GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES

JANUARY 25, 2003

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN BERNARDINO                  

Board members:  J. Howard, T. Galloway, J. Mendoza, P. Lange, J. Connor, S. Colman, C. West, P. Hallahan

Excused:  J. Eggleston, T. Shine 

Proceedings: 

• Roll call – see side bar.
• Last month’s meeting minutes were read.  On a motion duly made by M. Middleton and seconded by Pat Rodgers, the minutes were approved.

• Business Manager’s Report (John Connor):

-    Announced that Jim Eggleston would not be here because of his wife. 

-         Ted Galloway reported that Salvador Michael was killed by an intruder.  Information is available on website.  Salvador’s incident was put on the website because of his family’s need at present and because of the time delay with Cigna in processing the claim. 

-         John Connor announced that Mike Brooks of CSU Northridge had passed away.  Mike was a steward for SETC.  A moment of silence was observed.  Ted Galloway explained that the time delay with Cigna started when he received an original death certificate. 

-         John Connor reported on some cleanup items.  The Executive Board met last evening, 1-24-03 at 4:30 p.m. until 1:30 a.m., and reported that this was the last meeting for Bill Halloway as Recording Secretary. 

-         John Connor noted that the next meeting on disaffiliation would be in Sacramento, February 8-9, 2003.  The Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA) wants to have more of its officers present at the meeting.  John stated that in all of the testimony that SETC had given, none was contradicted. 

-         John explained that Public Employees Relations Board (PERB) was in the process of certifying the disaffiliation cards so that they could forward them to the California State University (CSU). 

-         John reported that the CSU/SETC Apprenticeship had met the past week and had granted all recommendations for raises except CSU Sonoma State whose paperwork was incomplete.  John said we have nine active apprentices and three starting with about seven more campuses interested. 

-         Discussion on Apprenticeship:  John said we are having a problem with “temporaries” language.  CSU thought there would be three or four that would be made permanent.  SETC made a proper survey and found there were almost 20 who would be considered.  John said 27 temporaries at San Diego State University were made permanent and we should finish up with about 50. 

-         Pat Hallahan reported that there were two temporaries at CSU Los Angeles who were maintenance mechanics and if we make them permanent, we would reclassify them later.  Pat Hallahan reported on the maintenance mechanics situation at CSU Monterey Bay, where they only hire maintenance mechanics but work them as skilled tradesmen.  If CSUMB denies the Level II grievance, SETC will take all three issues to arbitration and PERB.  Contracting out and staffing agreement was signed previously.  Pat also described a problem with misclassifications at CSU Long Beach.  He will carry the grievance forward if not resolved.  Discussed the problem and possible solutions.  John added that this will be a major victory if we finish up with 50 plus permanents. 

-         John Connor reported on a member at CSU Sacramento state who was fired for theft.  SETC resolved the issue and the member was reinstated and made whole.  The member called John and asked him to thank Pat Hallahan and SETC for all they had done.  John asked the members for a round of applause for Pat. 

-         John reported on Level 4’s at Chancellor’s Office (CHOFF).  Changes have been made in personnel and John is setting up hearings on the grievances.  John reported on a problem at CSULA he was working on.  John spoke about a few campuses had problems with safety shoes and uniforms.  John spoke about a problem at Cal Poly Pomona and he had met with Sharyn Abernatha (CHOFF) who will go to the campus and explain the language and hopefully resolve it.  John said CSULB had a problem with some of Unit 6 members High Voltage Electricians who didn’t like each other.  John is trying to resolve it and explained we are paid to do our job and we didn’t have to like each other but we have to work with one another.  John has more meetings set up. 

-         General discussion on High Voltage classifications - what was involved. 

-         John reported on the new membership cards. 

-         John mentioned the Scholarship Awards.  John read a letter from John Gilhooley, Painter at CSULB, thanking SETC for awarding his children scholarships. 

-         John stated the Executive Board has established a Technology Committee consisting of John Howard, Randy Grobe, and Pat Hallahan. Their goal is to put together videos of our history so new and old members could be proud of what had been accomplished in the past.  John reminded the members that all this information is on the website. 

-         John reported on the State Budget.  Pat H. met with Sam Strafaci (CHOFF) and tried to get a commitment for “no layoffs” in the next fiscal year.  John stated that this would be a hard time for every state worker. 

-         John thanked all the members for their efforts on picketing at the courthouse in San Bernardino. 

-         Ted Gallaway thanked CSU San Bernardino for being there and reported that in the two week period for disaffiliation we had 78% converting over to SETC-United.  Ted stated that we were the first public sector local to disaffiliate from an International Union.  Paul Lange told the members that PERB had passed a law to allow this but had not set any procedures.  He said SETC was helping PERB set them up. 

·        Quarterly Financial Reports:

-         Paul Lange passed out the Quarterly Financial Reports and explained each one individually and answered any questions.

-         Trust Account – On a motion duly made by Lee Leonard and seconded by Doug Pilien, ASO (And So Order).

-         Savings Account – On a motion duly made by Pat Rodgers and seconded by Mike Middleton, ASO.

-         PAC – On a motion duly made Greg Starr and seconded by Lee Leonard, ASO. 

-         Legal – On a motion duly made by John Villagrana and seconded by Pat Rodgers, ASO. 

-         General – On a motion duly made by Mike Middleton and seconded by Ed Holden, ASO. 

-     John Connor explained what a great Job Paul has done as Secretary Treasurer and how Paul kept exceptional records that were open to all the members.  Paul told the members that our books were audited every year and he had receipts for all expenditures so there would be no question as to where the money was spent.  If no receipt was presented, there would be no reimbursement. 

·        Vice President, Ted Gallaway:

-         Ted reported that we had 825 members plus 17 more to be processed.  We had quite a few who retired in December but we were at 85%, the highest of any public sector union in the state.  Ted asked the members to keep him informed of any changes in their personal lives, e.g., change of address, divorce, etc. 

-         Ted asked the members to go to the website and see the tribute to Salvador Michaels. 

-         Ted asked members to forward their sizes for “T-shirts” and “Jackets” and he would keep them on file for future reference.  Ted said we had looked at hats, pins, etc., but kept purchasing them on hold until after the disaffiliation process was complete. 

-         Ted thanked CSU San Bernardino for the CSU/SETC Statewide Safety Committee because it started here.  Ted updated the members on the history of the committee and where it was headed.  Ted informed the members that SETC had committed to paying for safety seminars in the North and South.  Ted outlined the format and timelines to register.  Release time versus vacation will be resolved later.  Ted gave out the 800 phone number on the blackboard, (800) 481-1814, so the members could call him with problems or committing to attend.  Ted spoke about health and safety problems at CSU San Francisco that SETC has resolved. 

-         Spence Colman reported that CSU Fullerton has filed two grievances.  One involves housing management who had assigned a maintenance mechanic to maintain the fire alarm system instead of an electrician.  Housing has agreed to pay an electrician to maintain it.  The second is over a student group doing a paint project.  The proposed remedy will request that the Student Organization Policies & Procedures Manual include a statement that students are not to perform unit 6 work, and that the Paint Shop will repaint the room and the Electric Shop will replace all switch plates, etc. 

-         Spence stated that he and John Connor were going to take six Scholarship recipients to lunch and have pictures taken for the website. 

-         Spence reported on discussion with John Connor on procedures for Safety Stewards at CSUF to follow to “CYA”.  Spence stated that CSU/SETC have access to Cal/OSHA #300 logs and would use them to find out where most of the injuries were and how they occurred.  Spence asked how many campuses had one individual who was a Certified Safety Trainer.  Several had different people who taught different subjects.  Spence spoke about Violence in the Workplace and gave an example.  Spence stated that EH&S had a system-wide program on the web called Clarity that had all of the safety training programs that employees were supposed to have taken. 

Lunch 12:10 – 12:45 

-         John C. thanked Bill Halloway for his tireless efforts as Recording Secretary for 22 years.  SETC presented him with a plaque and souvenirs to remember us by. 

-         Randy Grobe reported on Health & Safety Issues, especially problems with how Wards of North America is treating our members in regard to Worker’s Comp. cases.  Randy informed the members that there is a “problem report response form” on our website to report problems and to update personal changes and how to report problems about the website and how to contact him.  The web address is: www.setc-united.org. 

-         Craig West reported on meetings he attended, picketing in San Bernardino and the PERB hearings in Sacramento.  That CSU Humboldt received six of the scholarships.  Craig stated that a temporary was made permanent.  Craig said they had discussed giving our members raises in Housing and the Housing Manager agreed to do it.                  

-         Pat H. handed out notices of the Workplace Safety and OSHA Compliance seminars.  Pat told the members that the Joint Systemwide Health and Safety Committee (JSHSC) urge all Stewards and Safety Stewards to attend.  Pat said that due to the new contract language the Safety Stewards would be informed of all Health and Safety incidents and problems on their campus.  Pat said if we don’t do Health and Safety ourselves, it would not get done. Pat reported that the board was working on format for the “Tradesworker” and that it would also be on the website.  Pat thanked Bill Halloway for all of the assistance he had received from him.  Pat informed the members that SETC was meeting with LIUNA to try and finalize the disaffiliation process. Pat spoke about the new contract and the listing of the various committees that are printed in the front of the contract and what each one’s function was. 

-         Pat said he was meeting with John Connor and CHOFF on the Staffing Committee.

Pat gave examples of campuses expanding square footage but not hiring additional Unit 6 employees.  Pat stated they we are also looking at current classifications and seeing if new ones were needed. 

-         Pat said the union really has a plateful.  SETC has grievances, arbitrations and State Personnel Board (SPB) hearings, and PERB unfair labor practices.  PERB has agreed to a hearing on “Construction Inspector”.  Pat gave specific information on the CSU Stanislaus/Stockton problem of the university contracting out management of the campus to a private contractor who then hire non-union maintenance workers.  Pat said there were three grievances in process. 

-         CSUMB – reclassifying maintenance mechanics to the appropriate skilled trades position. 

-         SJSU – A Metal Worker I who was fired four years after an on-the-job back injury got her case resolved.  She was told by Wards of North America she couldn’t work and she was on worker’s compensation not IDL for six months.  She was reinstated, made whole and is now negotiating for 60 hours of overtime pay she would have worked.  She has also filed on Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charge.  Pat cited another case where an injury was mishandled and placed on worker’s compensation and not IDL. 

-         Pat reported that the State budget was really screwed up.  No one knows

how much the deficit really is.  Pat stated he had mailed out the CSU support budget to all stewards and how SETC was locked in for 2% in 2003-2004.  Pat said Chancellor Charles Reed has asked for an extra 2.46% parity pay in the 2003-2004 budget for all employees.  There is no guarantee that he would get it because of the uncertainty of the state’s economy.  Pat said the university gets $6.45 for every square foot and it was going up to $7.35 which could and should be used to hire more unit 6 employees.  Pat explained that the CSU also receives deferred maintenance monies which could also be used for conversion of temporaries to permanent and also new hires.  Pat stated that we need to be in Sacramento more often to protect our jobs and our salary needs.  A question was asked how working 270 days in 366, concerning temporary employees being converted to permanent, worked.  Pat explained the entire process. 

-         Paul reported that he receives many inquiries from Executive Board Officers and brother members and gave an overview of all his responsibilities as Secretary-Treasurer.  Paul said he would be at the CHOFF to get more budget information and to attend the Labor Coalition meeting.  Paul said the settlement meeting with LIUNA was tentatively set for February 7^th.

Old Business: 

None.

New Business: 

·    John Connor stated that the Executive Board had looked at ways to establish a committee comprised of Paul Lange and Craig West to find ways to lighten some of Paul’s responsibilities and duties.  The committee will have four months to see if SETC could pay Paul $1500 per month for four months.  John made a motion that SETC pay Paul $1500 per month for four months and seconded by Mike Middleton and Ed Holden.  During discussion John gave examples of some of Paul duties that could be delegated. Motion voted on and ASO. 

·    Good of the Union:  John thanked Pat Rodgers, Chief Steward CSUSB, and his helpers for setting up the meeting.

·    Paul thanked the members also.  Paul explained the Emergency Relief Fund,

·    Ted G. raffled of “t-shirts” the following members: 

Gordon McCray – Fullerton

Vernon Dorsey – San  Marcos

Tony Lema – Stanislaus

Louis Cain – San Bernardino

Joe Abrego – San Bernardino

Fernando Rodriguez – San Bernardino

Ed Holden – Pomona

Mike Middleton – Channel Island

Rudy Miranda – Fullerton

Harold Fangmeyer – Retired

Joe Payan – San Bernardino

Doug Frame – L.A. State

James Boothe – San Bernardino

Gary Tarnoski – San Jose

Doug Pilien – San Marcos

Phil Zamora – Long Beach

Gary Poarch – San Bernardino

Art Cordova – LA State

Shane Ripley – San Bernardino

Mike Hickman – San Bernardino

Jim Ivory – Fullerton

Roger Nunez – LA State 

Meeting closed at 3:00 p.m. by President John Howard. 

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GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES

STATE EMPLOYEES TRADE COUNCIL UNITED

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LOS ANGELES

JULY 25 2003

WELCOME AND STAND FOR PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE- 9:25am

INTRODUCTION OF EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICERS: 

John Howard, Ted Gallaway, Paul Lange, John Connor, Joseph Mendoza, Craig West, Greg Starr, Spencer Colman, and Union Consultant Patrick Hallahan.  Stewards from UC San Diego  were introduced. 

ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS: ALL PRESENT AND ACCOUNTED

Excused: Randy Grobe

LAST GENERAL MEETING MINUTES: 

CSU Sonoma Minutes were discussed by the general membership and were ask to accept them, John Connor motion to accept and Craig West seconded the motion. Motion passed. 

REPORT OF OFFICERS

• PAUL LANGE-Secretary Treasurer

Paul Lange explained about the P.E.R.S. retirement bills and there status to the general membership. Paul also explained about the monies that were under the lawyers care in the trust account are now in SETCU control and that a check was wrote to pay some of SETCU attorney’s fees. There was a motion by Lee Leonard (Fresno) to accept this and it was second by Luanna Allard of (Los Angeles). John Connor added that settlements (various campuses) ,a court hearing and demonstration at San Bernardino and P.E.R.B. hearings at Sacramento put SETCU and it’s officers through a period of rough times, John told the general membership SETCU met these issues with success and for SETCU and it’s members to continue the course as a Union.  Paul Lange explained to the general membership about the agreement reach between LIUNA and SETCU’s EXECUTIVE BOARD at these hearings and it’s benefit to the membership of our union. Paul reported to the membership on the status of the trust account and asked if there were any questions there were none. There was a motion to accept Paul’s report on the trust account by Lee Leonard (Fresno) and was second by Luanna Allard (Los Angeles),  motion passed.

Savings Account:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Paul reported to the membership on the savings account and how it’s monies was used and that this accounts money was being moved to other accounts to pay for union business. Paul asked if any questions?  There were none. Luanna Allard (Los Angeles) motion to accept Paul’s report, it was second by Lee Leonard( Fresno), motion passed.  

Political Action Account:

Paul reported on this account and there was discussion in the general membership meeting on it’s status, Paul asked if there were any questions? there were none, there was a motion by Luanna Allard ( Los Angeles) to accept Paul’s report it was second by Lee Leonard (Fresno). motion passed.

Legal Defense Account:

Paul reported that this account was used to fight issues at the Los Angeles, Pomona, San Jose, Fresno and other campuses with legal matters that our union lawyer Jim Eggleston is dealing with. Paul asked if there were any other questions on this account? There were none. John Connor (Fullerton) motion to accept Paul’s report, it was second by Phillip Zamora (Long Beach) motion passed.

General Account:

Paul explained to the membership that this account pays the membership their reimbursements as long as there is receipt to be turned in to Paul Lange. Paul explains this is the most used account to do union business. Paul asked if there were any questions on this account? There were none. Luanna Allard (Los Angeles) motion to accept Paul’s report, it was second by John Airlie (Los Angeles). 

Note: Paul Lange said that the finances of SETCU were for the eyes of only the membership and that  Allen Yip’s office was the auditor of our union’s financial business.

BUSINESS REPORT

JOHN CONNOR-Business Manager

John Connor told the membership that UC San Diego’s workers had discuss with SETCU about how they wanted our union (SETC-U) to be their representatives and John explained to members that there was a vote by the EXECUTIVE BOARD to allow UC San Diego to put SETCU on their ballot. 

John explained to the membership that the enhance Dental Plan will start Aug. 1, 03 and also that pay increases will be for the July pay warrants. John told members that layoffs of unit 6 members at CSU Humboldt were recanted. John said that at CSU San Diego settlement checks were handed out to unit 6 workers($750,000). John told the membership that this campus has a 90% membership.  John also said that Chief Steward Todd Andrew CSU Northridge has four non members that he will get them to join at this campus.  John told the members that SETCU has to do a better job at certain campuses to get non-members to join SETCU, also that the settlement with LIUNA will be done soon. 

John told the membership that the Chancellors office thanked SETCU for it’s help and partnership at the State Legislature for it’s lobbing help. John explained that a two year golden hand shake will be implemented by the Chancellors office and that there are still other bills being looked at by Legislative committees but only two year hand shake will be honored. John said that board member Randy Grobe will be off for 3 more month due to his recovery and that at this campus some non members told him they will join when he get back from his illness  because of what he has done at this campus as Chief Steward.  John told members that at CSU San Jose there was going to be a graduation ceremony for this campus’s apprentice graduate to journeyman level. Phillip Zamora (Long Beach) asked John about help setting an apprenticeship program at his campus. Roger Nunez said because of the budget  issue the apprentice program is going to be set back at Los Angeles campus. Tim Shine CSU San Marcos told John Connor he needed help because at his campus the apprentice program was denied due to budget issues.  Joe Marsetti (Los Angeles) asked John where to get classes for an apprentice program? John answered by looking into local Junior Colleges also trades schools in there area. John also explained to members about the plaque that would be given to apprentice graduates. John said that campus Chief Stewards need to look into starting apprentice programs at the campuses that don’t have them. John Howard asked if there were any question on John Connor’s report. There were none. 

JOHN HOWARD-President

John told the membership that some campuses that don’t have the apprenticeship program are very much interested  in starting one at their campus. John also talk about arbitrations at various campuses that SETCU is looking at and doing.  John told the members that at CSU Cal Poly San Luis Obispo the membership was around 60% and SETCU needs to pay a little more attention in recruitment at this campus.  John asked if there were any questions? There were none.

TED GALLAWAY-Vice President

Ted explained that if there was any new information about SETCU that he would be the one to receive this and then get it out to the membership. Ted told all stewards attending to send him all information when they receive it from there campuses and he will get this information to the union’s members. Ted explained about the pay increases and how campus stewards need to find out at their campus if members were given these increases. Ted told the membership that he knows that it’s time consuming on updating members addresses and that campus stewards need to do a better job on their members addresses and keep himself more updated. Ted explained to the membership that State Controller’s Office corrected a mistake in dues deduction to the right deduction of 1.2% which will be notice in future pay warrants to our members. Ted also said that there will be change on the flat rate temp’s pay to our union and that temp’s will be charged their fare share of dues.  

Ted explained that the Chancellors Office said the training on Health & Safety for both management and labor at the north and south meetings were very successful and this program should continue in the near future for management and labor. 

Ted told members there could be a positive by being UCSD’s representatives in both lobbing and per cap payment to SETCU. Ted asked if there were any questions on his report? There was none.

SPENCER COLMAN -Executive Officer

Spencer told the membership that there were issues at CSU Fullerton being looked at by SETCU like there J.O.C. and deadlines on projects, also the contracting out by contractors to sub-contractors and there low quality work that these workers do that reflect on our craftsmanship as trades workers. Spencer said that he was still waiting for a response from management at CSU Fullerton on this issue. Spencer told the members that if there were any jobs being done on there campus that members should investigate and see if the contractor is paying prevailing wages, if not then members should raise some ruckus on this issue at each campus. Spencer explained to the members that the standards on new buildings are costing more to maintain then the cost of older buildings which also need attention. Spencer said that the policy is a written procedure and that the campuses have to follow them as SETCU does. Spencer explains that do to the times that the CSU and State are going through on its budgets, SETCU has to be a little more lenient with issues but that some would have to be fought. Spencer said that members talked about Art. 4 and it’s interpretation and asked the Executive Board to interpret Art.4 to them so members can be clear on this Article at CSU Fullerton. Spencer said that SETCU will lose work if we do not grieve this on contracting out with CSU Campuses. 

Spencer asked who from campuses H&R office has signed to give the 20 year .5% to unit 6 members.  Spencer told members that SETCU has to be pro-active on EPI’s with the H&R offices on campuses and that the SETCU’s web site put pictures of the Executive Board so members can see who they are dealing with. Spencer asked if there were any question on his report. There were none.

 CRAIG WEST-Executive Officer

Craig told the membership that there were layoff notices given to members at CSU Humboldt and that SETCU went to the Chancellors to discuss the notices given to our members and the Chancellors office told the campus to recant these notices and that not to lose any unit 6 members at this campus. Craig told the members that the extra’s  in pay raises, EPI’s and dental are from hard work SETCU has done and thanked the board members for all the time put in on these issues.  Craig asked if there were any questions on his report. There were none.

PATRICK HALLAHAN-SETCU Consultant

Pat explained to the membership about the state budget and how California has an 11 billion spending loan and that we are living on a carry over of funds from last year. Pat said that the 30% student fees increase will bring in about 300 million to the CSU system with 80% to CSU fund. CU and it’s fund will get 20% from private monies.  Pat told members that the CSU Board of Trustees runs our system and the Board of Regents runs the UC system.  Pat explains that the two systems are starting to close enrollment because of the state budget problems. Pat told members that California wants to borrow 10.8 billion and increase sales tax by .5% which is needed. Pat explained that a deadline by Sept 13 in the legislature is set for State Budget to be voted on by legislators. Pat explained to the membership about the layoffs and who will be effected by this and which agencies or bargaining units. Pat said that higher education is a high priority to California State Legislators and not the city’s and county’s school systems. Pat told members that 240 million was reduce and because of the 30% fees increase the system got back 300 million. Pat explained that are current situation is due to the fighting between Republican and democrat legislators on tax issues in the State Legislature.  

Pat explains that there is a golden handshake in the CSU system being offered to certain bargaining units. Pat told members that raises given to unit 6 members of 1.58% and if you have 20 years an extra .5% totaling 2.08% to members also that the dental plan supplement starts in August 01, 2003. 

Pat explained to the membership about breaking away from LIUNA and the agreement that was reach between them and SETCU on our union’s pension fund and how we as individuals have to call and deal with our retirement plan. Craig West asked Pat if a member is off the pension list and they qualified who does this member contact for more information ?  Pat explains that first they should contact their campus steward and the steward will contact Ted Gallaway for more information on this individuals (pension) issue. Pat explained the law says unions have to stay away from individuals  pension monies so the stewards will help each individual on who to contact but that each person will have to contact the pension fund and deal with their retirement.  John Connor explained to the members why pension is being delayed because of lawyers on both sides, mostly LIUNA's lawyers.  Pat explained on other issues being dealt with like unfair labor practices at various campuses like the one at CSU San Diego and the issues of temporary employees being converted to permanent at various campuses. Pat also said that there are re-class issues and J.O.C. issues at various campuses that are being dealt with by SETCU. Pat told the members that the 3 years of employment it take to become perm. with the CSU system is being   looked at by the union. Pat said that there are meetings at the Chancellors on the J.O.C. program and its issues, also the situation with the UCSD and its campus joining SETCU as a member to our union and the setting up of an apprenticeship program with the help of SETCU. Pat explained that the future training of H&S classes at UC Berkeley for management and labor will be in the  near future but there is a delay on this. Pat explains that the classification committee is being dealt with by SETCU on issues. Pat introduced members from UCSD and explained that this campus wants SETCU to be their representatives because they like what our union has done for our members and want to be part of SETCU. Pat told the membership that unit 6 will have no layoffs at no campus in the CSU system and that SETCU is doing a staffing study on our CSU system. Pat also said that the UC system has a formula on staffing which SETCU is looking at to see which campuses need help on staffing and do a report to take to the legislature staffing committee. Pat asked if there were any question   on his report? There were none.

CHIEF STEWARDS -Report

Phil Zamora CSU Long Beach told the membership problems on campuses do exist and would like  the union to set up some kind of information table at maybe a gathering so members can ask question about union issues on there campus. Todd Andrew CSU Northridge has done a great job at this campus by getting 100% membership with the addition of 4 non members to sign cards to join the brotherhood. Roger Nunez CSU Los Angeles has done a great job at this campus and hosting the SETCU general membership meeting.

REPORT OF DELEGATES

President John Howard reported that at CSU San Jose a member in the apprentice program at this campus is graduating and become a journeyman at their trade also will be presented with a plaque for their accomplishment. 

OLD BUSINESS

Ted Gallaway has worked with campus stewards on collecting members sizes so members can be fitted for Union Jackets and shirts in the near future.

NEW BUSINESS

Art Cordoba from CSU Los Angeles ask who will do the maintenance of state buildings? John Howard told Art to first ask management this question and get a response, then bring back their answer to SETCU and the union will take this question to the state legislators that are funding the maintenance of these state buildings. John also told Art that unit 6 trades was to do the maintenance of these buildings. John Howard ask the membership if there were any new business? There were none. 

GOOD OF UNION

Members of AFLAC were at the membership meeting to talk of their benefit to our union members and were ask to meet with campus stewards and members at each campus to present their benefit to the membership.  

Paul Hodge told the membership that 501 operating engineers that are representing UC San Diego trades members were at one time about 500$ above other competing universities in wages are now lagging behind in wages. Paul also explained that these members have limited representation on this campus and that they came to SETCU to ask if they can put SETCU on their ballot so they can vote SETCU as their representatives. Paul said that he speaks for 90% of their campus trade employees and is looking forward to join SETCU.

John Howard asked if there was any new business? There were none.

Meeting closed at 2:30 pm.

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STATE EMPLOYEES TRADE COUNCIL UNITED

April 23, 2004

UNIVERSITY CALIFORNIA SAN DIEGO

WELCOME PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

INTRODUCTION OF EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICERS:

President John Howard, Vice-President Ted Gallaway, Business Manager John Connor, Secretary Treasurer Paul Lange, Recording Secretary Joseph Mendoza, Executive Member Spencer Colman, Executive Member Craig West, Executive Member Randy Grobe, Executive Member Greg Starr, SETCU/ Consultant Patrick Hallahan, Sgt. Of Arms Tim Shine

Roll Call of Officers: All present and Accounted

Last General Meeting Minutes: CSU Dominguez Hills January 31 2004.

Minutes were view from previous general membership meeting and there was discussion by membership. Craig West CSUH motion to except minutes, second by Bob Moore UCSD. There was a vote to accept minutes, vote passed.

SPECIAL TRIBUTE :

John Connor talked about a former Executive Board member, union brother Bill Halloway and what he meant to SETCU. Bill was one of the founding fathers of this union and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace brother.

FINANCIAL REPORT 

PAUL LANGE, Secretary Treasurer

Paul passed out SETCU’s report on its accounts and explained their status to membership.

Savings account: Pat Hallahan motion to except savings account. Second by Phil Zamora, CSU Long Beach. There was discussion on saving accounts by Paul Lange and members attending meeting.

·        Emergency Relief Fund was discussed and what this fund is used for and how it gets its funds by donations.

·        Cash management account was discuss and its function by SETCU.

·        Scholarship accounts (2 each). The scholarships were for eligible and qualifying members, spouses and dependents. The amount of $500.00 for each scholarship were awarded to 34 (each) students. SETCU has rules for who qualifies for these scholarships. Members have had  paid dues for one year for themselves and their dependents to qualify for a scholarship award.          

There was a vote to except all savings account report. Vote passed.

Political action account: Carey Horon UCSD motion to except Political Action Account. Second by David Rogers UCSD. There was discussion by Paul and members attending on this account with Paul explaining that one dollar from each members dues goes toward this account. John Howard asked if SETCU contributes to any Politicians? Paul answered no. But in the past SETCU did contribute for SETCU’s benefit, mostly it is for our members when they do lobbying activity at the State Capitol or any meeting in Sacramento’s Legislature that will benefit SETCU members. There was a vote to except Political Action Account. Vote Passed.

Legal Defense Account: Greg Bridgon UCSD motion to except Legal Defense Account. Second by Fred St John UCSD. There was discussion by Paul and members attending on this account with Paul explaining that this account funds SETCU’s union lawyer, Mr. Jim Eggleston, and Pat for P.E.R.B cases and Grievances that SETCU has fought. SETCU has used this account in past lawsuit issues with LIUNA. This account is funded from dues, one dollar per member per month. Paul asked if there were any question on his report? None. There was a vote. Vote passed.

REPORT OF OFFICERS

JOHN CONNOR, Business Manager

John explained to members on the LIUNA Pension settlement and SETCU’s contract negotiations for both CSU and UCSD. SETCU gave its proposals at negotiation meetings with both CSU and UCSD committees, there was more discussions by meetings attending members on these issues. CSU negotiations was only on salaries issues, because CSU already has a contract with SETCU. UCSD contract negotiations is still on going at meetings with SETCU.

CSU Humboldt has layoff issues that SETCU is dealing with. Members at this campus received notices that they are being laid off and SETCU has so far had CSU Humboldt rescind some on these notices through the CSU Chancellors Office. Some members will be laid off, SETCU is dealing with this issue.

John explained that membership at UCSD was at 96 % and CSU it was around 90% with percentages going up and down every month because of retirement or new members joining SETCU. Some CSU campuses are 100% membership. Some campuses are 1 or 2 members short of 100%, Chief Stewards are doing a good job of recruitment.

John told attending members that there is a big difference between the two systems, CSU contract is for 22 campuses while UCSD has its own contract.

SETCU’s Apprenticeship Program at various campuses has graduated some members to journeyman level, two at CSULB, two at CSU Fullerton and two at CSU Sonoma. The campuses ceremonies were done well and SETCU is looking at starting more programs at other CSU campuses and one at UCSD through contract negotiations.

Scholarships for SETCU members and there dependents were awarded (34). John told membership that members can look in SETCU’s website for further information on the scholarships and May 2004 is when to apply for them. John asked if there were any questions on this program or on any part of his report? There were none.

PAUL LANGE, Executive Officer

Paul told membership that information on CSU’s agenda could be down loaded from CSU’s website. Also that SETCU Newsletter information can be read and what SETCU is doing for its members. Paul explained that representing CSU and UCSD is a good thing at the California State Legislature on funding issues. Paul asked if there were any questions? There were none.

JOHN HOWARD, President

John talk about CSULB Graduation Ceremonies and how SETCU’s members did a very outstanding job. Two Electricians and two Plumbers were graduated to journeyman level. John asked if there were any question on SETCU’s Ceremonies at CSULB? There were none.

TED GALLAWAY, Vice President

Ted explained to members attending that SETCU has a new insurance provider Cigna Insurance (life insurance). Also that campus Chief Stewards need to update members information when there are changes or call SETCU’s southern office phone 1-800-481-1814. There was other discussion on information that SETCU needs from members on LIUNA Pension Plan. Ted asked if there were any questions on this issue? Bill Berger CSUSM asked if there were any other UC schools interested in join SETCU in the future? Ted said yes, but at this moment SETCU is telling them to hold off for the moment because our union is dealing with issues on the LIUNA settlement.  

Health & Safety Committee:

Ted told members this committee was put together to be pro-active due to injuries to our rank and file at campuses. Ted gave some examples from various campuses. Past joint CSU & SETCU training seminars were successful at both Northern and Southern California (Labor & Management). SETCU is looking forward to more training seminars in the future, with members from UCSD attending these training seminars. Ted asked if there were any question? Pat Roger CSUSB asked Ted that his campus had issues with paying for this training. There was discussion on this by members attending and SETCU’s Board. Ted asked if there were any questions? There were none.

CRAIG WEST, Board Member 

Craig explained the situation of layoffs at his campus to members. He said that 1 year ago his campus gave out 3 layoff notices to members, he called John Connor about these layoff notices. John and Pat called the Chancellors Office and had these notices rescinded, two weeks ago he got a call that his campus gave notice of intent to layoff 9 members. Craig said that in the 30 years of CSU service he has never seen anything like the way an administrator at his campus gave these notices. CSU Humboldt did not go by SETCU’s contract, this campus did a poor job on these notices and the H&R Director did not even see these notices to members. SETCU has set up meetings on this issue at CSUH with Chancellors Office with hope to delay these layoffs for a few months. Craig told the individuals that got these notices to let the process work for them through a grievance procedure. John Connor added that this campus did a lot of things wrong on how they gave out these notices without following SETCU’s contract. John also mention that there is money on this campus to alleviate this situation through contracts (contracting out).

SPENCER COLMAN, Executive Officer

Spence explained to members about legislature website and encourage members to be pro-active through this website. He said that Legislators and other unions know SETCU and heard about our unions activity at the capitol. SETCU should fight all contracting out at all campuses (sub-par work) plus students doing trades work. Clubs at CSU Fullerton were notified through an agreement form they sign not to do trades work in rooms.

PATRICK HALLAHAN, SETCU Union Consultant

Pat said that SETCU’s goals are for both CSU and UCSD future. Also explained on higher education and how the funding by the California Legislature to the two systems. There was further discussion by attending members at UCSD on this issue. He said that both UCSD and CSU members need to contact and be pro-active with local Legislators and tell them not to reduce funds from the two education systems. Pat explained about the unsuccessful bonds and the state economy to members attending SETCU meeting and how it also affects the other unions, there was further discussion on these issues by members.

Pat talked about lobbying at California’s State Capitol. Also there was discussion on who lobbies for unions and that SETCU does their own lobbying, this is why members need to be pro-active with their local legislators. John Connor explained, when SETCU members do lobbying at the California State Capitol they need to make it an all day affair. Pat also mention that some State Legislators graduated from the two educational systems.

Pat gave a brief summery on ongoing grievances that SETCU is dealing with at the Chancellors Office. There was further discussion on these issues.

• CSU Fresno-Painter demotion issue.
• CSU Hayward-member leave issue.
• CSU Monterey Bay-several issues.
• CSU San Diego-several issues.
• UC San Diego-negotiation on contract and issues at this campus SETCU is dealing with.

Also various grievances at other CSU campuses were discuss by members attending meeting. SPB settlements SETCU had dealt with and SPB hearings.

Pat told members SETCU’s Staffing Committee is putting a report together to be presented to the Chancellors Office. This report along with the Chancellors Committee Report will be put together and presented to Legislative Committee for CSU funding.

Pat explained that SETCU is trying to get language on Industrial Disability Leave for both CSU and UCSD. There was further discussion on this issue by attending members. Also there was discussion on Workers Compensation Laws by attending members.

John Howard asked if there were any question on Pats report? There were none.

CHIEF STEWARDS REPORT

PAT ROGERS, CSU San Bernardino

Pat said other than these layoffs concerns all is well at his campus.

RANDY GROBE, CSU San Diego

Randy explained about the Southern California wild fires near two CSUSB and CSUSD campuses. Also there were issues at his campus with trade workers doing normal duties while the rest of campus personnel were told to go home because of the fires. There are also pay issues because of theses fires at CSUSD.

Randy told members at meeting that there were contracting out issues at CSUSD. But Unit 6 members try to do most of the jobs in house. There are IDL, Workers Comp. issues at his campus.

TIM SHINE, CSU San Marcos

Tim explained to members there was a manager that kept time on workers going out to lunch (clocking them) and female trades worker being clock on time spent in women restroom. Also contracting out Unit 6 work at his campus.

JOSEPH MENDOZA, CSU Fresno

Joseph told members that at his campus there were Ag, Professors telling students to do Unit 6 work. He has file a grievance with the Ag. Department on these professors and their students.

CARLOS PENEDA, UC San Diego

Since SETCU has come his campus, SETCU has shown his members they made the right choice on what union represents UCSD’s Trades Workers. Also how to approach UCSD’s management on issues. He thanks SETCU.

OLD BUSINESS

Retirement Percentage Point Motion made by Art Cordova CSULA. Second by Craig West CSUH.  There was discussion on this issue by members attending on how it went from 2.5 to 2.7 and how it should go to 3.0 for retirement.

• 2.5 at 55 years old
• 2.7 at 60 years old
• Trying to get 3.0

History on this motion was started at a membership meeting at CSU Humboldt. This motion was voted on at (north) CSU Stanislaus. There was a vote. Vote passed.

GOOD OF THE UNION

Recording equipment was purchase to record the minutes to get an accurate account of what was said at meetings. John Connor thanks Executive Board for going through LIUNA lawsuit and staying strong.

SETCU thanks UC San Diego members for hosting and putting a great lunch for SETCU’s members attending meeting.

John Howard Salutes black history month and black baseball history.

Meeting Ends 4:00 pm

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