WINTER/SPRING 2015 NEWSLETTER | COLORADO WINS | LOCAL 1876 Political power to the people › UNC custodians seek dignity on the job › Colorado WINS 2015 Member Convention › Mandatory opt-in for healthcare coverage › Your union in pictures WHAT’S INSIDE: The 2014 elections results were a potentially mixed bag for state workers. With a split legislature, we must accept that we will not always be able to move lawmakers in a direction favorable to state employees. Still, in the first fight about state worker issues at the Joint Budget Committee, we managed to get support from both sides of the aisle to reduce a proposed health insurance premium hike by nearly 66%, saving state workers $8.4 million in FY 2015/2016. The unanimous vote by the JBC in support of state employees shows that we have an effective voice in the legislature, no matter who controls the chambers. “As a member of the COPE (Committee on Political Education) Board, I’ve had first-hand experience seeing how important we are [as state workers and constituents] in the political process,” said Lew Garber, who retired from state service in 2014. COPE mobilizes members to be active in the political process through electoral and legislative activities, but specifically during the legislative session, which runs from January to May. Each year, COPE members organize events where you can meet your legislators and talk to them about what’s going on in your department. “We’re going to have to fight an uphill battle this year to protect proposed raises and stave off any attacks on PERA and our union,” said Lew, who is a longtime COPE contributor. “It will be a tough year, but with a lot of member engagement we can make a dent in our list of things we want to accomplish to better our worksites and the services we provide. We are hoping that some bills helping state workers will pass our legislature.” Getting involved in the political process goes beyond just the election season. Because state workers depend on our legislators to make decisions regarding our work conditions, safety and benefits, the COPE Board continues political work year round. To stay active in state politics and to hold politicians accountable, become a COPE contributor today at bit.ly/winscope. Preceding the 2014 elections, Colorado WINS members took it upon themselves to create an army of pro-labor infantry to educate politicians and voters on the issues vital to state workers. Dozens of members from across the state volunteered for candidates endorsed by the WINS Executive Board. Members knocked on more than 4500 doors and talked to more than 1000 people about supporting state legislators who cared about working middle class families and an economy that’s fair for everyone. Colorado WINS members Lew Garber, Claudia Woodman, Tannya Lane and Greg Goldman (with Tannya’s granddaughter) doing a political walk during the 2014 election season. Top Political Action Volunteers HONORABLE MENTIONS (3 or more shifts) 1. Helen Lyons, CMHIP (6) 2. Lew Garber, Retired (5) 3. Jerry Solano, Pueblo Reg. Center (4) 4. Ron Hall, HE - Colo. Mesa Univ. (3) 5. Patty Moore, CMHIP (3) 6. David Pertz, DOC (3) 7. Claudia Woodman, CU-Denver (3) FIRST PLACE - 9 shifts: David Ruchman (Retired) & Michael Schuster (Retired) SECOND PLACE - 8 shifts: Ira Liss (CU-Boulder) THIRD PLACE - 7 shifts: Dragan Mejic (CU-Boulder) & Greg Goldman (CDOT)
Transcript
WINTER/SPRING 2015 NEWSLETTER | COLORADO WINS | LOCAL 1876
Political power to the people
› UNC custodians seek dignity on the job› Colorado WINS 2015 Member Convention› Mandatory opt-in for healthcare coverage› Your union in pictures
WHAT’S INSIDE:
The 2014 elections results were a potentially mixed bag for state workers. With a split legislature, we must accept that we will not always be able to move lawmakers in a direction favorable to state employees.
Still, in the first fight about state worker issues at the Joint Budget Committee, we managed to get support from both sides of the aisle to reduce a proposed health insurance premium hike by nearly 66%, saving state workers $8.4 million in FY 2015/2016.
The unanimous vote by the JBC in support of state employees shows that we have an effective voice in the legislature, no matter who controls the chambers.
“As a member of the COPE (Committee on Political Education) Board, I’ve had first-hand experience seeing how important we are [as state workers and constituents] in the political process,” said Lew Garber, who retired from state service in 2014.
COPE mobilizes members to be active in the political process through electoral and legislative activities, but specifically during the legislative session, which runs from January to May. Each year, COPE members organize events where you can meet your legislators and talk to them about what’s going on in your department.
“We’re going to have to fight an uphill battle this year to protect proposed raises and stave off any attacks on PERA and our union,” said Lew, who is a longtime COPE contributor. “It will be a tough year, but with a lot of member engagement we can make a dent in our list of things we want to accomplish to better our worksites and the services we provide. We are hoping that some bills helping state workers will pass our legislature.”
Getting involved in the political process goes beyond just the election season. Because state workers depend on our legislators to make decisions regarding our work conditions, safety and benefits, the COPE Board continues political work year round.
To stay active in state politics and to hold politicians accountable, become a COPE contributor today at bit.ly/winscope.
Preceding the 2014 elections, Colorado WINS members took it upon themselves to create an army of pro-labor infantry to educate politicians and voters on the issues vital to state workers.
Dozens of members from across the state volunteered for candidates
endorsed by the WINS Executive Board. Members knocked on more than 4500 doors and talked to more than 1000 people about supporting state legislators who cared about working middle class families and an economy that’s fair for everyone.
Colorado WINS members Lew Garber, Claudia Woodman, Tannya Lane and Greg Goldman (with Tannya’s granddaughter) doing a political walk during the 2014 election season.
Top Political Action Volunteers
HONORABLE MENTIONS (3 or more shifts)1. Helen Lyons, CMHIP (6)2. Lew Garber, Retired (5)3. Jerry Solano, Pueblo Reg. Center (4)4. Ron Hall, HE - Colo. Mesa Univ. (3)5. Patty Moore, CMHIP (3)6. David Pertz, DOC (3)7. Claudia Woodman, CU-Denver (3)
FIRST PLACE - 9 shifts: David Ruchman (Retired) & Michael Schuster (Retired)
SECOND PLACE - 8 shifts: Ira Liss (CU-Boulder)
THIRD PLACE - 7 shifts: Dragan Mejic (CU-Boulder) & Greg Goldman (CDOT)
2
After a competitive request for proposal (RFP) process, the State of Colorado will offer new healthcare and dental plans starting July 1, 2015.
This means that all state employees must go through the active enrollment process in order to be covered in the new fiscal year.
While the providers remain the same (United HealthCare, Kaiser Permanente and Delta Dental), all state employees will have to go through the mandatory 2015 Open Enrollment period in order to receive healthcare and dental coverage after July 1, 2015. Employees who do not make a medical or dental plan selection will not be covered.
Open Enrollment will begin in April 2015 online at BenefitSolver.com.
Colorado WINS members were active in the medical RFP process and contract evaluation for both of the providers. They worked with the Dept. of Personnel & Administration to provide input and feedback during both stages of the process.
The state also offers the Employee Wellness Program, which allows state employees to earn up to $240 a year toward their health insurance costs. You can register for the program at colorado.gov/wellness.
WINTER/SPRING 2015 | COLORADO WINS | LOCAL 1876
Remember this September: WINS Member Convention
You must reregister for your healthcare plan this year
Every three years, Colorado WINS members gather at the Member Convention to elect an Executive Board, vote on any proposed amendments, and to set course for
the future of our union. This September we will hold our third triennial
convention in Denver. During the summer there will be District Chapter meetings during which members elect their delegations to the Convention.
No hard dates are set yet, but you can stay updated about the Convention
and District Chapter meetings by visiting bit.ly/WINS2015convention.During the District Chapter meetings, members
will vote to elect District Chapter Chairpersons, Vice-Chairpersons and Delegates to the WINS Convention. They will also elect Department Committee Members.
Candidates who receive a majority of the votes cast will be deemed elected. All elected officers serve a three year term.
During the Convention, the delegates elected during the Chapter meetings will vote on candidates for President, Treasurer, Secretary and Executive Director.
All elections are certified by an Election Committee, whose members are prohibited from seeking office or participating in campaigns for office while serving on the Committee.
If you want more information about the Convention as it becomes available, let us know at bit.ly/WINS2015convention
Court rules in favor of employeesThis past summer, an appellate court settled a
matter of overtime compensation for essential CDHS employees, stemming from a 2011 case brought forth by three DHS employees.
The Colorado Court of Appeals determined that the practice of removing authorized sick or vacation time to reduce overtime pay is unlawful under the terms of the State statute governing overtime compensation.
The statute states: “Holidays and periods of authorized paid leave falling within a regularly scheduled workweek shall be counted as work time in determining overtime for employees performing essential law enforcement, highway maintenance, and other support services directly necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of patients, residents, and inmates of state institutions or state facilities.”
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ESSENTIAL STATE EMPLOYEES?
While this case was specifically about DHS employees, its precedent extends to all departments of the state.
Previously, compensation for overtime hours worked in a forty-hour week could be discounted if during that forty-hour period an employee had also
taken a sick or vacation day. Many employees saw this reflected in their payroll report with the phrase “leave reduced to manage overtime.”
The result of this practice is that overtime hours could be cancelled out by being counted toward sick or vacation time, time worked would be reduced to forty hours, and no overtime would be paid.
The Colorado Court of Appeals ruling has overturned this practice as of July 31, 2014, which means that essential employees in all departments can expect to see overtime calculated according to statute.
If you have questions about whether you’re an essential employee or if this ruling applies to you, please contact us by email at [email protected].
DEFINITIONS: Essential employees are in positions that require them to be on duty to perform essential law enforcement or other support services directly necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of patients, residents, and inmates of state institutions or state facilities. (CDHS policy No. VI-2.9, Overtime Work Hours/Non-Exempt Employees)
Essential employee (for overtime purposes): A non-exempt (eligible for overtime compensation) employee in positions that require them to be on duty to perform the essential and/or emergency services of the department without delay and/or without interruption.
The Colorado Court of Appeals determined that the practice of removing authorized sick or vacation time to reduce overtime pay is unlawful under the terms of the State statute governing overtime compensation.
All state employees must go through the active enrollment process in order to be covered in the new fiscal year.
3
WINTER/SPRING 2015 | COLORADO WINS | LOCAL 1876
COLORADO WINS EXECUTIVE BOARD
PATTY MOORE President
GREG GOLDMAN Treasurer
DAVID PERTZ Secretary
TIM MARKHAM Executive Director
VICE PRESIDENTS:PAT ROYBAL, Dist. IRITA UHLER, Dist. II
When WINS members and staff in Pueblo are looking for a hand in union activities they always know of one retiree member they can turn to: Robbie Rubinstein.
A WINS member since 2007, Robbie retired from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment in 2012, after more than twenty years in State service at various agencies.
Before retiring, Robbie was a member of CAPE (Colorado Association of Public Employees) and the president of the CAPE local in Pueblo in the late ’90s. As an active retiree, she has been able to volunteer, utilizing her years of union experience and progressive political work to help active state employees with their battles at work and to help WINS staff with strategic actions.
In 2012, Robbie worked with the union on the elections that fall. She volunteered for endorsed candidates up and down the ballot in southern Colorado. Since then, she has knocked thousands of doors for candidates who espouse working-class values and support
working people. She is a constant fixture at WINS’ Lobby Days in Denver, speaking with legislators about issues affecting public sector, private sector, and retired workers alike.
“Our power is greatest when we move as one,” Robbie said. “In the future, I want to work toward more involvement between retired and active workers, without separation, because our issues are mostly the same and we will always be stronger together.”
Occasionally, a state worker reaches out for assistance with a grievance or a disciplinary issue and gets help from a steward. Some places, though, have no trained steward, especially the various small offices in far-flung Colorado.
Both when she was working and as a retiree, Robbie has stepped up on several
occasions to help state workers with individual issues. Her experience with the state personnel system made a difference for those workers whom she helped write grievances, respond to discipline, and tweak resumes.
“The most important issues I have worked on, both while actively employed and during my retirement, are those that deal with the ever present, basic tenets of public employment: the bullies,” Robbie said.
Robbie credits PERA with giving her the freedom to engage in more fun and enriching pursuits during retirement. Since retiring, she has had more time to spend on the vinyl record business she owns with her husband. After working as a private consultant for many years, Robbie also shared in-service training with WINS staff to improve organizational communication.
Robbie sees a lot of value in having a strong cadre of retiree union members.
“Union activities provide the much-needed socialization opportunities that many retirees can benefit from to continue feeling healthy and involved in their communities,” Robbie said. “Though not always recognized, retirees have a wealth of experience that, if embraced, those still in active employment can learn from to avoid the pitfalls that those who came before them have already navigated.”
ROBBIE RUBINSTEIN Dept. of Labor & Employment
Retired
Robbie Rubinstein, second from left, with fellow Colorado WINS retirees during an action at Rep. Mike Coffman’s office in 2013.
In the future, I want to work toward more involvement between retired and active workers, without separation, because our issues are mostly the same and we will always be stronger together.
4
WINTER/SPRING 2015 | COLORADO WINS | LOCAL 1876
Organizingfor respect
During the day the corridors of Candelaria Hall bustle with students and faculty of the University of Northern Colorado (UNC). Classrooms brim with discussion and lectures, and the offices of professors see an ever increasing pile of papers and books.
Yet by 4 p.m., the day’s academic work comes to a close and a new workforce takes over. Custodial workers begin the daily process of rearranging desks, cleaning the chalk boards, mopping and vacuuming hallways, and sanitizing bathrooms. Their work ensures students and staff have a clean and healthy environment.
For 11 years, Lucinda Sanchez has maintained the buildings of UNC, having previously worked as a custodian at Colorado State University. Two years ago, Lucinda joined Colorado WINS.
“I was hesitant before (joining), but I was working for WINS even before I was a WINS member,” she said. “Eventually I figured I’d join because I was already doing the things that needed to be done.”
For Lucinda, WINS has been a means to having a voice at work and a place to go when problems arise.
“WINS people have helped me out with a lot of issues I’ve had,” she said. “I have diabetes, and UNC has given me corrective actions. They say I’m abusing my sick time, but I’m not. I have a note saying I have a life threatening illness, but management doesn’t see that. They don’t care.”
“They don’t care” is a common refrain among the custodial staff at UNC. University management has turned the other way when it comes to health and safety concerns brought forth by staff. Lucinda knows firsthand the harmful effects University negligence can have. A few years ago, she and several other workers were exposed to asbestos.
“[UNC tried] to cover it up, saying it was a chemical they were using that was making everyone sick, that it wasn’t asbestos, but the door we walked through said ‘asbestos removal’ on it,” said Lucinda, who now must have a annual check-up on her lungs.
It is this level of disrespect that has workers across UNC standing up and fighting back. UNC WINS members recently put together a list of demands calling for the implementation of OSHA standards, a fair and transparent
overtime policy, increased staffing ratios, payment for work performed outside their
job description, and stricter monitoring of subcontractors on campus construction projects.
Such a comprehensive policy will ensure that, regardless of who is in management, workers’ rights will be protected. The “Dignity for Labor” campaign seeks to transform not only UNC, but higher education campuses across Colorado. WINS members at UNC hope to join fellow workers at the Auraria Campus, CU-Boulder, CSU, and state community colleges to create state wide policies around safety, health, pay, and working conditions.
As the union grows, so too will the power of custodial workers. “I’m still working on getting people into WINS,” Lucinda said. She’s already been a key advocate for the union by signing up many of her
coworkers, including her son and husband. “We joined at separate times; we were all a bit hesitant,” she said. “I was the
first one to join, and then I got both of them in,” she recalls with a laugh.Despite management’s lack of appreciation, students and staff have expressed
their gratitude for the custodians’ hard work. Lucinda was the first custodial worker to be recognized at the annual police
officer banquet in Greeley, and she received a “Custodian of the Year” award from UNC student groups.
“I wasn’t prepared for it. I just thought I was going for a meal, and they called me up first, and I’m like ‘I don’t have a speech ready!’ But I just said thank you, and that I appreciated everything.”
Management should recognize the important part Lucinda plays in the University community and remember that it is the custodians who keep the “ivory tower” looking pristine.
UNC custodians come together for safer working conditions
“I was hesitant before (joining), but I was working for WINS even before I was a WINS member. Eventually I figured I’d join because I was already doing the things that needed to be done.”
– Lucinda Sanchez,custodian at University of Northern Colorado
University of Northern Colorado custodians Lucinda Sanchez, Tammie Alderin, and Antonio Battelo (left to right) are working with other UNC employees to create safer working conditions for everyone on campus.
WINSLocal 1876
DIGNITYFOR
LABOR
5
WINTER/SPRING 2015 | COLORADO WINS | LOCAL 1876
1: Member leaders during the Unleashing Our Power event in August; 2: SEIU President Mary Kay Henry (center) with WINS members Alejandrina and Manuel Monteon during a political walk in August; 3: Trick-or-treaters (and future union members) during our second annual HalloWINSday; 4: Alamosa members Karen Melgares, Pat Roybal and Patti Ortiz, presenting a COPE contribution to Rep. Ed Vigil (second from right); 5: Dr. Mary Jane Kruse (DOC Partnership Team representative) with DOC Director Rick Raemisch in Pueblo; 6: Members from DHS Headquarters and surrounding departments presenting holiday contributions collected for SafeHouse Denver, an emergency shelter for domestic violence victims.
21
4
65
3
6
A successful union needs member leaders who know what it takes to create change in the workplace.
Strong member leaders serve to build a united, organized and involved membership. They know what it means to be a union member and they can help other workers identify with the union so that we can all work together to create positive changes.
“I have been at Adams State for 36 years and I’ve always been a proud member and proud to be a state employee, so I’ve seen a lot through the years,” said Patti Ortiz, a WINS member in Alamosa. “Sometimes, certain people are not treated and not appreciated like others are, there’s favoritism and so on.”
Workers need to know that if they have an issue at their worksite or a question about Personnel rules, there’s someone on staff who knows the right answer.
That’s where strong member leaders shine: they are not afraid to speak up to management on behalf of the workers and they keep different parts of a facility in contact.
“Sometimes, state employees are not shown any support from management or human resources, and we’re not doing anything wrong,” said Patti. “What I try to do is make sure that people know what their rights are as employees of the state.”
Leaders can serve in different capacities. Some are best at dealing with worksite issues internally. Others can become a resource for management when they’re looking to implement new policies. At DHS, worksite
leaders from six divisions were elected to the departmental Partnership Team.
“Because we’re on the Partnership Team we bring the voice of the employees to the people who make the decisions for the department,” said Jacquie Anderson who works at the Veterans
Community Living Center at Fitzsimons. “Sometimes it just takes a long time for those decisions to make their way back down to us.”
In CDOT, where workers are split up into different patrols, members have been running a Steward Majority Drive, where each patrol elects a
representative once they reach majority membership.
CDOT Stewards have held a number of conference calls, elected representatives to the CDOT Performance Plan Review Committee, and taken on their PMAP reviews with management.
Members can become worksite leaders by attending various workshops and trainings to learn
more about what a union does. These trainings help them deal with the tough questions that come from their coworkers and sometimes even management.
“Out of all the trainings I’ve attended, it’s impossible to decide which one is the best,” said Claudia Woodman, who works at CU-Denver. “They’re all good and they all teach you great strategies for reaching out to other state employees.”
During the past summer’s the Unleashing Our Power workshop, members like Claudia honed their skills by participating in interactive trainings and listening exercises focused on having an important union conversation with other state employees.
Leaders also walked through the history of structured union conversations to connect the struggles of the past to our work today.
At the COPE (Committee on Political Education) Summit in January, members learned how to be politically effective throughout the year (not just during the legislative session).
“Being a COPE contributor is important to me, because rather than just being involved at the level of paying dues, it is an opportunity for members to be much more involved in the direction our union takes with regard to participation in the political process in order to bring about positive outcomes for workers,” Claudia said.
Members also practiced telling their stories in a short time frame and worked on creating Rapid Response Teams that could mobilize at a moment’s notice when action is needed.
Do you know someone who is always stands up for other workers at your facility? Ask them to become a union Steward.
WINTER/SPRING 2015 | COLORADO WINS | LOCAL 1876
“What I try to do is make sure that people know what their rights are as employees of the state.”
– Patti Ortiz,Adams State University, Alamosa
Jacquie Anderson, left, from Veterans Community Living Center at Fitzsimons, speaking with Rep. Jenise May during the 2014 Lobby Day. Also pictured are Rep. Su Ryden, left, and Fitz member Nancy Fey.
Strong members lead positive change
Join other politically active members and be available next time we need a quick response to
an issue affecting state employees.
Become a Political Action Volunteer at
bit.ly/politicalactionvolunteer
Members Claudia Woodman, right, and Monyett Ellington during the Unleashing Our Power workshop in August 2014.
7
WINTER/SPRING 2015 | COLORADO WINS | LOCAL 1876
1. House Majority Leader Crisanta Duran, speaking to members about what influences her as a legislator; 2. Colorado WINS Executive Director Tim Markham, center, leads the discussion on how state employees can have an effect on the legislative process; 3. Members working on discussion points for future meetings with legislators; 4: Members talk about the importance of being a COPE contributor. 5: Report backs from breakout sessions.
2015 COPE Summit How to be politically effective year round
1 2
3
4 5
DENVER HEADQUARTERS2525 W. Alameda Ave. Denver, CO 80219 303.727.8040 ColoradoWINS.org
PRESORTEDSTANDARD MAIL
U.S. POSTAGEPAID
DENVER, COPERMIT NO. 1986
facebook.com/ColoradoWINS
@CoWINSpolitics
Text “COWINS” to 787-753
LE
T’S
BE
S
OC
IAL For the digital edition of the Our Voice newsletter,
please visit issuu.com/ColoradoWINS.
To get newsletter updates through e-mail, please email [email protected].
