UML local chapter is pleased to announce our new web prescence on the main SEIU website. Thank you to Penny Donoghue and Gerry Nelson who have volunteered to update and maintain this site for us.
General Meeting
Wednesday, January 17, 2008
Present Susana Segat – President
Jim Redman – Politics & Legislation
Lucinda Kallis-Hilbert – Research
Sue Chase – Bargaining, Director
Campus Leadership:
Gerald Durkin – President
Janet King – Vice President
Rick Harvey – Steward
Marcie Byrd – Secretary
Membership: approximately 85 members
Topics Discussed
Raises: We anticipate raises to be in our paycheck the first pay period in February; Retro pay in following pay period
Dental: Changes in dental coverage. New plan now under Delta Dental. All membership should have received ID Cards and information through mail at home address. Some employees expressed concerns at the level of benefits, and asked about additional payments, options, etc. After further discussions, it was agreed that we would attempt to have a Delta Representative visit our campus to answer questions & concerns from all individuals. We will send follow-up information confirming date/time/location. Right now tentative time is the middle of February [week of the 18th]. Individuals have till the end of February to change enrolled plan.
By-Laws: Acknowledged committee for submitting Draft of Proposed By-Laws for UML Local 888. Union leadership will be reviewing and distributing for vote by membership
Health Insurance Increase: Governor Patrick has proposed an increase in state employee health insurance costs. Notification of this has been mailed to your home addresses and information can be found at: http://www.seiu888.org/
WE URGE ALL MEMBERS TO CONTACT THEIR STATE REPRESENTATIVES and STATE SENATORS to express opposition to this. What does this mean?
Employees earning less than $35,000 would continue to pay 15 percent of the cost of their plan.
Employees earning from $35,000 to $50,000 would pay 20 percent of the cost of their plan.
Employees earning over $50,000 would pay 25 percent of the cost of their plan.
AN INCREASE OF up to 66% compared to what we currently pay
Negotiations: Negotiations for new contract will start in March. This will be a three year contract and we are asking for volunteers [2] to participate on the Negotiation Team. Interested members please email Marcie_Bryd@uml.edu
Some concerns or suggestions already mentioned included:
Parking Fees?
COLA [Cost of Living Adjustments] increases
Additional vacation/personal days
Tuition Remission to include a percent of fees in addition to tuition cost
Increase Tuition Remission to age 26 for family members
Additional Notes:
Your union leadership does meet with the leadership of the other unions from the UML Campus. These are open meetings and you are welcome to attend. We will notify you when the next meeting is scheduled for the upcoming spring semester.
Communication is critical and important for the upcoming year. With negotiations, campus restructuring, new building construction, parking, etc all anticipated in the immediate future, we need to be positive, active, and all working together. Please feel free to contact any of your union officers to express concerns, discuss issues, and make recommendations. We are here to listen, assist and work with each of you!
Thank you.