AFSCME Local 88... American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees Congratulations on your new job and welcome to AFSCME Local 88, Oregon Council 75. We represent employees

www.afscmelocal88.org

American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees

Congratulations on your new job and welcome to AFSCME Local 88, Oregon Council 75. We represent employees who work at Multnomah County, Transition Projects, Inc.; Central City Concern; and American Friends Service Committee. We represent general workers who have a variety of different jobs including librarians, corrections technicians, case management assistants, program development specialists, bridge operators, truck drivers, juvenile workers, computer programmers, clerical, fiscal workers, outreach workers and many, many more.

As you get settled in your new job, I am certain you will have numerous questions. This newsletter will provide some initial information to get you started. Our contracts (negotiated between management and the union) contains important information about basic working conditions, worker rights and responsibilities. Your HR unit will provide you with a copy; keep it handy.

Together we all make up the union. We elect representatives to be on the e-board and represent the workers views. Representatives negotiate our contract which includes: wages, Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA), step increases, health care coverage, pension coverage, vacation time, holiday options and more. In addition, we advocate for a safe and respectful work environment.

To join and become a member, complete our yellow membership card. There is no difference between “fair share” deductions and union dues deductions; there is a big difference in becoming a member. Being a card-carrying member entitles you to voting rights during all union elections, the right to participate in union activities, surveys, functions and to union benefits. When you are fair share, while you get the same health care coverage and same wages, etc. you are not able to vote or bring your individual point of view to the membership. I urge you to participate, sign and turn in the membership card. Together, we are the union and together we strengthen our voice.

I am honored to serve you as your president. If you have questions, please give me a call 503/988-4696 x84696. Or check out our web site www.afscmelocal88.org.

Sincerely,

Michael HannaPresident, AFSCME Local [email protected] updated March 2010

AFSCME Local 88

www.afscmelocal88.org

Mission of Local 88The Goals & Mission of Local 88 as listed in our Constitution include: • To advocate for working conditions, rates of pay, benefits and pension for our members by negotiating and

enforcing strong contracts. • To build and model workplace democracy and sustain respectful workplace environments. To confront and

challenge when employees are treated without respect. • To provide excellent service to the public; the best value for the taxpayer dollar.• To have an inclusive union with members who are engaged in an effective structure. • To build and support an educated, strong and effective shop steward structure. • To promote open communication, including the utilization of interactive information sharing technology.• To be a positive presence in the community where we work, live and play. • To be informed and active in politics, as they impact workers in both local, state, national and international

issues and campaigns.

Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: Who is AFSCME? A: AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) formed in 1936 to represent public sector and service industry workers around the country. We are 1.4 million strong Internationally, 24,000 strong in Oregon and just under 3,000 strong in Local 88. Q: When can I join? A: You may sign a membership card anytime after your first day of employment. We offer the option to sign a card at all events and meetings. Q: When do I start paying dues?A: Dues deductions are taken after the first 30 days. Q: How much are dues? A: Dues are currently 1.4% of base wages; overtime and differential pay are excluded from the calculations. Q: Do I pay dues if I don’t join? A: Yes, you pay the same amount for either fair share or dues. Fair share is the term used for payments that are not membership dues.

Q: Why do I pay if I don’t join? A: You receive the same wages, benefits and representation as members receive. There is no difference in your rights for representation. Q: What are the advantages of joining? A: You can participate in all elections, voting for E-board representatives, Officers, contract ratifications, and other programs the local sponsors. After one year of membership, you may run for local office or become a shop steward. And most importantly, together we are stronger. Q: How do I locate my shop steward? A: The list of current shop stewards is posted on our website and Multnomah County’s MINT site.Q: When are the meetings? A: General membership meetings and Executive-Board meetings are held monthly, see page 4 Q: How can I get involved? A: Attend the GM meeting, bring a co-worker, talk with your shop steward or staff representative, check out the web-site, volunteer to be on a committee or to hand out fliers.

www.afscmelocal88.org

Together we can transform the workplace.Weingarten Rights You have the right to have a shop steward or staff representative (union representation) during an investigatory interview, especially if you think the interview will result in disciplinary action. These rights were created from the results of a United States Supreme Court decision originally made in 1975 and extended to non-union employees in 2000. The following guidelines apply: •the employee must make a clear request for union representation before or during the interview. •the employer must grant the request and delay questioning until the union representative arrives and has a chance to consult privately with the employee; deny the request and end the interview immediately; or give the employee a

choice of having the interview without representation or ending the interview. • if the employer denies the request for union representation and continues to ask questions, it commits an unfair labor

practice and the employee has the right to refuse to answer. The employer may not discipline the employee for such a refusal.

Weingarten Rights do not apply to coaching meetings, giving instructions of handing out discipline. Need more information, check with your shop steward or staff representative.

Shop Stewards and Staff Representatives One of the many positions in Local 88 and one of the most important is the job of shop steward; stewards are volunteers trained to answer questions about the union and your contract rights. They can help with questions and information. Shop stewards often are the representative who sits-in during an investigatory meeting. They file grievances (a formal dispute or violation of the contract) with management at step 1 with the front line supervisor. If you do not have a shop steward in your work group contact your staff representative, business agent or “staff rep” for short. They work for Council 75, the Oregon administrative

unit of AFSCME. We are fortunate to have 4 staff reps to work with. Bryan and Val are assigned full time to Multnomah County, Eileen is assigned to the County Libraries along with other locals and Rob is assigned CCC, TPI and AFSC, our three sub locals. Staff reps handle more complex situations including terminations, contract negotiations, arbitration hearings and overall assist with the functioning of the local.

TrainingThere are several opportunities to participate in training as Local 88 members. Steward training is held before the General membership meetings. Basic steward training is held quarterly where you learn the ins and outs of being a shop steward. Labor Education and Research Center (LERC) part of University of Oregon offers Union Leadership Education and Development Training where you can earn a certificate after meeting the core requirements. Council 75 offers statewide seminars on current topics. The International offers online classes through the Leadership Academy Courses. As a member you may

participate in many of these various opportunities.