October 10, 2007 Meeting Minute
Minute
Pizza was delivered to the room at 1700; per agreement, meeting was delayed until everyone had a chance to get something to eat and drink.
Meeting was called to order by President Strako at 5:15pm.
Role Call of Officers
Present
- 1st V.P. Smith
- Prof. V.P. Omeara
- F.P.C. McFadden
- W. C. Lasota
- Treasurer Brown
- Secretary Hall
Absent
- C. S. Frye
- U.C.S. Sumida
Vacant
- U.V.P. VARO
Minutes of the last meeting
Minutes of the last meeting were available for review by members. Hearing no changes to the minutes Ron Kerr made the motion to accept the minutes and it was seconded by Ruth Hamada. Accepted unanimously.
New Members
President Strako presented the following for consideration:
- Alisa Pisciotta
- Alisia Wickerman
- Andrew McClendon
- Ann Stewart
- Ben-Hur Ludlum
- Bernadette Starzak
- Carolyn Cichanski
- Carrie Roberts
- Dauphne Taylor
- Jackie Grimesey
- Julie Hendricks
- Kelly Leasure
- Kenneth Meade
- Lorie Robeson
- Melissa Mathisen
- Michael Tampieri
- Pam Gronbeck
- Paulette Martin
- Roy Kennedy
- Rushal Toston
- Sonya Graham
- Tyana Shabazz
- Xochitl Chavez
Barbara Tickner moved that the new members be accepted; Seconded by Victor Callendar. There was no discussion from the floor. Accepted unanimously.
President Strako reported that we have 854 members with the new additions. He further reported that he had received a call from National Vice President Swanke congratulating our Local on the positive recruiting efforts that had been brought to his attention at that level.
Financial Report
Bank of America Checking 23,188.17 Savings 5,003.04 C.D. 40,000.00 Verity Checking 20,258.90 Savings 6.23 Gil Veyna asked the treasurer when we can expect to have a complete written Treasurer Report. Brown responded that she was unable to get a print-out or to reach the person who could help her as she was not allowed official time during that person’s regular work hours. She did not think it would be available next month either. Sharon Hall asked if the treasurer could provide a handwritten accounting. Brown replied “Yes and No. Quick books does not work that way.” There was general discussion about internal union business not being given ‘official time’. A point of order was raised that more discussion about this should be moved to New Business and it was agreed. President called for motion to accept treasurer’s Report. There was a motion that was seconded. President Strako called for the voice vote and the Yeas outnumbered the Nays. Accepted.
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Officers Reports
O.W.C.P.
O.W.C.P. V.P. Smith reported on a discussion she had with Nursing Service and Human resources regarding facilitation, by all, to get injured nurses medical retirements. She provided a document dated 9/18/07 from O.S.H.A. to the Director for review by the membership regarding Unsafe or Unhealthful conditions. She also provided copies of the instructions and citations from the same occurrence. Copies submitted with minutes. Further report re: Ribo virus. Reminder to membership that if they are injured on the job they should contact a Union representative immediately and always file a CA-1 with your supervisor. Even a paper cut in this environment could get an ugly infection.
Prof. V.P.
Prof. V.P. O’Meara reports that there is not yet a settlement for the M.D. pay issues that go back 14 years. Bargaining will happen locally re Seattle plan for re-imbursements. In a meeting with management it was agreed by all that if employees work through their lunch, even if food is provided for them, they will be paid. There has been an increase in Lunch Meetings. In a similar meeting it was agreed that if a person had no sick leave available, that they could not be charged with A.W.O.L. as long as they call in appropriately. Also management has agreed that overtime is overtime, Comp Time is only if the employee requests it.
Women’s Coordinator
Women’s Coordinator Lasota reports that there will be a Lunch & Learn on November 7th in the Radke room. This is provided jointly with the Fair Practice Coordinator. The Topic is Domestic Violence and the guest presenter is Dr. Guerlock. These coordinators are looking for people interested in being part of a joint committee. These coordinators will be doing a joint presentation to the stewards at their November meeting.
Fair Practice Coordinator
Fair Practice Coordinator McFadden reported on the trip that he and Gil Veyna took to the first Hispanic Coalition Meeting in Albuquerque, N.M. They felt that it was very helpful and informative. They mentioned briefly the current act that is making its way through the federal system regarding federal employees who have English as their second language.
President Strako
President Strako reports there are currently 3 ULPs, 2 Demand To Bargains at VARO and 3 Demand To Bargains at Seattle. He has been involved in meetings to discuss elevating Housekeeping WG 1 employees to WG2 status so that all are able to do all types of cleaning. The NVAC trip bills are all current and credentials have been accepted. In answer to a question from the floor, he reports that there is no more current information available regarding the new Escort personnel.
Committee Reports
None
Old Business
In answer to a question from the floor President Strako reports that the criminal investigation is active in the Dept. of Labor. There is only one investigator who can do criminal cases and he is in contact. Until some further action is taken, officers are not at liberty to discuss details.
New Business
Victor Callendar asked about the practice of hiring in new nursing assistants as GS3 instead of GS4. The E-board said that there had been no complaints regarding the issue and that if a position was offered at that rating and it was accepted then there really is no issue as long as people are not working at a higher level.
A person from the floor asked if training was provided in a foreign language and not in English. Several officers responded that it is a condition of employment that employees be able to communicate complex issues in English. If the trainer was not speaking in English for the training session then the employee was advised to go through the chain of command and if necessary seek Union help.
Sharon Hall made a motion that stewards receive a stipend of $30.00 per month to off set cost of extra travel etc to see employees and to come in on weekends etc. The motion was seconded by Victor Callendar. There was discussion about if this was covered in the Bylaws; they only address listed officers. No further discussion raised. President called for voice vote which was unanimous. Accepted.
Gil Veyna again asked to discuss when we will be able to get a Financial Report from the Treasurer. (Note: Treasurer Brown had already left the meeting.) Debra Smith stated that she had agreed to help the treasurer formulate a report. Several other people stated that they wanted to hear about the finances. President Strako turned over the gavel to V.P. Smith to state that he had been following the finances daily himself and that he had intended to help with the bookkeeping but had been too busy. He further states that all of the bills are being paid. The gavel was returned to the President. Sharon Hall stated that the members had a right to ask for and receive a financial report at every meeting, but that we had not had one ever from the current treasurer and that was a year now. Karen Lasota reminded members that they are free to come to the President’s office and view the files any time. She stated that she has helped in the past and could again. Victor Callendar made the point that this is not personal and Karen Lasota was correct when she reminded people that names were not to be used according to Robert’s rules of Order. The President reminded the gathering that all points go through the President.
For the Good of the Local
Can the meetings be taped? We will check.
The next meeting will be 11/07/07. The E-Board will be meeting on 11/20/07 to make a proposed 2008 budget for presentation to the membership 11/07/07.
Megal Davis won the door prize.
Sharon Hall moved that the meeting be adjourned; second by Karen Lasota. Accepted
Meeting Adjourned at 1835.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Hall, Secretary/Steward
Local 3197