STATE EMPLOYEES TRADES COUNCIL UNITED

 
     
 
 

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES

   

    GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING 
    CSU SAN LUIS OBISPO 
    APRIL 27, 2002

    Meeting opened at 9:30 AM by President John Howard.

    Roll Call showed all Officers present.

    Minutes of the previous General Membership Meeting at Northridge on January 26, 2002 were read and accepted by motion of Pat Hallahan, second by Jim Jeffries of Bakersfield, motion passed.

    OFFICERS REPORTS; Business Manager John Connor  reported that the CHOFF had changed the policy for hearing Level 4 grievances. We now have to deal with one person who is not in Employee Relations and they have reneged on the agreement to send the "old" Level 4's back to the campuses for resolution. John said we may have to sue to make them adhere to the agreement.

    SETC Labor Consultant Pat Hallahan spoke on the Unfair Labor Practice charges against the CSU. Pat informed the members that the negotiating team had tentatively agreed on approximately 12 articles that were non-controversial.  The team will meet again on May 8-9-10 in Sacramento. Pat explained that now the language on "Skelly" and "Weingarten" would be in the contract. Pat said there was new language on "Sick Time", 3 days are now 5 days before a Dr.'s slip is required. Pat reported that there were new proposals on Union Release time and that the new issue is uniforms. General discussion on problems with uniforms at various campuses. Pat said there would be more discussion on this article at the table. Pat informed the members that the team was now discussing Temporary Employees and creating new language to address the previous problems we have had with campuses abusing the use of temporaries. Pat told the members that he had received over 500 responses to the contract survey from 18 campuses. Pat gave a demographic update on the breakdown of responses, job security and contracting out were the primary concerns of most of the responses  with rising health benefit costs in third place. General discussion on "JOC" project processes on campuses and redundant problems with no inspections of completed jobs and money wasted by having Unit 6 employees correcting deficiencies and code violations. General discussion on health premium increases and retirement benefits.

    Vice-President Ted Gallaway spoke on changes at CHOFF and the various committees' functions with the CSU/CHOFF. Ted reported on safety issues at various campuses. Ted stated that SETC was proposing that the CSU and SETC jointly fund safety training for unit 6 employees. Ted encouraged the members to visit the SETC Website to keep current on union activities and stay informed.

    Legal Counsel Jim Eggleston distributed excerpts from the San Diego Unfair Labor Practice charge, which was decided in SETC's favor. Jim explained to the members their rights under HEERA. Jim made the members aware of the dangers that "JOC" presents to them if continued at the present rate. Jim gave examples of how the CSU uses "JOC" to perform unit 6 work and eventually replace unit 6 employees. Jim explained how members could exercise concerted activities under protected activities laws. Business Manager John Connor thanked Jim for all the service he has given our union over the years.

    Secretary-Treasure   Paul Lange passed out the 1st Quarter Financial Reports and explained each one individually; motion by Pat Hallahan, second by Jim Jeffries, to accept Savings Account report, motion passed. Motion by Pat Rogers, San Bernardino, second by Jim Jeffries, to accept PAC Financial report, motion passed. Motion by Pat Rogers, second by Jim Jeffries, to accept Legal Defense Fund report, motion passed. Motion by Jim Jeffries, second by Ken Danko, SLO, to accept the General Account report, motion passed.

    Webmaster Randy Grobe reported on the website and asked the members to send him items they wanted posted on the website. Randy informed the members of the Scholarship Applications and the eligibility requirements.

    President John Howard reported that we now have 15 apprentices in our program and he is talking to 4 more Directors about starting up the program at their campuses. Executive Board Member Spencer Colman reported that he was trying to update the Safety Stewards list. Spence stated that Fullerton is establishing a off-site campus at El Toro Marine Base. As of now they have 1 building opening for the Fall semester and the Foundation is running it with no unit 6 employees. Spence reminded the members of the issues of concern on the November ballot.

    Executive Board Member Craig West reported that he was on a Presidential hiring committee at Humboldt State. Craig stated that he had visited SLO for 3 days and discussed uniforms with the Director of Plant who said if he furnished them the members would have to wear them. Craig discussed the Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning Programs and informed the members of the gross family income limitations to qualify for the programs. General discussion on SETC survey responses regarding the issue.

    OLD BUSINESS; Re-reading of the motion made and passed at the 1/26/02 General Membership Meeting regarding taking Safety Shoe money out of contract and putting it back in compensation pool. Motion by Jim Jeffries, second by Bill Halloway, to accept, motion passed.

    NEW BUSINESS; None

    GOOD of the UNION: Ted Gallaway informed the members of a change of address and phone numbers for the Southern Office. Ted said that Bakersfield, Fullerton and CHOFF were now 100% and he would order jackets after negotiations were completed.

    Paul Lange informed the members that he had copies of the SETC and CSU "Sunshine" proposals and copies of SETC achievements if anyone wanted them. John Howard stated that he had received a letter from Dave Cowden, Chief Engineer, at Hayward State commending Rafeeq Mohammed for his leadership and personal efforts in chairing the Apprenticeship Committee there.

    John Connor reported that we now have 100% at Hayward, CSUMB, Bakersfield, Fullerton, Stanislaus, Channel Islands, Dominguez Hills and Sonoma. John informed the members that SETC would not get the Plan "B" LIUNA Pension Plan through the CSU and members would get an explanatory letter with the checks they receive from the Controllers Office. John also told the members that LIIJNA had changed the rules on Plan "A" so that members could not get their money out of the Plan unless they retire or leave CSU employment. John said the E-Board had not finalized a decision yet on the matter but were considering all options. John thanked Jim Buffet for setting up the meeting.

    Jacket and "T" Shirt raffle showed the following winners; 

    • · SETC Jacket -Vince Aceto, SLO 

    • · "T" Shirts - Jim Jeffries, Bakersfield 

    • · Jake Fredericks, CSUMB 

    • · Luis Avina, Fresno 

    • · Russ Knapp, Fresno 

    • · Roger Nunez, L.A. State 

    • · Tony Lema, Stanislaus 

    • · Jim Buffet, SLO 

    • · Sylvester Cisneros, Fresno 

    • · Greg Staff, Stanislaus 

    • · Justin Knapp, Fresno 

    • · Ken Danko, SLO 

    • · Joe Mendoza, Fresno 

    • · Tom O'Connor, SLO

    Meeting closed at 3:30 PM by President John Howard

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    GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING 
    CSU NORTHRIDGE 
    JANUARY 26, 2002

Meeting opened at 9:15 by President John Howard.

Roll Call showed all Officers present except Vice-President Ted Gallaway who was excused.

Minutes were read and accepted by motion of Pat Hallahan, seconded by Mike Middleton.

BUSINESS MANAGERS REPORT; Business Manager John Connor announced that SETC Executive Board had hired Pat Hallahan as a consultant for half time or more as needed. John stated that we have 15 Apprentices in the program, 5 are female, and more campuses are interested in starting a program. John asked Pat Hallahan to speak regarding Staffing and Negotiations. Pat said we had forwarded the committees recommendations to the Chancellor and asked the members to fill out the Contract Survey and get them back to the negotiating committee so it would have direction. Pat said we need as much feedback from as many members as possible. Pat told the members that we have to present the SETC proposals in February and we should begin negotiations in March. Pat informed the members that we would be staging more Stewards Training and Safety Seminars. SETC will tailor the training to address Unit 6 issues. Pat explained how square footage had increased in the CSU system by 13 million square feet but Unit 6 staffing had stayed the same. The current budget problems will impact any hiring to a degree but the committee believes that Unit 6 is about 500 positions under the proper staffing level. Pat addressed the "JOC" problem and cited the Stockton -Stanislaus problem. Stanislaus informed SETC that they were contracting out the maintenance at Stockton to the developer. Pat urged the members to resist "JOC" contracts and file grievances where necessary. John Connor said SETC had changed the language in the Qualification Standards to protect the employees jobs from layoff John explained how some of the campuses were abusing the classifications, especially the Facility Worker and Maintenance Mechanics. General discussion on abuses at various campuses and Pat Hallahan92s roll as consultant. Discussion on LIUNA Pension Plan problems, retired members not getting their money, employees getting out of the Plan and not getting their money back, etc. Jim Jeffries, Chief Steward at Bakersfield, said that the retired Locksmith 11, Herb Brown, had finally started receiving his benefits and got them retroactively. John reported that an SETC member at SDSU, Milo Jensen, had been chosen to appear in a AFL/CIO scholarship video that was shown at the AFL/CIO Convention at Las Vegas.

PRESIDENT; President John Howard reminded the membership that we have a Donation Box that we use to help members in need.

EXECUTIVE BOARD; Executive Board member Spencer Colman reminded the members that the Primary Election is coming up in March and we would be asking the members for support in assisting in the candidate's campaigns. Spence said we would have another SETC Lobby Day in Sacramento, probably in May. Discussion on Lobby Day. Executive Board member Craig West urged the members to take a more active part in their University's activities. Craig stated that he was appointed to a Presidential Hiring Committee at Humboldt State. Craig said the negotiating committee had rejected the CSU proposal on Fee Waiver as too costly and recommended the members use the HOPE Scholarship and LIFETIME LEARNING programs, which give the employee a tax credit off of taxes, owed rather than a deduction.

RECORDING SECRETARY; Recording Secretary Bill Halloway reported on the problems at Stockton -Stanislaus, CSUMB, Hayward and San Francisco. Discussions are going on at each campus but the progress is slow. Will use the grievance route if all else fails. Chief Steward Pat Rogers, San Bernardino, said his campus had a Construction Committee that made decisions on "JOC" projects. President John Howard reported that a new alliance was formed and CFA and APC wanted SETC and CSEA to join. John reported on the Apprenticeship graduation held in Sacramento. John stated that Fresno wants to start an apprenticeship program and L.A. State has shown an interest also. John said Hayward has 2 female BSE's and Fullerton has 2 apprentices in their Electric Shop. Executive Board member Spencer Colman reported on the CSU/SETC Safety Committee. CSU keeps changing their members on the committee. Spence discussed a few of the programs the committee was working on. Spence reminded the members that they could download the Safety Survey from the SETC website and asked them to do so and get them to the committee for input and information.

FINANCIAL REPORT; Secretary-Treasurer Paul Lange passed out financial reports to the membership and explained each one individually. Pat Rogers moved that we accept the report on Savings accounts, second by Jim Jeffries, motion passed. Motion by Pat Hallahan to accept PAC account report, second by Mike Middleton, motion passed. Motion by Todd Andrew to accept the report on the General account, second by Jim Jeffries, motion passed. Motion by Craig West to accept Legal Defense account, second by Bill Halloway, motion passed.

OLD BUSINESS; Second reading of the motion made and passed at the October General Membership meeting held at Monterey to provide automobile to Business Manager. Motion made by Pat Rogers to provide Business manager with automobile, second by Jim Jeffries, motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS; Motion made by Jim Jeffries to attempt to take the Safety Shoe money language out of the contract at negotiations, second by Bill Halloway, discussion, motion passed.

GOOD OF THE UNION; Webmaster Randy Grobe spoke about the issue of web access on the campuses for Unit 6 employees, general discussion with consensus to bring this up at negotiations. Recording Secretary Bill Halloway reported on the increasing requirement by campuses for Unit 6 employees to wear uniforms with threat of discipline if they don't and some campuses have established Dress Codes for employees, the problem is expanding and will have to be addressed at the bargaining table. Mike Brooks, Northridge, made motion to have language put in the contract to define abuse of sick leave, second by Oscar Babers, Northridge, discussion, motion failed.

LEGAL REPORT; Legal Counsel Jim Eggleston told the members that the budget shortfall would impact negotiations this year and we would have to look at other areas of our contract for improvements rather than salary. Jim said the most important language will be to prevent "JOC" from eliminating Unit 6 positions. Jim explained various ways for members to fight back and try to eliminate "JOC". Jim stated that members should be vigilant in observing "JOC" projects and to notify E Board of violations and put them on the SETC Website. Jim told the members that if SETC members did not strenuously fight "JOC", in 5 years Unit 6 would be back in Layoff mode. Jim gave examples of actions the members could take to defeat "JOC" and save their jobs. Business Manager John Connor thanked Todd Andrew and Northridge for the fine job they did in hosting the meeting.

Meeting closed by President John Howard at 4:00 PM.

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GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING 
CSU Monterey Bay
10/27/01

Meeting opened at 10:15 by Vice-President Ted Galloway.

Roll Call showed all Officers present except President John Howard who phoned that he had car problems and would be late to the meeting. Introduction of all members present.

Minutes were read and accepted by motion of Lee Leonard, Fresno, second by Spencer Colman, Fullerton. Motion passed.

FINANCIAL REPORT: Secretary-Treasurer Paul Lange thanked the members for attending and explained the requirements for giving the reports at the General Membership Meetings. Paul passed out the financial reports to the members present and explained each account separately. Motion by Greg Starr, Stanislaus, to accept the Political Action account, second by Paul Martin, CSUMB, general discussion on political account, motion passed. Motion by Randy Grobe, SDSU, to accept the Legal Defense Fund report, second by Doug Stone, CSUMB, discussion on the legal defense fund and how it was established and why. Motion passed. Motion by Ken McCormick, Fresno, to accept the Savings Account report, second by Lee Leonard, Fresno, discussion, and motion passed. Motion by Paul Martin, CSUMB, to accept the General Account report, second by Kym Bersuch, SJSU, discussion, and motion passed. Paul explained to the members how unions are audited, by the Laborers International and the Department of Labor, on a regular basis.

BUSINESS MANAGER: Business Manager John Connor reported that the contract had been ratified by the membership by a 6 to 1 margin. John stated that he was meeting with the CSU on 11/8/01 on the LIUNA Pension Plan. John stated that SETC was meeting with CSU on staffing, and temporaries. John reported on JAC Apprenticeship Graduation ceremonies held at Sacramento State and that we have graduated 5 so far. We have 5 women in the program out of 15 in the unit and the CSU has been very supportive of this program. John stated that SETC was meeting with CSU regarding staffing, temporaries and classification name changes. John informed the members that the Governor had asked CSU to cut their budget by 15% to alleviate the budget shortfall in Sacramento. John reported that the Local is now doing business a new way as a result of the overview committee's directions to LIUNA. Records of financial actions are now much more detailed and complete. John stated that we are going to into the next negotiations with very little or no money on the table. The Civil Service unions proposed that they reduce the employees' contribution to 2 1/2 percent with no reductions in benefits. John told the members that we now have 786 members in SETC and we are trying to organize and strive for as many new members as possible. John reported that there was an SPB hearing regarding a member who was fired for having a consulting job while he was on IDL. John explained the changes in the Military Leave policies will have to be implemented into our contract. John told the members that when the CSU starts paying for the LIUNA Pension Premiums that the members that have been paying the $41.60 a month will see an increase in their paycheck take home pay.

EXECUTIVE BOARD: "E"Board member Spencer Colman announced that Fullerton had finally paid out Bonus monies to 9 employees. General discussion on PSI criteria for awards. Spence stated that Fullerton wanted to implement a "Dispute Resolution Program". Spence said the employees at Fullerton thought it was a back door method to undermine the unions influences. Spence spoke about political activities that affect our members and how to make the system work for us and why it is so important to take part in the process. Spence explained how difficult it was in implementing any new program into the system, Apprenticeship, Pension Plan, Safety committee, etc. Spence thanked the members at CSUMB for setting up the meeting and the other members for attending.

"E"Board member Craig West reported that he had visited Chico, Sonoma and Sacramento and had attended the Apprenticeship Graduation ceremony. Craig stated that Humboldt had a major infrastructure construction project in progress at the present time with all the redundant problems. Craig asked the CSUMB members how many of their dependants would be eligible for SETC scholarships. The estimate was about 5.

President John Howard reported that he had a shoulder operation but had visited SFSU, Hayward, Channel Islands, Stanislaus, Stockton, SLO, Fresno and Bakersfield to ratify the contract. He also attended the Apprenticeship Graduation in Sacramento.

Vice-President Ted Gallaway informed the members that he was responsible for processing membership applications and Pension Plan applications and asked the members to please write legibly when filling out documents. Ted told the members that he had mailed out the International membership cards to each member and asked each member to inform him of any changes, addresses, marriage, divorce, etc. Ted said he had been involved in several Level 4 grievances and was Co-Chairman of the CSU/SETC Safety Committee. Ted stated that SETC "T" shirts would be on the web site for purchase by the members. Ted reported that Fruit of the Loom had discontinued our SETC jackets but he had found another vendor that could provide the jackets and they were made in America. Ted said he had attended Lobby Day in Sacramento and the Apprenticeship Graduation. Ted informed the members that SETC wanted to sponsor Craig West for the next seat on the PERS Board next year, more to come.

LEGAL: Jim Eggleston handed out contract literature packets and remarked that wearing SETC "T" shirts was a statement of exercising their rights under HEERA and how management tries to intimidate and divide and conquer the workforce. Jim reported that Bakersfield had refused to accept the PSI awards unanimously and that money will go back to SETC. Jim stated that if the members wanted to get rid of PSI's they would have to speak out and act with their feet. Jim told the members that management did not have employees' interest at heart when they made decisions to violate contractual obligations and contract out Unit 6 work. Jim said it was easier for incompetent managers to play around with "JOC" contract funds than a fixed budget with permanent positions. Jim stated that an important tool to oppose "JOC" were safety issues. Jim gave an example of how Randy Grobe and other Unit 6 members had persuaded SDSU to perform an asbestos survey behind a "JOC" contractor and found that the student dorms had friable asbestos flowing through the ventilation system. Jim said this is one way to shut down buildings and get "JOC" contractors off campus. Jim explained the Recognition Article in our contract and how it protects skilled crafts classifications. Jim said the CSU at several campuses had abused the Maintenance Mechanic position by assigning them skilled crafts work and not hiring skilled trades. Jim stated that employees have a lot of protection in the Unit 6 contract but if they don't use it they will lose it. Jim gave an example of how SDSU abused the classification process and the temporary language in our contract by hiring 45% of the workforce as temporaries and hourly intermittent, because they couldn't complain. Jim cited the PERB Complaint that had been filed on this and other violations of HEERA and the contract. Jim said the case has been heard and we are waiting on the decision. Jim defined "concerted activities" and what employees could do and could not do to conform to the legal interpretation of the language. General discussion on the various problem at the various campuses.

DELEGATES: Spencer Colman reported on the CSU/SETC Safety Committee. Spence said at the last meeting they discussed CSU members on the committee changing too often so as to interfere with the continuity of the program. Spence stated that the Safety Committee will try to get vendors of safety equipment to help sponsor and fund the committees expenses. Spence reported that the main thrust of the committee was to make it a safer environment for our members to work in. Spence informed the members that the newest danger was mold exposure, which in some cases could be fatal, and the committee was trying to address the issue and find resolutions. Spence suggested that members go to the SETC website and keep current on safety issues. Spence said that there was also a "JOC" report form that members could download and fill out and return to the Executive Board for action. There was general discussion on "JOC" violations and problems at various campuses.

Business manager John Connor reported on attending the PEDC Convention and assisting in the organizing campaign for Local 792 in Shasta County for 2000 Public Employees and in Weaverville for another 400 Public Employees and to get "Fair Share" implemented which was successful. Vice-President Ted Gallaway added that the volunteer organizers in the campaign collected clothing, etc during the major forest fires and distributed it to those in need during the time of need while they were there in Trinity and Shasta Counties.

Webmaster Randy Grobe reported that he had updated the SETC website and asked the members for input on improving the site and correcting any problems. Randy asked the members to use the feedback form to change addresses, status changes, or to suggest changes or other links to improve the website and to send in pictures if they had the ability to send them.

Secretary-Treasurer Paul Lange stated that he and Vice-President Ted Gallaway were delegates to attend the CSU Trustees meetings and the Sept. 11th meeting was cancelled due to the World Trade Center disaster. Paul said the next Trustees meeting will be held in November.

"E"Board member Craig West stated that he was on a Presidential hiring committee to select the next President of Humboldt State.

APPRENTICESHIP: President John Howard reported that the Committee had graduated 2 apprentices on 10/18/01 at Sacramento State and several other campuses were interested in starting a program to integrate apprentices into the workforce.

OLD BUSINESS: Ray Montoya made a motion which was seconded and passed at the July 28,2001 General Membership Meeting to expand the Executive Board. The same motion was presented to the body by Kym Bersuch, seconded by Russel Knapp of Fresno, and a discussion followed with the motion passing.

NEW BUSINESS; John Connor advised the members that LIUNA auditors had informed SETC that the membership had to vote on authorizing an automobile for the Business Manager. Motion by Paul Martin, CSUMB, seconded by Lee Leonard, Fresno, to furnish Business Manager with an automobile, discussion, motion passed.

GOOD of the UNION: Paul Martin, CSUMB, spoke about health benefit plans in rural counties of which Monterey is one. Paul said HMO's have left Monterey County and asked if SETC could get the LIUNA Mail Handlers Health Plan accepted by PERS. Business Manager John Connor replied that LIUNA had received acceptance by PERS and he would talk to Rocco Davis, LIUNA Regional Vice -President, at his next meeting with him. Paul also asked why SETC does not participate in the Santa Cruz-Monterey Central Labor Council. John Connor replied that if we have members working in the district we are required by the International Constitution to belong to the Council. Paul asked about clarification on PSI language that was not funded this year, and related that the Director of Plant had directed the Facilities Manager not to rate any employee satisfactory or above. General discussion, consensus, SETC will address at CHOFF. Topic of time and one half for employees who work during disaster or emergency responses, discussion, consensus, SETC will address at CHOFF and letter will be sent to all campuses to give direction. John Connor thanked the CSUMB members for setting up the meeting and complimented them on the arrangements. Greg Starr, Stanislaus, asked about what SETC had in mind regarding active members, statewide officers and stewards who retire and what would the union do to recognize their contributions to the body. General discussion, consensus, SETC should do something. "E"Board will discuss options and make decision. Business Manager John Connor informed the members that LIUNA would be celebrating their 100th Anniversary in 2003 and wanted SETC to prepare and present a documented history of Public Employees labor unions at the celebration. John stated that Pat Hallahan had presented Recognition Awards to Dave Carboni, Joe Manzella and Red Ogden at the JAC Graduation Ceremonies.

Meeting closed at 4:35 P.M. by President John Howard.

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General Membership Meeting
CSU Fullerton
July 28, 2001

Meeting opened at 10:15 AM by President John Howard. 

Introduction of members present. 

Roll Call showed all Officers present and Legal Counsel Jim Eggleston excused. 

Minutes of the last meeting were read. Motion made by Tim Shine, San Marcos to accept, seconded by Lee Bell, Retired, Pomona, motion passed. 

A moment of silent prayer was observed for Patti Eggleston's recovery and John Howard's mother's death and Spencer Colman's father's passing away. 

BUSINESS MANAGER;

John Connor told members that the jackets that were due those members that were to receive them for 100% membership were forthcoming. Ted Gallaway stated that Fruit of the Loom had discontinued making them and we had to find a new vendor. John Informed the members that lunch was being provided by the Fullerton members and the plumbers were cooking it.  John told the members that International Rep Pat Hallahan would be arriving shortly and that he was, by choice, a dues paying member of this Local and had been a driving force in where this local is today. John stated that the Joint CSU/SETC Apprenticeship Committee was meeting on August 9, 2001 at Hayward and we have 15 apprentices in the system with women and minorities well represented. John gave a synopsis of contract negotiations and the information requests we had made and why we needed that information. John said that the CSU whined about it but have given us almost all that we asked for. John told the members that he wanted to establish a database so we could know where the money goes.  John reported that in October of 1989 we had 924 positions filled with 23 million square feet to maintain and we now have the same amount of people taking care of 33 million plus square feet and the local is preparing legal action against the JOC program. John said that we are meeting with the CSU on staffing positions and enhancing the LIUNA Pension Plan and we are closer than we have ever been to get them to accept this. John told the members that if they had questions about the plan to call their office in Washington, D.C. John said that we now have 2 types of grievances, those that have been filed in the last year and those that were filed before and the CHOFF disposed of the hardcopies.   He asked the people who had filed to make sure they had copies. John stated that the local's membership is now at 800 members and Tim Shine has been appointed to start at San Diego and talk to every non-member and try to get them to join. Tim will work his way north and visit every campus. John said we had 20 members in Sacramento for Lobby Day and they did an excellent job in speaking with the elected representatives regarding our Bills we wanted them to support. John reported that the PEDC now had over 18000 members and that he had been elected Vice President.  The PEDC is setting up a system to assist the locals in organizing and educating the members in unionism. Jim Jeffries, Chief Steward at Bakersfield, asked about safety shoes and was told that this item would be discussed at the negotiating table. John reported that a new problem has arisen at L.A.State, they want to fingerprint new employees and this also would be addressed. John informed the members of how the safety shoe article was placed in the contract and how the members benefited until the IRS began taxing them. John discussed the improvement in the grievance procedures and felt that almost all of them would be settled satisfactorily. John reported on Fee Waivers and said the CSU had offered it to us if we pay $30,000 out of our compensation pool.  We told them we would rather have the members that used it for their dependents pay a small monthly fee, about $3.00 per month per dependent, this would be more fair to everyone. John also informed the members that in some cases it would be more beneficial for them to take the $1500 tax credit the first year and $1000 thereafter. General discussion on Fee Waiver and tax credit.

INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE:

Pat Hallahan   reported on the state budget and how the legislature had to cut back over 2 billion dollars and our compensation funds were reduced to 2% from 4% plus a 2% augmentation. Pat said we had requested a lot of information so we would know where the money is and where it goes and explained to the members that all maintenance funds do not go through Plant Operations, some go to other departments and are used for minor capital projects and "JOC" projects. Pat told the members that most of the information was on the SETC website and to check it out. Pat said we would probably have to file an Unfair Labor Practice charge to get the rest of the information and on the JOC problems that were arising on various campuses. Pat informed the members that the CSU was meeting with SETC on the systemwide staffing problem. SETC will meet with Chancellor Reed and his Vice-Chancellors to discuss hiring more Unit 6 employees. We should increase by 400-600 people in 5 years in order to maintain the campuses in good repair Pat said the campuses get $6.45 per square foot the first year for new constructed space but they are not hiring unit 6 employees to maintain it, they hire managers and try to contract out maintenance services. Pat told the members that we are going to organize auxiliary and foundation employees that perform Unit 6 work. Pat said we have to develop a strategy to address and resolve the problems in the auxiliaries and foundations and to address the "JOC" problems. Pat informed the members that the CSU had separated Design and Planning from Plant Operations to try and get around our contractual language and how this impacts our members. Pat reported that the negotiating team had proposed that the CSU pay for our LIUNA Pension Plan. All employees in Unit 6 would be covered if they accept it and our members ratify it. Pat told the members that we are the only union in the CSU with a Joint Systemwide Safety Committee and it has begun to function in a very progressive way. Pat informed the members that we are looking at ways to obtain alternate funding for our Joint CSU/SETC Apprenticeship Committee, Federal and State grants and possibly legislation in Sacramento to assist the campuses in implementing the program. Pat reported that LIUNA had tripled its Public Sector organizing and it has paid off with over 100,000 in the International Public Employees Department. Pat explained how this helps all public employees by giving them more clout in the state capitals to pass our legislative agendas. Pat told the members there would be no PSI's this year and we would try to have equity in 2 to 3 years for all members.

FINANCIAL REPORT:

Paul Lange passed out financial reports for the last quarter and explained each report individually. Savings account, moved by Harold Fangmeyer to accept, second by Steve Van Duser, motion passed. Political Action account, moved to accept, by John Connor, seconded by Steve Van Duser, motion passed. Legal Defense account, moved by Jim Jeffries to accept, second by Bud Dick, motion passed. General Account, motion made by Harold Fangmeyer to accept, second by Ray Montoya, motion passed.

RAFFLE:

Ted Gallaway raffled off SETC "T" shirts and the following members won them; Greg Hayes, Long Beach-Brad Young, Fullerton- Ray Montoya, Dominguez Hills-James Clarett, Fullerton- Dan Morales, LA State-Carl Kimberlin, LA State- Robert Salerno, LA State-David Molina, Fullerton-Luis Avina, Fresno- John Lopez, LA State- Chuck Elliot, Fullerton- Lee Bell, Ret., Pomona- Bud Dick, Pomona- Jim Jeffries, Bakersfield- Art Cordova, LA State- Ishwarlal Mistry, Fullerton- Terry Bohannon, Fullerton- Dan Robertson, Fullerton- Joseph Campbell, Fullerton- Ken McCormick, Fresno- Steve Van Duser, Fullerton- Roger Nunez, LA State- Eleazar Moro, LA State- David Hamilton, Fullerton- Tim Shine, San Marcos and Gordon McCray, unknown, he didn't sign the sign-in sheet.

REPORTS OF OFFICERS:

Vice-President Ted Gallaway reported that a new "T" shirt design was being made and would be distributed at a later date. Ted said he had found a new vendor for the SETC jackets and they would be here shortly. Ted informed the members that he was responsible for the LIUNA Pension Fund paperwork and the record-keeping for the Life Insurance policy. In addition he has been involved in several Unfair Labor Practice hearings and has visited some of the campuses that have had union problems. Ted told the members that our Disability Insurance policy had lapsed due to our broker not paying the premiums. The union will attempt too find another broker to handle this in the future. Ted asked the members to participate more in union activities and keep up with what the elected officers are doing. Ted said that he had attended the George Meany Labor Relations training in Silver Springs, Maryland and the training was excellent and well needed by those that attended. It is a very positive program that LIUNA wants to continue. Ted informed the members that he is the Chairman of the Joint CSU/SETC Safety Committee and wants to implement some of the things he learned at the training that we are the only union in the CSU with a Joint Systemwide Safety Committee and it has begun to function in a very progressive way. Pat informed the members that we are looking at ways to obtain alternate funding for our Joint CSU/SETC Apprenticeship Committee, Federal and State grants and possibly legislation in Sacramento to assist the campuses in implementing the program. Pat reported that LIUNA had tripled its Public Sector organizing and it has paid off with over 100,000 in the International Public Employees Department. Pat explained how this helps all public employees by giving them more clout in the state capitals to pass our legislative agendas. Pat told the members there would be no PSI's this year and we would try to have equity in 2 to 3 years for all members.

FINANCIAL REPORT:

Paul Lange passed out financial reports for the last quarter and explained each report individually. Savings account, moved by Harold Fangmeyer to accept, second by Steve Van Duser, motion passed. Political Action account, moved to accept, by John Connor, seconded by Steve Van Duser, motion passed. Legal Defense account, moved by Jim Jeffries to accept, second by Bud Dick, motion passed. General Account, motion made by Harold Fangmeyer to accept, second by Ray Montoya, motion passed.

RAFFLE:

Ted Gallaway raffled off SETC "T" shirts and the following members won them; Greg Hayes, Long Beach-Brad Young, Fullerton- Ray Montoya, Dominguez Hills-James Clarett, Fullerton- Dan Morales, LA State-Carl Kimberlin, LA State- Robert Salerno, LA State-David Molina, Fullerton-Luis Avina, Fresno- John Lopez, LA State- Chuck Elliot, Fullerton- Lee Bell, Ret., Pomona- Bud Dick, Pomona- Jim Jeffries, Bakersfield- Art Cordova, LA State- Ishwarlal Mistry, Fullerton- Terry Bohannon, Fullerton- Dan Robertson, Fullerton- Joseph Campbell, Fullerton- Ken McCormick, Fresno- Steve Van Duser, Fullerton- Roger Nunez, LA State- Eleazar Moro, LA State- David Hamilton, Fullerton- Tim Shine, San Marcos and Gordon McCray, unknown, he didn't sign the sign-in sheet.

REPORTS OF OFFICERS:

Vice-President Ted Gallaway reported that a new "T" shirt design was being made and would be distributed at a later date. Ted said he had found a new vendor for the SETC jackets and they would be here shortly. Ted informed the members that he was responsible for the LIUNA Pension Fund paperwork and the record-keeping for the Life Insurance policy. In addition he has been involved in several Unfair Labor Practice hearings and has visited some of the campuses that have had union problems. Ted told the members that our Disability Insurance policy had lapsed due to our broker not paying the premiums. The union will attempt too find another broker to handle this in the future. Ted asked the members to participate more in union activities and keep up with what the elected officers are doing. Ted said that he had attended the George Meany Labor Relations training in Silver Springs, Maryland and the training was excellent and well needed by those that attended. It is a very positive program that LIUNA wants to continue. Ted informed the members that he is the Chairman of the Joint CSU/SETC Safety Committee and wants to implement some of the things he learned at the training into the committee. Ted gave a background review of the safety committee and said they will try to implement video communications with the campuses on safety programs and issues and problems. The CSU is now willing to take positive actions in the safety area. Ted stated that he had participated in the Lobby Day program in Sacramento and SETC held a reception for the elected representatives that was well attended. He has scheduled a meeting with his representative to discuss some of SETC problems and will report at the next meeting of any progress made. Ted thanked those members that attended and extended his sympathies to John Howard and Spencer Colman on the loss of their parents. Ted asked the members to pray for Patti Eggleston and for Jim in these trying hours. Ted stated that the LIUNA Pension Plan would vest in August this year for those members that signed up when it was first available. General discussion regarding the pension plan. Secretary-Treasurer Paul Lange reported that he and John Connor, Ted Gallaway and Bill Halloway had participated in arbitrations. Paul informed the members that probationary employees do have certain rights if they are released before becoming permanent due to a decision at Sonoma State involving a female probationary plumber. Paul related on another problem where an employee was fired for having outside income while on IDL. Paul reported that he and Ted Gallaway had attended the Trustees meetings and the CSU Labor Council meetings. Paul said the other unions are being offered "take it or leave it" proposals by the CSU and they plan job actions after the semester starts. Paul gave a report on the PEDC, what it does and how it operates. Paul stated that he had just been audited by LIUNA and they made some suggestions for perfecting our procedures just in case we are audited by the Department of Labor. Paul reported that we are current in our per Capita tax to the international. Paul told the members that several campuses had problems with the PSI-Bonus awards but they had been resolved. Ken McCormick, Fresno said Fresno had not awarded any bonuses at all. Paul informed him that they didn't have to give any out the first year but they had to this year. Paul told the members that he had flyers from LIUNA that listed the benefits they provide their members and also copies of the HOPE scholarship requirements. President John Howard reported that he had attended a meeting with CFA and APC on starting an Alliance Coalition to share information and they had already held one meeting. John said he was having an operation on his shoulder and would be off 90 days. Recording- Secretary Bill Halloway reported that he had participated in the Sonoma State arbitration and had visited San Francisco, Hayward, Stanislaus, Stockton, Fresno, Bakersfield, San Luis Obispo, Channel Islands, Monterey Bay and reported on the problems at each one. None of these campuses want to upgrade the Facility Worker 1's to Facility Worker 2's. Bill said he will probably have to go to State Personnel Board for relief and back pay. Executive Board member Craig West reported that the members at Humboldt were going to the SETC website for information. Craig said that Humboldt wants to contract out the custodial work and that means they may try with unit 6 later. Craig reported that there had been several accidents on the campus and most of the lower level managers were retiring. Executive Board members Spencer Colman reported that Fullerton had hired 2 new BSE's and they had joined the union keeping Fullerton at 100% members. Spence reported that he had been working lots of overtime, as well as most of the crews at Fullerton, to keep the work on campus. Lots of new construction on campus is keeping them busy. Spence said he had attended the Joint CSU/SETC Safety Committee meeting and met the new CSU members. Spence reported that he was working on the statewide safety survey and received several more reports from campuses but 8 campuses had not reported at all. Spence asked the members to go to the SETC website and check out the safety survey. He asked them to download and print it and fill it out and send it to him. Randy Grobe, Greg Starr, Bill Halloway or Ted Gallaway. The CSU members of the committee will communicate with the various management people at the campuses that did not respond.

OLD BUSINESS: .... Lee Bell Ret., Pomona, Judge of Election, reported that the election for Delegates to the International Convention had been held on May 22nd at Pomona and nominations were received for John Connor, Pat Hallahan and Ted Gallaway. They were elected by acclamation as no election procedures were required. Convention will be held in September at Las Vegas. John Connor thanked Lee Bell and Pat Rogers, San Bernardino, for all the hard work they did in putting the election together Bud Dick Pomona, asked John Connor what was being done about temporaries. John said the problem was being addressed at the CHOFF and if it could not be resolved there we would take it to court and get a decision.

NEW BUSINESS:

Ray Montoya, Dominguez Hills, moved that the union appoint a committee to investigate expanding the Executive Board, second by John Connor, motion passed.

GOOD of the UNION:

Bud Dick, Pomona, spoke about the problems they had with PSI Bonuses, 29 people were nominated and 25 were awarded $400 each.

Meeting closed at 4:30 PM by President John Howard.

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General Membership Meeting
San Francisco State University
April 28, 2001

Meeting opened at 10:15 by President John Howard

Roll Call showed all Officers present.

Minutes were read, amended to state that the employee at SDSU was not certified to work with asbestos and  then were approved.

Introduction of Members and Officers present.

LEGAL;

Jim Eggleston reported that 80% of State and Federal judges were appointed by Republican Governors or Presidents. Jim said that "It's Our Money" was not only about money but how employees could control activities on their campuses. Employees in Unit 6 are in jeopardy, primarily because of “JOC" and other CSU programs. SETC has lost 300 to 400 positions in the last 6 or 7 years. In 1987 we were funded by the "Orange Book" which established positions by square footage. This allowed Unit 6 to perform the work that we were hired to do. There was very little contracting out. After the Orange Book was eliminated in 1987  and replaced with Lump Sum Budgets, that gave the campus Presidents control over the money. Unit 6 positions were not funded when they came open. Our Unit became smaller and smaller and could not do or keep up with maintenance on the campuses. Now they have a new strategy that involves contracting out General Maintenance, it is called "JOC" or Job Order Contract, and it is replacing Unit 6 employees. SETC was successful at Stockton but it will be harder to defend these types of cases in the future. Now square footage does not equal positions but it does equal dollars for the CSU. We have to address this problem now with a total member involvement, if we lose now, we will not survive. CSU says that there is a $351 million backlog of deferred maintenance that has to be addressed and they want to use "JOC" to do it. This is a corrupt situation and it will be very difficult to win based on legal points unless we address this problem in the proper manner. Jim also outlined the situation at SDSU regarding an asbestos release which resulted in disciplinary actions against 3 Unit 6 members. The ALJ reversed the discipline because SDSU could not prove their case. Jim told the members to document everything to protect themselves later. Employees should notify the campus of serious safety issues and give them time to correct, if they don’t correct them, then we seize the opportunity to make a demonstration to enlighten the public and use it to show we are understaffed and need to go back to the Orange Book. Employees have a duty to take action after careful analysis. Jim spoke about problems in the system with the temporary workforce and a PERB hearing on May 7th on this problem at SDSU. Jim described management tactics at SDSU. Jim said the information on this case would be on the SETC Web site. Jim explained contract language regarding the 2 week break between appointments. Jim said that campuses usually screwed up by having employees carry over credits for vacation, CTO, etc. Policy says the break is not to be used to circumvent filling permanent positions. Jim outlined strategic job actions that can be taken to publicize management mistakes and safety hazards on campuses.

BUSINESS MANAGER;

 Business Manager John Connor reported that the SETC Committee had met with the CHOFF Committee regarding "JOC" and showed them pictures of the mistakes and safety violations at various campuses and discussed the overall problems with the JOC program. CHOFF tried to deny but couldn't substantiate enough to rebut pictures. SETC is meeting with Chancellor Reed in May to discuss the JOC problem with him and also in Sacramento if necessary. SETC is trying to address this issue on a system-wide basis. SETC has set a tentative date to start negotiations but our requests for information have not been fully responded to. John said that we now have 15 apprentices in the system and several campuses are asking for information to get started. Discussion on Apprentices and whether they could work alone. Consensus was that it depended on what level the apprentice was at what experience the apprentice had. Rafeeq Mohammad, Refrigeration Mechanic from Hayward, asked who would be responsible if the apprentice was injured while working alone. Deborah Aiono, Lead Sheetmetal Worker at San Jose State said they had a checklist for the apprentice to use during their program so a determination could be made to determine what the apprentice could safely do alone. John Connor said that as employees of the CSU we are indemnified against lawsuits in the performance of our duties. John reported on various campuses with problems with Directors and Managers. General discussion on problems and solutions, etc and varied system-wide problems. Mike Torres, Chief Steward at Stanislaus, asked about PSI's. John said that the CSU position  was that we had to have it but it will be a topic at negotiations, John said it could not be fixed, it had to be eliminated.

PRESIDENT;

President John Howard reported on campus visits to Channel Islands,  Stanislaus, Stockton, Fresno, Bakersfield, CSUMB and SFSU. Members at Channel Islands asked about requirement from campus to wear safety shoes. John said several other campuses had done the same. General discussion with consensus that if the campus required them they had to wear them. John stated he had also visited Dominguez Hills to try to straighten out a personnel problem and talked to management about the apprenticeship program. General discussion on problems at each campus and viable solutions. 

VICE-PRESIDENT;

Vice-President Ted Gallaway reported that he had been on the road a lot visiting CSUMB, Channel Islands, SFSU, Hayward and Sacramento and had been involved in litigation at SDSU. Randy Grobe, Chief Steward and Webmaster at SDSU gave a detailed description of the asbestos release at SDSU. The PERB decision was in SETC's favor but SDSU will probably appeal. The Supervising BSE was reinstated at full salary and the other 2 members got back pay. Ted reported on the Hammontree Arbitration at Long Beach State, Ted said case looked very positive but with ALJ's it was always a turkey shoot. Ted reported on meeting with Governor Davis's Labor Representative and discussed Labor Bills in progress in Sacramento. Ted said he had talked to Senator Burton's office and discussed staffing levels at the CSU campuses and discussed the JOC program. Joe Mendoza, Chief Steward at Fresno, asked if this information was on the SETC Website, Randy Grobe said yes it was and there was a form that could be downloaded and filled out and mailed to the Executive Board. Ted outlined the process for stewards to follow on JOC and report back to the Executive Board. Ted reported on AB189 sponsored by CSEA regarding contracting out which we oppose because of the original language. The Bill was withdrawn. AB707 regarding Foundations and  their employees being put under Federal Labor Relations Board, we opposed because we feel they should be under HEERA, the Bill will either be withdrawn or amended into a two year Bill. Ted said Lobby Day will be May 23rd and 24th. Ted gave a synopsis of actions in lobbying legislators. Ted asked members to keep him informed of any changes in their personal life such as change of address, deaths, marriage or divorce.  Ted stated that the LIUNA Pension Plan would vest in August of 2001. Ted said the SETC Web had been active for 1 year and we have approved release time for Randy Grobe to keep it up to date. Ted thanked all the stewards for all the work they had done. Ted told the members of what the Officers had been doing to keep the union going in the right direction. Ted told the members that he and Randy Grobe had taken information received from the CSU and made a spread sheet giving a total compensation figure that showed the CSU was skimming $7 million a year off Unit 6 compensation pool. Ted said that SETC was still waiting on the information requested from the CHOFF before negotiations would start. Ted reminded the members that there would probably be "Job Actions" taken before a contract is finalized.

RECORDING SECRETARY;

Recording Secretary Bill Halloway reported that he had visited Bakersfield, Hayward, CSUMB, SFSU and SJSU with President John Howard. He reported that the members at SJSU were concerned that they had not received their contracts and this created a credibility issue. Bill reported on various campus issues that were being dealt with successfully and that at SJSU another manager "bit the dust".

FINANCIAL REPORT;

Financial Secretary Paul Lange distributed the quarterly financial reports and explained each one individually. Each report was accepted by the membership. Paul informed the members that the reports were on the SETC Website. Paul gave the Recording Secretary the grievance settlement checks for SJSU and reported that he had attended the SETC/CHOFF "JOC" Committee meetings, classification committee meetings and visited several campuses and performed his secretarial duties.

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER;

"E"Board member Spencer Colman reported on the CSU/SETC Safety Committee. Spence said the last meeting was attended by the 5 SETC members and 1 CSU member. Spence described the actions of the committee and asked the members to respond to the Safety Survey by May 10th. General discussion on computers in the trades shops, some have them, some don't. Consensus was to make list of trades workers who wanted training and send request for training to Director of Plant and campus President with cc: to SETC Executive Board. Spence suggested that employees could use digital cameras and put safety or code violations on the SETC Web. Spence handed out copies of Safety Survey and asked them to make copies and hand out to the members at their respective campuses. Spence told the members to talk to him later if they thought they had Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. "E"Board member Craig West from Humboldt State reported that they had problems with a JOC contractor and fired him. His campus interprets JOC not to include P.M.work.

OLD BUSINESS;

Recording Secretary read a motion by Jim Jeffries, Chief Steward at Bakersfield, to hold General Membership Meeting every two months, motion duly seconded by Deborah Aiono, discussion, motion failed. Ted Gallaway reported that Linda Quarry had not paid the premiums on our Disability Insurance policy. The "E"Board will discuss at its meeting and make a decision.

NEW BUSINESS;

Mike McGahan, Co-Chief Steward at SFSU, asked if space for an SETC office could be negotiated in our contract. Discussion with consensus that we could use CFA's space but we would discuss it at negotiations.

GOOD OF THE UNION;

Spencer Colman reported that PERS had voted to double the co-payment fees on health insurance plans. John Connor complimented Randy Grobe on our SETC Website. John also stated that LIUNA had established a Public Employee Department which was up and running and this local made the motion to do it. A drawing was held for "It's Our Money" tee shirts and the following members won, Rafeeq Mohammad, Ralph Averill, Joe Mendoza, Luis Avina, Lee Leonard, Mike Russell, Mike Torres, Ralph Dudley, Dan Cowin, Greg Starr, Mike McGahan, Ken McCormick, Don Spuhler, Deborah Aiono, Steve Robertson, Jon Skiles and Tommy Robinson.

Meeting closed by President John Howard at 5:35 PM.

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General Membership Meeting
CSU Channel Islands
January 27, 2001

Meeting opened at 10 AM by President John Howard.

Introduction of all members present.

Roll Call showed all Officers present.

Minutes of the previous meeting were read and accepted.

LEGAL:

Jim Eggleston handed out information packets and legal decisions and explained the violations at San Diego State. Jim explained the processes used to combat the CSU on violations. Unfair Labor Practices, Arbitration, State Personnel Board hearings, etc. Jim explained the power of the member if they use it together as an indivisible unit. Jim informed the members of their rights under HEERA, our contract and what to do when management acts capriciously and unfairly towards members. Jim gave an overview of the PSI problem at Stanislaus and how the members responded. The members put out a flyer showing the Plant Director as the "GRINCH" who stole Christmas. It told the truth and was posted all over campus and caused quite an embarrassment for management at the campus. Jim stated that use of the "WEB" was an important tool to use to inform the public and parents of students of unsafe conditions at the campuses.

BUSINESS MANAGER:

John Connor reported that he was meeting with International Representative Pat Hallahan in Las Vegas on SETC's "Sunshine" proposals to the CSU. John stated that the "E" Board had discussed the "JOC" problems and some of the actions taken to resolve them. John told the members that SETC had filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge against San Diego State. John said that he, Tim Shine and Randy Grobe had met with the CSU regarding the temporaries at San Diego who should be made permanent. John stated that there was no "JOC" at San Diego, the temporaries were doing it. John told the members that the managers at San Diego had threatened the members there about attending union meetings. John said that PSI's and signing bonuses for temporaries are in discussions now. John stated that he had met with the CSU/SETC Apprenticeship Committee at Fullerton on January 26th and there were now 15 apprentices in the system. John told the membership that "Lobby Day" in Sacramento had not been set yet as well as dates for Stewards Training. John informed the members that the SETC contracts are at the Sacramento Laborers office and will be finalized and passed out at the stewards training workshops. John reminded the members that he would not seek nor hold the office of Business Manager after the end of this term. John gave a synopsis of accomplishments of the union since it inception. Jim Buffet, Steamfitter, at SLO asked John if the members would be brought up to the maximum of the salary ranges after we get rid of the PSI's. John stated that we had to get the PSI out of the contract first and then we would address the discrepancies. General discussion on One Time Bonus Awards and problems at the campus level. John informed the members that without job actions we could not get rid of the PSI language. John said that the "E" Board would be in contact with the campuses and coordinate actions with the individual campus. John said that the membership had accepted the last two contracts with a 98% and 99% acceptance and we couldn't have it both ways. John reported that he has not heard any complaints on the dues increase and that we can now do what needs to be done. John will be making more campus visits and has appointed Tim Shine to assist him. John is the Electrical Supervisor at Fullerton and has 8 people in his shop. John discussed some of the problems that the "E" Board Officers face at the campuses and the responsibilities of the representatives. John stated that we had not bragged about all of the accomplishments we had achieved for our members. John reminded the members of our motto for this year’s negotiations, "It's Our Money.

VICE-PRESIDENT:

Ted Gallaway reported that he had attended a PERB meeting at San Diego State He reviewed personnel files and found that there had been no break in service for 26 temporaries. Ted told the members that 3 employees had been suspended for not reporting an Asbestos Release in a housing stairwell. They reported it to their manager who was out of town when they contacted him by telephone, he didn't forward it to EH&S and they got suspended. The employee who caused the release was not certified, is temporary and followed orders by the manager and cut a hole in a Fire Door. The temporary was not disciplined. Ted reported that Sacramento State had a Project Coordinator supervising the former Carpenter Shop, which is now the Maintenance Shop with one carpenter and 2 maintenance mechanics. Ted said he had reviewed data on F/W-1’s and 2’s and the metalworker series and there were problems at several of the campuses with upgrading employees to the higher classifications. Ted told the members that the Tee shirts had not been distributed at SLO, Northridge, and San Francisco because the stewards had not sent him the sizes needed. Ted said he was 50 shirts short and had reordered so he could send them to the campuses. Ted stated that we now have 757 members and 20 retiree members. Ted reminded the members that our insurance pays $5000 for active members and $2500 for retired members when they die. Ted asked the members who haven't received their LIUNA Pension statement to let him know and keep him informed of address changes. Ted reported on the CSU/SETC Safety Committee survey that is being sent to the campuses, Presidents Directors of Plant, EH&S managers and Campus Stewards will receive them. Ted asked that the stewards encourage their campuses to complete them and send them back to him. Ted asked that if there were areas not covered by the survey to please add comments to the survey. Ted said the contracts will be ready shortly and that Appendix A can be downloaded off of our SETC web site. Ted gave the members the address of our web site. Pat Rogers, San Bernardino steward said Chancellor Reed had told him at a meeting at his campus that he thought SETC was the most professional of all of the CSU Unions.

FINANCIAL REPORT:

Secretary-Treasurer Paul Lange passed out financial reports for the Quarter of October, November and December and explained each one individually, each was voted on separately and accepted by the members. Paul distributed a letter to members who are, or will be retiring and the steps necessary for them to take to continue their Pension Plan payments if they have not been in the Plan for the Vesting period of 5 years.

General discussion with questions and answers.

"E" Board Member Spencer Colman reported on the "JOC" program and a draft of a letter to be sent to all campus stewards defining the program and how and what to ask for from the campus and get the information to the "E" Board. Spence suggested that stewards take pictures of sub-standard work and unsafe conditions and send them to him so they can be put on our web site. Spence asked that all stewards send him their email address. Spence thanked the members for their support and their efforts in the last election in getting people elected to office who were friendly to our union and support our positions.

"E" Board Member Craig West thanked the members for attending the meeting and supporting the union. Craig stated that he was working on getting three members re-classified at Humboldt State. Two have been completed and the third member does not participate in the process, which makes it harder and takes longer. Craig told the members that when something goes wrong to stand up and protest and call on the "E" Board for help. Craig reported that he had met with management at Humboldt State to set goals for next years PSI awards. Craig informed the members of the "JOC" program at Humboldt State where the contractor dug a 5-foot deep trench completely around the campus for new water lines with no shoring in the trench. Craig said last year a 300-pound plumber was trapped in a trench that collapsed on him and when they tried to get him out they used a chainsaw and cut off his toes.

RECORDING SECRETARY;

Bill Halloway reported to the members that he had finally received the grievance settlement check from San Jose State and forwarded it to Paul Lange, totaled almost $105,000. Bill gave a synopsis of the events that caused the grievances, contracting out, improperly disciplining members with financial losses illegally, Cal/OSHA citations, improper layoffs, continuous contract violations on a daily basis to intimidate the members,

etc. Bill stated that during the 27 months the employees were laid off, he was on campus every day and his members were his eyes and ears and the campus could not get away with anything. After the Arbitration that brought everyone back to work the entire management cadre was changed and now the management is more people oriented. Bill said the new steward at San Jose, Gene Ludwico, had asked for information on the "JOC" contracts and management felt he was too aggressive in asking for it.

PRESIDENT:

President John Howard reported that he had visited San Jose State, CSUMB, Hayward, SFSU, Stanislaus, Channel Islands, and Bakersfield and needed to return to several of them to address problems.

SECRETARY-TREASURER:

Paul Lange informed the members of changes and additions to benefits. Paul told the members that he had received a letter from Joe Baca, U.S. Representative for the 42nd District, appraising us of labor issues coming up that will affect us. Paul reminded the members of the changes in election rules for convention delegates. Paul told the members that we have an additional holiday, Cesar Chavez Day on March 31st, and it is not movable. If it falls on Saturday it will be observed on Friday and if it falls on Sunday, it will be observed on Monday. Paul informed the members that Family Medical Leave now covers domestic partners also. Paul said that the CSU has a voluntary life insurance plan for employees and LIUNA has a prescription and vision care plan for members only. Paul reported he had received a thank you card from Randy Grobe.

SPECIAL ASSISTANT;

Special Assistant to Business Manager, Tim Shine reported on a situation at his campus, San Marcos, where a member lost money on his paycheck. Tim informed the members that he had a supervisor at San Marcos who would physically push and shove members continuously. He and Ted Gallaway are working on resolving the problem. Tim reported that he had been successful in getting reclassifications at his campus by using their records to substantiate the reclass.

OLD BUSINESS:

Vice-President Ted Gallaway stated that he had talked to our insurance broker, Linda Quarry about responsiveness to members claims. Ted said he will check out other vendors and report to the Board. A motion was made by Mike Middleton, Chief Steward at Channel Islands, to have unit 6 members given first opportunity to fill vacant positions, if qualified, seconded by Rich Paulsen, Supervising BSE at Channel Islands. Discussion on motion and passed. Jim Jeffries, Maintenance Mechanic at Bakersfield, made a motion to hold General Membership Meetings every 2 months, seconded by Pat Rodgers, steward at San Bernardino, discussion and motion passed.

GOOD of the UNION:

John Villagrana, a Lead Plumber at Fullerton, asked if we could get Fee Waivers for dependants. Ted Gallaway reported that he had talked to vice-chancellor Jackie McClain at the CHOFF and she was working on our information request and would send it shortly. "E" Board Member Craig West stated that the tax credit for a university student was larger that the Fee Waiver provision in contract. Jim Jeffries, Bakersfield, reported that Plant Operations was changing over to electric carts and the members there thought they were unsafe because they have to share the roads with cars and trucks. He said he had brought this matter up at his campus's Safety Committee meeting. Ted Gallaway asked Jim to send him the minutes of the safety committee meeting and he would bring the matter up at the CSU/SETC Safety Committee meeting. General discussion of the matter. Jim Jeffries made a motion to remove the safety shoe language from our contract, seconded by Pat Rogers, discussion, motion passed. John Villagrana asked if members could purchase Tee Shirts and jackets, Ted Gallaway said yes. Tee Shirts are $5.00 and jackets are $35.00. Mike Middleton asked if members had to pay for lost pagers, Channel Islands wants $50.00 for lost pagers. Discussion and consensus was that members do not have to wear them and do not have to pay for them. Jim Jeffries suggested that retired members be given jackets, Ted Gallaway said it was a good idea but Paul Lange had to allocate funds for them.

The following members won Tee shirts in a closing raffle; Rich Paulsen, Art Lopez, John Villagrana, Scott Shubb, Mike Middleton, John Mannken, John Delgado, Wes Cooper, and Romey Calica

Meeting adjourned at 3:45 by President John Howard

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General Membership Meeting
CSU Sacramento
October 28, 2000

Meeting opened at 10:00 AM by President John Howard.

Roll Call showed all Officers present.

Motion made by Mike Russell, Chico, to dispense with reading of the Minutes. Seconded by Jim Jeffries, Bakersfield. Motion passed.

OFFICERS REPORTS:

Business Manager John Connor reminded the members of the 2% general salary increase that should be in their October checks. John reported that the grievance backlog was now being resolved at the respective campuses. John stated that was confusion at the campuses with PBSI’s and one-time bonuses and how to award and implement them. John told the membership that the Arbitration cases were being handled by our attorney, Jim Eggleston, and our International Representative, Pat Hallahan. The dates for hearings have not been set yet. John reminded the members that SETC was having a Lobby Day at the Capitol and asked for their support. John said that Jim Jeffries suggestion, at the last meeting, would be implemented and Stewards Training would coincide with Lobby Day, probably in January 2001. John informed the members of the CSU/SETC Joint Apprenticeship Committee meeting at Sonoma on October 27th. We now have 13 Apprentices in the system with 3 more entering before the end of the year. John said that training funds, such as the Montoya Fund, would be addressed in Sacramento with legislation if needed. John told the members about his attending the PEDC convention in Las Vegas and giving Assemblyman Scott Wildman a ride back to Los Angeles. John informed the members that the Fair Share Dues increase had passed and was being implemented. John reported that a system wide grievance had been filed and problems with campuses hiring day labor is being addressed with the CHOFF. Joe Manzella, Sacramento, asked if the EPI, extended performance increase, had been implemented at all the campuses? John said that Payroll at some campuses was confused but the CHOFF was addressing the problem. Joe Mendoza, Fresno, asked if the CSU was sending all grievances back to the campuses. John said yes, campus by campus, with Pomona being first. However, due to the CHOFF schedule it would probably be the first of the year before they were resolved. John explained the process and why it took so long in following the proper procedures. Mike Torres, Stanislaus, asked what happened to the PBSI grievance from his campus? John told him it was still alive in the system and described some of the mistakes that were made by the CSU and SETC. John stated that where SETC had made a mistake, we went back and corrected them and we wanted the CSU to do the same. General discussion on the Stanislaus/Stockton Settlement and what it meant. General discussion on Level 4 grievances and their priority in settling them with the campuses. John read Executive Order 757 from Chancellor Reed to the campus presidents regarding changes in the responsibility for maintenance on state owned buildings and facilities including auxiliaries and foundations. Plant Operations will be responsible for maintenance. General discussion on various problems at the campuses with "JOC", Day Labor, temporaries, contracting out, etc. General discussion on evaluation procedures for PSI’s and one time bonuses. John explained that Project Coordinators do not supervise supervisors, they oversee and are responsible for making sure that projects are kept on schedule and under cost estimates. John also reminded the members that Maintenance Mechanics do not replace trades workers in the shops. General discussion or Fair Share fees, Initiation Fees, etc.

FINANCIAL REPORT:

Financial Secretary Paul Lange distributed financial reports to the member and explained each report individually. Each report was voted on and accepted by the membership. Paul informed the members that our Per Capita tax was now $14.00 per member per month. Paul also told the members that the Death benefit for members was $5000.00 and for retirees it was $2500.00.

VICE PRESIDENT:

Vice President Ted Gallaway reported on visits to campuses in the northern part of the state and problems encountered at each one. Ted stated that SETC was in the process of getting T shirts for all members and wanted to get jackets if possible. Ted reminded members to plan on attending Lobby Day at the Capitol in January 2001. Ted informed the members that Max Warren, our International Vice President in Sacramento, was retiring in January 2001, due to health reasons. Ted told the membership that we now have 758 active members and 182 fair share fee payers.

RECORDING SECRETARY:

Recording Secretary Bill Halloway reported on the organizing effort at the Tracy and Stockton supply depots. Bill also stated that he had resigned from the CSU/SETC Joint Apprenticeship Committee and had been replaced by Deborah Aiono from San Jose State. Bill said the grievance settlement checks were due shortly from San Jose State and they totaled over $100,000.00.

E BOARD MEMBERS:

Executive Board member Spencer Colman reported on his participation in several political campaigns in southern California and reminded the members of the elections in November and how important they are for future. Spence asked the members to try and participate at their local level and try to get people elected who can and will help us as a union.

Executive Board member Craig West reported that there was a very large turnout for the Union meeting that Ted Gallaway and Paul Lange attended. Craig stated that the campus had fired a "JOC" contractor but had put the job out for bid again. Craig said that the Facility Worker 1’s at Humboldt had been reclassed to F/W—2’s. Craig reported that EPI’s were awarded on Oct. 27th. Craig said the Director of Plant had told him the one-time bonuses were already in the mail and PSI’s were to be addressed next.

LEGAL:

Attorney Jim Eggleston passed out previous decisions from PERB, SPB, and Arbitration decisions and definition of Foundation and Auxiliaries. Jim explained the decisions and the importance of contract language. Jim told the members that with access to the internet available to us, we can exercise worker power by publicizing "Bad Manager of the Month" and making web users aware of some of the actions that happen on the campuses and are swept under the rug and nobody knows they happened.

DELEGATES:

Paul Lange reported on attending the PEDC conventions in Providence, RI and Las Vegas. Paul informed the members that the first scholarship had been awarded for the Rose Grobe Scholarship fund to Randy and Rose's daughter Allison Grobe. Paul told the members that the "JOC" program was the most dangerous action that we faced in the CSU and how the campuses are violating the intent of the contract language. Paul told the stewards to file grievances where they found violations. Paul spoke about the LIUNA Pension Plan and said he had developed a form letter for members who belong to the Plan and are going to retire.

Vice President Ted Gallaway added that there were 28 members of the Plan who were not included in the increase in Plan dues because of the Controllers error. The Plan office is sending them notification so they can make up the difference.

Business Manager told the membership that the PEDC came about because of the California Locals and 2 other Public Employee locals, with support from the Laborers construction locals in California convincing the International to establish a separate Public Employees Department.

PRESIDENTS REPORT:

President John Howard reported on visits to CSUMB, Hayward, Bakersfield, San Francisco and Stanislaus/Stockton campuses. John explained how the Contractor at Stanislaus/Stockton was subcontracting out unit 6 work to his own companies. John said he had met with the new unit 6 employees at Stockton and signed up 3 of them. John told the members that he had attended the CSU/SETC Joint Apprenticeship meeting at Sonoma and that we have 13 apprentices and will have 3 more shortly.

OLD BUSINESS:

Financial Secretary Paul Lange stated that there were new rules for electing delegates and officers to LIUNA conventions. Paul discussed the newly established scholarships and how they would be implemented. John Connor, Business Manager, suggested that we decide on annual basis on how we would award the monies. General discussion with consensus that they would be restricted to members children. John Connor made a motion that monies be divided equally between both scholarships and establish guidelines for implementation, seconded by Mike Hart, Chico. Motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS:

Joe Manzella, Sacramento, asked the E Board to look into Linda Quarry’s administration of SETC’ s insurance policies. Mike Hart moved that SETC Negotiating team try to get language in the contract to say that present unit 6 members be given first opportunity to fill vacant positions if qualified. Seconded by John Connor. Motion passed.

GOOD of the UNION:

Lee Leonard, Fresno, asked if the Labor Code regarding private sector complaints resulting in citations and monetary penalties where the charging party received a percentage of the penalties applied to the CSU. Discussion and consensus was that this statute only applied to Toxic waste dumping in the private sector. Business Manager John Connor stated that the E Board has to find a replacement for Recording Secretary Bill Halloway who is retiring in August and if anyone was interested, please let him know.

Meeting closed at 5:05 PM by President John Howard.

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GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
CAL-POLY POMONA
JULY 22, 2000

Meeting opened at 10:30 by President John Howard.

Roll Call showed all Officers present.

Special Order of Business:

Secretary-Treasurer Paul Lange reported that SDSU Chief Steward Randy Grobe's wife had passed away, Thursday, July 20, 2000 and suggested that we take up a collection to send to Randy as no one was prepared for her sudden death. Paul made the motion to that effect, seconded by Recording Secretary Bill Halloway, motion passed. A moment of silence was observed in memory of Rose Grobe.

The Minutes of the General Membership meeting held at Chico State on April 29, 2000 were read and accepted.

OFFICERS REPORTS:

Business Manager John Conner reported that he had been re-elected to his position. John stated that Randy Grobe was the SETC webmaster and that the results would be posted on our web site but that Randy was going to be occupied with the details of his wife's death and it would be a while before they were posted. John informed the members that this contract had been ratified by the highest percentage of members of all our contracts. John asked the members if they had any questions about this contract. John explained why the negotiating team had side letters and an Addenda to the contract. John explained the important parts of the contract and told the members that on July 22, 2000, we had reached a milestone of 700 members in our union. John told the members that the PEDC Lobby day on May 17, 2000 reflected that we had over 1% of our members present in the halls of the Capitol and it made a great impression on the legislators. John told the members that we are going back in January, 2001 and we hope to increase that number. Jim Jeffries, Bakersfield, asked why we didn't combine Stewards Training and lobbying at the same time. John replied that we didn't want to distract from negotiating a contract and training stewards with too much to do at the same time. John said the members had posted requests on the web page to go back to the small pocketsize copies of the contract. The Executive Board will take the matter up and make a decision. John spoke about the Classification Revisions and if a campus had historically assigned certain duties to a specific class that conflicted with the revisions we would work out those differences on a campus by campus basis. There was general discussion about the Facility Worker 1 & 2 and how the progression was made to Maintenance Mechanic. John stated there was a side letter regarding facility workers doing journey level work. John reported that the Stockton/Stanislaus Arbitration had been settled on July 15 and that a side letter would be signed stating that any new startup campus would use unit 6 members to do our work. John told the members that our Apprenticeship program was expanding, Sonoma, Fresno and Fullerton want to hire apprentices. General discussion on apprenticeship and sources of funding at the campus level. John discussed the Scholarship Fund and said the reason it had not been implemented was because of money. John told the members that he had investigated sources of funding of three organizations and he felt that we could now implement the Robert Garner Scholarship and suggested that we should try to award a Rose Grobe Scholarship also. General discussion and consensus was that we should try to do it. John reported that Tim Shine, San Marcos, was now helping him with campus visits and answering questions. John explained the situation surrounding the Stanislaus/Stockton case and the resultant agreement. John stated that the CSU had asked SETC to assist them in resolving problems with managers at several campuses. John told the members that the Chancellors Office was monitoring the situation at San Diego State. John said he had attended the Trustees meeting and SETC was in a better position to start the millennium. John asked the members to contact him or any of the Executive Board members when they had questions or comments, positive or negative. John said that the members he talked to all said the same thing, that there were three things that they were concerned with, respect for what they do, fair wages and benefits and retirement. John informed the members that as of June 30th, 2000 anyone signing up for the LIUNA Pension Plan would not receive credit for past service. President John Howard asked John Connor to explain AB 1935. John said that APC, Unit 3, had sponsored a Bill to have employees who work for foundations and auxiliaries placed in the appropriate bargaining unit. Ted Gallaway, Vice-President, and Executive Board member, Spencer Colman instructed the members on how to get the information off the web. Jim Jeffries, Bakersfield, asked if the contract would have training funds included. John replied that training funds were included in the budget but that we had to go back together, CSU and SETC, to get more monies. John told the members that he had discussed JOC with Sam Strafacci at the Chancellors Office and informed him of the abuses at the campuses. John said SETC will give this information to Jackie McClain, Vice-Chancellor of Employee Relations, so they could straighten out their people.

LEGAL:

Jim Eggleston handed out pamphlets on past decisions from PERB, SPB and arbitration's concerning strikes, representational issues, foundations and auxiliaries, etc. Jim explained how our contract language gives us the right of first refusal on contracting out unit 6 work. Jim went over the "Weingarten ruling and explained the employee rights it guaranteed. Steve Van Duser, Fullerton, said that he made the mistake, once, of attending a meeting with management without having a union steward with him. He said he would never do it again. Jim said this was the worst mistake an employee could make. Jim Jeffries, Bakersfield, said that there was an employee at Bakersfield who did this all the time but the manager always made mistakes and the employee always won at level II. Jim Eggleston said that it was still a bad mistake because the next time the manager may not make a mistake. Jim explained the subtleties of having, a union steward with you. It sends a clear and concise message to management of the solidarity of the unit. Jim instructed the members on various ways to protect the grievance procedure and how just filling out the form does not guarantee a resolution. Jim said the first thing to do is ASK for information, which puts the burden on the university. Jim also suggested safety checks and informing the staff and students of any unsafe conditions, which will establish and widen the base of support and put more pressure on management to resolve issues. Jim stated that all these actions and more are legal and protected activities. Jim informed the members that JOC was the cause of the problem at Stanislaus/Stockton campus. JOC bundles all of the contracts for unit 6 work and lets the contractor for three years. The contractor will lowball the bid and sub-contracts jobs over $2500 back to him. The problem was that Stanislaus took a complete campus and contracted it out saying it was cheaper. The end result was that it cost more for shoddy work. JOC will be very dangerous for SETC. We have to start at the beginning and monitor every facet and oppose it. John Conner asked Jim how SETC ranked with other unions in opposing JOC. Jim said SETC has been very successful by being selective in the issues that affect the entire unit to take to arbitration. Jim said that if one employee said obscene things about a management memo it was insubordination but if 58 people said the same thing, it was a "courtesy call". By having solidarity, it sent a clear message to management. Jim said that when PSI's were first proposed at the bargaining table, SETC did not have the solidarity to keep it out of the contract. We now have to fight every year to get it reduced or out of our contract. Jim told the members that the only way we would be able to do it was when the members are willing to strike over it. Jim said that we have inherent power by the work that we do, no heat, lights, cooling, water, etc, will get their attention quickly. Steve Van Duser, Fullerton, stated that with our web site and email we could contact all the campuses and support each other in concerted activities.

FTNANCIAL:

Secretary-treasurer Paul Lange passed out quarterly financial reports to the members. Paul explained each one individually and each one was accepted.

DELEGATES:

Business Manager John Conner reported that PEDC will meet July 28, 29 and 30 and he and Paul Lange will give a presentation on how we grievance, ULP's, arbitration's, etc. and how we work in Sacramento. PEDC is expanding its organizing efforts in the public sector all over the state. John stated that LIUNA Public Employees Department is having a convention in Providence, R.I and California PEDC is having one in Las Vegas.

Vice-President Ted Gallaway reported on Trustees meeting. Ted said that Chancellor Reed bragged that this was the largest budget in CSU history, signing contracts with SETC, CSEA and SUPA. CFA and APC are going to mediation Ted told the members he had attended the Labor Coalition meeting and CSEA stated that they had eliminated PSI's. What they did was change the name to MSI's and put 6 million into them from the compensation monies. CSEA also asked SETC to share information with them and the Labor Council. President John Howard reported that we have 11 apprentices in the system an several more campuses are setting up to hire apprentices. Business Manager John Conner interjected that SETC will present an entire information packet at the next General Membership meeting in Sacramento on October 25th. Executive Board member Spencer Colman asked if there would be graduation ceremonies for the next batch of apprentices. Answer was yes.

Secretary-treasurer Paul Lange read a letter from Chancellor Reed to John Conner complimenting SETC and the Executive Board members for their dedication to the CSU and working with the Chancellors Office in various areas. Paul gave a report on Judge of Election Lee Bell's instructions for the runoff election for Business Manager. Ballots were sent to all members and results were 216 for John Conner and 52 for Joe Manzella, Sacramento. 12 ballots were voided for various and sundry reasons. Paul gave the final tally on the dues increase as 171 yes and 143 no. There were 655 ballots sent out and 336 received for a 50% return. 22 ballots were voided. Paul said that "Fair Share" notices had been sent out to everyone who was not a member and would take effect on August 1st. Non-members have until August 10th to retest. The dues will be deducted automatically by the Controllers Office. Non-members have 60 days to join the union without paying a $200 initiation fee from the day they receive the Hutson notice. Procedures for new employees have not been finalized yet.

OFFICERS REPORTS:

Executive Board member Craig West, Humboldt, reported that Mike Cline had been elected Chief Steward at Humboldt State. The Board asked Craig to thank Eric Paulsen for all his efforts and past service. Craig stated that JOC had run into problems there. The contractor hired masons to demolish a wall and they broke water pipes and flooded the building. Campus plumbers came over and corrected the problem and cleaned up the mess. Craig said Glenn Carter sent his regards and had bought a new truck and 5th wheeler. He is going to travel and settle down in Arizona. Craig reported on his first visit to the Chancellors Office and it was a very pleasant experience.

Executive Board member Spencer Colman asked if elected officers had to be installed. Answer was yes, sometime in September or October. Spence stated that we had to monitor JOC on all jobs included in the contract. Spence suggested that we document with a digital camera so we could send the pictures via email. Spence told the members that we have to work to get the right representatives elected in November.

Vice-President Ted Gallaway reported that Scott Wildman, who introduced our augmentation Bill, AB 644, was running for Los Angeles city council and asked for our support. Ted asked the members to help him anyway they could. Ted reported that we had 700 members including 13 retirees. Ted asked the stewards to explain the LIUNA Pension Plan to new applicants so they would not sign up for it if they didn't want it. Ted said he was redesigning the application form to alleviate this problem. Ted stated that mailing all of the ballots and Hutson notices was very time consuming and thanked the Board for their help and support in the last 6 months. Ted told the members that e-mailed the notice of Rose Grobe's death to all the stewards that he had e-mail addresses for and asked them to email Randy their condolences.

Paul Lange, Secretary-Treasurer, reported on new Legislative Bills that were in the Trustees packets that would affect us in the future.

AB 2384- regarding closed door meetings of foundations and auxiliaries.
SB 1773- outlining procurement procedures.
SB 860- specific to ULP charges and penalties.
AB 2409- year round school for higher education.
AB 2138- Higher Education mediation procedures with binding decision.
AB 2143- supercession, would change language to read "only if MOU paid more then conflicting statute".
SB 1604- Trustees, Governor will appoint 1 non-faculty trustee for 2 year term.

Bill Halloway, Recording Secretary, reported that San Jose State was hiring 2 more apprentices for a total of 6. Bill stated that San Jose was finalizing the "mold" grievances settlement. The members voted to reduce the contracting out total by 50% for a total of $76,138.50. The personal grievances total will remain as is for total of $28,587.01.

President John Howard reported that he was glad that the Stanislaus/Stockton case had been resolved and that everything he had told the campus had come true. John said that he had visited several campuses and that Monterey Bay would be our next battleground over their misuse of Maintenance Mechanics as journey level trades workers. John told the Board that SLO was playing games with release time again. John told the members that we had finally finished with ratification, classification reviews, dues increase, election of officers, etc. Business Manager John Conner thanked John for all his work on the Stanislaus/Stockton case.

OLD BUSINESS: None

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Business Manager John Conner moved that we investigate the procedures for establishing a Robert Garner and Rose Grobe Scholarship Fund, seconded by Tim Shine, Chief Steward at San Marcos, motion passed.

Executive Board member Spencer Colman moved that the amount deducted from the dues for legal and political action be increased by a stated percentage, amount to be determined, second by Bud Dick, Chief Steward at Pomona. Discussion revealed that they were included in the dues increase and were not separate items. Spence withdrew motion. Business Manager John Conner asked the Secretary-Treasure to report at the General Membership meeting in Sacramento on October 28th as to what the amounts would be.

GOOD OF THE UNION:

Business Manager John Conner stated that he had met with the Chancellors Office on the backlogged grievances and the Pomona grievances. The CSU asked SETC for copies of the hearings and said that if Kent Porter had made the statements attributed to him they would settle them but if he didn't, they would deny them. Bud Dick, Pomona asked if the grievance regarding the signing bonuses had been discussed, John said yes and they would pay them. Bud said he had temporaries that had worked for 3 years with no benefits and asked what could be done for them. John said he needed all the information in order to address it at the Chancellors Office. Rob Stockler, Dominguez Hills, asked if he was entitled for PERS pension credits for the time he served as a temporary. Consensus was that he go to personnel and inspect his file and copy the documents in it and start his own file. If he had paid into PERS he would get credit for the time. John described some of the things the Executive Board has achieved over the years. John told the members that he would not accept his office again after this contract expires. His sons will be in college and he will need more time for them. Tim Shine, San Marcos, also commended the Board for all the efforts they had put forth for the union. Craig West, Humboldt, said that he was impressed with the relationship and respect that SETC had established with the CSU.

Meeting closed at 4:00 PM by President John Howard.

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General Membership Meeting
San Diego State University
January 29, 2000

Meeting opened at 10:30 AM by President John Howard.

Roll Call showed all Officers present.

Minutes were read and approved.

LEGAL:

Jim Eggleston explained how classification standards are protected by our contractual language. Jim passed out literature listing Arbitration, PERB and SPB decisions that have involved SETC. Jim explained each case and how we had won because of the language interpretation. Temporaries at SDSU told Jim they had worked for 18 months then took the two week break, came back to work without interviews, and carried over vacation and sick time. Some have worked for 30 months or longer. Jim outlined the UFLP process and employees rights under the law. Jim explained employees right to perform concerted activities such as, leafleting the Director of Plant's neighborhood asking why he is still hurting their children by his actions at SDSU with using temporaries to fill permanent positions, or by informational picketing on campus. Jim stated that he wanted all the information on the situation at SDSU and that from what he had heard it was winnable. Jim cautioned the members to never attend any type of investigatory meeting alone, they should always ask for union representation. Jim explained the "Weingarten" decision and how it gives them the right to representation. Jim also explained how the grievance process works and the employee's responsibility to participate. Jim informed the meeting of the new scam that campuses were using, they are using Foundations to sidestep our contract by hiring their own crews

for maintenance or contracting out unit 6 work. Jim mentioned the new JOC, Job Order Contract, that was being implemented and would have a general maintenance contractor perform all the maintenance work that we do. Jim told the members how important it is to be together in solidarity to resist management's efforts to implement these type of actions to take unit 6 work away from our members. General discussion on JOC at several campuses. The Unit 6 employees at CSUSB convinced management that it was cheaper and better to hire temporaries and keep the work in-house. Jim stated that there is a "Right to Work" Committee statewide and it would be a major force to contend with in the near future. This committee is promoted and funded by a large, rich corporation. Jim said the first step in opposing these tactics is to organize the non-members and try to get 100% membership.

OFFICERS:

Business Manager John Conner reported on the meeting of joint CSU/SETC PSI Committee. John discussed the problems with the PSI process. First, the money comes out of the compensation pool and our members lose when they retire because their pension is figured on a percentage basis of their salary at retirement. SETC informed the CHOFF that when they use evaluations in making their decisions on PSI's that most employees are rated at standard and above which means that some employees will get increase and others will not but they are rated at the same level. SETC has suggested to the CHOFF that funds for training be set aside to upgrade our members. The committee also discussed temporary employees. John said that we have 946 people in our unit and over 100 are temporaries. John told the members that some campuses hire people as temporaries but classify the as hourly-intermittent and pay them by the hour. John has received copies of the new contract from CHOFF so SETC can proofread it before sending it to the printers. John told the members that we had graduated 3 apprentices and had 12 more in the system. John reported that students at Chico State were doing unit 6 work and operating heavy equipment and that we will address that problem. John reported that he had attended the PEDC Convention in St.Louis in July. He said the Public Employees in Alaska are dispatched through local hiring halls and are union. John reported on problems at several campuses with Foundations or private enterprises building buildings and contracting out our work or hiring their own people to do unit 6 work. SETC is addressing this problem and will keep the members informed. General discussion on PSI problem at L.A. State with nomination process, etc. and laid off employees' settlements. General discussion on EPI's at various campuses and resolutions of problems. John explained the EPI process and how it was supposed to be implemented. John reported that a meeting was set for Feb. 22nd, 23rd and 24th to discuss classification revisions. John explained the changes and the reasons for doing so. General discussion on changes over the years in our job duties and how we have to change with the times to protect our jobs.

International Representative Pat Hallahan spoke to the members regarding the equity adjustment bill that Governor Davis vetoed and told the members the problems that caused the Governor to use his veto. Pat told the members that SETC had informed the CHOFF that we were filing an unfair labor practice against them and would let PERB decide who was right on this issue. Pat described the actions SETC had taken in Sacramento and with the CHOFF to correct these problems. Pat stated that SETC was going to implement the "SETC-Y2K Plan" to the fullest extent in the coming months. Pat said that Bad reopened negotiations with CHOFF and were discussing the $889,900.00 augmentation and a new wage and benefit plan including fee waivers for employee dependents, longevity pay, classification studies, etc. CSU will mail drafts of changes to campus stewards for review and recommendations. Pat spoke about informational picketing and his belief that we will have to do some to convince CSU we are serious about our issues. SETC will schedule these actions and inform the membership. Pat told the members that we are proud of our joint apprenticeship committee and our proposal to set aside a training fund for our members. Pat also told the members about the PERB proposal to penalize state agencies for repeat violations of the same offenses. Pat reported that LIUNA had held a fundraiser and gave Governor Davis a check for $150,000. Pat told the membership that more bills would be introduced to restrict and limit their right to contribute to the candidates of their choice.

FINANCIAL:

Secty-Treasurer Paul Lange distributed financial reports to the members.

Paul explained each report individually. Each report was voted on and accepted individually and all were accepted. General discussion on revenues and costs to operate the union and the upcoming ballot for a dues increase. Consensus was to have the past years financial reports sent out with the ballots. Paul informed the members that we are audited each year by the International and any member can examine the copy he has.

OLD BUSINESS:

Lee Bell reported that the dues increase had failed and the increase in the

Pension Plan premium had passed. Lee informed the members that in the future the member should print their name when they return the ballot to insure their vote will be counted. Names that cannot be deciphered make it difficult to establish whether they are a bonafide member or not.

Motion made at General Membership meeting in Hayward that if dues increase fails then the dues increase be a certain percentage of our pay increase. Second reading, general discussion, motion defeated. Motion by Randy Grobe to provide impact study based on 1.4%, second by Luanna Allaro, general discussion, motion withdrawn. Notion was restated to say, "E Board members to formulate a percentage base and provide to the members prior to balloting. Second by John Conner, discussion, motion passed. General discussion on dues increase and misunderstandings with previous language on the ballot

NEW BUSINESS:

Phil Westbrook made a motion that a flat rate increase based on projected

increase in expenses for the next year be proposed to the members, seconded by Bill Halloway, discussion, motion failed.

Vice-President Ted Gallaway asked the members to send him their email addresses to establish a database for instant communications. Ted reported that there were 946 people in our unit and that 629 were members and 444 were in the LIUNA Pension Plan. Ted stated that we had 100% membership at Channel Islands, Fullerton and Sonoma. Ted talked about communicating with members via email and the upcoming SETC WEB PAGE. Ted asked that membership applications be filled out completely because of insurance requirements

"E"Board member Spencer Colman reported on political actions needs and who to contact and what to do and displayed a roster of elected representatives and candidates for office that we need to contact and if possible, support.

President John Howard reported on visits to campuses and the Arbitration at Stanislaus.

GOOD OF THE UNION:

Business manager John Conner stated that he will commit to visit L.A. State and meet with members to discuss problems and work out resolutions.

President John Howard told the members that Owen Betts was elected as Democratic representative to the National Convention. John Conner moved that we dedicate this contract to Allen Rush, seconded by Bill Halloway, motion passed.

Ted Gallaway conducted a lottery drawing for jackets and the following members won, John Lopez, Lee Bell, Phil Westbrook, Frank Corio, Milo Jensen and Art Lopez. Rich Fish and Doug Pilien won clocks.

Meeting closed at 4:40 P.M. by President John Howard.

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General Membership Meeting
October 30, 1999
CSU Hayward

Meeting opened at 10:00 A.M. by President John Howard.

Introductions of members present.

Roll Call showed the following Officers present;

Pres.----------John Howard
Bus.Mgr.------John Connor-excused (sick)
Vice-Pres.---- Ted Gallaway
"E"Bd.Mbr.----Spencer Colman
Rec. Secty;---- Bill Halloway
"E"Bd.Mbr.----Tim Shine-excused (work)
Secty-Treas;---Paul Lange
Legal Counsel--Jim Eggleston

Minutes of the July 17, 1399 General Membership Meeting held at Long Beach were read and approved.

Financial Report:

Paul Lange passed out Quarterly financial reports and explained each report individually to the membership. Each report was voted on and accepted by the members.

Legal Report:

Jim Eggleston distributed legal decisions from previous SETC cases with PERB, SPB and Arbitration. Jim explained how these decisions set the rules for the contract by the interpretation of our language in the contract. Jim described the situation at the Stanislaus satellite campus in Stockton and how the administration at Stanislaus tried to scam SETC by using Operating Engineers Local #3 employees to perform Unit #6 work. Stanislaus has contracted out the work to a private contractor, (ATM). SETC has opposed this action and will go to Arbitration on Nov. 4" and 5". Jim Stated the same thing happened at Channel Islands and CSU Monterey Bay but SETC had prevailed and they are now staffed with Unit#6 people. Jim passed out explanations of SB645 and Auxiliary organizations and how they try to ignore and evade our contract and state statutes. Jim gave the members suggestions on how to defend these encroachments on our job security. Jim explained how CSU previously used the "Orange Book" to allocate positions based on square footage to justify budget requests. The CSU has eliminated the Orange Book and our square footage has increased and our positions have been reduced over 100 positions and the student enrollment has increased putting more strain on the facilities. General discussion and examples of violations at various campuses and what was or was not done to address the problem. Jim gave a detailed explanation of the "Fair Share Bill"(SB645) and what it means to SETC and the financial impact for the union. Jim explained the rights of members and non-members. General discussion on SB645.

Lunch---12:30 to 1:10 P.M.

Officers Reports:

"E" Board Member Spencer Colman reported that one problem at Fullerton was that he and Business Manager John Conner worked in the same shop which makes it difficult for both to be gone at the same time. Spence thanked the membership for all the support they gave to our lobbying efforts in Sacramento to get our Bills passed and encouraged the members to visit their District Representatives offices and get to know them and let them know who we are.

Vice-President Ted Gallaway reported on the difficulties that were encountered in getting our Augmentation Bill through the legislative process and to the Governors desk. Ted stated that the Governor had vetoed the Bill because an Employee Relations person from the CHOFF had encouraged other bargaining units to get added to our bill. This raised the cost from $889,900 to over $10 million. The other units had not bargained for it nor worked it through the process in Sacramento. Ted said the following week we had to go back before the Restoration Committee and get it out of the Suspense File and back on the floor. Ted assured the members that SETC is still working to get the Bill through other avenues and get it passed and back to the Governors desk. Ted reported on attending the CSU Trustees meeting and their comments on PSI's. Ted stated that until Gov. Davis has the opportunity to appoint a majority of trustees to the Board, he cannot do anything about PSI's legislatively. Ted said we must approach PSI's from other directions and try to modify the PSI program. Ted reported on two trips visiting the northern campuses with Paul Lange and reported on the progress some of the campuses have made. Ted asked the members and especially the stewards to send him their work and/or home e-mail addresses if they have them. Ted said he wants to build a database in order to have instant communication with the membership. Ted touched on SE 400 (PERS Retirement) 2% at 55 and that it had passed and went to the Governors desk. Ted said that ballots for a vote on a dues increase and the LIUNA Pension Plan had been mailed to the membership. Ballots included a letter explaining the need for a dues increase and a return envelope. Ted stated that there were 394 members in the LIUNA Pension Plan and that Channel Islands is 100% membership and Fresno is only two members away from being 100%. Ted reported that Stewards Training was coming up soon for North and South. Ted gave a recap of the meeting with Chancellor Reed and stated that he had left us hanging on both Augmentation and Compact 2.

Secty-Treasurer Paul Lange gave a report on the visits to the northern campuses after the contract vote was taken. Paul said there was lots more work to do in getting them where they should be. Paul displayed letters on lobbying efforts and a flyer from San Francisco Labor Council advertising a luncheon sponsored by Rite-Aid, which has 15,000 unionized employees. Paul mentioned dues and LIUNA Pension increases and said that SETC planned on being at $ .48 cents an hour within 5 years. Paul told the members that if the dues increase fails a survey will be sent to the membership to see what the members want the union to prioritize. Paul told the members where the money was needed and where it was spent.

Rec.-Secretary Bill Halloway reported on questions that have been raised by the contract language regarding new classifications and asked the members to send their e-mail addresses to him and Ted Gallaway and report any change of addresses.

President John Howard reported on campus visits with Bill Halloway to Channel Islands, CSUMB, Stanislaus, Fresno and Bakersfield. John stated that there were problems at Stanislaus with the PSI's and the members there had voted to refuse them. John met with the Vice-President to discuss the problem with management changing committee recommendations without their knowledge and sending them on to the President. The Vice-President agreed to changing management's approach to PSI's. Question was asked if temporary employees were eligible for PSI's. General consensus and legal opinion was that were not because of the funds vanishing after their appointment had expired.

Old Business; None

New Business:

Craig West, BSE from Humboldt, reported that the members at Humboldt had directed him to recommend to the Board to consider a full-time paid union representative to relieve the board members of extra time they have to put in on their own time. General discussion on the matter and the consensus was that the system we have in place is the best for all concerned. Craig said he would report back to his campus. Lee Leonard, Maintenance Mechanic from Fresno, moved that if the 1.5% dues increase did not pass that we present it again by increasing the dues a certain percentage of our pay increase. Second by Davendra Kumar, BSE from Hayward. Discussion on the motion. Motion passed.

Good of the Union;

John Gomez, BMW and Rafeeq Muhammad, Refrigeration Mechanic, from Hayward asked about how to obtain Jackets, Tee shirts, hats, etc. They were told that they could get jackets by being 100% membership or they could buy them through the union. The union will be looking into other items to give to the members at a later date.

Meeting closed at 3:30 P.M. by President John Howard.

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General Membership Meeting
CSU Long Beach
July 17, 1999

Meeting opened at 10:15 by President John Howard.

Roll Call showed all officers present with Vice-President excused.

Minutes were read and approved.

OFFICERS REPORTS:

Business Manager John Conner reported that the contract had been ratified and thanked the members of the negotiating team for their efforts. John thanked the Campus Stewards for setting up the ratification meetings. John explained what the Compact II was and how it would be implemented if all parties agreed to it. John stated that his next project was to clean up the remaining grievances at Level 4. John reported on the various problems at Channel Islands, CSUMB and Stockton. The problem at Stockton will be addressed in court in November. John said the PERS Bill and Agency Shop Bill would be voted on in Sacramento in August. John gave a brief history of the International PEDC and how it got started. John said that the PEDC was establishing a web site for training, etc. The PEDC is trying to utilize media to further our Labor interests. Local 1268 has been a leader in establishing Pedc's and setting up procedures for doing business in the Public Sector. John stated that the CSU has new people on board. Jackie McClain is the Vice-Chancellor of Employee Relations. John was asked if CSEA had really got PSI's out of their contract. John explained that they had persuaded CSU to use the $400.00 signing bonus and used it to pay the PSI's with it on a one time basis with the employee getting the PSI In one lump sum and not going on their base salary. John said that the Joint Committee of CSU/SETC will try to come up with alternatives to the present system. General discussion with questions and answers about Foundations, Health care premiums etc. John said we now have a Laborer on the PERS Board, Mike Quevada. John stated that we have had a tremendous amount of help from LIUNA and especially Pat Hallahan who has been our Chief Negotiator for many years. John said we are facing some opposition in Sacramento because of the impression that we are negotiating our contract in the political arena and that is why the Compact II is so important to us. John Howard asked John where the $400.00 came from. John stated that the CSU was tired of 3 year contracts that never got signed on time. Chancellor Reed spoke with Paul Lange and told him if we got our contract signed by June 25th he would come up with some extra money for us. He made the same offer to CSEA. John described the Apprenticeship Graduation ceremonies held at San Francisco State. John said the graduating Locksmith apprentice, Houshang Taghi asked him, to thank all our members for giving him the opportunity to participate in this program.

President John Howard reported on visiting the campuses to ratify the contract and in doing so, he put 4000 miles on the rental car. John stated that he and Bill Halloway had visited Channel Islands, Fresno, Bakersfield, Stanislaus, SLO, San Jose, San Francisco, CSUMB, Hayward and Sacramento. John reported that the vote on the contract had been unanimous and there was overwhelming support from non-members on Agency Shop. John showed the members a sample letter supporting the Agency Shop Bill SB465and asked them to write to the Committee members and their elected Representatives in Sacramento and ask them to support this Bill. General discussion on the Agency Shop Bill. John explained that the units could vote on the retention or rejection of agency shop in 4 years.

Recording Secretary Bill Halloway reported on settling the outstanding grievances from Level 4 at San Jose State.

Legal Counsel Jim Eggleston passed out legal decisions from PERB, SPB and Arbitration. Jim explained the list of decisions and what they mean to the membership and how important it is to enforce our contractual language. Jim cited the layoff decisions and how the language was interpreted in the unions favor. Jim also passed out a checklist for Foundations and Auxiliary organizations. Jim discussed the push to privatize Public Sector education and its overall effect on our membership. Jim noted that this was an insidious incremental persistent process that could replace unit 6 positions over time. A general discussion of what types of organizations constitute foundations and auxiliary groups, i.e.; As, Bookstore, Foundations, etc. Jim has submitted a request for information for the entire foundation system. This is the first action in what will be a long and ugly battle to reclaim our work and add foundation employees to unit 6. Examples from the members present revealed shoddy work unacceptable by industry standards, unsafe repairs and not up to code. Questions from the members on how to best address these issues. Jim stated that if the finished work is unsafe and not up to code, then go to the appropriate agency and get them to come out and inspect the work. If the complaint is upheld they will be cited. The next step is to inform the campus newspaper so the students will be informed as to how it affects their health and safety. Jim said we could also file grievances and inform the public through various media sources. Jim stated that the foundations and auxiliaries were non state and non profit and by law they had to provide information when requested. Jim said that each one has to file annually with the IRS, an IRS 990 Form that would show officers salaries, expenditures, etc. Jim said that you could go to the County Recorders office and find out who really owns the building. You should also check for liens, loans? etc. where they have used the building as collateral. Jim also said that all kinds of Public Records were available on the "Web" that lists all corporations and information on their financial records. Jim suggested that we start compiling information on the foundations and auxiliaries for future use. Jim gave a description of some of the ways we could wage a "Corporate Campaign" and find out what is what and who is who and who is connected to what corporation and how they steal public monies under various seams. General discussion on unit 6 work being done by foundation and auxiliary employees.

Financial Secretary Paul Lange distributed financial reports to the members and explained each one individually. Each report was voted on singly and was accepted by the membership. Paul passed out information on changes in the Workers Compensation program.

E-Board Member Tim Shine reported that he had went on the world wide web and found that Ireland had a 54% union membership and were far ahead of the United States regarding benefits and women and minorities in the workforce.

DELEGATES:

Paul Lange reported that he had not attended the Trustees meeting due to the ratification visits to the campuses. Paul described the visits with Ted Gallaway to the Legislature and meeting with Chancellor Reed. Chancellor Reed stated that he likes us because our goals are consistent and stable.

OLD BUSINESS:

Motion as amended and passed as amended at San Jose State General Membership Meeting to increase dues was read and discussed. After discussion a motion was made by Bill Halloway, seconded by Bruce Warkentine, to create a ballot with 3 choices, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%. Discussion on the motion, motion withdrawn. Motion made by John Conner to send ballots with 1.5% to all members, second by Bruce Warkentine, motion passed, 22 yea, 2 nays.

NEW BUSINESS: None.

GOOD OF THE UNION:

John Conner raffled SETC Clocks, watches and SETC Jackets, the following members won clocks and watches, Harold Fangmeyer, Lou Brancato, Craig West, John Gilhooly and Lee Leonard. Tom French and Roger Nunez won the jackets. Jim Jeffries related a case at Bakersfield where unit 6 had to work when the campus had to close and other employees were sent home on administrative leave. The campus president said they would get their regular pay plus time and one-half for the hours they worked this time but in the future they would only get time and one-half for hours they worked. John Conner said he could provide a letter from CHOFF directing campuses to pay time and one-half for hours worked in emergencies. Rudy Miranda thanked the union committee for going to Sacramento and doing the work that had to be done to get the unit what it needed. John Conner thanked Bruce Warkentine for setting up the meeting and remarked how nice it was. Paul Lange thanked the members for writing letters and calling their elected representatives and asking for their support on our Bills. Paul said the Legislators were very impressed with the member participation we had. John Conner paid special tribute to Pat Hallahan for all the work he has done for this union, even in his moment of personal loss.

Meeting closed at 4:15 P.M. by President John Howard.

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