Union Meeting issues

At tonight's Union meeting I had a chance to meet the new stewards from radio. They seem like a good bunch interested in their members needs. Sadly it sounds as if the issues brought up at the last contract negotiations are still unresolved for them. Hard to get vacation time, hard to get a break from your desk and forced in on off days. I wish them well in trying to improve things.

Issues we discussed were the possible shift in the tattoo policy from admin. It is being said that those with tattoo's may have to wear long sleeves. Great for new employees, but current staff with visible tats should be grandfathered in.

The rumor is also out there that once again the admin may be changing uniforms. Which made me ask where we were with the brown leather grievance. After all, three of us paid our portion and the employers part and have yet to be reimbursed. Sadly, after 5 months since the grievance, arbitrator names are still not being struck.... see my April 5th post. The contract says we are only liable for $65 a year. That means three of us wouldn't pay a dime if the employer changed the uniform again this year...if anyone actually followed or enforced the contract.

Also discussed was the grievance over unpaid night shift differentials. The stewards will be putting something out for the members to decide on. Our BA suggested a sunset clause, then it could be reopened during negotiations..of course that would require the employer to actually  negotiate....not just settle with AFSCME and jam it down our throats then try to do something different later.....

color me jaded

yawn