Council 81 AFSCME

NEWS

NO MORE SNOW JOBS!!

CLARIFIED POLICY DEFINES EMERGENCY EVENTS, INCLEMENT WEATHER, AND PROVIDES FAIR TREATMENT FOR ALL EMPLOYEES

Council 81 has been advocating for a fair emergency procedures and inclement weather policy for a long time. Members have been treated differently and unfairly when it comes to providing time for inclement weather events and other emergencies.

Executive Director Michael A. Begatto said, “The most recent snowstorms renewed AFSCME Council 81’s determination to see a fair policy to give all employees, both non-essential and essential equality in time for emergency and weather events.

The State Personnel Office, yesterday, clarified its emergency procedures policy. It can be found at the following link – Simplified Emergency Procedures – SPO.

Yvonne Marston, President of LU 879 remarked, “We wouldn’t have this policy without the hard work and determination of our members and the constant vigilance of Council 81. Council 81 deserves some vocal credit for one of the many things it does for us. Thanks again, Mike Begatto and Council 81.”

Mike Begatto gave his appreciation to Governor Ruth Ann Minner and the State Personnel Office for making all State employees on equal footing concerning time for emergency and weather-related activities.

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO KEEP “25” ALIVE

SENATOR DAVE MCBRIDE INTRODUCES 25 YEAR PENSION FOR STATE EMPLOYEES – LET’S GIVE OUR SUPPORT - HELP MAKE A 25 YEAR PENSION A REALITY

Senator David McBride introduced SB 16 which “permits a service pension after 25 years of credited service, regardless of age, without actuarial reduction.” The bill has been assigned to the Senate Finance Committee.

Co-sponsors are Senators: Blevins, Bonini, Bunting, Cloutier, Connor, Henry, Marshall, Sokola, Still, Venables; and Representatives: Carey, Cathcart, Ennis, Gilligan, Hudson, Keeley, Lee, Lofink, Mulrooney, Oberle, Schwartzkopf, Thornburg, Viola, and Williams.

Executive Director Michael A. Begatto urges all AFSCME members, their co-workers, family and friends to contact their senators and representatives to either co-sponsor or support this important piece of legislation. You need to contact your senator and representative by phone, fax, email or regular mail to let him/her know of your concern for this bill and its passage in this session of the General Assembly. If you don’t know who your senator or representative is, please follow this link.

This bill will not pass without your assistance. AFSCME leaders should encourage their members to call his/her senator and representative as soon as possible. If your senator or representative is a co-sponsor, thank him/her for their leadership on this needed legislation.

WHY SHOULD STATE EMPLOYEES HAVE FULL COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS?

ARTICLE PROVIDES TALKING POINTS ON THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE

Although it's clear to all State employees why they should have the same full collective bargaining rights enjoyed by their private sector and county and municipal counterparts, here is a paper which outlines some of the reasons.

Please follow this link to see reasons 'Why State employees should have full collective bargaining rights."

COUNCIL 81 STAFF REPRESENTATIVE KAREN VALENTINE RE-ELECTED TO THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE

AFSCME CONTINUES ITS HIGH PROFILE PRESENCE ON THE POLITICAL SCENE

AFL-CIO Executive Board member Phillip S. Williams, Sr. lauded Karen’s re-election as a testament to keeping a national presence for labor in the political process. "We all were gratified by the endorsement of an impressive array of elected officials from the Governor, Lt. Governor, State Treasurer, John Kerry and many other leaders in labor and community service came together in a solid backing of her run. Karen’s hard work is evident in the trust shown by the Democratic Party in her re-election. Labor’s backing and her diligence made it happen.”

Executive Director, Michael A. Begatto, congratulated Karen and all AFSCME for a great victory. “Political grassroots involvement by AFSCME members is a key to making a difference in the lives of working men and women in Delaware. We congratulate Karen, but we all have a part in the ongoing effort to ensure that labor’s voice is heard locally, statewide and nationally. AFSCME and its members will continue to increase their participation in the political arena and encourage, field and support candidates willing to make constructive and effective changes for working men and women in Delaware.”

When the votes were counted in Dover on Saturday May 14, 2005, Karen L.K. Valentine’s hard work and campaigning made way for an even tougher assignment. She was re-elected to another four-year term as National Committeewoman by the Democratic State Convention to represent Delaware on the Democratic National Committee.

Elected in May 2001 to her first four-year term, Karen worked to support the election and re-election of candidates who were favorable to labor and AFSCME’s interests in local, state and national seats. Upon re-election, Karen told her supporters, “I’m very pleased to be able to continue the work started four years ago and to have this opportunity to continue to participate in the political process. I will continue to use my role to further enhance AFSCME’s commitment and dedication to working families. I encourage other AFSCME members to become politically active and make a positive influence for those we represent.”

DAWN M. PICKETT – AN AFSCME LIFESAVER

AWARD GIVEN TO OUTSTANDING AFSCME MEMBER FOR COURAGEOUS ACTION AND HEROISM

In the normal course of business, AFSCME members are called to protect the lives and living conditions of the residents they serve. Dawn M. Pickett, Employment Services Specialist III working at the Department of Labor in Dover, Delaware (Local 2038) became a literal life-saver when she rushed to the aid of a heart attack victim in her office and performed CPR until the paramedics arrived.

Dawn was given a plaque by Department of Labor Secretary Thomas B. Sharp to award her for her selfless act of courage and heroism. The plaque reads as follows: “The Department of Labor Customer Excellence Award in recognition of service above and beyond the call of duty by Dawn M. Pickett for administering CPR to a Department of Labor client who suffered a heart attack. The client’s life was saved due to your quick and decisive action. Your life saving deed was an exemplary act taking the definition of customer service to a new level.”

Dawn has worked for the Department of Labor for over six years. She works in the Dover office as an Employment Services Specialist III. She is a bilingual Employment Services Specialist and outreach worker for seasonal and migrant workers and works in the Dover office and at various client sites in the field.

On the morning of Thursday, June 9, 2005 sometime after 10:00 a.m., she returned to the office from the field by the employee’s entrance. A coworker told Dawn that a man had “passed out” in the front office and hit his head as he fell.

Dawn went to talk to the man to see if he would respond. She noticed that he had no pulse and his eyes were dilated. While another man, a Department of Labor client, began CPR, Dawn started to get the office defibrillator to obtain the face mask for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, but asked a coworker to get it instead while she and the other man tried to revive the heart attack victim.

Realizing that time was critical, Dawn attempted to clear the man’s airway, however, the passageway was extremely tight. At that point, the man helping Dawn said we lost him. Dawn immediately administered mouth-to-mouth resuscitation without the mouthpiece while the other man gave chest compressions. When the ambulance arrived, Dawn was asked to continue the CPR while the crew began other medical evaluation. They told her she was doing very well.

After the police arrived, they credited Dawn with saving the man’s life after losing him twice during the course of the CPR. Dawn, as most heroes do, gave the credit to the client who assisted her with the CPR.

We all owe a hand of thanks to Dawn for her act of kindness, compassion and heroism…for being a true AFSCME hero…for going above and beyond, and caring as she did. But ultimately, isn’t that what AFSCME members are all about?

Our many thanks and cheers go to you Dawn! You are a true AFSCME hero!

AFSCME PICKETS DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY

LOCALS 1007, 1267 AND 2888 PROTEST THE UNFAIR ACTIONS OF DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY

AFSCME members of Locals 1007, 1267 and 2888 are conducting informational picketing at Delaware State University beginning today (Tuesday, August 30, 2005). Your support for this effort is needed to let the public know of the unfair actions taken by Delaware State University. Additional picketing will also be held on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 and Thursday, September 1, 2005 beginning at 6:30 a.m. come rain or shine. The local 1007, 1267 and 2888 leadership ask that volunteers help staff these events during their hours of work. Their membership can only staff the lines before and after work and during the lunch hour.

In addition to members of the three affected locals, there was support on the line by the leadership of Council 81, other AFSCME locals, American Association of University Professors (AAUP), the alumni association, retirees and students.

Delaware State University, in the midst of contract negotiations, decided to submit new proposal in violation of the previously agreed upon ground rules. Extensive quotes concerning the extremely troublesome situation and conditions at DSU by Karen L.K. Valentine, the Council 81 Staff Representative for the Locals, were reported by the Delaware State News and News Journal. Follow the links and they will take you to the articles.

Executive Director Michael A. Begatto urged other AFSCME members to get involved in the support of the Delaware State University locals. He said, “I want to thank the locals who have supported Locals 1007, 1267 and 2888 in making the unfairness of Delaware State University’s Board of Trustees known to the public. I urge all AFSCME locals to become involved in strengthening and supporting this worthwhile and needed effort. Shedding light on these inequities will be the beginning of ending them.”

Photos Courtesy of N. Joseph Hunter, Photographer

COUNCIL 81 VIGOROUSLY DEFENDS ARBITRATION

FOR MANY EMPLOYERS, THE “BINDING” ASPECT IS NOT BINDING ANY LONGER

The Delaware Supreme Court upheld the long standing rule of law that arbitrator’s awards are not to be overturned. Although to most, it sounds like a “given,” the City of Wilmington didn’t see it that way and went out of its way to try to overturn an arbitrator’s decision.

The case involved an employee for the City of Wilmington who was terminated. A grievance was filed and proceeded through the grievance process to arbitration. The arbitrator sustained the grievance.

The City, however, appealed the arbitrator’s award to Chancery Court. Chancery Court remanded the case to the arbitrator who again found that the employee should be returned to work.

The City appealed again to Chancery Court and once again, the Chancery Court ruled in favor of the grievant.

Not content to hear “NO” two times, the City appealed the Chancery Court decision to the Delaware Supreme Court. The Supreme Court upheld the Chancery Court decision which upheld the arbitration decision sustaining the grievance.

Recently, employers are challenging the “binding” aspect of arbitration and requiring the Council to spend member resources in the wake of their frivolity. Council 81 will be vigilant in ensuring candidates for political office looking for “binding” support from our membership understand the definition of that word.

Executive Director Michael A. Begatto commented on this confirmation of the binding aspect of arbitration by saying, “While this case demonstrates the binding nature of arbitration, it’s sad that employers are using taxpayer money needed for useful projects on fighting unions. I would hope that taxpayers and elected representatives would closely examine this process to stop this unnecessary waste of taxpayer resources."

All AFSCME members are heroes by definition – they care for others by providing services for those who cannot do so for themselves. Today, however, one of AFSCME’s own, Local 2305 President, E. David Saxton, Jr. was honored in the Crossroads section of the News Journal as a military hero along with his father and nephew. Follow the link to see the article.

Dave has had a long military career spanning thirty years, including two tours in the Army in Vietnam as an attack helicopter pilot being having been shot down seven times. He has recently retired as a Major in the Delaware National Guard.

Dave now serves the State as a Psychiatric Nurse Supervisor (Local 2305) at the Delaware Psychiatric Center. He also serves Local 2305 as its President.

Our thanks go to Dave for his long career of service in his many capacities. He’s another AFSCME hero, but today, he’s our AFSCME hero!

E. DAVID SAXTON, JR. – ANOTHER AFSCME HERO

AFSCME LOCAL 2305 PRESIDENT HONORED BY NEWS JOURNAL AS A MILITARY HERO

LU 2305 President E. David Saxton, Jr. at the 2005 AFSCME Leadership Conference

PROPOSED DRAFT OF EXECUTIVE ORDER FOR EMERGENCIES GIVEN TO GOVERNOR FOR ACTION

AFSCME PROVIDES MONTHS OF HARD WORK AND NEGOTIATIONS FOR A WORKABLE POLICY FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS AND REPORTING PRACTICES

Knowing where and when to report during times of emergency is one of the most important factors employees face during their working years. What are my responsibilities and how can I clearly know what are those responsibilities during times of emergency are questions we all ask.

For over a year, AFSCME Council 81 has worked with the Statewide Labor Management Committee to draft a proposal to submit to Governor Ruth Ann Minner for issuance as an Executive Order to define what State employees should do during times of emergency. The many hours of hard work has paid off and that proposal is now a reality and awaiting the Governor’s signature.

Delaware Public Employees Council 81 AFSCME Executive Director Michael A. Begatto said, “I thank all members of the Statewide Labor Management Committee for their action on this needed measure. I particularly would like to thank the AFSCME members of the committee for their hard work, diligence and persistence to ensure that all member groups were fairly considered and language was specifically made to address their unique and special situations. This just didn’t “happen,” it had to be managed and guided into its present form.”

Follow this link to review the Proposed Draft of Executive Order for Emergencies. Further details will be provided on the Council 81 website when the Governor signs the final order.

SUPPORT LOCAL 3384 AND THEIR INFORMATIONAL PICKETING

LOCAL 3384 HOLDS FOURTH IN A SERIES OF INFORMATIONAL PICKETING

THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2006 1:00 P.M. TO 5:00 P.M. LEGISLATIVE HALL, DOVER DELAWARE

Youth Rehabilitative Services Employees Local 3384 has issued a Press Release announcing a fourth in a series of informational pickets. We encourage AFSCME members, their families, friends and co-workers to support Local 3384 in this effort.

The informational picketing will be held at Legislative Hall in Dover on Thursday, March 2, 2006 between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

For further information you may contact:

Joseph Conaway, President

(302) 379-3750

Donald McIlvain, Vice-President

(302) 422-6844 or (302) 670-5220

itisthemac@comcast.net

Please follow these links for the Press Release and visit the Local 3384 website for details and further information.

Photos Courtesy of LU 3384 Website

http://www.local3384.com

AFSCME PRESIDENT GERALD W. McENTEE'S MESSAGE BEFORE THE 37TH INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION

PRESIDENT AND INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD ADOPTS 21ST CENTURY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

Delegates to AFSCME International's 37th Convention to be held in Chicago, IL from August 7 - 11 2006 will be presented with the recommendations of the 21st Century Committee for a vote. International President Gerald W. McEntee has sent the following message concerning the initiative:

"As we move closer to our 2006 International Convention in Chicago, I wanted to update you on what’s happening with our 21st Century Initiative.

This past weekend, I had the good fortune to be at Wisconsin Council 40’s convention when their delegates overwhelmingly endorsed the recommendations of the 21st Century Committee. On Tuesday, I was at DC 37 where our plan was well-received. Their locals will be taking up endorsements on a local-by-local basis.

In addition, three other affiliates have also endorsed the plan. OAPSE/Local 4 unanimously endorsed all of the 21st Century Committee recommendations as the first order of business at its Executive Board meeting on March 24, 2006. Prior to that, SPU/Council 95 endorsed them at their board meeting on March 11, 2006. And in November of 2005, NUHHCE endorsed our plan for change.

As you know, the International Executive Board endorsed the recommendations and adopted the six constitutional amendments of the 21st Century Committee at its February 22 meeting this year.

Additional affiliates will likely be adopting similar resolutions in the future. I will keep you informed of these and other developments. I have also attached two educational pieces that I hope are helpful."

Why We Must Win

A New Game Plan - Summary of Recommendations

AN AFSCME ARTIST

LOCAL 218 MEMBER IS RECOGNIZED FOR HIS ART AND HIS ABILITY TO CONNECT WITH KIDS

Local 218 member, Kevin Stewart, a Chief Custodian at Frederick Douglass Intermediate School, Christina School District, was recognized by the News Journal for his art work and work with children.

Follow this link to see the article on an AFSCME "Artist." - Custodian Connects with Kids

PAY PROPOSAL FOR STATE EMPLOYEES FOR JULY 1, 2006

PROPOSAL INCLUDES WAGE INCREASE AND MOVEMENT THROUGH THE RANGE FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW

The Salary Proposal recommended by the Minner Administration and Joint Finance Committee for State employee pay raises for July 1, 2006 includes a 2% or $1,250, whichever is greater, General Increase and a Movement Through the Range of up to $1,000. The total cost of the package is $64.4 million.

Executive Director Michael A. Begatto said, "For the second year in a row, State employees will have not only a percentage raise, but also a movement through the grade. The combination of these two will provide an average of 6% for the average employee and up to 13% in the lowest pay grade. In speaking to various groups this year, I discovered that many State employees only hear the nominal 2% and don't realize that the actual percentage is very much higher. We need to get the word out on this information to make the actual percentage increase more widely known this year." News coverage on this issue by the News Journal and Delaware State News including quotes from Executive Director Begatto can be found by following the links in this article.

The schedule below gives examples of what the Salary Proposal looks like for various pay grades:

ADMINISTRATION AND JOINT FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED PAY PROPOSALS FOR STATE EMPLOYEES FOR JULY 1, 2006

Pay Grade Current Salary After General Increase

Movement Through the Range % Increase

$16,839

$18,089

$19,089

13.0%

$22,379

$23,629

$24,629

10.0%

$23,942

$25,192

$26,192

9.0%

$25,619

$26,869

$27,869

9.0%

$27,415

$28,665

$29,665

8.0%

$29,334

$30,584

$31,584

8.0%

$31,384

$32,634

$33,634

7.0%

Average

State$39,587$40,379$41,379 6.0%

Employee

Annualized salaries for employees at 80% of midpoint

“NONSENSE” – NCCo COUNCIL SUPPORTS COLLECTIVE BARGAINING PROCESS

ATTACK BY COUNCILMAN ON PROCESS DOESN’T GO UNCHALLENGED

With the introduction of Resolutions R06-125, R06-126 and R06-127, Brandywine Hundred Councilman Robert S. Weiner challenged the healthy and long-standing collective bargaining process between AFSCME Council 81 and New Castle County.

His attack did not go unchallenged, however. It was met with the mobilization of Local 459, 1607, 3109 and 3911 – all AFSCME New Castle County Locals by relentless emails, phone calls, personal visits, community interaction by AFSCME leadership and members to expose the resolutions for what they are – attempts to subvert the collective bargaining process.

The sponsor of this legislation said he wanted to create a dialogue by the introduction of these resolutions. His colleagues on New Castle County Council told him clearly there already is a dialogue that has been open for years. Councilman Patty Powell perhaps said it best when she intoned that the resolutions were “nonsense.” Expressions of support for the process were given by other Councilman and Coons Administration officials. AFSCME’s thanks were extended to them all.

Eventually, recognizing that the resolutions had “zero support,” among Council members, Councilman Weiner withdrew the resolutions. The withdrawal occurred at NCCo Council’s Finance Committee Meeting prior to the NCCo Council Meeting that evening.

AFSCME Locals who were intending to attend the Council meeting to express their reasons for defeating the legislation had contracted for two busses followed by a huge caravan of cars packed with members.

Executive Director Michael A. Begatto, who spoke to the lack of merit of the legislation at the Finance Committee meeting, noted that, “Despite the continuing and determined attacks on it, the collective bargaining process continues to work in New Castle County and the State of Delaware. I thank the many AFSCME members in all four New Castle County locals, County Council and the Coons Administration for their support in ensuring that the process continues.”

For an article by the News Journal on this subject, follow this link.

COUNCIL 81 LOCAL DELEGATES SUPPORT 21ST CENTURY PLAN

DELEGATES TO 37TH AFSCME INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION PASS RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF AFSCME'S 21ST CENTURY INITIATIVE

Delegates from Council 81's Locals and their Presidents met at Council 81 on Thursday, July 13, 2006 to receive an informational presentation on AFSCME International's 21st Century Initiative. The Speakers were Connie L. Derr, Acting Regional Director for AFSCME's Northeast Region, International Vice-President for the Eastern Region (includes NJ and DE) Sherryl A. Gordon and Council 81 Executive Director Michael A. Begatto.

Derr gave an informative PowerPoint presentation and discussed the need for the plan and its benefits to AFSCME in particular and the labor movement in general. Both Gordon and Begatto served on subcommittees of the 21st Century Committee and had numerous comments on the plan and its ability to change the course of the effectiveness of AFSCME in the future. Follow this link to AFSCME's 21st Century Initiative.

Lively discussion from the Delegates and Presidents made the session extremely productive and fruitful for Delaware locals. The message of the plan was heard and its impact will definitely be heard in Chicago in August.

The Delegates passed a resolution supporting the Initiative and the entire plan to be presented for adoption at AFSCME International's 37th Constitutional Convention in Chicago, IL from August 7-11, 2006 (for more information on the Convention see an article below). Follow this link for the text of the Resolution in Support of the 21st Century Plan.

AFSCME LEADERS RECEIVE GRASSROOTS TRAINING - PART ONE

AFSCME PRESIDENTS RECEIVE TRAINING IN GRASSROOTS LEGISLATIVE AND POLITICAL ACTION - MAKING THE ORGANIZATION - INTERNATIONAL, COUNCIL, LOCAL AND MEMBERSHIP - A VITAL ORGANIZED TOOL FOR ACTION FOR PUBLIC EMPLOYEES AND THE PUBLIC

Fighting traffic tie-ups and pressing work commitments, AFSCME Council 81 Presidents put in a hard, long day training to develop organized plans to tackle the issues that face working men and women in Delaware.

Executive Director Michael A. Begatto gave the opening welcome and contributed throughout the session with insights, political and legislative updates and Delaware's agenda for action.

Grassroots Legislative Action training was facilitated by the AFSCME International team of Jasmine L. Harris, Legislative Campaign Manager - Eastern Region, Barbara Coufal, Legislative Affairs Specialist and Michele A. Lewis, Political and Legislative Director for Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia. Participants were very fortunate to have this level of leadership, experience and knowledge in the same place to make this high level of training a reality in Delaware.

The training is only "Part One" for Council 81. AFSCME Presidents received this training and are offering feedback for another session of the training to be presented to delegates and alternates to Council 81's 30th Constitutional Convention in October 2006 - Part Two. After the Convention's adjournment, AFSCME Council 81 will have a grassroots cadre of trained, motivated and eager activists ready to spread the message to AFSCME members, family, friends, legislators, co-workers and the media.

Topics included: National Trends on the Federal Budget and Collective Bargaining, Developing a Message Around a Campaign, Engaging Co-Workers on a Workplace Issue, Targeting and Recruiting Friends and Family, Creating a Local Campaign Plan, Learning the Basic Components of Any Campaign. Real-time exercises, role play and even a little levity reinforced the learning and gave opportunities for action.and growth by the participants.

Participants learned how to set SMART goals for their locals - Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic and Time-based. The goals Included a voter registration goal, a PEOPLE recruitment goal, and a turnout goal for a potential collective bargaining campaign activity.

AFSCME Presidents are now looking forward to sharing the knowledge they've received with their local leaders so that each local may develop its own plan of action and make an impact on this year's election.

Many participants either committed to become MVP members of PEOPLE or encourage their members to contribute to the necessary work of PEOPLE. PEOPLE is "Public Employees Organized to Promote Legislative Equality." PEOPLE is the AFSCME's political, legislative and fundraising arm. It is supported by voluntary donations by members and is one of the biggest political action committees in the nation.

Executive Director Michael A. Begatto noted at the conclusion of the session that, "This first part of AFSCME's Grassroots Legislative Action has energized our leadership to action for the upcoming election. The energy I've seen will go a long way to help us elect candidates who support Council 81's agenda. Part Two - Grassroots Legislative Action will even further the strength and capabilities of Council 81 and its affliated locals to positively affect the future for public employees and their families in Delaware.

For one more year, State employees have good news in light of rising costs for just about everything. The State Employee Benefits Committee (SEBC) voted to keep health care costs (health care premiums, co-pays and associated deductibles) at the same level as the previous fiscal year. The SEBC is charged by Delaware Code to vote on all fringe benefit programs for State and public education employees. Press Release Link

Delaware Public Employees Council 81 AFSCME urged the members of the SEBC not to increase costs for the upcoming year. Executive Director Michael A. Begatto has communicated individually to the members of the SEBC his gratitude for their decision on behalf of all AFSCME members, especially in light of the volatility of rising and uncertain health care cost increases. Health Care Contracts Announcement Link

THE GOOD NEWS (Again) IS...HEALTH CARE COSTS FOR STATE EMPLOYEES REMAIN AT SAME LEVEL AS LAST FISCAL YEAR

STATE EMPLOYEE BENEFITS COMMITTEE VOTES UNANIMOUSLY TO CONTINUE LAST YEAR'S HEALTH CARE COST LEVEL

AFSCME’S VOICE WAS HEARD

2007 LEGISLATIVE CONVENTION FEATURED SPEAKERS AND LOBBYING

The 2007 Legislative Convention for Delaware Public Employees Council 81 AFSCME Locals was held on Wednesday, March 14, 2007.

The Convention featured a wide variety of speakers and concluded with the delegates going to Legislative Hall to lobby for the issues that were discussed.

The Keynote Speaker was Governor Ruth Ann Minner who spoke of the leadership and compassion of the State of Delaware. She previewed the State Employee Benefits Committee's recommendation for another year of no increases and additional dental care options. As always, she emphasized the great contribution made by State employees. Governor Minner also reiterated her support for Senate Bill 36 - Full Collective Bargaining Rights for State Employees.

Speaker of the House Terry R. Spence thanked AFSCME for its involvement in the electoral process and for endorsing him. He, as in past speeches to us, called for the budget to place State employees first.

24th District Representative William A. Oberle, Jr., House Labor Committee Chair, told the delegates that his co-sponsorship of Senate Bill 36 – Full Collective Bargaining Rights for State Employees - reflected his desire to have fairness and equality in the negotiating process for all State Employees. These thoughts were echoed by 27th District Representative Vincent A. Lofink, House Labor Committee Vice-Chair and 26th District Representative John J. Viola., a LU 2038 member.

The Convention also had visits and conversation time with Lt. Governor John C. Carney, Jr., State Treasurer Jack Markell and State Insurance Commissioner Matthew Denn.

Delegates also heard a presentation of the AFSCME P.E.O.P.L.E. Program from Pearl E. Smith,

P.E.O.P.L.E Coordinator for AFSCME. Pearl gave remarks about AFSCME's program and the importance of having an active political and legislative program.

Council 81 Staff Representative Francis Lally prepared the body for its afternoon lobbying efforts by giving helpful lobbying strategies and techniques.

The delegates were given specific information about their individual representatives and senators and then proceeded to Legislative Hall for visits with these elected officials.

Executive Director Michael A. Begatto detailed pending legislation important to public employees in the various sectors of the Council – State, County, Municipal, School Districts, Higher Education and the private sector. He urged all delegates to take the messages they had heard at this Convention back to their locals to energize their members to further action. He said, “Be sure to thank the supporters of our legislation. Let them know of your gratitude for their willingness to support issues affecting working men and women." He also reminded that "Our success will not come without your active participation. Your support and action makes this Council strong and sends a loud and clear message to our elected officials. Thank you and your members for your continued support and dedication.”

Photos from the 2007 Legislative Convention

AFSCME SUPPORTED CANDIDATE SUCCESSFUL IN SPECIAL ELECTION - SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2007

AFSCME MEMBERS ELECTION SUPPORT CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE AND VICTORY IS THE RESULT

When Republican House Majority Leader Wayne Smith resigned his seat in the House of Representatives to take a job lobbying the Legislature, a Special Election was called to replace him.

AFSCME immediately went into action marshalling its members and supporters to ensure his replacement would support the issues that affect its members and their families.

With 4,322 votes cast in the race, Bryon H. Short, a Democrat and a supporter of labor issues including full collective bargaining rights for State employees, won the Special Election with 52.6 percent of the vote. Follow this link to a News Journal Article.

Executive Director Michael A. Begatto thanked the team of AFSCME workers for their efforts in support of Representative-elect Short saying, “The margin of victory in this Special Election should make it clear to our members that their involvement in the electoral process can make the difference between victory and defeat. Our best wishes go to Bryon H. Short and his campaign and we appreciate the opportunity to offer our support in this successful endeavor. We now ask our members and their families to support our efforts in the Special Election in the 41st House District on May 5, 2007. AFSCME’s support, as we have found over and over again, can make the difference.”

AETNA PHONE INQUIRY LINE TO FIND PARTICIPATING PHYSICIANS

AFSCME MEMBERS CAN CHECK WHETHER THEIR PHYSICIAN IS A PART OF THE AETNA NETWORK

State Employees must choose their health care provider this year during open enrollment. Aetna is replacing Coventry as a health provider this year.

To determine if your physician(s) are a part of the Aetna network, prospective Aetna members can call the Dover Service Center at (877) 54-AETNA - (877-542-3862) should they have any questions regarding the

Aetna program offered through the State of DE. The hours of operation for this line are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Michael S. North, Vice President, Client Management, Delaware Valley National Accounts, Aetna, Inc. says "While we have had a large local and national network, the award of the State's HMO business has enabled us to initiate recruitment efforts to those doctors who may not be participating currently. A number have submitted applications and are in the credentialing process. While we encourage members to check with their physicians, this unit can also provide an update."

SENATE BILL 36 PASSES IN THE HOUSE 26-10

STATE WORKERS ARE ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE REALIZATION OF FULL COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS

Today, Friday, June 29, 2007, shortly after midnight, AFSCME Council 81 saw the passage of Senate Bill 36 in the House of Representatives by a vote of 26-10. This follows the passage of the bill in the Senate two weeks ago on June 14, 2007. The bill now goes to Governor Minner for her signature. Governor Minner has previously stated that the bill had her support and she would sign it if it reached her desk.

To a crowd of cheering supporters, Delaware Public Employees Council 81 AFSCME Executive Director, Michael A. Begatto, gave his thanks to the sponsors, co-sponsors and those who voted for the bill in the Senate and the House. He also thanked the many supporters of the bill from the other labor organizations and political organizations. "We can't thank the legislature enough for their courage and determination despite extreme opposition to see that State employees are treated fairly," Begatto said thanking all.

He especially thanked the members and leaders of locals in AFSCME Council 81 in Delaware. “Without the support and hard work on this bill our members gave, we would not have been successful. I give them my great praise and thanks for their continuing belief and support on this landmark legislation,” Begatto stated.

For press coverage, see the articles and video at the following links: News Journal, Delaware State News, WDEL story and video.

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees

DELAWARE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES

http://www.council81.org

COUNCIL 81

AFSCME AFL-CIO