HSS Unit Membership Meeting in Saginaw

The HSS Division of SEIU 51M held a general membership meeting on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 in Saginaw at the Saginaw RICC.

The meeting was conducted by President Phillip Patrick and Vice President/Grievance Consultant Denise Edwards. The items discussed included: overtime, legislative attack on 3% wage increase, the proposed reform of the retirement system and the letter writing campaign.

Staff in Saginaw is also concerned with the short notice of upcoming overtime and whether or not overtime will be reduced in the near future. President Patrick advised members that he would discuss this issue with Mr. Peretto, Customer Service Director. He explained to staff that the overtime has reduced the document and adjudication levels.

It was asked whether or not LTIs (limited term intermittent) can transfer? Answer: Being an LTI is not a factor. LTI is a status. A member can request a transfer if they have successfully completed their probationary period, which is one (1) year.

A discussion of the proposal to not give the 3% pay raise that the Union bargained for in good faith took place. Members were advised that the legislature voted down the proposal that would have taken away the 3% increase. Members were encouraged to continue the letter writing campaign, making calls and/or sending emails to their respective legislators as the fight is not over. President Patrick also urged members to get their family, friends and neighbors also involved in the campaign.

There was a discussion on the retirement system reform proposal. Members were advised that this is not an early out; it is a negative incentive to entice those eligible to retire. The potential affects of the passing of this resolution was discussed. President Patrick advised the membership that the legality of this proposal was being looked into.

President Patrick advised members of the solution that achieved in regards to the handling of members who have approved RAs (reasonable accommodations) that state they cannot work more than 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week. Members had been told that if they used AL, SL or if a Holiday occurred, they would have to make that time up by either working the Holiday or that Saturday. The employer has agreed to cease and desist with this practice.

LTIs also inquired on “how permanent their positions are” and whether or not they were PIs or LTIs. It was stated that this issue had been raised before and looked into. Vice President Edwards and President Patrick assured members that we have not had any PIs hired since 2004 or before. All staff hired in 2009 for the overload due to the economic situation in Michigan, were hired in as LTIs. President Patrick stated he has a copy of the contract and no one was hired in as a PI.

Saginaw staff also spoke on the issue of training and how training was not being given equitably. President Patrick stated the Union has addressed this issue with management as this has occurred in other locations, however, training is a management responsibility and there is no contractual right to insist that employee training is done in a specified manner. The Union will, however, continue to address this issue with management and possibly again during negotiations.

Discussions were held regarding the working environment being conducive to producing good, accurate and quality work. The communication between managers and staff and the disparate assistance some members are receiving.

The next General Membership Meeting is scheduled for 4/8/10 in Flint.