AFSCME 3700 - UIUC Clericals

Union Notes and News

April 2009

President’s Report

Dorinda Miller

Well, spring is finally here although when you get up to freezing each morning it makes one wonder.  But the weather is not the only thing we have to wonder about here at UIUC.  There is the budget, layoff, hiring, promotions, pensions and health care just to name a few. The proposed changes would take hundreds of dollars a month from the pockets of affected employees and retirees! Let’s take a look at each one.

Budget

In an article online from the University Relations office updated April 3, 2009, it is stated that while Governor Quinn’s budget proposes support for education including reinstating the 2.5 percent rescission and adding 1.1 percent to the U of I operating appropriation there is still cause for concern.  Further they note that “travel limits, strict controls on new hires and sustainability initiatives, first announced and implemented in late 2008, are still in place to help the University and its campuses face current and anticipated financial challenges.  University senior staff are currently working on plans to reduce non-academic administrative costs to focus resources on academic and strategic priorities”.  The Campus Labor Coalition, which we are a member of, has met with President White and financial officers from UIUC and have another meeting in the works to discuss the budget.  Look for future updates.

Layoffs

While the current layoff situation is small and under control with no “hitting the streets” the above statement regarding “non-academic administrative costs” is of major concern.  While you may not consider yourself in the “administrative” line, our clerical positions are indeed included in that line.  So it is with caution that I say things are looking pretty solid with respect to layoffs.

Hiring

If you have visited www.pso.uiuc you may have noticed that there are only four clerical positions listed.  At this time the U of I is only filling necessary positions.  This most likely will continue until after the budget is finalized.

Promotions

I often get phone calls asking if it is a good time to promote.  If you are looking to promote you might want to remember that once you promote you will be at the bottom of the new classification seniority list until someone else is hired.  This could put you in jeopardy if there were to be a layoff within that classification.  If that did occur you would have rights to your previous classification based on seniority in that classification.  One other thing to watch for is the timing.  If you are due an anniversary raise soon you might want to consider waiting until that has been received.  Ultimately the choice is yours and only you can make the final decision.

Pensions

While labor organizations feel that Governor Quinn is on the right track on budget changes we have some major concerns still.  If the governor’s plan is passed, current university employees would be required to pay 2 percent more of our checks into the pension system.  That is the same as taking a 2 percent pay cut with no added benefits.  He would also be creating a two-tier system where new hires would get lower benefits.

The retirement age would be changed to 67; the benefit formula would be cut; and the annual COLA would be reduced.  We should not stand for two unequal classes of employees doing the same work…we need to stand united and benefits should be standard whether you are a long term employee or a new hire.  What is fair for one is fair for all!  Remember – our pension is our Social Security!

Health Care

The governor’s proposal intends to shift $200 million in added costs for health insurance to state and university employees.  If this occurs the state would cut its subsidy for the Quality Care PPO plan which would force active employees in that plan to pay higher costs or switch to an HMO.  It would also cut the state subsidy for retirees under 65 to match what it pays for older retirees enrolled in Medicare…those under 65 retirees would be expected to pay the difference.

What can I do?

Let’s get our message across

LOUD and CLEAR!

Participate in the AFSCME Legislative Forums 

                  Champaign County Forum                   

May 4 6pm

Room D244

Parkland College

For a location near you visit  www.afscme31.org

ECDL/CDL workers need your assistance

CDL (Child Development Laboratory) workers are working hard to earn a living wage.  Wages for this group start at $8.26 an hour and some of the classifications require at least a bachelor degree…those folks make a little over $11 per hour.  While negotiations continue these workers need your help.  Watch for upcoming events in support of these underpaid workers. 

U of I Childcare Workers Fight for Better wages 

Kevin Schoening

In September of 2008, AFSCME local 3700 proudly joined with the University of Illinois childcare workers. They were open range employees and now all three civil service classifications are represented by AFSCME L3700. Please join together in welcoming our newest union members.

Although they have joined our ranks we are still in wage negotiations. These Childcare workers are currently being paid almost 30% less than our clericals and less than child care workers around the state! I think we would all agree that care and education of our children is one of the most important jobs in the entire University system. The University of Illinois needs to rise to the occasion and bring these childcare workers up to a livable wage. Most of these childcare workers cannot afford the weekly rates the University would charge them to have their own kids at the ECDL/CDL facilities. The University and students also benefit from the use of ECDL/CDL as a child development research facility.

Our bargaining unit members Katrina Smith, Cynthia Smith and all the employees at the ECDL/CDL are really struggling to get proper wage recognition from the University and can use emails of encouragement. Please send your supportive emails to kevinafscme3700@yahoo.com and I will pass them along to the childcare workers. Words of encouragement during these trying times will really boost the childcare workers’ moral.

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Membership

Pope Paul VI is quoted as saying “The important role of union organizations must be admitted: their object is the representation of the various categories of workers, their lawful collaboration in the economic advance of society, and the development of the sense of their responsibility for the realization of the common good.”  This is your union.  If you’re not a full member, please consider becoming one today.  The contract that your union has with the university is there to protect you….join us today and stand with us as we protect our rights to have a contract.  Make your voice count. Now more than any time that I can remember it is important to be covered under a union contract and be a full union member. With AFSCME representation we indeed have a say in what happens to us as employees during these hard budget days.  There is strength in numbers and we need that strength now.  Won’t you consider signing a card?  Just contact one of the board members and we will be happy talk to you about becoming a full member.

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Words from Cheryl Westlund, Treasurer

Zip Cars

As a member of the Staff Advisory Council, I represent the clericals. Part of the SAC goal is to bring concerns of our colleagues to University administration. (Remember, concerns about terms of working conditions, grievances and wages should be brought to the attention of your union – AFSCME 3700.) Some months ago a committee studying campus parking met with the Staff Advisory Council. One of the suggestions that came from the SAC was use of the Zip cars for short term local rental. The University has adopted this idea and it is now reality. It is anticipated the cars will be used primarily by students, but anyone can join this system. For staff who take public transportation to work, Zip cars could be used for unexpected or planned errands.  Information on the cars can be found at http://www.zipcar.com/uillinois.

SURS – when to contact them

At one of our monthly meetings we had the privilege to hear a speaker from SURS. The information was valuable, and if you are a learner like I am, you can absorb more information from a presentation rather than online research. If you are within five years of retirement age, whether or not you intend to retire within five years, you can make an appointment with a counselor to review your anticipated retirement package. I took advantage of this benefit and received a lot of good information. If you are not planning a retirement but may leave the University for any reason it would be very important to contact a SURS representative to discuss whether or not you should withdraw your SURS account. This could have a huge impact on your retirement benefits if you ever returned to the U of I or joined another university or college who participates in SURS. If you would like more information just call SURS and they’ll be happy to help you.  Half-hour appointments with SURS counselors are a covered benefit. A SURS representative can be reached by calling (217) 378-8800.

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As AFSCME full dues paying members, we have the right to…

1. Membership

No person otherwise eligible for membership in this union shall be denied membership, on a basis of unqualified equality, because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, or political belief.

2. Freedom of speech

Members shall suffer no impairment of freedom of speech concerning the operations of this union. Active discussion of union affairs shall be encouraged and protected within this organization.

3. Freedom from bosses

Members shall have the right to conduct the internal affairs of the union free from employer domination.

4. Fair elections

Members shall have the right to fair and democratic elections at all levels of the union. This includes due notice of nominations and elections, equal opportunity for competing candidates and proper election procedures constitutionally specified. (L3700 elections will be held December 15, 2009)

5. Hold office

Members shall have an equal right to run for and hold office, subject only to constitutionally specified qualifications, uniformly applied.

6. Review financial records

Members shall have the right to a full and clear accounting of all union funds at all levels. Such accounting shall include, but not be limited to, periodic reports to the membership by the appropriate fiscal officers and periodic audits by officers elected for that purpose or by independent auditors not otherwise connected with the union.

7. Vote

Members shall have the right to full participation, through discussion and vote, in the decision-making processes of the union, and to pertinent information needed for the exercise of this right. This right shall specifically include decisions concerning the acceptance or rejection of collective bargaining contracts, memoranda of understanding, or any other agreements affecting their wages, hours, or other terms and conditions of employment. All members shall have an equal right to vote and each vote cast shall be of equal weight.

8. Due process

Charges against a member or officer shall be specific and shall be only on grounds provided in the International Constitution. Accused members or officers shall have the right to a fair trial with strict adherence to due process. The accused shall be considered innocent until proven guilty.

AFSCME Quarterly Membership Meeting

Our next quarterly membership meeting is June 16 at 5:30.  This is a meeting for full members only.  Look for upcoming information closer to the date.  Come out and join us and let us hear from you. 

Safety

Be sure to review the safety guidelines outlined at the following website:

http://www.police.illinois.edu/safetyresources.htm#safetytips.

Remember, don’t take any unnecessary chances and contact campus or city police immediately if you have a safety concern.

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“The fight is never about grapes or lettuce. It is always about people.”

 Cesar Chavez

This is my union – how can I get involved?

Many of us have heard about “shop stewards”.  These stewards are used not only for disciplinary hearings but also used to provide union information to the memebers…an outreach to the workers.  With our organization being spread out to all ends of campus and even to the far sides of Illinois it is difficult for us to have stewards in every area. 

We are looking for “building/department” contacts to assist us with the dissemination of

AFSCME 3700 materials and information and to be our eyes and ears across campus.

Most all of the work can be done on lunch and break time.  Handling out fliers, letting members know of meeting times and just helping members who need some information like how and who to reach with questions. 

If you are interested in becoming a building contact, please get in touch with me at dkmiller@illiois.edu or by phone at 217-979-1005.  We will be scheduling a meeting in mid May for training.  You must be a full member to act as a building contact.

Unions in difficult times

Times are difficult right now…be a proud union member and stand strong together as we fight to keep what we have struggled so hard to obtain.

Many underemployed and even those that have good paying jobs are reverting back to ways of the past….mending and making their own clothes to save as much as possible.

Folks should sew and mend only because they love to….not out of necessity…let’s stop this regression…join your union!

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Dates to remember:

May 4 - Legislative Forum 6 pm Parkland College Room D244

June 16 - 5:30 pm AFSCME Quarterly Membership meeting - 1403 E. Washington, Suite F, Urbana

(open to all full dues paying members of L3700 only)

Steward Notes Diane Davis

Chief Steward and Vice President

Illinois School Visitation Rights Act

Did you know?

Vacation planning

PPP Program – our newest disciplinary program

Deactivation of Discipline

EXAMPLE OF PRE-DISCIPLINE NOTIFICATION LETTER

WEINGARTEN RIGHTS

If you are called into a meeting with a management representative and you have reason to believe that disciplinary action against you may result, you have the right to have a steward present during this meeting. Read the statement below to the management representative, and contact your steward immediately.

READ THIS STATEMENT TO MANAGEMENT:

“If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I request that my union representative, officer, or steward be present at the meeting. Without representation, I choose not to answer any question.

“This is my right under a U.S. Supreme Court decision called Weingarten.”