Local 771 June 20 Chapter Meeting MINUTES

LOCAL 771 CHAPTER MEETING 6/20/2009 MINUTES Attendance: Members: Helen Hanson, Joe Berry, Ted Rippy, Pat Crowell, Janet Lewis, Juanita Burtt, Roxann Gargac Local 771 Field Rep: CJ Betit Local 771 Organizers: Aymie Walshe, Jay Economy National Direct Care Partnership & Voices Institute Helen Hanson announced that MSEA’s Board of Directors had approved Local 771’s request to join the National Direct Care Partnership, as well as, approving $300 in scholarships to send members Ted Rippy and Doreen Strout to the Voices Institute for leadership training. This scholarship together with the $300 allocated from Local 771’s funds will cover all expenses as the Voices Institute covers all other expenses. Ted and Doreen will travel to Wisconsin to attend this training. Treasurer’s Report Pat Crowell reported Local 771 currently has $895.87 in it’s savings account and $566.95 in it’s checking account. Money for the Voices Institute is due on 7/31/09 and Helen Hanson will check with the Institute to determine if Local 771 and MSEA-SEIU need to combine their moneys into one check. Member Discussion Ted Rippy gave a report on the Direct Care Worker Alliance forum he attended in Chicago, and handed out material detailing the job skills and knowledge that are required in order to be a direct care worker. A primary message coming out of the focus groups at this forum was the need to develop and enhance the professional standards for DCW as a way to gain professional respect for the work done by direct care workers. Ted’s presentation led to a healthy discussion among members on the skills/knowledge/and training that direct care workers need to have in order to be competent workers. Helen Hanson announce that Joyce Gagnon, former Local 771 member, and the person who selected 771 as the Local Chapter’s name because that’s what Alpha One workers were being paid prior to the our becoming a union, has had to leave her job at Maine PASA due to illness. Members signed a card which will be sent to Joyce. Legislative Update Helen Hanson gave the following update: LD 1205, An Act to Establish a Health Care Bill of Rights, passed with revisions LD 1059, Resolve to Enhance Health Care for Direct Care Workers, was held over to the next session LD 1078, An Act to Strengthen Sustainable Long-term Supportive Services For Maine Citizens, passed with revisions, and was signed by Governor on 6/8/09 LD 1364, An Act to Stimulate the Economy by expanding Opportunities for Personal Assistance Workers, Wages Bill, held over to next session Bargaining Update Field Rep CJ Betit reported that MSEA-SEIU’s Director of Organizing Mike Sylvester has had prelimary discussions with Alpha One’s Jay Hardy and it is expected that negotiations for Alpha One’s next contract may begin within a month. Both Helen Hanson and Ted Rippy have expressed interest on being on the Bargaining Committee. CJ went on to give an update on Home Care for Maine’s bargaining process. Four bargaining sessions have been held and two more are scheduled for 6/24 and 6/29. The union has proposed: A training program/apprenticeship funded by the Dept of Labor that would expand training opportunities for DCW’s ; Moved to have language in the contract regarding health care so that once funding is allocated we can move forward quickly on implementation; Moved to have language regarding Paid Time Off in the contract so that again when funding is approved we can move forward on this issue; Moved to have a Maintenance of Benefits Clause added to the contact. The main issue remaining to be resolved is wages. MSEA-SEIU has proposed a raise of $0.90/hr and elimination of the stipends, a 4% raise on 1/1/2010, and a 4% raise on 1/1/2011. Home Care for Maine’s proposal is to eliminate the stipends and give DCW’s a 1% raise. Home Care for Maine has reported that they are struggling financially, and CJ Betit has requested MSEA-SEIU review the financial reports provided by Home Care for Maine so that we have a clear picture on this issue. Kennebec Valley Organization KVO’s Delegates Assembly will be held Thursday, June 25, 2009, 6-8PM at the First Congregational Church ( corner of Main St and Eustis Parkway) in Waterville. Helen Hanson plans to attend and welcomes any members interested to join her. Next Meeting September 19, 2009 , 10AM – Noon at MSEA Headquarters in Augusta. Coffee and refreshments will be provided.