Local 1903

Local 1903 Meeting Minutes - April 18, 2013

Submitted by dcurran on Apr 19 2013 - 1:30pm

April MAPE Meeting Minutes - 4/18/13

No Secretary’s report. Jill was absent

BA’s Report:

* Dan Holub, the new Executive Director will be at our next meeting on May 16^th. Carrie B will meet with Kathy & Dan to give him a tour of MSA.

* Negotiations are ongoing now for the new contract.

* There are 2 Grievances – 1 is being settled with a written reprimand being removed from the staff’s file at DOC. Steward Tonjum helped out and Kathy said it went well.

* Advanced Stewart Training will be held next week.

* Steward’s Bullying seminar will be held May 19^th.

* Kathy encouraged members not to ignore other members that are having problems in the work place. We need to help everyone out.

* Kathy also pointed out that our full membership dropped from 81.06 to 78.79. We need to keep an eye on this and possibly work on a membership drive if it keeps dropping.

New Business:

* Elections Committee volunteers, if needed – Jay Welborn and Janine Brady.

* Negotiations Committee volunteers – Kathy D, Patty R & Carrie B. An email was sent to Ray Knutson & Kris Henry to let them know.

* Officer Nominations - Emails have been sent to Mark & Jill to see if they accept.

* President - Mark Amman

* Vice P - Patty Rux

* Secretary - Jill Hahn

* Treasurer - Carrie Budahl

* Regional Director - Katherine Driskell

* Meet & Confer - Katherine is interested in setting up a Meet & Confer meeting with DOC management. The committee member volunteers for this are: Crystal, Jay, Michelle, Kathy & Mark, Aleida Z. One of the topics will be problems with the Tornado/Inclement weather trainings. Kathy D will make arrangements for a meeting.

* Delegate Assembly will be Sept 20^th & 21^st. Each local is allowed one Delegate and an Alternate. Let us know if you’re interested in going.

Treasurer’s Report:

* The balance is $ 4,560.93 and Carrie will be doing a checkbook reimbursement soon.

* Carrie Budahl reminded the local that Fee payers are now allowed to be included in meetings, drawings, etc…

* Michal Munoz, fee payer, was drawn for the money but was not in attendance.

Next meeting May 16^th.

Adjourned.

Local 1903 Meeting Minutes - March 21, 2013

Submitted by dcurran on Mar 22 2013 - 2:34pm

March Meeting Minutes – Local 1903 - 3/21/13

** Old Business:

Day on the Hill report was given by Carrie, Patty & Rene. Gov Dayton & a few other people spoke. We met with our Legislators, Patty F & Vicki J. We also met Dan H the new Executive Director who said he would be interested in attending a meeting and having tours of the facilities. Carrie will arrange this.

The DOC grievance is pretty much settled per Katherine.

** New Business:

We voted in Jill Hahn as the new secretary since Melissa Richter resigned due to a promotion.

They are still looking for people to be on the Negotiating committee – contact Ray Knutson. Rene Perrance may be interested.

Carrie reported that MSA has a supplemental discussion with management mostly in regards to the Sign Language interpreters. Management was very willing to work with our members.

Steward Training – we may want to encourage other members to become stewards and take the training due to most of the stewards who will be retiring in the next few years.

Carrie had no Treasurers report for Feb/March but the balance on 1/31/13 was $4,320.09. Membership report: 132 members. 107 full, 25 fee payers.

Drawing: Jennifer Hanson – not here

Next meeting: April 18th

Local 1903 Meeting Minutes - January 17th, 2013

Submitted by dcurran on Feb 13 2013 - 10:23am

Local 1903 Meeting Minutes, 01-17-13

Reviewed meeting minutes from the 12-20-12 meeting.

Old Business:

Our local is still in need of a Membership Secretary to help with recruitment. Members were again encouraged to consider this position and increased involvement in the union. Treasurer, Carrie Budahl, volunteered for the position if someone would be willing to take over her position. There were no volunteers at this time.

There is no update to the contract negotiations at this time. It is expected that the contract would be ratified in March with back pay to January.

New Business:

There are currently three grievances in our local, two in MSA and one in the DOC.

A MAPE/State Negotiations Input Form was passed around. Members were encouraged to offer input for the next contract proposal.

A letter from the Execute Director, Jim Monroe, was shared addressing misconceptions and assumptions regarding MAPE spending. The letter gave clarification on a number of line item expenses that were mentioned in the recent dues increase letter and treasurer’s affidavit.

The checkbook audit was completed on January 7^th, 2013 by Krista Ahlman (DOC), Janine Brady (DHS), Melissa Richer (DOC), and Carrie Budahl (Treasurer – MSA). One supporting document was missing. A check for $10 was issued to Rachel Mack for the monthly drawing. However, she was on maternity leave when the check was issued so a photocopy was taken.

Business Agent Report:

MAPE Day on the Hill is scheduled for March 14^th. Members were encouraged to attend and bring their family members. This is a great learning experience for kids as well.

The Negotiations Committee is looking for two members from each local to serve as contact people for information distribution. This would not require any official committee meetings. Some locals have elected to have the President and Chief Steward to serve these roles. Members were encouraged to e-mail Ray Knutson if interested.

The Legislative Director will be doing informal videos to give updates from the capital. These CDs could be viewed by laptop at local monthly meetings to make sure members are informed of the legislative reports.

The contract is expected to be ratified in March. However, it is expected that benefit changes would be reflected during the next open enrollment in November.

Members noticed a decrease in take-home pay in their 2013 paychecks. Increased FICA, dependent care coverage costs, and dues increases all contributed. Members were reminded that the proposed contract of a 2% raise would be paid back to January 1^st.

Despite dues increases, net membership is up. If anyone wants more information on why the dues increase was necessary, Business Agent Kathy Fodness offered to do a presentation to give more clarification and answer any questions.

Members were encouraged to check the MAPE website to get more information on legislative priorities.

Kathy briefly discussed Supplemental Bargaining for the interpreters. Comp time was to be liquidated annually. However, historically this has not been enforced. They are working on negotiating the current comp bank with the expectation that all time will be liquidated annually in the future.

Treasurer Report:

The most recent balance as of December 31^st was $4,082.21. An expense reimbursement was made for $809.68. Current membership is 106 full members and 25 fee payers.

Attendance Drawing:

Kim O’Donnell, MSA, would have won $10 had she been present for the drawing. Plan to attend next month for an opportunity to win $20.00.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, February 21^st, 2013 at the MN Academy for the Deaf, Faribault, MN.

Next Agenda:

Business Agent update on contractual progress

Day on the Hill

Local 1903 Meeting Minutes, December 20, 2012

Submitted by dcurran on Jan 8 2013 - 11:23am

Local 1903 MAPE Meeting 12-20-12

Reviewed meeting minutes from the 11-15-12 meeting.

Old Business:

Sugar workers continue to be locked out. Operation Christmas Solidarity was organized to show support and collect gifts/necessity items for these families.

There is no update to the contract negotiations at this time. However, it was clarified that there would be back pay to January 1^st, 2013 when the contract is passed.

New Business:

Members will be receiving a bargaining survey in the mail next week. Everyone was encouraged to take the time to fill this out or go on-line to complete the survey.

MAPE is offering text alerts to keep members informed. There is information on the MAPE website on how to sign up. All who sign up will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a mini i-Pad.

MAPE is reviewing the number of delegates assigned to each local. Historically, there has been one delegate for every 100 members. A conversion to one delegate for every 75 members is being considered.

Three volunteers were requested to complete a checkbook audit. Krista Ahlman (DOC), Janine Brady (DHS), and Melissa Richer (DOC) volunteered. Treasurer, Carrie Budahl, will contact them with a date and time to meet. Lunch will be provided.

Members were encouraged to consider volunteering to serve on the new local negotiations committee. Although we wait for the legislature to approve the current contract, it is time to start negotiations for the next contract. Members were instructed to notify president, Mark Amman, if interested. This would be an opportunity to bring concerns that our local sees to the statewide negotiations committee.

MAPE has a new Executive Director, Dan Holub. He has experience with organizing and negotiation with the state of Wisconsin through the Teacher’s Union. He also had an academic position in the Labor Center at the University of Iowa.

MAPE has two vacant Business Agent positions. Two other staff positions are being consolidated for a savings of approximately $80,000.

Letters were sent out to members notifying them of the dues increase. A detailed budget was provided outlining the costs covered by fee payers and those covered by full members.

MAPE is looking to fill Membership and Affirmative Action Committee positions. Contact a local officer if interested.

Carrie Budahl gave an update on the meet and confer between the interpreters at the Minnesota School for the Deaf and the new superintendent.

Members were notified that employees do not need to complete a probationary period before applying for a promotion.

Business Agent Report:

Kathy Fodness was not able to attend this meeting.

Treasurer Report:

The most recent balance as of October 31^st was $4,306.91. An expense for $29.97 was paid for meal/lodging. However, no receipt was submitted to the Treasurer. $200.00 was also donated to the Sugar Workers.

Attendance Drawing:

Jolene Winchester, DOC, won $10. Plan to attend next month for an opportunity to win $10.00.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, January 17^th, 2013 at the MN Academy for the Deaf, Faribault, MN.

Next Agenda:

Business Agent update on contractual progress

Checkbook audit

Local 1903 Meeting Minutes November 2012

Submitted by dcurran on Dec 14 2012 - 9:26am

Local 1903 MAPE Meeting 11-15-12

Reviewed meeting minutes from the 10-18-12 meeting.

Old Business:

Business Agent, Kathy Fodness, and Regional Director, Katherine Driskell, discussed the recent elections. They reviewed that the contract will again be reviewed after the new year with the new legislature. It was noted that 75% of the MAPE endorsed candidates won their seats. AFSCME and MAPE have asked Governor Dayton to make the contract negotiation a priority on the docket.

The quarterly 1903 get-together was held on Friday, November 9th at Boston’s in Faribault, MN. There was a low turnout, but members agreed that it would be good to pursue again in the future.

Treasurer, Carrie Budahl, provided a 2013 budget. She discussed the need for an increased food budget. There were remaining funds that had been delegated for training and contributions. The budget was unanimously passed.

New Business:

It was proposed that $200 of the remaining donations/good & welfare budget be donated to the Sugar Workers. This was unanimously passed.

Our local is still in need of a Membership Secretary to help with recruitment. Members were encouraged to consider this position and increased involvement in the union. Treasurer, Carrie Budahl, volunteered for the position if someone would be willing to take over her position. There were no volunteers at this time.

Business Agent Report:

Kathy Fodness discussed supplemental bargaining for the interpreters at the Minnesota School for the Deaf. A meet and confer is scheduled with the new superintendent for introductions and to discuss a couple contract violations.

Kathy also discussed the importance of non-grievance issues. The union, stewards, and business agent are also available for advice, support, and planning.

Treasurer Report:

The most recent balance as of September 30th was $4,109.90. There were no expenses to report.

Attendance Drawing:

Rachel Mack, DOC, won $30. Plan to attend next month for an opportunity to win $10.00.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, December 20th, 2012 at the MN Academy for the Deaf, Faribault, MN.

Next Agenda:
Business Agent update on contractual progress
Checkbook audit
MAPE board update

Local 1903 Meeting Minutes October 2012

Submitted by dcurran on Nov 8 2012 - 4:31pm

Local 1903 MAPE Meeting 10-18-12

Reviewed meeting minutes from the 9-20-12 meeting.

Old Business:

Garry Allen and Rick Tonjum attended the Delegate Assembly. Garry gave a recap and encouraged members to attend in the future. Of special note, the Delegates voted to increase MAPE dues.

New Business:

Sugar workers continue to be locked out. It has been over 14 months now. Members were informed of a petition to boycott American Crystal Sugar products.

Local 1 will be purchasing 2G logo flash drives. They have asked other locals to combine orders for a discounted rate (50 for $6.19 each, 100 for $4.50 each). Members did not support that at this time.

Treasurer, Carrie Budahl, stated she will need to submit a yearly budget to MAPE Central. She did not expect any changes from last year’s budget.

Members were encouraged to vote at the election in less than three weeks. They were reminded to support union-friendly legislatures and to check the MAPE website for more information.

The next quarterly 1903 get-together will be Friday, November 9th at Boston’s in Faribault, MN. Members were encouraged to stop by after work to socialize, get updates on MAPE issues, and get more involved.

Business Agent Report:

Kathy Fondness was not able to attend this meeting.

Treasurer Report:

The most recent balance as of August 31st was $3,875.28. There were no expenses to report.

Attendance Drawing:

Kim O’Donnell, MSA, would have won $20 if she had attended our local meeting. Plan to attend next month for an opportunity to win $30.00.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, November 15th, 2012 at the MN Academy for the Deaf, Faribault, MN.

Next Agenda:
Discuss elections and winning candidate
1903 Get together
Business Agent update on contractual progress
Discuss yearly budget

Local 1903 Meeting Minutes September 2012

Submitted by dcurran on Oct 18 2012 - 9:21am

Local 1903 Union Meeting minutes
September 20th, 2012

Secretary report was read by Patty Rux and approved.

Old Business: Garry Allen and Rick Tonjum will be going to the Delegate Assembly

Business Agent:

There’s a class action suit/grievance going on with state employees that lost dependent health insurance coverage to the audit done by MMB. The Legislatures mandated the audit and MMB made the rules for the audit. The audit itself is not being questioned, it’s the way it was handled.

Reminder that the next contract negotiations will start soon. Everyone should read their supplemental and see if there are any changes needed.

There’s a harassment grievance going on now in one of the EMSOCS homes and a conversation with supervisor grievance at Corrections. Both are going to HR to be handled and hopefully dropped.

Need phone bank, literature drop volunteers. Check out Team MAPE website for more details on when and where. St Paul is an area that needs help.

Some members are wondering about doing this in the Faribault area. This would have to be coordinated with MAPE central. A suggestion for a place is the second floor of the Library.

Katherine reported that on Oct 6th there will be a meeting with Tim Walz, they’re just not sure of the location.

The candidates like “Meet & Greet” sessions. This always helps members and people to understand the candidate’s causes.

The contract is basically on hold until next year. Negotiations for the new contract will start. There will be open enrollment again in November.

At the Delegate Assembly, they will discuss & vote on the dues increase. The increase is needed because the “reserve” has been drained dealing with all the issues/fights this year.

The Treasurer’s report was read by Patty Rux and approved.

Next meeting Oct 18th.

Melissa Warhol would have won the drawing.

Local 1903 Meeting Minutes August 2012

Submitted by dcurran on Aug 31 2012 - 9:42am

Local 1903 MAPE Meeting 8-16-12

Reviewed meeting minutes from the 7-10-12 meeting.

Old Business:

Business Agent, Kathy Fodness, and Regional Director, Katherine Driskell, gave a negotiations recap. MAPE members overwhelmingly voted to yes to the proposed contract. The Employee Relations Subcommittee is scheduled to vote on August 23rd. If passed, the contract would go into effect immediately. If it is voted down, the vote would go to the legislature in January and the terms of the last approved contract would be continued. The contract should not be addressed in the upcoming special session as it is not a related issue. MAPE members are encouraged to contact Employee Relations Subcommittee members asking them to support the contract.

Kasie Carroll delivered the donated food and hygiene items to the American Sugar workers. Two thank you letters have been received.

Mark Amman met with DOC Associate Warden Jeff Titus to discuss the security concerns of the Behavioral Health Staff in the Willow Building. It was reported that AW Titus will attempt to get more radios available to Willow Staff. Additional accountability checks are also being implemented. There is no money in the budget for a new body alarm system at this time.

Rick Tonjum will continue to serve as the State Wide Meet and Confer Representative.

Tom Murphy will be leaving his employment with the DOC and will no longer be able to attend the Delegate Assembly. Rick Tonjum will attend, along with Garry Allen.

New Business:

Katherine Driskell provided a MAPE handout, 2013 Budget Dues Increase. She discussed MAPE’s proposal to increase dues by $6.00 each pay period starting January 2013. She pointed out the work that MAPE has done to support state employees throughout the years, the current budget situation, and the continued need for resources to advocate for MAPE members. Members were offered the opportunity to ask questions and give feedback. The group voted to approve the $6.00 increase. The vote was not unanimous.

MAPE is addressing flex time at the next State Wide Meet and Confer. Members were asked to send any specific examples of denied requests for flex time to Frank Barr, DOC.

MAPE and the DOC are collaborating to offer a Recidivism Conference on September 28th at the Anoka Technical College. Staff may be eligible for CEU’s. Members were directed to get supervisory permission to attend.

Business Agent Report:

Kathy Fodness informed members that the Dependent Eligibility Verification Audit is complete. She reported that a number of dependents lost coverage. Members are encouraged to contact her if they have lost their family coverage.

A sign- up sheet was provided to volunteer for phone banking. Members were encouraged to carpool and represent our local.

Treasurer Report:

The most recent balance as of June 30th was $4,156.01. A checkbook reimbursement was made for $879.25.

Attendance Drawing:

Melissa Richer, Department of Corrections, won $30. Plan to attend next month for an opportunity to win $10.00.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, September 20th, 2012 at the MN Academy for the Deaf, Faribault, MN.

Next Agenda:
Proposed contract

Local 1903 Meeting Minutes July 2012

Submitted by dcurran on Jul 19 2012 - 2:18pm

Local 1903 MAPE Meeting 7-10-12

Reviewed meeting minutes from the 6-21-12 meeting.

Old Business:

Regional Negotiator, Ray Knutson, gave a negotiations recap. He discussed specifics of the contract, informed members of the voting process, and reviewed the steps involved before the contract is put in effect.

A $500.00 check was mailed to the American Sugar workers. Members brought non-perishable food items to also be donated. Melissa Richer, Secretary, will be accepting items for the next couple weeks.

Mark Amman will discuss the security concerns of the Behavioral Health Staff in the Willow Building at the next meeting.

The State-wide Meet and Confer Committee will be discussed further at the next meeting.

Members were reminded of the happy hour scheduled for Thursday, July 12th at the Depot. Everyone was encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the American Sugar Workers.

New Business:

President, Mark Amman, presented three resolutions offered by Local 1702 for the Delegate Assembly. He reviewed information on “Long Term Disability Coverage Through Voluntary Reduction of Sick Leave Hours,” “Sick Leave Pool Establishment for Minnesota State Employees,” and “State Employee Tuition and Fee Waivers.” All three resolutions were unanimously passed. Members expressed interest in suggesting other resolutions, specifically the option of using sick time to cover health related costs, such as gym memberships. Individuals were encouraged to bring forth ideas and draft resolutions.

It was proposed that local MAPE and AFSCME union members coordinate a fall get together. More details will be discussed at the next meeting.

Treasurer Report:

The most recent balance as of May 31st was $4,695.29. A check was written for $285.78 for lost time related to recruitment.

Attendance Drawing:

Marie Ludwig, Department of Corrections, would have won $20 had she been present. Plan to attend next month for an opportunity to win $30.00.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, August 16th, 2012 at the MN Academy for the Deaf, Faribault, MN.

Next Agenda:
Contract negotiations recap
Willow building security concerns
Food drive for American Sugar Workers
State-wide meet and confer committee representative

Local 1903 Meeting Minutes June 2012

Submitted by dcurran on Jul 19 2012 - 2:13pm

Local 1903 MAPE Meeting 6-21-12

Reviewed meeting minutes from the 5-17-12 meeting.

Old Business:

Regional Director, Katherine Driskell, and President, Mark Amman, gave a negotiations recap. Several aspects of the proposed contract were discussed including: 2% wage increase, a step increase each year, and modest changes in benefits. A handout was sent around specifying some of the proposed changes to insurance costs. It was emphasized that only full share members are allowed to vote. The deadline to become a full member and be eligible to vote is July 3rd. The vote will be electronic.

American Sugar Workers continue to be locked out. Members discussed making a donation. Mike Johnson proposed that a donation of $500 be made and this was seconded by Katherine Driskell. It was unanimously approved. Melissa Richer proposed a food drive be held to collect non-perishable food, hygiene, and household cleaning items to support the Sugar Workers. This was seconded by Suzanne Hughes. It was unanimously approved. Melissa volunteered to organize the food drive at the DOC facility. Patty Rux and Carrie Budahl volunteered to collect items from the School for the Deaf. All other members were encouraged to bring items to the next meeting.

Mark Amman continues to correspond with DOC administrative staff regarding security concerns brought forward by the Behavioral Health Staff in the Willow Building. This will be discussed further at a future meeting.

New Business:

Rick Tonjum has resigned as the representative for the State-wide Meet and Confer Committee. Members were encouraged to think about volunteering for this position. It will be discussed further at the next meeting.

Melissa Richer proposed to start having quarterly get-togethers. It was pointed out that it can be difficult to make the lunch hour meetings each month so this would be another opportunity for members to socialize, get informed, and become involved. It was suggested the get-togethers could rotate between happy hours, holiday parties, picnics, etc. Members were encouraged to share any suggestions or ideas. It was proposed that the first social event will be a happy hour after work on Thursday, July 12th at the Depot in Faribault. Carrie Budahl offered to send an e-mail informing members.

Business Agent Report:

Business Agent, Kathy Fodness, was unable to attend this meeting.

Treasurer Report:

No new statements have been received. The most recent balance as of April 30th was $4,767.70.

Attendance Drawing:

Tina McCusker, Human Services, would have won $10 had she been present. Plan to attend next month for an opportunity to win $20.00.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 10th, 2012 at the MN Academy for the Deaf, Faribault, MN.

Next Agenda:
Negotiations recap
Willow building security concerns
Donation/Food Drive for American Sugar Workers
State-wide meet and confer committee representative

Local 1903

Local 1903 MAPE Meeting 12-20-12

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