Go to Local 701 meetings
Go to region and local officers
July 16, 2008
Vice-President Ben Benson called the meeting to order at 11:30 in Blazing Star room COB. A quorum was present. The minutes were approved. Attendance was 30. President Paul Mandell was unable to attend because of business travel. Also present: Rick Nelson, business agent
Reports:
Director, Joe Linn:
Board of Directors meeting highlights: Discussed and amended the budget proposal; Approved adding a position for maintaining a web forum; Recommendation to the DA to pass the resolution for paying off the building loan; Approved grant to Universal Healthcare Coalition and another to Workers Interfaith Network. The BOD is resolved to give the local presidents meeting packets but the best logistics are not determined.
Chief Steward, John Hines: 1) Settled issue: unpaid suspension reduced to paid with reprimand in file for one year; 2) Settled issue: 10 day unpaid suspension to paid; 3) Another grievance is before MAPE arbitration group for decision to proceed; and 4) There is a pending investigation. John urged the Admin Meet & Confer to push back against workload issues management is creating.
OET Meet & Confer, Sandy Thompson:
Reaching out for more members to function well; She wants to bring professional expertise to review policy; Should work for an OET organization plan.
Vice-President Ben Benson:
Brought up for discussion the Pioneer Press publicizing the wages of all state employees;
Members should read the talking points article on MAPE.org
Business Agent, Rick Nelson:
Talked about the impact of Pioneer Press: wage data reinforce small towns belief that state workers are highly paid (not considering the economics of city vs. rural).
Beware that the budget impacts are hitting in the form of staff reductions; be careful not to give ‘attitude’ to management; if you are given special instructions repeat them back to confirm; better to be safe not sorry.
Old Business:
None.
New Business:
Ben asked for ideas for meeting improvement (but not time enough).
Lunch drawing winner: Marty Willenbring. Submitted: Charlie Teerlinck
