrections Members To Self Nominate To Be On Bargaining Team
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VSEA sent an email last week to its Corrections members, informing that now is the time to self nominate to represent your Corrections Unit colleagues on the VSEA DOC Bargaining Team. Employees from each Facility and P&P office who are interested in running for a Bargaining Team position should send a letter of interest to Amy Kinsell akinsell@vsea.org no later than 4:00 Friday, October 16.
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VSEA Vets' Home Members Again Asking For Your Help. Sign The Petition!!
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VSEA members working at the Vermont Veterans' Home in Bennington are again asking all members and retirees to sign an online petition that calls on the Administration and the VVH Board of Trustees to remove VVH CEO Melissa Jackson, after she recently failed to self-quarantine after a two-day work trip to D.C.
Sign The VSEA Petition Online
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Can't Afford Housing Due To COVID-19 Hardship? VT State Housing Authority Might Be Able To Help
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VSEA members working at the Vermont State Housing Authority asked WIA to remind members, your family and your friends who are having difficulty affording their current housing due to a COVID-19 hardship about a program in place to possibly help.
There are CARES Act funds available, but only for a limited time, so it's important for anybody who needs help to get in touch right now with the Vermont State Housing Authority. Ask about rental grants or contact the Vermont Housing Finance Agency for mortgage and property tax grants. VSHA is emphasizing that here are a lot of people who are "eligible," beyond the usual financial range, and that the VSHA program has no income restrictions for applying.
VSHA Flyer: COVID-19 Housing Payment Programs
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National AFL-CIO Creates Website For "Workers Impacted by COVID-19"
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A reminder that the national AFL-CIO has created a website to help workers impacted by COVID-19 find the resources they might need, such as:
- Resources and benefits to help replace lost wages;
- Eligibility requirements for emergency paid leave;
- Housing and food assistance programs; and
- Health insurance and public health services and guidance.
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Reminder: Employees Who Fail To
Comply With Mask Directive Could Be Disciplined
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During these very uncertain times, VSEA is reminding state employees not to ignore a directive from your supervisor to wear a protective mask while at work. Remember, if you defy your supervisor's mask directive, you may face allegations of insubordination, which could result in management taking disciplinary action against you.
VSEA is strongly advising all employees to comply with the mask directive, to protect your health and the health of your co-workers.
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Told You're Being Investigated? Watch This Video!
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Please take a few minutes on a break to watch the video, and know that the information being relayed could very well save your job someday. Remember, as a VSEA member, you are entitled to no-cost representation in investigatory meetings that may lead to discipline. Non-members, however, must now pay a rate of $250 to $350 per-hour for the same level of representation!
More: Know Your Union Rights
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State Treasurer Cautions VSEA Members To Ready For A Pension Fight
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At VSEA’s 76th Annual Meeting, VSEA members participating were greeted by State Treasurer Beth Pearce, and she cautioned state employees to begin preparing (again) for a renewed attack soon on state employees’ defined benefit pension plan. Actually, Vermont’s own pension Chicken Little, David Coates, has never stopped his now decade-long campaign to convince lawmakers to implement a 401K plan for new hires to state government. Mind you, the last time VSEA checked, a majority of exempt state employees (read: not VSEA members), when given a choice, chose a defined benefit pension plan.
Pearce did stress that she is unsure right now what action(s) state employees could be asked to make to shore up the pension fund, but she warned it could include a call for employees to increase your contribution. Pearce promised to keep us informed, and she vowed to continue to fight alongside VSEA members to protect your pension.
Continue Reading...
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Did you know? Defined benefit plans are safer and more reliable for Vermont's retirees & are cheaper for taxpayers than risky, Wall St 401(k)-style plans. Learn more about the differences between defined benefit pension plans and defined contribution pension plans (a.k.a. 401K) here.
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Getting Ready To Retire? Retired Already? Join The VSEA Retired Members’ Chapter!
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Long-time VSEA activist and leader Terry Lefebvre is asking VSEA members getting ready to retire to join the VSEA Retirees’ Chapter to continue to be an active and engaged union member, even in retirement. Lefebvre also appeals to VSEA members to talk up the co-workers they know who might be preparing to retire. If you already belong to the Retired Members’ Chapter, a big thanks to you.
Learn More Here About The VSEA Retired Members’ Chapter
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VSEA Advantage Discount Program
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Did you know the average VSEA member can save hundreds of dollars a year by taking advantage of some of the Member-Only benefits offered through your union?
Learn more about the VSEA Advantage Discount Program
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Newly Announced! Sugarbush Kicking Off 2020-2021 Corporate Pass Program!
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Rates available thru October 28, 2020!
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Note: Depending on your settings, the links above will open PDFs in your web browser or download the PDF to your computer or device. If you have any questions please email vsea@vsea.org.
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Need To Update Your Contact Information
With VSEA?
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