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Local 101

Local 0101 Meeting Minutes April 2012
Submitted by cnelson on May 3 2012 - 12:36pm

MAPE local 101 Meeting, April 10th, 2012 Held at DNR Warner Road
Called to order by President Ann Kuitunen.

Secretary’s report: M/S/P to accept the report.

Treasurer – Terri Lynn Clark absent, Carol went over the budget- Meals are up from $240 to $290. There are 24 steward meetings planned, 12 at DNR and 12 at DLI. M/S/P 2012 budget.

Business Agent Report:  Our new Business Agent is Kelly Ahern. She has been with MAPE for 4 years. She mentioned that there are some items on the MAPE web site that should be looked at. If we go to arbitration, it would be one of the largest in the US and will be watched closely. The legislature mandated that those receiving family coverage must prove eligibility for coverage, Senator Perry was the Chief Author.

Chief Steward for Region and DNR – Bud Kincaid reported there are 2 active grievances, 1 at DNR (3 day suspension) and 1 at DLI (reprimand). Attended Employee Rights Committee (ERC) made up of 22 members, all Regional Chief Stewards. Business Agents decide if grievances should go to arbitration or not. The ERC can override such a decision sending a denied grievance to arbitration.

DNR Meet and Confer – Communication started with members to meet to go over possible agenda items. If you have any issues to discuss with DNR management, send them to Bud or a member of the M&C team.

DNR M&C members are:
Chair:  Vacant
BA:  Kelly Ahern MAPE 651-287-8766 kahern@mape.org

   
Members:   
Jed Becher MIS/ITS 651-259-5450 jed.becher@state.mn.us

Jeff Gorton Fisheries 651-259-5759 jeff.gorton@state.mn.us

Maryanna Harstad Lands & Min. 651-259-5781 maryanna.harstad@state.mn.us

Carol Johnson MIS/ITS 651-259-5463 carol.ann.johnson@state.mn.us

Bud Kincaid Forestry/ITS 651-259-5273 bud.kincaid@state.mn.us

Robert Quady Forestry 763-856-4826 robert.quady@state.mn.us

Nicholas Snavely Wildlife 320-255-4279 x225 nicholas.snavely@state.mn.us


DOLI Meet and Confer – Rick Johnson – Met March 23rd. Will be discussing safety issues at the next meeting. Police cars are blocking a parking lot exit and are ignoring all communication with them about this issue. Are considering contacting the media. Have been taking photos for a month. OSHA was very uncomfortable with the requirement of a hearing loss test. Staff are worried the test may impact their job due to failure of the test. They were reassured it is strictly a safety precaution. Asked if DLI staff could be tested, answer was no, only for OSHA inspectors. Questions about IT changes, concerns about layoffs (none expected) and other changes. MMB is unfreezing achievement awards and looking at revising them. Asked about the process for filling vacancies and asked for a list of vacancies which was provided.

Director’s report - Carol Johnson: Basic steward training April 19th and October 25th. Advanced on September 27th and 28th.

SEGIP request for dependent information: we need to provide this information or your coverage will be dropped; there is nothing the unions can do about this request.

Vote on contract ends on the 11th at midnight.

Negotiations Report – Carol Johnson: It will most likely cost the unions $250,000 to do arbitration. There is a final round of negotiations next week. If we vote to go to arbitration, negotiations can still take place. Kelly stated that the preparation work for arbitration will be information that we will be able to use for years to come in future contract negotiations and legislative efforts so it will not be wasted effort.

New Business: Officer nominations: Secretary: Jed Becher, President: Rick Johnson, Membership Secretary: None, Vice President: none, Treasurer: Terri Lynn Clark. Delegate Assembly (need 3) Ann Kuitunen, Kari Geurts, none for 3rd Delegate at this time.

Good and Welfare: None

Next meeting: May 8th at DNR Central Office

Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted by Secretary Jed Becher

Local 0101 Meeting Minutes March 2012
Submitted by cnelson on Mar 22 2012 - 2:25pm

MAPE Local 101 Contract Update Meetings
March 13 and 14th, 2012 Held at DLI and DNR

Called to order by Director Carol Johnson.

Carol introduced our new Business Agent, Kelly Ahern. Joni Ketter and new BA Dan Engelhart were also in attendance and introduced at the DLI meeting.

Fee payers must become full members by 4:30 on March 16th if they wish to be able to vote on the contract.

The negotiations team and MAPE board of directors have rejected the contract and recommended that members vote to reject the contact offer and support binding arbitration with the state. A no vote on the contract is an automatic vote to go to binding arbitration and not to strike as in past votes.

The negotiations mediator immediately offered binding arbitration to both parties when MAPE rejected the contract. Members are urged to contact the Governor’s office about the need for a fair contract.

Electronic voting will be used by MAPE members for this election. Voting instructions and information on the “last, best offer” will be mailed via U.S. mail to all eligible members beginning March 28. Voting begins at 8 a.m. April 4 and ends at 11:59 p.m. April 11. Results will be announced April 16. (AFSCME will announce results April 16 as well).

Arbitration would not likely be done until mid-summer which would mean the current legislature would not be the ones voting on our contact, it would be the next legislature. They can still vote to reject it down. If that happens, we go back to the bargaining table and start over. The current contract stays in effect until a new contract is approved. Arbitration is a legal process, similar to a court trial where each side has experts present its side to the third party arbitrator that both sides must agree on. MAPE will have lawyers and actuaries involved to present our side of the budget and health care numbers.

Learn more at: www.mape.org/mape/news/vote-no-mape-contract-offer
http://www.mape.org/node/349736
http://www.mape.org/mape/news/mape-negotiations-report-17

What Your MAPE Negotiations Committee Fought For:
•    2% Across-the-Board Salary Increase July 1, 2012
•    $500 lump sum on July 1, 2012
•    1/2% Across-the-Board Salary Increase during the last full pay period of June 2013
•    Steps in contract years 2011-2013
•    $500 payment into a Health Reimbursement Account on January 1, 2013
•    No changes in health insurance for Tiers 1&2
•    Increase the annual dental cap from $1,000 to $1,500
•    Increase the number of hours of sick leave available to care for a parent from 24 to 32
•    No sub-contracting of bargaining unit work
•    Balancing on an hour-for-hour basis for overtime worked
•    A voice in the governor’s “Better Government for a Better Minnesota” — a plan to reorganize state government to reduce waste, save money, and deliver better services to Minnesotans. MAPE believes front-line workers have a great deal to offer in this arena.

What the Governor’s Negotiator Offered:
•    1% Across-the-Board Salary Increase July 1, 2012
•    Elimination of step increases in the second year
•    Health insurance increases in first dollar deductibles, office visit co-pays, emergency care, hospital and surgery co-pays, out of pocket expenses for prescription drugs and out of pocket expenses for medical care. In addition, a 10% co-insurance for “specialty drugs” that are often very expensive and essential to avoid death. (The full health insurance linked in here.)
•    Changes to the Correctional Employees Retirement Plan (CERP) for all eligible employees hired after January 1, 2013, including eligibility after 20 cumulative years of service in a covered classification with a minimum of five years immediately preceding retirement. Coverage would be limited to singles only.
•    Elimination of paid vacation, leaves of absence, sick leave, and other paid time off would not be counted toward overtime

Next meeting: April 10th at DNR

Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted by Secretary Jed Becher

Local 0101 Meeting Minutes February 2012
Submitted by cnelson on Mar 22 2012 - 1:49pm

MAPE local 101 Meeting, Feb. 14th, 2012 Held at DNR

Called to order by Director Carol Johnson as President Ann Kuitunen was out sick.

Had statewide President Chet Jorgenson with us today as a guest as our Business Agent Joe McMahon has resigned from MAPE to take another position with the Minnesota Nurses Association.

Secretary’s report: M/S/P to accept the report.

Treasurer – Terri Lynn Clark - Final report for 2011: ended with a balance of $9,078 of which $5,070 was reserved for the Job Action fund leaving a usable balance of $3,328.

Chief Steward for Region and DNR – Bud Kincaid reported there is one active grievance at DNR and one at DLI for a verbal reprimand. Attended Employee Rights Committee which consists of all chief stewards. A grievant’s appeal of the decision of MAPES’ Arbitration Team had to be rescheduled. Attended a MAPE workshop on a number of labor concerns that will be part of this year’s legislative session. It included the Right to Work (for less) Constitutional Amendment and other issues. MAPE and the AFL/CIO spoke how important it is to talk with people you know about the Right to Work topic and how much more effective one on one discussion is vs. a 30 second TV commercial. MAPE and AFL-CIO are part of a labor coalition that every Friday about Right to Work (for less) and other issues.

DNR Meet and Confer – Bud reported that he had just sent agenda items to Joe McMahon to set up a conference call to set the agenda, then Joe resigned. We will now need to work with the new Business Agent to get an agenda and meeting setup.

DOLI Meet and Confer – Rick Johnson – There was a situation in OSHA, where an employee did not want to take hearing and noise testing on a regular basis. Rick gave a good Right to Work example where there was a grievance where a MAPE employee was demoted in DLI because they reported that the supervisor was not doing a good job. If it were not for MAPE and now AFSCME supporting this employee, they would have been fired a long time ago.

Director’s report - Carol Johnson: Short report as we had run out of time. The board of directors has filled a number of open positions that had been open for some time.

New Business: Statewide President Chet Jorgenson reported that he had been in serious negotiations that last two days. One section of the legislature is pushing hard for a pay cut and substantial cuts in health care coverage and is looking to impose a contract through legislation. Looking at $122 million in healthcare take backs which have no economic reason behind them. The state basically runs its own insurance company and has had surpluses the last 3 to 5 years so the proposed increases do not make a lot of sense to us. All negative legislation is modeled after legislation supplied by a group in Washington that has been providing it to other states. The shutdown substantially slowed down negotiations losing 3 to 4 months of time. Chet urged us to wear “fair contract” buttons on Wednesdays. MAPE does take steps to clarify the salary issue by contacting moderate Republican representatives, conservative Democrats and the press.

A member noted that we as citizens can stop by the Governor’s office anytime and fill out a form about what issues are on your mind. This can also be done online or by phone but the in-person option is much more effective.

Good and Welfare: None

Next meeting: March 13th at DLI

Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted by Secretary Jed Becher

Local 0101 Meeting Minutes January 2012
Submitted by cnelson on Feb 13 2012 - 10:22am

MAPE local 101 Meeting, Jan. 10th, 2012 Held at DNR – Warner Road
Called to order by President Ann Kuitunen.

Secretary’s report: M/S/P to accept the report.

Treasurer - Ann read the balance which was $8,500.

Chief Stewardfor Region and DNR – Bud Kincaid reported there are currently 5 active grievances. 1 at DNR for a 3 day suspension and 4 at DLI related to shutdown issues. Let Bud know if DNR MAPE staff are not being treated with proper respect by management or other DNR staff.

Carol attended the Chief Stewards meeting for Bud which is the Employee Rights Committee meeting. MAPE currently has 21 days to file a grievance. Under Veterans Affairs procedures, a veteran has 60 days to file.  A veteran has the choice of utilizing the Veterans Affairs procedure or filing a MAPE grievance, but not both.  MAPE will try to negotiate a contract change so veterans will have 60 days to file a grievance under our Contract as well.

DNR Meet and Confer – Bud reported that he is trying to get a M&C scheduled with HR. There is a long agenda at this time. If there are any issues you have, get them to Bud. The goal is to meet quarterly to discuss issues not addressed in the contract. The M&C team meets with HR, division directors where issues exist and a representative from the commissioner’s office.

DOLI Meet and Confer – Rick Johnson– no report

Business Agent - Joe McMahon: No report as Joe was traveling in northern Minnesota.

Director’s report - Carol Johnson: There will be a big push to get out the vote for more work friendly candidates this election. There is a political action committee working on MAPE’s behalf called Team MAPE. They screen candidates and incumbents and how their stances and past actions affect us as a state employee. Member supported by opting in to support it. They also give awards to legislators that have been state worker friendly.

Negotiations Report:If you are a full member you can check the negotiations report on the MAPE website. Gov’s team wanted to get rid of the floating holiday;that is not going to happen. Wanted to change meal amounts from 35 miles to 60 miles, didn’t agree to that. Also want intermittent not to earn vacation and sick and change rules for claiming meals. We do have a mediator at this time. Talking about adding a co-insurance to prescriptions besides a co-pay. Push week has not been set yet, usually in June of 2011 but will probably be much later this time around since contract progress is so slow.

Old Business: A letter to Highway Federal Credit union has been drafted and was shared at the meeting. Suggestions were made to add wording that we do appreciate their efforts in providing the calendars to state employees and that we should include a list of union printers with the note.
James Brown will get a list of union printers to Jed. Ann will check to see if Affinity Plus is following similar practices and if they are, send them the same letter.
James Brown from DLI explained the Right to Work push. It will be an easy sell to the public due to the wording. As it does not taking away the unions but eliminates the need to pay union dues eventually bankrupting the union because no dues will come in. The Right to Work for Less!!

New Business: MSP to send the same union printer letter to Affinity Plus if they do not use union printers.

Ann mentioned Dan Cunningham’s 10/10/10 idea. $10 per year To MAPE PAC / 10 hours volunteer time and talk to 10 people about MAPE or our cause.

Good and Welfare: None

Next meeting: February 14th at DNR Central Office

Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted by Secretary Jed Becher

Local 0101 Meeting Minutes December 2011
Submitted by cnelson on Jan 9 2012 - 12:01pm

MAPE local 101 Meeting, December 13th, 2011 Held at DNR

Called to order by President Ann Kuitunen.

Secretary’s report: M/S/P to accept the report.

Treasurer - No report

Chief Steward for Region and DNR – Bud Kincaid reported there are currently 4 active grievances. 1 at DNR for a 3 day suspension and 3 at DLI related to shutdown issues.

DNR Meet and Confer – Bud reported that things are starting to be pulled together with a new team. The agenda for a meeting is very long and might not get to it all at the first meeting with DNR management.

DOLI Meet and Confer – Rick Johnson
•    Parking lot continues to be an issue with ice.
•    Ventilation systems – keep them on top of it.
•    Lighting and wage issues related to CCLD elevator inspectors.

Business Agent - Joe McMahon: 31 grievances at this time. Having trouble with data bases at MAPE. Previous vendor went bankrupt; vendor that bought them is not living up to the contract. Data queries are not reliable, working on a solution.

19,000 state employees filed for unemployment out of 20 to 21,000 eligible. A dozen continued to file after we went back to work. State plans to terminate them.

Still short one BA, board voted to fill itand add one, so hiring two BA’s in 2012.

Our contract is a legal binding agreement as long as we are still actively negotiating. Steps are back in place as of July 1st, 2011. If you miss a step it won’t be a problem to get it reinstated with back pay.

3,000 dependents added after last federal law change allowing dependents up to 26 years old to come on to the plan. Health Insurance runs calendar year; contract runs fiscal year starting July 1st. Benny cards are being replaced from 12/19 to 12/31 so don’t use them during this time.

Director’s report - Carol Johnson: Listened to a speaker from Veterans Affairs talking about possibly choosing the veterans preference vs. MAPE grievance process.

Going to try to match the 60 days that the Vets contract allows at this time to file grievances. There is a negotiations report available on line. Meet Thursday and Friday, working on putting packages together to share with the Governor’s team.

Changes proposed by the Governor’s team: Remove floating holiday, make oral reprimands non grievable, everywhere in the contract where 35 miles is indicated, they want it changed to 60 miles, change probation to 12 months, meals only offered if overnight stay, take away all overtime for exempt employees, singles pay 10% of premium, copay increases, drug co-insurance to 10%, eliminate subsidies to tier 3 and 4 clinics.

James Brown from DLI explained the Right to Work push. It will be an easy sell to the public due to the wording. As it does not taking away the unions but eliminates the need to pay union dues eventually bankrupting the union because no dues will come in. The Right to Work for Less!!

Statewide election: Had a special directors meeting as one candidate’s material was not included in the main mailing. There was an additional mailing to amend for the mistake. Election was not contested. Also having trouble with the MAPE member database. Committee formed of members to look at possible changes.

Negotiations Report:Working on small things – already have a mediator to help keep them moving along. Wages are settled during push week and we don’t’ have a date for that at this time and have no set timeline. Mediators keep things moving, no influence, no decision making ability, are an intermediary. Arbitrators make decisions as in grievances.

No healthcare premium change for 2012. State Government executive summary report is available at the MMB web site.

Warner Road has their meeting rooms back so we will try to meet there next month.

Old Business: President Election – still working on getting information from MAPE on how to conduct it. We have local elections in the spring so we thinking we should wait until spring instead of conducting a special election.

M/S/P to not hold a special election at this time.

Jim Brown mentioned that the new calendars from Highway Federal Credit Union are still not printed by a union printer. Reviewed what steps were taken last year when this was brought up. Secretary contacted them twice with no response. Jim made a motion that our local draft a letter asking HFCU to use union printers and that we ask MAPE central to do the same. Seconded and passed.

New Business: Manitowoc Crane Operators in Northern WI need help as they are under attack.

Good and Welfare: Jed Becher motioned that we give $250 to each Second Harvest and Union Gospel Mission per our 2011 budget. Seconded and passed.

Next meeting: January 10th at Warner Road

Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted by Secretary Jed Becher

Local 0101 Meeting Minutes November 2011
Submitted by cnelson on Dec 9 2011 - 3:46pm

MAPE local 101 Meeting, November 8th, 2011 Held at DLI

Called to order by President Ann Kuitunen.

Secretary’s report: M/S/P to accept the report.

Treasurer - Terri Lynn Clark

Ending fund balance is $9,659, which includes the $5,750 that is in reserve for the Job Action and Hardship fund.

Expenses to date are:  $6,664

Income to date with roll forward (7,471) :  $16,332

Chief Steward– Bud Kincaid reported there are currently 4 grievances, 3 at DLI related to layoffs and wage denial and 1 at DNR for a 3 day suspension.

DNR Meet and Confer – Bud reported that he went over the pending issues with Joe McMahon and they may have to be paired down before a meeting. DNR has been slow to schedule due a retirements in DNR HR.

DOLI Meet and Confer – Rick Johnson

    •    Audits – a MAPE employee requested a job review as they hadn’t had one recently. The review was recently rescinded as there was no current PD on file. DLI wanted to turn the position into an AFSCME position without a review.  Please point out this kind of action if it is occurring to a MAPE steward. Agencies can use Audits as a hammer, if you didn’t request it, it’s probably not good news.

Business Agent - Joe McMahon: No report as Joe was on the road attending an investigation hearing.

Director’s report - Carol Johnson: Board voted to donate $5,000 to Take Action Minnesota. Talked about the task force on technology. Jed Becher (DNR MIS) and Nicholas Snavely (DNR Forestry)were appointed to the DNR Meet and Confer Committee.

Negotiations Report: A note was sent out thanking unions for agreeing to zero increase in premiums and zero increase in out-of-pocket for 2012. This is not good for State Employees. The rise in insurance costs will be double for 2013. The Coalition (consists of several union representatives) believes that the 7% increase in insurance costs should come as an increase in premiums. Agencies were already told to budget for a 7% increase.

The Governor’s Team wants to draw down the SEGIP fund to pay for the increase in health care costs. They also want to reduce the 17% reserve down to 12%. This will cause a cliff for 2013 and a 17% increase possibly in 2013.

How meetings with the Governor’s team work: Pass proposals back and forth; tell each other why you want certain things. Small groups are then formed and issues are discussed and packages are assembled.

Discussed audits: Carol asked if anyone was experiencing trouble having them completed? If an audit is being done members can ask to meet with a steward prior to meeting with HR. Generally if an audit has not been requested by you, it is not good for the member. Are there any issues with anyone being on call?


New Business: Ann received a thank you for the support we offered the Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union.
State wide elections are in progress and end November 12th.

Next meeting:December 13th at DNR

Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted by Secretary Jed Becher

Local 0101 Meeting Minutes October 2011
Submitted by cnelson on Nov 2 2011 - 2:57pm

MAPE local 101 Meeting, October 11, 2011 Held at DNR

Called to order by Director Carol Johnson

The meeting was devoted to visits by candidates running for statewide MAPE offices. Each candidate had five minutes to tell us why they were running for office. Candidates included:

Statewide President

•    Cathleen Cotter
•    Charles Hawkins
•    Chet Jorgenson

First Vice-President

•    Sandy Dunn
•    Jamie Fitzpatrick- Andy Bindman spoke on his behalf
•    Jim Pennino- One of the other candidates spoke on his behalf

Second Vice-President

•    Andy Bindman
•    Dan Cunningham
•    Moua Song
•    Royce Tyre

Secretary

•    Mary Baker
•    Mark Vidas

Treasurer

•    Michelle Doheny
•    Ralph Yehle

Announcements:

There was one non MAPE visitor. Dan Rickett of Capital Street Financial services visited with us and told about the upcoming financial education classes that are sponsored by MAPE. The classes are three hours in length and begin in November and are free to all MAPE members.

http://www.capitalstreet.biz/  Look for the link titled: MAPE Financial Education Program (Public Employees)

Next meeting:  November 8th at DOLI

Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted by Secretary Jed Becher

Local 0101 Meeting Minutes for September 2011
Submitted by cnelson on Oct 4 2011 - 4:00pm



MAPE Local 101
Meeting Minutes
September 13th, 2011 Held at DLI

Called to order by President Ann Kuitunen.

Secretary’s report: M/S/P to accept the report.

Treasurer - Terri Lynn Clark was absent so there was no report.

Chief Steward of Local and Region and DNR Meet and Confer – Bud Kincaid was on vacation.
Joe McMahon reported in his place.

DOLI Meet and Confer – Rick Johnson
    •    Pre-meeting tomorrow. Talking about the new police department building which will house a detoxification facility.
    •    Discussion items:
        *     Parking lot safety.
        *     Also, are supervisors doing their job properly in regards to performance reviews?

Business Agent - Joe McMahon:
    •    Three open grievances, four going to arbitration,
        *    3 are in this Region.
        *    2 of 3 are related to the shutdown.

Director’s report - Carol Johnson: Delegate Assembly will be held September 23-24th.
    •    Attending are:    Terri Lynn Clark, Carol Johnson, Rick Johnson, Kari Geurts, Dan Cunningham, Ann Kuitunen, Larry Johnson
    •    October 6th there will be flu shots available at DNR.
    •    The board had a strategic planning discussion from the shutdown.
Negotiations Report: Meeting was postponed due to a vacation on the Governor’s team.
    •    No meetings have occurred since the last local meeting in August.

Old Business:
    •    We have two candidates for President, Rick Johnson and Dan Cunningham, both from DOLI.
        *    They each gave us some background about themselves and why they are running for office.
                Dan Cunningham – Currently Dan is a Sr. Investigator with DOLI and formerly a Quality Assurance Officer & Mediator with Human Rights (MDHR). Dan is a WI resident and has been motivated to action by what has happened in his state. : Some believe unions are part of the problem; I believe unions are part of the solution.  Communication is key - with members; management; coalition partners, elected officials and those seeking office, and the public.     
                Rick Johnson – Has served as a steward for four years and is the lead steward at DLI and has been a state employee for 29 years. Rick described his role in redefining the steward’s role at DLI and how he has worked with management. He also mentioned his work with the DLI Meet and Confer.

New Business:
    •    Brian Zaidman of DLI, 2010 treasury auditor brought up that our donations to 2nd Harvest and others should be done earlier in the year as his audit found that the checks written around the holidays weren’t actually cashed until well into the 2011. Donations should be given now or by the end of October so they will be utilized during the upcoming holiday season.  In the past, the checks weren’t processed until after the holiday.
        *    There was a motion to donate early which passed but not a specific donation amount at this time.

Statewide President Chet Jorgenson: Chet addressed the IT Consolidation and the results of the shutdown.
    •    He said the big story is about what didn’t happen as there were over 50 bills attacking us and the services we provide.
        *    Examples are: wage freeze, statute that protects from outsourcing, high deductible health care (which results in members not going to the doctor when you should), pension changes, 25% cut in salary (this would have put many ASFCME members on food stamps).
    •    Dayton believes in the services that we provide. The attack on our pension was defeated by members meeting with legislators and presenting facts to them that our pension fund is indeed solvent, that we do pay into it and there is no great liability hanging out there for the future generations of our state. Legislators were being fed misinformation from out of state sources and believing it without checking the facts.
    •    Negotiations have stalled because of the time it took MMB to close and reopen the state but keep in mind that any contract needs to be passed by an unfriendly legislature.
    •    60% of the public supported state workers as victims of the shutdown and blamed much of it on the legislature.
    •    Republicans extracted a provision from earlier bills and made it part of the shutdown language to consolidate all IT staff from across the state with a few exceptions into OET.
        *    There will be no layoffs as a direct result unless an agency wants less IT services.
    •    MAPE is getting very concerned about the brain drain that is happening in the state workforce– how are we going to attract and hire people to work for the state in IT?

Secretary’s addition: FAQ on the consolidation from OET:
http://mn.gov/oet/images/09.15.11_State_Employee_FAQ2.pdf

Next meeting: October 11th at DNR

Good and Welfare: None

Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted by Secretary Jed Becher

Local 0101 Meeting Minutes August 2011
Submitted by cnelson on Sep 8 2011 - 3:17pm

MAPE local 101 Meeting, August 9th, 2011 Held at DNR

Called to order by Treasurer Terri Lynn Clark as President Ann Kuitunen was absent.

Minutes from the June meeting were sent out shortly after the June meeting.

Secretary’s report: M/S/P to accept the report.

Treasurer - Terri Lynn Clark reported:
$5,887 received in dues
Expenses: $1,463 food, $2,925 reimbursement of officer and steward dues, $1,000 to MAPE for unified union communication efforts.
Balance of $7,795.  $5,750 of that is reserved for the Job Action / Hardship fund
The Audit paper work submitted for the 2010 audit has been completed by Brian Zaidman of DOLI.

Chief Steward of local and region – Bud Kincaid    There are currently two active grievances, a written reprimand and a three day suspension, the 3 day suspension is moving to step 2 and should be scheduled at the end of the month. There are two grievances at DOLI, both related to layoff and seniority. They are both at step 2 and not scheduled yet. The contract remains in place, particularly step increases. As of July 1, 2011 step increases are in effect and stay in effect until a new contract is in place. Steps are done on classification anniversary dates. Bud would like examples of any hostile work environments at DNR for the upcoming meet and confer.

DNR Meet and Confer – Bud Kincaid DNR M&C will be scheduled soon. Update on budget situation, parking rates, prorated, there appear to be parking lot maintenance and safety issues, business expenses, comp time settlement follow-up, any outstanding grievances from the Eco / Waters merger, any changes for the supplemental agreement for this next contract. Would like a presentation to M&C by the Culture of Respect project.

DOLI Meet and Confer – Rick Johnson
    •    Contact Rick for any hostile work environment issues you may have

Business Agent - Joe McMahon: Current contract stays in effect until the next contract or an impasse is declared by an arbitrator. 10,000 of 12,500 members were laid off.

Results of shutdown:

Pulled were:
    •    15% reduction
    •    Freeze wages and steps for next two years
    •    Abolish the Health Care fund and increase of $6,000 / year
    •    Abolish pension and force all into a 401k plan

Included were:
    •    It consolidation – merged into OET October 1st. 1,700 IT employees across the state.
No new locations on October 1st
    •    Job Classification study – 400 or so classes across the state, MMB has to do a report how to reduce the number down to 50 statewide which they refer to as families, unions will be heard in this

Do have money in the health care fund as utilization is down and unchanged for five years. Single pharmacy benefit manager and state negotiations have helped with this a great deal. $5 million was saved in the first year of the fund. The ideas were brought forward by the labor unions.

During the shutdown there were a couple of rallies at the capital and across the state. Phone banks were held as well as the ring of fire – leaflet drops within 3 blocks area of certain legislators. Ran ads before the shutdown, ½ million spent, MAPE members were in the commercials. No truth to rumor that MAPE wanted a shutdown, wanted to keep members at work. Filed 6 grievances for vacation canceled due to being deemed critical. Members lost money for vacations and airfare. Vacation cancelation is being handled as a class action and lost holiday pay if deemed essential.

Director’s report - Carol Johnson: Did meet during the shutdown. MUHCC (Minnesota Health Care Coalition) MAPE’s $5,000 contribution was returned – asked to give it to Growth & Justice to pursue the Health Care Study.

MAPE scholarship deadline extended to August 17th.

Vigil and Rally – members from our local attended:

First Name    Last Name    Agency    Membership    Local    Event
Wendy          Crowell         DNR        M                   101       7/6 Rally
Rick              Johnson        DLI          M                   101       6/30 Vigil
Bud              Kincaid         DNR        M                   101       6/30 Vigil
Bruce           Naslund         DNR       M                   101       6/30 Vigil
Nell              Nere              DLI         M                   101       6/30 Vigil
Martha         Vickery         DNR        M                   101       7/6 Rally
Craig            Wills             DNR        M                   101       6/30 Vigil
Brian             Zaidman       DLI          M                   101       7/6 Rally

Phone banks: Thanks to those who helped.

Negotiations Report: None during the shutdown. One for next Wednesday, just with the team to regroup. No date set with the Gov’s team. In the last contract, we specifically put in years of the step hold so it would expire

New Business: None

Old Business: September 24th, nominations for statewide positions close, still need a VP, preferably from DOLI

Next meeting September 13th at DOLI

Good and Welfare: $250 to BCTGM local 167g (Sugar workers ) in a number of locations, employer has locked them out. M/S/P

Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted by Secretary Jed Becher

Local 0101 Meeting Minutes June 2011
Submitted by cnelson on Jun 24 2011 - 9:37am

MAPE local 101 Meeting, June 14th, 2011 Held at DNR
Called to order by President Ann Kuitunen.

Guest – MAPE statewide president Chet Jorgenson talked for 15 minutes to address shutdown issues.

Stated that things are very unpredictable as to what is going to happen. Noted that MAPE generally tries to remain non-partisan but in the case of the shutdown MAPE feels that the pending shutdown is being driven by choices made by Republicans. There have also been over 40 bills put forward by the Republican Caucus directly going after state employees. Their proposed budget has over 8,000 permanent layoffs in it. Republicans have members of a “penny club” where they will not support a budget any larger than $34 billion. Governor Dayton has offered a compromise, Republicans have not.

MAPE members with 3 years or more of state service will have continued health care coverage. Those with less would need to continue it through COBRA at their own cost, around $1,400 / month for family and $400 for individuals. MAPE and other unions are meeting with MMB today to discuss extending healthcare coverage to more employees.

MAPE is exploring a possible contract language change with MMB to prevent the payment of severance to members with more than 20 years of service in the event of a shutdown related layoff. If an agreement is reached it would require a vote by MAPE membership to accept a contract change which would need to be completed by June 29th. If severance is paid, members with 20 years or more of state service will have their vacation balances cashed out as well as 40% of their sick time up to 900 hours and 12 ½ % of hours over 900.

A severance payout also delays unemployment payments. The amount of severance received may be credited against possible unemployment benefits.

Chet took an informal poll of meeting attendees to see which was preferred, severance or eligibility for unemployment in the event of a shutdown. A show of hands showed a strong preference to not be cashed out in the event of a shutdown.

The AG’s office has filed a lawsuit on Monday the 13th to determine what essential services are. The court would then order certain things to be open such as prison guards and federally required services.

Chet strongly encouraged members to attend any legislator meetings in your area and let your legislators know how a shutdown would affect you. Check the Team MAPE website for meeting times and locations: http://mape.org/teammape/news/upcoming-legislator-events

Treasurer - Terri Lynn Clark reported that we have a balance of $9,600 and $5,750 in the job action / hardship fund. We will collect $950 this month in dues and typically spend $250-300 per month for meetings.

Secretary’s report: M/S/P to accept the report.

Chief Steward of local and region – Bud Kincaid    There are currently two active grievances, a written reprimand and a three day suspension. If you are asked to meet with HR and your management about any kind of performance or investigative issue, make sure you have union representation present. There have been a number of meetings held recently without representation. There have also been requests to have members sign papers without proper advice or representation present.

DNR Meet and Confer – Bud Kincaid Any possible meeting has been delayed due to shutdown planning.
 

DOLI Meet and Confer – Rick Johnson

On March 10, 2011 Meet and Confer met with some of the new administrative staff which included:
    •    Jessica Looman, Assistant Commissioner for Construction Codes & Labor Standards
    •    Gary Hall, Assistant Commissioner for Safety and Workers Compensation
    •    Kris Eiden DLI Deputy Commissioner
Communication Issues with CCLD, MAPE has indentified three areas for potential improvement of customer service practices in CCLD.
    1.    Careful editing of documents
    2.    On line documents that are able to be edited by the public.
    3.    Telephone system needs repair.
Management agreed to look into these concerns.
Other subjects not related to CCLD were:
    •    Safety issues
    •    Update on Budget
    •    Manufactured Housing
    •    Air quality if DLI building
    •    Training for OSHA Compliance and OSHA Enforcement
    •    Elevator Inspector pay scale

Old Business: It is an election year for Regional Director and Delegate Assembly representatives. Motion to declare a white ballot of the proposed candidates. S/P

Good and Welfare: None

Director’s report - Carol Johnson: 20 members attended the basic steward training on May 19thand all agreed to be stewards. The ERC (Employee Rights Committee) was asked to reduce its budget for the coming year but didn’t agree to it. MAPE is running TV ads through the end of June around the state. $25,000 was donated to Alliance for a Better Minnesota from the Crisis Fund. The board has canceled the December board meeting to save $10,000, moving the savings to the Crisis Fund. $5,000 donated to MN Citizens for Tax Justice from the Coalition Budget.

Negotiations Report: Meetings postponed due to budget / shutdown issues.

Business Agent - Joe McMahon: We are still one business agent short. There is a meeting with MMB this afternoon with all unions represented. The Dayton administration has determined work stoppage will be termed as a layoff which protects healthcare benefits. Working to try to get MMB to include employees with less than 3 years of service in this group.

After a budget is passed we will return to negotiating with the Governor’s team. The state mediator gets involved and controls the process at the end. There is typically a week called “push week” where the negotiators involved can’t leave the negotiations. A final offer from the state is voted on by MAPE membership. If MAPE membership approves the states offer it still has to be passed by the house and senate.

Next meeting:  July 12th at DNR
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted by Secretary Jed Becher

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