Front Page Archive

NOTICE of NOMINATIONS for OFFICER ELECTIONS
2008 - 2010

Positions to be elected at large:
President
Vice-President/Chief Steward
Vice-President/Organizer
Recording Secretary Treasurer
Trustee (three year term)

Executive Board Members to be elected from Geographical Areas:
(2) Health Sciences
(1) East Bank
(1) West Bank
(1) St. Paul
(1) Off campus metro
(1) Crookston
(1) Morris
(1) Greater Minnesota

All positions (except trustees) are 2-year terms.

Nominations will be accepted through April 16, 2008 and can be sent or telephoned to:
Beth Wolszon at
Work: 612-624-7401
E-Mail: b-wols@umn.edu
Work address:
Magrath Library Acquisitions
1984 Buford Ave
St. Paul, MN 55108

Nominations will close at the general membership meeting.
April 16th, 2008
5:15 pm
1313 5th St SE Room 332B
Minneapolis, MN 55455

If there are contested seats, elections will be by mail ballots
(to members only) and will be sent in late April

Download PDF Document of announcement

AFSCME Day on the Hill, April 1st and 2nd

Lately you may have seen e-mails going out from the Office of Human Resources or your department about AFSCME Day on the Hill and wondered what it is. Day on the Hill is a lobbying day for AFSCME Council 5 Members from all over the state, including U of M AFSCME Members. For Day on the Hill, AFSCME Members converge at the MN State Capitol and meet with our respective legislators to discuss issues of vital importance to us as public employees. Whether it is a budgetary issue or a piece of legislation it is important for us to let our Representatives know how these issues would affect us as AFSCME members and University employees.

The AFSCME U of M Locals have made building our legislative power and presence at the Capitol a major goal for our members. We need your help in building that power, and we STRONGLY encourage as many of our members who are interested in attending Day on the Hill, April 1st and 2nd, to sign-up by March 17th.

The University will give you a paid day to attend the Wednesday, April 2nd sessions. This is the day we meet in the morning to coordinate our message, and go to the Capitol to talk to our Legislators. Our Local will pay your lost time and registration if you wish to attend the training workshops on Tuesday, April 1st. All we ask is a $15 dollar contribution for April 2nd. to cover the cost of lunch and supplies.

Remember, we are public employees and we want to have an impact on the budget priorities passed by the Legislature. We are also University employees and we want to be able to influence legislation that has a direct impact on us and on the University.

If we want to build our power as University AFSCME Members, then AFSCME Day on the Hill is a great first step in that journey. If you have any questions or want to sign-up for AFSCME Day on the Hill, please contact either our President Barb Bezat at union@afscme3937.org OR 612-379-3933 or JasonIversen3937@yahoo.com or 612-624-6368 before March 17th.

(For more information you can visit the AFSCME Council 5 website at: http://afscmemn.org/ and scroll down the page for "AFSCME Day on the Hill")

Retro pay:

The University has scheduled our retro pay (across the board & steps) to be delivered on the paycheck for Wednesday, December 19th.

Employees at the top of the range as of July 1, 2007 will receive a lump sum of $300. Employees on active employment status on October 15th, 2007 (ratification date) will receive a lump sum of $300. (In year Two, the lump sums will appear on the first payroll of the Fiscal Year, which falls in June.)

NOTE: If you wish to reduce the taxes you pay for this check only, you can go to the University's Employee Self Service page at http://hrss.umn.edu/ and follow the directions to "Update Your W-4 Tax Information." Important: If you wish to change your W-4 (tax withholding statement) FOR THIS CHECK ONLY, you must go to the Employee Self Service (ESS) no later, we believe, than Wednesday, December 12. (If you don't know how many personal withholding allowances to choose, use the "paycheck calculator" to help make your decision.) Remember to change it back, or you will be hit with a major tax bill on your 2007 taxes if you leave it at less withholding. You can change it back to normal on Thursday, December 20, 2007.

Health care information:

1) The University sent an e-mail to all employees with information about the new dependent coverage. This coverage has been extended to dependents from age 19 until the end of their 24th year. There are two categories of dependents – those who qualify as dependents under IRS rules, and those who do not. Both categories are covered, but there are tax liabilities to you as the employee if your dependent(s) do not fall under the IRS dependent definition.

The e-mail from the University explained the difference, and set out the process for adding a dependent under this new coverage. An important difference is that you must fill out paperwork for that dependent ONLY, and do the rest of your enrollment online.

If you have any questions – get in touch with the Employee Benefits department at: benefits@umn.edu Or by telephone at: 612-624- 9090 or 800-756-2363.

2) There was an slight error in our printed newsletter regarding replacement of MSRS (retirement) allotment. You will be charged interest, which is approximately 8.5%. Call the MSRS office, 651-296-2761, toll Free: (800) 657-5757. They will figure out the amount due and send you the forms you need. You will be paying both the University's portion as well as your own.

Update from the Mutual Support Committee

[10/23/07]  To date 302 applications have been processed, and over $9,000 dollars in gas and food vouchers have been handed out.

That being said, the need for more money is still overwhelming. There are still over a hundred applications that need to be processed, and funds are not coming in like before.

Currently fund raising efforts are underway. We will also be approaching Council 5 and the International for more funds. The Minneapolis Central Labor Body has also taken some applications to work with, and will be helping us with fund raising and support efforts.

If you have not received a call stating that payment has been sent out (not what we can pay) then yours is still among the applications yet to be processed.

We ask that people understand that we don't know when payments can be made, but trust that we are working on getting more money and will be processing applications as quickly as we can.

Final Contract Vote Results

(Note: As soon as we have the date of the paycheck in which we will get our retroactive pay we will post it here and let people know via email.)

With 80% approval, AFSCME members have voted to accept the University of Minnesota’s contract offer for 2007-2009. That means that clerical, health care and technical workers will not return to the picket lines this fall.

After receiving the University’s offer, AFSCME members ended their 13-day strike for economic justice and returned to work by September 27th.

The joint union Negotiating Committee found the wage offer inadequate because it fails to keep up with inflation. For that reason, the committee made no recommendation on how members should vote on the contract offer. Last week, 3,150 AFSCME members had the opportunity to vote by mail ballot. Voters had two choices: to accept the contract offer, or to reject it and strike. Ballots were counted October 15.

The two-year contract includes a 2.25% across-the-board increase for clerical and technical employees, a 2.5% increase for health care workers, plus steps to reward longevity and a $300 lump sum in each year. Workers who don’t receive step increases will get an additional $300 in each year. View the union’s summary of the contract.

A typical U of M AFSCME worker earns $34,000 a year and qualifies for\ food stamps if supporting a family of four. That worker will earn $1,065 more next year with the new contract. The raise won’t cover the rising cost of food, gas and housing. Due to inflation, someone starting work under the new contract will earn 8% less than someone who started the job in 2003.

“Workers approved this contract for the same reason we were forced back to work,” explained Denise Osterholm, president of UMD Local 3801. “We’re struggling to afford food, gas and housing. We can’t sustain a further loss of wages.”

“The University should be ashamed that it workers can’t afford to send their kinds to the University,” said Barb Bezat, president of U of M Technical Local 3937.

“Morale has tanked and it’s time for the Bruininks administration to recognize that world class universities don’t treat their workers like second class citizens,” said Rhonda Jennen, president of U of M Health Care Local 3260.

“We’re energized to build a first class union and a world class university, which welcomes Minnesota’s working class, treats us with respect, and helps us prosper,” said Phyllis Walker, president of U of M Clerical Local 3800.

All four of the local union presidents have vowed ton continue their struggle for economic justice.

AFSCME Council 5 provides one strong united voice for 43,000 public and non-profit workers in Minnesota, including 3,150 health care, technical and clerical workers at five University of Minnesota campuses in the Twin Cities, Duluth, Morris, Crookston and Rochester.

Financial Support from the Greater Twin Cities United Way

http://www.unitedwaytwincities.org/communityinfo/211.cfm
This is 211 which is the old First Call for Help. People can get financial support for rent/mortgage and other necessities.

Just dial 2-1-1

Call United Way 2-1-1 and get connected with trained information specialists and volunteers. It's free, confidential and available 24/7. Cell phone users can call 651-291-0211. Visit the online version at United Way 2-1-1™/Twin Cities Beehive

Don't forget precinct caucuses are Tuesday, February 5, 7:00 pm

Need help finding your caucus location?

Click here for the Secretary of State’s Caucus Finder.

This is grassroots democracy in action.  These are Minnesota's town meetings.

Please take time to caucus with your neighbors on Tuesday, Feb 5.

STEWARD TRAINING!

U of M AFSCME Locals will hold joint Steward Training on:

Wednesday & Thursday, February 6th & 7th

Radisson University, 615 Washington Avenue SE, Mpls

If you are interested in learding about the roles and responsibilities of a Union Stewared, including union building, mobilzation techniques, and grievance handling, you are encouraged to get in touch with the Local to get registered. Our Local pays lost time and expenses associated with this training.

Local 3937 members are not required to sign on as stewards, although we urge you to ask about Steward work. This is a very valuable training opportunity for anyone interested in becoming more active in our Union.

Please get in touch with: Ken Holm, VP/Chief Steward at: 612-296-3727 or the Local office at: 612-379-3933 or by e-mail at: union@afscme3937.org for more information.

Stand up to the U's RATionale for Devaluing Your Wages!

Download Flyer with times and locations.

Wear Green at these Noon Rallies:

Wednesday, Aug 1 - West Bank Plaza
Monday, Aug 6 - Gateway Plaza
Wednesday, Aug 8 - Morrill Hall

And show your support for our negotiating team as we go back to the table on Thursday, August 9th, 9 a.m., Coffey Hall, St. Paul.

We need 8% to catch up, 4% to keep up!

Notice of Election of Delegates to the
AFSCME Council 5 Annual Convention

September 27 – 29, 2007
Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC)
Duluth, MN

Election of delegates will be at the regular August membership meeting

Wednesday,  August 15, 2007
5:15 pm
Room 332B, U Tech Center, 1313 5th St SE. Minneapolis, MN 55414.

The local has authorized full funding for all allowable delegates (38 members): registration fees; lost time wages; mileage; lodging; and per diem expenses consistent with AFSCME Council 5 expense policy.

Nominations must be submitted to Beth Wolszon, Election Chair. Nominations must be confirmed before the meeting.  If you or your nomination WILL NOT be at the membership meeting, we must have nominees’ written or e-mailed acceptance before 4:30 pm August 15, 2007.

If you have any questions, please contact Beth Wolszon at
Work: 612-624-7401
E-Mail: b-wols@umn.edu
Work address:
Magrath Library Acquisitions
1984 Buford Ave
St. Paul, MN  5510

Photos from the U of M AFSCME Picnic

On Saturday, July 14, U of M AFSCME held our annual picnic at Columbia Park in Minneapolis. It was a fun and successful picnic again this year! Here are some pictures for you to enjoy. (Local 3800's Web site also has some photos).

Here's the 3-legged race from last year

1% Wage Increase Proposed by the University - Let President Bruininks Know This is Not OK.

[7/9/2007]   Your voice is the most important element in our fight for a decent contract. We ask that you send a message to President Bruininks letting him know that 1% is not enough.

Jody Ebert sworn in as Council 5 Executive Board member

Jody Ebert at the Council 5 office, with Eliot Seide, Executive Director of AFSCME Council 5

On Thursday, May 24, Jody Ebert (Wilson Library) was sworn in as a member of the AFSCME Minnesota Council 5 Executive Board. Jody was appointed to fill Candace Lund's vacancy on the E-Board for one of the West Metro seats.

Jody has been active in our Local since before we were a Local. She worked on the organizing campaign from the beginning, in 1989, and has held a wide variety of positions within the leadership of the Local. She's been President twice, been Treasurer, is a Steward and a Trustee, and is our representative to the University's Benefits Advisory Committee (to hammer out our Health Care plans.)

We congratulate Jody on her appointment to this position, and look forward to a continued AFSCME Local 3937 presence at the state Council

Thank you, Candace!

Where is Candace Lund now?

Candace Lund at the AFSCME International Convention, August, 2006

Candace Lund, former Local president, has left the University and is now the Mobilizing/Organizing Director at the Minnesota AFL-CIO. She says, "I am responsible for working with all affiliated unions and Central Labor Councils statewide to assist in efforts to strengthen and grow the labor movement in Minnesota."

"My email is clund@mnaflcio.org, and phone is 651.294.3083, and I would love to hear from U of MN AFSCME members anytime."

Candace will be missed and we wish her well in her new job.

Jody Ebert new Council 5 Executive Board member

Jody Ebert, Library Assistant 3 in Wilson Library, has been appointed to the Council 5 Executive Board as a representative from the West Metro. This keeps Local 3937 in the know! Jody is taking the seat vacated by our own Candace Lund, who had to resign when she took her new position with the Minnesota AFL-CIO.

We're delighted that Jody will be continuing our participation on this important committee - and we congratulate her on her new appointment. (There were 5 AFSCME members from the area who were contending for the vacant slot.)

Jody has held just about every position possible within our own Local, from President (two separate terms), to Treasurer. She's a steward, she's been a trustee, and she's our Local rep to the University's Benefits Advisory Committee (BAC) which is the group that advises the Administration on all matter relating to our Health Care plans and other issues.

Thank you, Jody!

Harris Health Trends Inc. is Phoning UPlan Participants

[04/11/06]: The University has hired Harris Health Trends Inc. to manage the Health Connections aspect of the UPlan. Harris processes the optional wellness evaluations and conducts follow up calls to employees to offer lifestyle coaching based on information given in the survey.

Harris also gleans information from UPlan participants' usage of health services: UPlan Medical benefits, RxAmerica prescriptions, Dental Benefits, Emergency Medical Assistance, Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts, and the Employee Assistance Program.

If you are not interested in wellness coaching and are contacted by a Harris Health Trends representative, just say "no". This is an optional service as part of the UPlan.

All U of M AFSCME are conducting a survey to gauge members' experiences with RxAmerica and Harris Health Trends. If you are interested in filling out a survey you can download a copy here and return to the location on the form, or you can contact the Local 3937 office at 612-379-3933 or union@afscme3937.org

Sandi Sherman from AFSCME Local 3800 had an editorial published in the MN Daily on the UPlan. Read it here, Dr. James Hart, a faculty member in the School of Public Health published a MN Daily affirming Sandi's comments. Read it here (scroll down to letter "The extra effort").

Thank you, Monique!

Monique Paulson, Local 3937 Organizer

[09/12/06]:   We said "Good-bye" to Monique at the end of July, 2006. We knew the time was coming from the day we hired her to help us organize our Local. She was hired in 2003 for 3 months. She stayed for 3 years. And what a time it was!

Monique came on board in 2003 to help us strengthen our internal organizing network. She came at the beginning of our contract campaign for the 03-05 contract. Monique began to make one-on-one visits to the workplace. She worked tirelessly and for hours on end to learn the complicated workplace that is the University of Minnesota. We have three campuses and 980+ workers are scattered amongst all of them, and are out in the counties of Minnesota.

We needed to build our membership to a level that would allow us to negotiate with the University of Minnesota from a position of greater power, and a level that would keep our Local poised for continuous growth and continued communications among our members. Many of our 980+ bargaining unit employees don't even know they work in a unionized workplace.

Monique's work was unbelievably successful!

Starting with our small foundation of stewards and identified activists, her work to create connections between members paid off handsomely during the 2005 negotiations. Monique helped schedule and set the agendas for information meetings all over campus. She sent out notices, e-mails, worked with the internal organizers to create flyers, plan rallies and other actions, and as she did this, she was growing the number of people who thought of themselves as "union activists."

Monique's work shows itself not only in the number of members she's either signed up herself or caused to be signed - but in her work to show us that we are the organizers - that we can ask for cards, can meet new employees, can get information out to our co-workers. She has left us with a much stronger Local and with the energy, enthusiasm and ability to grow and strengthen on our own.

We will miss her terribly! And we want to wish her all the best as she embarks on her new path of learning.

Monique - THANK YOU!!

UNION PICNIC!

[08/01/06]: We had a lot of fun in the park!

The start of the three-legged race, with our stalwart E-Board member Brad Kraling and our Organizer/water-balloon filler Monique Paulson second from left... see that couple in the lower left? That's Candace and Jenny's nephew. They came in second! The prize winners are fourth from left and will have to remain anonymous ... since no one currently in the office recognizes them! Any info out there?

U of M AFSCME Locals 3260, 3800 and 3937 had a great day for our picnic on Saturday, July 22, 2006 at Wabun Park near Minnehaha Falls. The sun was shining, it wasn't too hot, and there were plenty of water balloons to go around. A lot of people took pictures, and as soon as we get them into the computer we'll put together a Picnic Page!

Thanks to all who helped so much - we couldn't have done this without you!!!:

• Ken Holm, Chief Steward and Barbeque Griller Extraordinaire
• Brad Kraling, Executive Board member (St. Paul) and Man-of-all-trades (including three-legged racing and barbeque grilling)
• Lynnette Holm, Lab Animal Care Tech and most patient woman we know
• Monique Paulson, AFSCME Local 3937 Organizer and ace water balloon filler
• Anyone else we've forgotten !!!

New Phone Number for Local Chief Steward

[05/10/06]:  Local 3937 Chief Steward, Ken Holm, can be reached at 651.283.6992 (he is also available at 612.296.3727). Contact information for all stewards is available through the People page of this website.

Congratulations AFSCME Local 3937 Leadership!

The following people were elected to leadership positions within our local at the April membership meeting, and will be sworn into office on May 17, 2006.

President Barbara Bezat
Vice President Chief Steward Ken Holm
Vice President Organizer Jason Iversen
Treasurer Deb Kerben
Secretary Barb Smith

Local 3937 Executive Board:
(2) Health Sciences: Krista Gallagher
(one open seat)
(1) East Bank: Candace Lund
(1) West Bank: (open seat)
(1) St. Paul campus: Brad Kraling
(1) Off campus metro: Fred Pulling
(1) Crookston: (open seat)
(1) Morris: Ron Kubik
(1) Greater Minnesota: (open seat)

All terms are two years except for trustees:

Trustees: Mary Austin (3 year )
Jody Ebert (2 year)
(Beth Wolzon is on second year of 3 year term)

Please contact the local office if you are interested in filling one of the open seats on the executive board.

Questions about the July 19, 2006 Paychecks?

We've received some questions from people about the July 19th paycheck, and especially about the lump sum.

You want to make sure that you are eligible for that lump sum - if you are employed and receiving a paycheck on July 1, 2006 you are eligible. As well, if your appointment percentage is below 100%, you will receive a pro-rated amount (based on the $300).

If you are on unpaid leave, or if your appointment is less than 12 month and you are out during the summer, you will receive your lump sum when you return to work.

If none of those scenarios fits your situation, and if you believe you were eligible for the lump sum payment, the next thing you should do is get in touch with your departmental payroll contact. S/he is likely to be the most helpful person for resolving this.

If none of this works - get back in touch with us and we'll do our best to help you!

Photo by Ahn Na Brodie

Voices in the Workplace: The Economics of Working at the University of Minnesota

In January 2005, union represented employee groups sent an economic survey to their memberships. Voices in the Workplace shares workers' responses to the survey and tells the stories of the economic reality for many workers at the U of M.

Visit the Voices in the Workplace webpage