Federation News November-December 2013
AFT-Oregon Welcomes Lewis and Clark Campus Safety Officers
5 | Members prepare for latest attack on working Oregonians 6 | Locals bring holiday spirit to communities 7 | A first contract for AFTOR Coast United classified employees
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Milestones
Federation News
Vol. 13, No. 5 November-December 2013 Federation News is published six times annually by AFT-Oregon, AFT, AFL-CIO, 10228 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland, Oregon 97219. David Rives, President Belinda Reagan, Executive Vice-President Vacant, Secretary Vacant, Treasurer Sarah Grider, Vice-President Political Action
Elizabeth Hardardt, Local 6069 (CGE), was appointed as AFT-Oregon Vice-President during the December executive council meeting. Hardardt, who is a graduate employee at OSU, recently helped on the campaign for inclusion of research assistants into the Local’s bargaining unit.
VICE-PRESIDENTS Vickie Brumit John Copp Kelly Cowan Jeff Grider Elizabeth Hardardt Devin Hunter Bernadette Kapocias Dana Rognlie Tim Taylor Kevin Weitemier LIAISONS (without vote) Val Jack, Retiree Chapter Elex Tenney, Local 5017, Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals Tim Stoelb, Local 6732, Oregon School Employees Association Stephen Rooney, Oregon Nurses Association David Cecil, Chief of Staff Jillian Smith, Editor Printed on recycled paper by Morel Ink.
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Why I Joined the Union
Sarah and Jeff Grider, Local 3922 (PCCFCE) welcomed a new baby girl into their family. Margo Grace Grider was born on October 26th, 2013 at 8:50 a.m., after two very intense hours of labor! She weighed 7 pounds 12 ounces and was 18 1/2 inches long. Mom reports that Margo’s two big brothers, Kameron (13) and Taye (11), are very excited to have her in the family. Sarah was recently appointed from AFT-Oregon Vice-President to Vice-President Political Action. Jeff is an AFT-Oregon Vice-President.
Pullman
Tim Burgard, a campus safety officer at Lewis and Clark College was instrumental in helping to organize co-workers into Local 4912 (LCCSSA).
Sarah Grider with Margo.
Eben Pullman, AFT-Oregon Field Representive took a position with AFSCME in November. Pullman was a well-respected employee who worked tirelessly on campaigns such as the recent CGE inclusion of research assistants into the bargaining unit, and Lewis and Clark College campus safety officers and dispatchers into Local 4912 (LCCSSA). Most recently, he was assisting PSUFA with their contract negotiations, which included a rally on campus as part of the contract campaign strategy. “In the grand scheme of things it doesn’t sound like a long time, but for me the seven years I spent working at AFTOregon shaped my life very profoundly, both professionally and personally. The labor movement is a small world so I imagine that I will still see many of you again, especially during political season,” said Pullman. Pullman and wife Amanda are also venturing into the world of parenthood, as they are expecting TWINS in early 2014.
Richard Schwarz, retired AFT-Oregon Executive Director, received a 2013 Emeritus Award from the Labor and Employment Relations Association (LERA). Schwarz was recently appointed by the Governor to the Oregon Retirement Savings Task Force charged with exploration of a retirement savings program for Oregonians.
Take time to register for AFT-Oregon Winter School Register today for AFT-Oregon Winter School, scheduled for January 24-26, 2014, at the Hallmark Inn Resort, Newport. The weekend-long training program offers Local leaders an opportunity to strengthen skills to better handle Local responsibilities. Hotel reservations must be made by January 4, to receive the special discounted rate. Also, register by January 4, and receive $10 off the registration fee. Courses for this year’s event include: Financial Management for Local Financial Officers; Make Membership Records a Snap: AFT Toolkit; Politics 101; Public Speaking for Local Leaders; and Rethinking Worksite Leader Systems. The registration fee is $40, and includes materials, and some meals. Deadline for registration is January 16. Visit www.aft-oregon.org to download a brochure, view courses and to register online.
“Joining the union was the only solution,” said Tim Burgard, one of the newest members to the Local 4912 (LCCSSA) bargaining unit of his reason for pursuing union representation for nine the LCC Campus Safety officers, and four dispatchers who work in his department. Despite his longtime union membership in previous careers, this is the first time he has been an active member. After seeing the need to be included in the union, he jumped in with both feet, leading the effort to join Local 4912. “We had no protections that other employees enjoyed—we were strictly at-will, where the other employees did have rights under the contract including due process before someone was disciplined or fired,” said Burgard. “With us, they could dismiss us without just cause, so we had little job security.” “We tried to address our concerns with the College, but were just told that we were given the same protections as the unionized employees, which was not true,” said Burgard. “The only solution was to become part of the union, so we would have a written agreement of benefits, salary and protections with the College.” According to Burgard, the campaign for inclusion was a two-year process, which included numerous meetings with the administration, and effort to have the employees sign voluntary recognition cards, but he says it was worth it. “The day we joined the union, all but one saw an immediate pay raise, which proved what we had said all along--we were not getting the same pay and benefits as unionized employees. Now, we will have the opportunity to make proposals in future negotiations for the betterment of all members,” he said. Burgard is no stranger to the union movement. His father, a United Grocers worker was a Teamster, and Burgard himself was a union member during his 20year career as a police officer, first in Tigard, and later Long Beach, California. He retired from the force, and four years ago accepted the position at LCC after moving back to Oregon to assist his elderly parents. For now, Burgard is the de facto steward for the campus safety department, but working to recruit
“If you don’t have contract and backing of the union, then you are at the mercy of the employer,” Tim Burgard, Local 4912 (LCCSSA) member.
others to fill a more permanent position. Burgard is devoted to his wife of 16 years, Cathy, who is also a former police officer. They met through fellow police officers some 21 years ago and have been together ever since. Burgard is also a dog lover, having owned and trained German Shepards throughout his adult life. He and Cathy recently adopted a six month old puppy named Max. Burgard is currently training Max to be a service dog.
LCC Campus Safety officers now represented by Local 4912 (LCCSSA) Local 4912 (LCCSSA), after a two-year campaign, welcomed nine campus safety officers and four dispatchers into the bargaining unit. “After several years of discussion with the College, we are pleased to have the Campus Safety Officers join LCCSSA. They work hard to make sure our campus -- students, staff, and faculty alike -- are safe, and they deserve protections that a union contract brings for our members,” said Heather Gillespie, Local 4912 (LCCSSA) President. Safety officers launched a campaign earlier this year to have the officers sign representation cards asking to be recognized by the College into the bargaining unit. They received that recognition this fall.
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AFT-Oregon member Rep. Dembrow sworn in as State Senator AFT-Oregon member Michael Dembrow was sworn in as state senator by Governor John Kitzhaber on Wednesday, November 20, 2013. The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners appointed Dembrow to fill the vacant seat in Senate District 23, representing portions of NE and SE Portland. “We are excited to welcome Michael Dembrow to the Senate,” said Senate President Peter Courtney (D-Salem/Gervais/Woodburn). “He’s an accomplished legislator with a wide range of legislative experience. Expectations are going to be high. I am confident he will be an outstanding Senator.” Dembrow was first elected to the Oregon House of Representatives in 2008. In the House, he served as the chair of the Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee and was a member of both the Rules and Energy and Environment Committees. Dembrow is a longtime member and activist of AFTOregon, having served as AFT-Oregon Vice-President and later Treasurer. He is also a long-time former President of Local 2277 (PCCFFAP). He has taught English and film studies as an instructor at the Cascades Campus of Portland Community College since 1981. He earned his undergraduate degree in English from the (Photo by Robin Maxey, Communications Director, Senator Peter Courtney’s office) University of Connecticut and his Master’s degree in Comparative Literature from Indiana University.
Oregon Labor Candidate School to host 3-part training in Eugene Oregon Labor Candidate School (OLCS) will host a three-part training in Eugene, beginning in January. These sessions are for union members who are interested in running for public office. Oregon needs people in leadership who can listen well, work effectively on a team, and advocate for the needs of working Oregonians to shape policies that will impact our students, children, co-workers, and working families for years to come. OLCS encourages union members to run for office because union members understand the day-to-day issues that impact working families in Oregon. The Eugene trainings are scheduled for January 25, February 22, and March 22, 2014. Covered will be the nuts and bolts of a successful election or appointment campaign, as well as what it means to run for office and make decisions from a labor perspective. Trainings will take place in union halls on the designated Saturdays from 9:00-5pm. Applications are now being accepted online at www.oregonlaborcandidateschool.org.
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They’re back... Oregonians bracing for new anti-union attacks In 2014, big corporate interests and out-of-state billionaires are bringing back some of Bill Sizemore’s worst ideas in the form of Initiative Petition 9 (IP 9). IP 9 would give large corporations more power to push their own agenda of lower wages, cuts to the minimum wage and family leave. Unions have always been there to fight for issues all Oregonians say are important, including a living wage, retirement security, safe working conditions and communities, and public services
such as quality education and health care, fire and police protection. As our state continues to crawl out of the economic crisis, Oregon’s middle-class can’t afford another attack on our voice at work. To fight efforts in our state, AFTOregon has joined a coalition of organizations and individuals who have come together to oppose this petition. How can you help? Get ready to volunteer--it’s going to be the fight of our lives! For more information, visit www. keeporegonworking.org, or like Keep Oregon Working on Facebook.
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President Hecker shares lessons from Michigan at Local Presidents Conference David Hecker, AFT Michigan president, shared his union’s struggle with anti-union attacks, and lessons learned in the process at the AFTOregon Local Presidents’ Conference in November. According to Hecker anti-union legislation was introduced in Michigan early in the 2010-2012 legislative session. “Republican Governor Rick Snyder claimed the issue was divisive and not on his agenda,” said Hecker. “His actions on other issues proved his word could not be taken to the bank, so we developed a pro-active strategy,” he added. Hecker said AFT Michigan was part of the campaign which brought Proposal 2 to the ballot in November 2012. “Proposal 2 would have codified the right to collectively bargain into the Michigan constitution, negated laws that undercut this right and prevented these laws from being enacted in the future. Unfortunately, Proposal 2 lost 57.4% to 43.6%,” said Hecker.
In December 2012, one month after Proposal 2’s defeat, the Republican-controlled Legislature and Gov. Rick Snyder rushed a set of anti-union bills into law during a lame-duck session, making Michigan the nation’s 24th state to severly restrict union and collective representation. “Governor Snyder went back on his word. He signed into law antiunion legislation,” said “Never, ever underestimate the opposition,” AFT Michigan Hecker. President David Hecker advised AFT-Oregon Local One year later, the Presidents regarding Michigan’s fight against an anti-union state still has not seen an battle led by their Governor and legislators. increase in jobs or interest others who want to keep Oregon working by companies to move operations to Michigan, as was promised by will defeat their anti-union proposal by proponents of the legislation. building a broad based coalition; organizing Regarding the latest anti-union a strong campaign structure; maintaining attack in Oregon, Hecker had this message discipline; and never, ever, ever advice. “Oregon working families and underestimating the opposition.”
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‘Tis the Season...
A first contract for OCCC classified staff; Gains for PSU adjunct faculty
Community engagement is alive and well this holiday season. Members had a great time collecting toys, sewing stockings, and holding fundraisers for local charities. Here are some events Locals have held recently to make a difference in their communities. Members bring joy to children through Presents from Partners event
A young boy surveys some of the 300 stockings handmade by AFT-Oregon Retirees for the Presents from Partners event in December. Debbi Covert, past AFT-Oregon President (seated) was one of the many members who volunteered. (Photo by Mike Gutwig, Northwest Labor Press, nwlaborpress.org.)
Belinda Reagan and Michelle Batten, Local 111 (PFSP) scored big for Presents from Partners toy drive when they negotiated with Kohl’s department store for a mountain of toys for close to 60% off! (Photo by Eryn Byram, LCSA)
Members from Local 111 (PFSP), AFT-Oregon Retirees and AFT Local 5017 (OFNHP) helped to make Presents from Partners’ Holiday Toy Drive a smashing success. Over 240 kids participated this year. Many are homeless, or their families are struggling to keep a roof over their heads, with little opportunities. “I feel so fortunate that we are able to take part in this event each year. It truly represents the spirit of the season when you see the joy on the faces of these children, who have so little, as they meet Santa, stuff stockings and choose gifts for themselves and their parents,” shared Belinda Reagan, Local 111 (PSFP). The event featured a visit with Santa, toys and stockings for the kids and lunch for their families. Labor’s Community Services Agency (LCSA), which provides emergency services for union families sponsors the event with the Northwest Oregon Council. Vickey Burns and Eryn Byram from LCSA had nothing but praise for the hard work shown by AFT members. “We could not have this event each year without the help of Local 111 (PFSP). Each year, their volunteers handle every aspect of the party from collecting and taking inventory of toys, to handling set up, staffing and breakdown on the day of the event,” said Byram. “We are also especially grateful this year to have assistance from AFT-Oregon Retirees,” said Burns. “They brought a warm feeling with the homemade stockings they provided. The kids loved it!” In addition to an army of volunteers, Local 111 (PFSP) worked with a local Kohl’s to purchase $1,276 in toys for only $544.65. Local 5017 (OFNHP) members also donated toys and volunteered at the party. AFT-Oregon Retirees members Leanna Hakala, President Val Jack, past AFT-Oregon President Debbi Covert, Louise Currin and Paula Kingsbury (OSEA-ROSE retiree) handmade 300 stockings for the event. Retirees also volunteered at the “stocking table” to meet with the kids and distribute the stockings in person. In the past, LCSA has promoted the event to families they know are in need. This year, they reached out to Snocap Charity and Right to Dream Too, the homeless camp in downtown Portland that has drawn recent media attention. Unions around Portland donated to the event. Sheet Metal Union donated use of their hall. IBEW Credit Union sponsored a “Presents for Parents” area where kids “shopped” for a gift for their parents. The event also included a lunch for the whole family sponsored by Madison’s Grill of SE Portland. Union cab donated free cab rides for participants. And those who are unable to attend, will have a later opportunity to pick out a toy. Continued on Page 7
Local 6020 (AFTOCUE): Classified employees at Oregon Coast Community College won their first contract since joining Local 6020 (AFTOCUE) last summer. The new two-year agreement includes two additional salary steps and cost-of-living increases for both years. Classified employees also achieved better vacation accrual, an additional paid holiday, and procedures for grievances, layoff/recall, and discipline or dismissal with just cause. Kimberly Jones, bargaining team member said she’s pleased that the college approved the contract, but more excited by recent new members to the union. “Nearly three-quarters of the classified staff at the College have joined the union,” said Jones. “I am hopeful that the College will benefit from the collegial system of shared governance provided for in this contract. I’m also going to enjoy the NEW holiday we negotiated--New Year’s Eve Day!” Local 3571 (PSUFA): After months of difficult negotiations, PSU Adjunct Faculty ratified a new contract with significant increases in benefits.
“Despite claims from management that budget cuts are imminent, we secured a significant raise, as well as increases to our professional development fund, and some important protections for Adjuncts,” said Kelly Cowan, Local 3571 (PSUFA) President. Highlights include Members of Local 3571 (PSUFA), were joined by AAUP and up to 3% increases in SEIU members who also work at PSU to show support for the salary each year of adjunct faculty contract negotiations in October. the contract, based on preferential assignment rights designed minimum per credit and hourly rates. A to protect experienced Adjunct Faculty win for the union was an increase in the from losing classes to new employees university’s contribution of $40,000 per hired at lower rates. year into the professional development “Thank you to all who supported fund. us in this process, signed our petition, “We also achieved new protections attended our rally, and came to observe guaranteeing PSU management cannot our bargaining meetings. Your support suspend funds in between contract made all the difference between negotiations, as they attempted to do management’s initial offer and where this summer,” said Cowan. we are today,” said Gary Smith, Chief Cowan said job security is always Negotiator. a priority and this contract gives
CGE fundraiser sets new record to assist needy families HOLIDAY GIVING: continued from Page 6
Local 6069 (CGE), with help from Local 3544 (GTFF) members raised a record $5555.55 for the Linn-Benton food share this fall at the annual Civil War BrewOff. CGE organizes and hosts the annual event as a fun way to network with other graduate employees and show-off their beer brewing talents, while benefiting needy families in the area. “As federal cuts to SNAP funding and the oncoming winter put extra pressure on charities like the Food Share, being able to help them serve our community is a tremendous thing. Major hats off to the Brew-Off committee; they must have used magical elves to pull this one off,” said Sneha Gantla, CGE External Relations Chair. The names of brews were as clever as they were tasty! This year, taking top honors for best named brew was “Ryely Cyrus: An Inappropriately Good Ryed” (Rob Hatfield & Evan Riddle). Winners for best tasting brews were: 1st, “A Beer Named Sue” (Christina Hahn & Angela Waetje); 2nd, Sam Jackson IIPA (Louie Kraaz & Colin Porter); 3rd: Avoided Crossing IPA (Ian Pilgrim), Gypsy Caravan (Matt Leef), and Metolius Imperial Porter (John Marshall & Kory Plakos). “The Brew-Off provides a fantastic opportunity for members of the GTFF and CGE to meet and socialize with their peers down the road. I was very proud to see such a strong showing by GTFs, who packed a 50-seat charter bus and recruited designated drivers to make the trek up to Corvallis. And I’m incredibly thankful to the CGE organizers whose time and hard work made this event a huge success on all counts,” said Ian Pilgrim, GTFF, VP Membership Communications. Rob Hess, former CGE President traveled back to Corvallis from his home in California for the event. “I wouldn’t miss the Brew-Off. It’s always a blast, but it’s really great to see how far the event has come since the first one. Every year is more fun, and we keep raising more and more for the Linn-Benton Food Share.”
Local 6069 (CGE) and 3544 (GTFF) members put the “fun” in fundraiser with their annual Brew-Off benefiting a local food bank. From left, cutting a rug are GTFF members David Grych and Tyler Harvey. (Photo by Ben Seese)
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Mark Your Calendar December 24-January 1, 2014 Winter Break (office closed) January 20 Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday (office closed) January 24-26 Winter School, Hallmark Resort, Newport February 17 Presidents Day (office closed) Convention Deadlines January 31 Deadline for scholarship and awards submissions February 3 Deadline for submission of Constitution and Bylaws amendments March 5 Deadline for delegate/alternate lists, proposed resolutions April 4-6 AFT-Oregon Convention, Sunriver Resort, Sunriver
Download forms on the AFT-Oregon website, www.aft-oregon.org, to apply for one of three AFT-Oregon Scholarships, and to nominate an outstanding member or community activist for an AFT-Oregon award. Deadline for submission is January 31, 2014. Scholarships. AFT-Oregon annually awards three $1,000 scholarships, named in memory of three dynamic leaders in the history of AFT-Oregon. The Carl J. Megel Scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors, who are children or grandchildren of members. The Albert F. Shanker Scholarship is open to students continuing their higher education and who are children or grandchildren of members. The Shirley J. Gold Scholarship is open to AFT-Oregon members for the pursuit of higher education. Recognition Awards. The John Connor Memorial Award recognizes a member who serves as an inspiration to fellow union activists. Outstanding Contribution to Public Awareness recognizes an individual Oregonian, including members, who has contributed to the general public awareness on issues important to members. Communications Awards recognize the use of newsletters, websites, social media and campaigns to promote the Local and encourage participation in the labor movement.
Burke is Back as AFT-Oregon Project Organizer AFT-Oregon welcomed Sarah Burke, AFT-Oregon’s new project organizer back on staff in October. Sarah had previously worked as a temporary AFT-Oregon project organizer on the successful CGE campaign to include research assistants and graduate employees previously excluded from the bargaining unit. In Burke’s family, organizing is a way of life. She grew up in Virginia and Montana, in a union family. Her father, now retired, was a longtime organizer for IBEW. “I was born into a union family and have seen the positive ways a union can make a difference in the lives of members,” said Burke. Burke worked as an administrative assistant for IBEW during college. After achieving her B.A., in English from Montana State University, she interned with IBEW in their political department. Most recently, Burke worked for SEIU in the Seattle area on the “Working Washington” project. Her primary focus there was to organize workers in the fast food industry. And while her current AFT-Oregon position is temporary, she says she plans to make a career of organizing. “Organizing can be challenging, but it’s something I find the most satisfaction with in life. There’s nothing more exciting than watching people join together to strengthen their voice at work,” said Burke.