Grand Rapids Membership Meeting Notes

The HSS Division of SEIU 51M held a general membership meeting on Thursday, March 4, 2010 in Grand Rapids at the Grand Rapids RICC. 

The meeting was conducted by President Phillip Patrick and Vice President/Grievance Consultant Denise Edwards.  The items discussed included: email communications, overtime, legislative attack on 3% wage increase, letter writing campaign, Bank Leave Time (BLT) and its advantage to the State and the working environment/conditions.

 

Grand Rapids staff is concerned with the short notice of the upcoming overtime assignment.  President Patrick advised members that he would discuss this issue with Mr. Peretto, RICC Customer Service Director.

 

Members indicated they have been receiving email messages from SEIU.  Some members stated they haven’t been receiving notices.  Members were advised to notify their steward who would then notify Vice President Edwards.  The Vice President would notify the appropriate person.

 

Members were advised that the legislature voted down the proposal that would have taken away the 3% increase that was bargained and voted for in good faith.  Members were encouraged to take a more active role within the Union and to continue the fight with letter writing, calls and/or emails to their respective legislators.

 

Members were also updated on the current grievances, pending and settled.  There is pending arbitration regarding the ten (10) temporary layoff days imposed on BWT staff (Veterans, Migrant Service Workers and Employment Service Interviewers) during 2009.  The arbitration regarding the ten temporary layoff days in the Department of Human Services (DHS) which affected our Home Aides and Disability Determination Assistants was settled

 

President Patrick advised members that if they were interested in participating in the next round of bargaining to notify the office.  Two members acknowledged their interest.

 

The next General Membership Meeting will be on 3/17 at the Saginaw RICC.