VSEA Board Holds Special Meeting To Address Harmful Pension Proposal
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Meeting Again On Tuesday Night
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The VSEA Board of Trustees held a special meeting last night to discuss a harmful pension proposal introduced this week in the House Government Operations Committee by the committee's Chair and Vice Chair. One media outlet reported the plan being shopped by the committee's Chair and Vice Chair would require Vermont educators and state employees to "work longer, contribute more and benefit less." Trustees (and members attending the meeting) universally rejected the Chair and Vice Chair's plan and voted instead to draft a pension counterproposal to formally present to the committee.
This morning, VSEA President Aimee Towne sent an email that continued a link to a simple, one-question survey to determine how VSEA members felt about a counterproposal to the harmful proposal. If the membership approves, VSEA leaders will move to formally present the counterproposal as a much-preferred option to what is currently on the table.
The Board also spent some time discussing actions and other ways to publicize VSEA's fight to protect pensions. Several ideas were vetted and approved. The Board is reconvening on Tuesday evening, March 30, to learn the survey results and continue formalizing a strategy to defeat lawmakers' attack on pensions.
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VSEA Leaders Continue To Meet This Weekend With Members & Retirees To Talk About The Proposal
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Immediately after the Chair and Vice Chair's pension proposal was formally introduced this week in the Government Operations Committee, VSEA President Aimee Towne launched a series of Zoom meetings with member and retirees to talk about the proposal and next steps. Four meetings have already been conducted, but, if you couldn't log in for some reason, there is a meeting this weekend and another Board meeting on Tuesday night.
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Pension Fight Generates Press
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VSEA Sends Reminder Postcards To Lawmakers That Pension Dollars Keep Vermont's Economy Sound & Improve It
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The postcard pictured above started hitting the home mailboxes of Vermont lawmakers last weekend. It was sent to be a reminder from VSEA about the amount of money state employee retirees spend in our local Vermont communities, as well as a few other reasons state employee pension dollars are so important to Vermont and its economy and its ability to grow-both now and well into the future.
This is an important message to reinforce to Vermont lawmakers, in hopes they will hear the message(s) and stand with VSEA in its fight to protect the pensions that state employees earned.
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Send A Pension Message Visually!
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Since we're all using Zoom these days, VSEA is encouraging members and retirees to copy and save this post's image (or download image here: https://bit.ly/3bxbZkO) and use it as your background when attending future Zoom meetings. Thanks!
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Recognizing that a lot of VSEA's talking points for lawmakers about the need to protect the state employee pension plan might be lost on some in the general public, WIA is again sharing a new set of talking points with members and retirees, asking all to highlight the adverse impact pension buts would have on Vermont's economic well being when talking with the public at large.
You can find your local lawmaker's contact information on this website.
Here are the talking points being suggested:
1) Pensions support an effective state government and help grow Vermont’s economy
- Pensions attract the best and the brightest to state service and keep them working for the state longer, gaining valuable experience and institutional knowledge; and
- 78% of retired state employees are Vermont residents, spending their pension dollars at the local diner, general store, hair salon, or barbershop, etc.
2) It is unfair to indirectly tax state employees, while holding wealthy Vermonters harmless
- It has been 30 years since the wealthiest Vermonters have been asked to pay higher tax rates to help their state in its hour of need. (Gov. Snelling R-VT, 1991);
- Wealthy Vermonters have recently experienced massive income growth;
- Wealthy Vermonters disproportionately benefited from the previous administration's federal tax cut; and
- The average state employee’s pension averages just $20,000.
3) State employees’ secure retirement reduces their need to utilize costly government programs
- When state employees retire with a secure pension, they do not qualify for income subsidies like 3Squares, LIHEAP heating assistance or larger property tax adjustments.
4) State employees commit their lives to provide critical services to their fellow Vermonters. Vermont’s politicians should hold up their end of the bargain.
- State employees plan their retirement based on the commitment made to them when they began their state service. Changing the rules midstream is unfair and wrong.
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And When Talking With Your Local Lawmakers...
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Here again, are the primary messages VSEA members and retirees are being asked to stress to their local lawmakers during this critical period:
- Slow down the process;
- Request lawmakers convene a summer study committee to examine the impact of the Treasurer's recommendations on state employees and to allow time for thoughtful application of any federal relief monies or new revenue streams;
- Advocate at State House for ANY available one-time monies, whether in the form of federal relief, settlement money captured through AG’s office, or any other random funds;
- Demand lawmakers and State officials identify a dedicated revenue source to the pension fund. It could have a sunset if needed. A bill, S. 59, currently being floated by Senator Hooker would accomplish this goal by creating a temporary income tax surcharge on incomes of $500,000 or more until the unfunded liability is paid off; and
- Explore the "California Rule" further. The rule is the state's guarantee that public workers are entitled to the retirement benefits in effect when they start their jobs. Courts have ruled that a public employer who changes the terms of a pension must in turn provide a benefit of equal value.
Note: VSEA's Legislative team is asking members and retirees to message just their local lawmakers and not message each member of a certain committee, unless one of your local lawmakers sits on the committee, of course.
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Pension Protection! Add This Frame To Your Facebook Profile Picture
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To show your support for VSEA's campaign to protect the pension plan, VSEA is encouraging members and retirees to add this new frame to your Facebook profile picture.
Get the frame on Facebook:
Thanks in advance for your support and solidarity!
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AOT L / M Committee Looking For Classified AOT Employee In Finance To Fill Seat
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VSEA's AOT Labor Management Committee is looking for an AOT employee working in finance who would like to join this important committee. If you are interested in the seat, please email a letter of interest to Pierre LaMarche at plamarche11@gmail.com. You can also email any questions to Pierre at the same email address.
LaMarche says that management won't meet with labor until this seat is filled.
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Steward Training For Judiciary Is Next Week
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Judiciary Unit Steward Training
Wednesday, March 31, 2021
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Via Zoom
To RSVP for the Judiciary Unit training, please contact VSEA Administrative Assistant Sue DeVoid at: sdevoid@vsea.org or call 802-223-5247.
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April 9 Deadline To Submit Bylaw Changes
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The deadline to submit proposals for changes to VSEA’s Master Bylaws is Friday, April 9, 2021. Proposals must be mailed to: Tim Belcher, Bylaws Committee Staff Liaison, c/o VSEA Headquarters, P.O. Box 518, Montpelier, VT 05602.
Proposals should reference the number, section, sub-section, etc. of the bylaw you would like to change. You should also include the language you want to add, delete or substitute. Also include the reason(s) you are making this proposal. Example: “Bylaw 0 A (1) (b) Change: Monday to Sunday. Reason: Makes it easier to work with the calendar.”
Please be sure the changes you are recommending include all Articles and/or Bylaws that may be affected by the proposed change.
If you have questions, please contact Tim Belcher by email at tbelcher@vsea.org.
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VSEA 101 Trainings Continue
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The second round of special VSEA 101 Zoom meetings continued this week and more meetings are scheduled throughout March.
VSEA 101 meetings introduce non-members to their union and provide non-members the opportunity to ask any questions they may have. Current full-fledged VSEA members have also been participating in these meetings and more are invited to log in to learn more about how the union functions.
All meetings will contain the same information – we are just offering multiple opportunities to participate. Select the date you would like to join below to access the Zoom meeting link for that day.
Tuesday meetings: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m
Wednesday meeting: 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
VSEA hopes our non-members will take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about your union, and ultimately join with thousands of your state employee colleagues to fight the good fight for fair wages and benefits, retirement security, and dignity and respect in the workplace.
Note: Current full-fledged VSEA members who refer a non-member to one of the scheduled meetings will have their name entered into a lottery for a chance to earn a special prize from the VSEA. Simply ask the non-member you referred to mention your name during the presentation.
Please contact VSEA Organizer Giovanna Zaccaria with any questions. She can be reached by phone at 802-262-1311, or email at gzaccaria@vsea.org.
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March Is Women's History Month
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March is Women's History Month, and the next few issues of WIA will single out a woman labor leader, past or present, who made a difference, or is making a difference, in the lives of working Americans.
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Mary Harris "Mother" Jones
Organizer / Agitator
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From the AFL-CIO's Website:
Typically clad in a black dress, her face framed by a lace collar and black hat, the barely five-foot tall Mother Jones was a fearless fighter for workers’ rights—once labeled "the most dangerous woman in America" by a U.S. district attorney. Mary Harris "Mother" Jones rose to prominence as a fiery orator and fearless organizer for the Mine Workers during the first two decades of the 20th century. Her voice had great carrying power. Her energy and passion inspired men half her age into action and compelled their wives and daughters to join in the struggle. If that didn’t work, she would embarrass men to action. "I have been in jail more than once and I expect to go again. If you are too cowardly to fight, I will fight," she told them.
Mother Jones' organizing methods were unique for her time. She welcomed African American workers and involved women and children in strikes. She organized miners’ wives into teams armed with mops and brooms to guard the mines against scabs. She staged parades with children carrying signs that read, "We Want to Go to School and Not to the Mines."
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Virtual Pension Public Hearing
Friday, March 26
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Watch On YouTube
Member Briefing on Speaker Krowinski’s Retirement Proposal
Saturday, March 27
12:00 p.m.
Zoom Meeting
Diversity Committee Meeting
Sunday, March 28
11:00 p.m.
Via Zoom
More Information
Virtual Pension Public Hearing
Monday, March 29
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Via Zoom
Watch On YouTube
NEK/ St. Johnsbury Chapter Special Meeting w/Lawmakers On Pensions
Tuesday, March 30
12:00 p.m.
Via Zoom
More Information
Board Of Trustees Meeting on Speaker Krowinski’s Retirement Proposal
Tuesday, March 30
7:30 p.m.
Zoom Meeting
Judiciary Unit Steward Training
Wednesday, March 31
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Via Zoom
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Quote Of The Week!
"The reason that Vermont has done so well in this pandemic is because of the sacrifices and expertise and hard work of our members, and the reward for that is we’re going to stick it to you in retirement."
VSEA Executive Director Steve Howard, commenting in Seven Days this week on a package of ill-advised, pension proposals for state employees that were put forth Wednesday by the Speaker of the House and are being vetted in the House Gov't Operations Committee.
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Non-VSEA specific stories that may be of interest to VSEA members.
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Federal Bill To Prevent Violence Against Health Care & Social Workers Passes Out Of Committee
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In a post to its website this week, the National Nurses Union (NNU) applauded the federal House Education and Labor Committee's passage of the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (H.R. 1195). The bill now moves to the floor of the House for a full vote.
From the story:
The panel’s vote today advances the bill out of committee, setting up the legislation for full House floor consideration. The federal legislation, which passed the House in the 116th Congress and was reintroduced this session by U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-2), would mandate that the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) create a national standard requiring health care and social service employers to develop and implement a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan.
“These protections are long overdue for the scores of registered nurses and other health care workers who are on the front lines,” said Jean Ross, RN and a president of NNU. “We deserve the support and protections that will enable us to focus on the care of patients, especially during one of the deadliest pandemics of our lifetime. Our nurses and social service workers are facing enough stress during this pandemic.”
This is a huge step forward in the fight to get this important federal legislation signed into law. In 2019, health care and social service workers reported five times the rate of injuries due to workplace violence than workers overall,” said Zenei Triunfo-Cortez, RN and a president of NNU. “Many employers have failed to provide the necessary protections, so it’s up to lawmakers to pass this important legislation and give us what we have long deserved in the workplace.”
The frequency and severity of workplace violence incidents in health care and social service workplaces was already devastatingly high before the Covid-19 pandemic began, and this has only worsened over the course of the pandemic. A recent NNU survey found that 22 percent of nurses reported facing increased workplace violence on the job since the beginning of the pandemic, which they attribute to decreasing staffing levels, changes in the patient population, and visitor restrictions.
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Overview Of Governor Scott’s FY22 Budget Proposal
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The Governor delivered his 2022 budget address on January 26, and here are some of the items he touched on that are important to VSEA members. Read VSEA's comprehensive report about the budget address on VSEA.org.
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VSEA Creates Q&A About State Employees Possibly Moving To OneCare
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In response to a slew of VSEA member and retiree questions about a recent report that state employees could be moved into OneCare Vermont, members of VSEA's Benefits Advisory Committee have produced a Q&A to hopefully address many of the questions and concerns.
VSEA BAC's OneCare Q&A
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2021 VSEA Scholarship Application Available Now!
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The VSEA Awards/Scholarships Committee is currently soliciting applications from students seeking financial assistance in the pursuit of post-secondary educational goals.
The Committee will announce the recipients of the scholarships at the June Council Meeting.
Deadline: 4:30 p.m. on May 7, 2021
Learn more or view/download the 2021 VSEA Scholarship Application
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Download Your Contract On VSEA.org!
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The current contracts for the Executive Branch Units, Defender General Unit, Housing Authority Unit, State’s Attorneys’ Office Unit, and Judiciary Unit are posted online to VSEA.org.
View/Download Your Contract
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Thank you for reading Week In Action!
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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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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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Need To Update Your Contact Information
With VSEA?
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