Maine Stater : September 9, 1988

Page 1

L i U

ld l V

U O G

u n i

3

V O L . X X III. N O . 6

1 9 8 8

SEPTEM BER 9, 1988

o -IN

C o n tr a c t T a lk s A

N

e w

B

e g

i n

By Stephen L. Leech, Chief Negotiator Elsewhere in this Stater you’ll read the “Collective Bargaining Report by Mary Anne Turowski, Chair of the Collective Bargaining Review Committee and Cathy Cotton, Committee member. This report details recommended modifications to the bargaining process adopted by the Board of Directors. In this article I’d like to express a few thoughts on those modifications and also provide you, the membership, with information you’ll need to assess whether and to what degree you become involved in this upcoming round of contract negotiations. Collective Bargaining is an all-volunteer and a democrati­ cally-based operation, a product of those who step forward and take on such responsibility. We’ve had our victories and weve had our failures. On balance, while the former has outweighed the latter, at least some of our failures result from mistakes we’ve allowed ourselves to repeat round after round until they’ve become institutionalized. One example, obvious to most MSEA Bargaining Team members, is the extraordinary number of demands we present to the State each time and the consequent difficulty of impressing on the State the real priorities of our membership. The consequence of such an approach requires State negotiators, indeed hands them every opportunity, to establish our priorities for us — and on their timetable, not ours. A number of the changes, now mandated by MSEA’s Board of Directors, are designed to redirect certain past strategies, making them more effective. At least two of these

N

e w

U PS709-

T a x

S h e l t e r

P e n s i o n s E f f e c t

N

t o

e x t

g o

n

i n

g

f o

r

S

t a

t e

w

i d

changes will pose a challenge for our Bargaining Committees and Teams. 1. For the first time, Bargaining Committees will be charged with prioritizing the hundreds of proposals submitted by membership. 2. Following this, both the Committees and Teams will be strongly encouraged to streamline the final package of proposals in accordance with the guidelines recommended by the Board — 50 Coalition proposals and 10 proposals per unit, a total of 100. This is roughly 50% of the number we usually bring to the table. The Committee itself has been pared to match the level of past participation rates — 175 people, (see below). Team sizes have been reduced to four members per Team. This won’t result in a net reduction of leave time in favor of tne State, however, because the State has agreed to return the equivalent leave time to our Committee and Team Members for use during preparation stages of bargaining. This will allow members to participate who otherwise would be unable to, and will provide more time to the Committee so essential to its increased responsibility. The two-term limit for Team members will hopefully encourage participation of those who, while perhaps becoming involved at the Committee level, have not taken that final leap to the bargaining table. The wisdom of the “veterans” will still be available as those members can, if they’re willing and able, return to the Teams fresh from a one-round rest.

e

B

a r g

a i n

i n

g

Another change adopted by the Board: the requi that the Teams negotiate in coalition, our traditional ap for many sound reasons. This does not prevent a ur bargaining separately, if such separate bargaining temporary for dealing with specific issues which otherwise bog down general coalition progress; or the unit gets prior approval from the Board of Directors to separate, for the duration or until they’re ready to return. The extreme opposite of Coalition bargaining is each unit negotiating for itself. The dynamic of independent bargaining raise some serious questions: 1. Do we lose a psychological and Strategic edge provided by the real solidarity coalition bargaining? — I would suspect we would. 2. Do we give the State the opportunity of playing our units off against each other? — Of course. 3. Are we staffed for five separate negotiations in the Executive Branch alone? — Not presently. Does Coalition bargaining address the many special situations unique to a classification, occupation, or bargaining unit? Not in all cases, but neither does independent bargaining. I predict that with some of the shifts in our approach and over-all strategy, we will have a greater opportunity than ever to meet those special needs of greatest importance to our membership. It will require patience, respect, commitment and most of all, mutual support. That’s the challenge we face in the coming months. M ore o n B a r g a in in g C o m m itte e s ...p . 2

f o r

I n to

J a n u a r y

If you’re an active Maine public employee who is a member of Retirement System you should know that the Maine State Retirement System Board of Trustees is at work on a plan that should mean beginning in January, 1989 you will no longer have federal taxes on your contribution to the Retirement System deducted from your paycheck. Last winter, MSEA sponsored a bill in the second session of the 113th Legislature to allow the Retirement System to apply for Internal Revenue Service approval of a plan to defer federal taxes on employee contributions to the system. That bill passed. Now the IRS has given its approval to the plan. Under the plan to go into effect in January, federal taxes on employee contributions will be deferred until retirement benefits are received —at which time, most members of the Retirement System can be expected to pay substantially less in federal taxes because they will in lower tax brackets. The change will mean more dollars in your paycheck after January, and less tax to pay when you retire!

State employee at work: Maine Ferry Service captain Sonny Polk of East Camden photographed at the helm earlier this year. Polk, an MSEA member in the Knox-Waldo

Chapter, runs the ferry out of Lincolnville to

S p e c i a l S e c t i o n o n M S E A C o n v e n t io n D e l e g a t e s ...p p . 5 -8 m

m

M TATP

I tH H A H V


P ag e Two

S e p te m b e r, 1 9 8 8

M a in e S t

S e p t e m

b e r

1 7

h a l l e n g e C l e r i c a l

E m

R a lly :

t o

B a rg a in in g

H o w

p l o y e e s

By Carol Fleury, Clerical Committee Chair Organizing clerical workers is difficult because it takes a long time to build majority support in a workforce that traditionally has little experience in the union. We want to establish ourselves as a voice that can speak out on previously-ignored problems of those of us who consider ourselves office professionals. Many of the problems clerical employes experience on the job are not theirs’ alone —they are problems experienced by many others. Office professionals need to find out that it pays to work together. Joining together with others increases our abilities to win changes in two ways: we get collective wisdom and experience from everyone working together to solve problems; and we gain strength in numbers of voices seeking the same goals. MSEA is an effective and legal way to participate in decisions about pay, benefits, and employment policies. The Clerical Rally on Saturday, September 17 in Capitol Park is in response to the attitude of many office professionals that MSEA is not interested in their issues. The Caucus, the Clerical Steering Committee, and now the September 17 Rally are ways of saying that MSEA leaders became aware of that attitude and are responding to it. I would like to make this a personal challenge to all those who said “clericals never get any attention”. Come to the Rally and see for yourself what this next year can mean to all of us! Check with your chapter to see what it is doing in support of their office professionals.

C o m m itte e s

th e

(Continued from p. 1)

B a rg a in in g

Unit Administrative Services Operations Maintenance &Support Professional^echmca! Supervisory LawEnforcement Totals

C o m m itte e

Quota/ Formula 1/60 (1 for every 60 members) 1/60 1/60 1/40 1/20

The recent issue of the “Insider” described the mechanics of joining the Bargaining Committee and also contained a mail-in application form. These guidelines are reprinted

u i d e l i n e s

To apply for a Committee position, fill out and send in the application form in September Insider. To qualify for a Committee position, the application form must be mailed to MSEA Headquarters and POSTMARKED NO EARLIER THAN 12:01 A.M., THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1988 AND NO LATER THAN MID-NIGHT, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1988. Positions will be filled on a “first come, first serve” basis by DATE OF POSTMARK.

M SE A is s u e

O ffic e o f th e

...N e x t S ta te r.

TH E M A IN E S T A T E R Phil Merrill, Editor Don Matson, Managing Editor (USPS 709-700) is published monthly for $1.80 per year by the Maine State Employees Association, 65 S ta te S tre e t, A ugusta, ME 04330. Second-class postage paid at Augusta, Maine and ad­ ditional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Maine Stater. MSEA, 65 State Street, Augus­ ta, ME 04330.

Should a bargaining unit fill all its entitled slots, other applicants shall be designated as Alternate Committee members and may serve in the absence of a regular member. An Alternate may also attend all Committee meetings and may participate in the process except for formal decision-making such as unit

DIRECTORS OFFICERS AREA I PRESIDENT John Hinkley JimWebster Dan Glidden Box 5 52 Glen Ave. Box 351 Farmington Falls Augusta, ME 04330 Ashland, ME 04732 04940 George Burgoyne Fred Chase 228 Center St. Box 606 VICE PRESIDENT Bangor 04401 Bradford 04410 Mary Anne Turowski 'AREA III P. O. Box 819 Barry Cote Bangor, ME 04401 Eunice Cotton 26 Taylor St. 3 Lancaster Place Augusta, ME 04330 Augusta, ME 04330 Bruce Hodsdon Muffie Sevigny SECRETARY RFD#1, Box 1515 R.R. 1, Box 2030 Norma Arnold W indsor 04363 N . M onm outh 04265 RFD#5, Box 243 Augusta, ME 04330 AREA III Darryl Scholz Ray Dzialo 21BLindsey St. R.R. #3, Box 230G Rockland 04841 Biddeford, ME 04005 |TREASURER Brad Ronco Bob Galloupe athy Kadi RFD#1, Box 460 K Box 681 10 Howard St. Hailowell, ME 04347 Portland Brunswick 04011 04101 RETIREE DIRECTOR Alix Caldwell Lee Street Wiscasset 04578

643

No. of Committee Members Allowed by Quota 46

2,095 3,193 862 382 9,285

35 53 22 19 175

B a rg a in in g

B ra n c h S c h e d u le

Saturday, October 15 Bargaining Committee Meeting Friday & Saturday, October 28 & 29 Committee Meeting Friday & Saturday, December 9 & 10 — Team Meeting Friday, January 13 — Team (evening) Meeting Saturday, January 14 — Committee Meeting * All dates, except Oct. 15 are tentative but will be set at the first Bargaining Committee meeting.

(No phone calls or hand-delivered application forms). Should a bargaining unit not fill all slots it is entitled to, applications will be accepted after the above date.

fo r to p

July 1,1988 Membership 2,753

E x e c u tiv e G

F o rm e d

below. However, if you need another, please call MSE/ Headquarters.

O c t. 1 5

C a n d id a te s

is

B a rg a in in g

C o m m itte e

M e e tin g :

A g e n d a 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

How the process works Economic climate for collective bargaining Training Election of team members Beginning the process of prioritization of proposals

This meeting is scheduled to begin promptly at 9 a.m. so please allow enough time for registration and coffee. Daycare will be provided upon request.

STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Phil Merrill ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS Stephen L. Leech, Collective Bargaining John Lemieux, Legislative Affairs CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL Roberta deAraujo DIRECTOR, FIELD SERVICES Roger Parlin DIRECTOR, FINANCE &ADMINISTRATION Joan C. Towle ATTORNEYS INSURANCE John McCurry COORDINATOR Eric Nelson Ethelyn Purdy ASS’T. NEGOTIATOR ACCOUNT CLERK Chuck Hillier Carmen Gardner DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL SUPPORT STAFF PROJECTS Doris Petroski John Marvin Carol Wilson RESEARCH Debbie Roy Steven Butterfield Cheryl Stoddard COMMUNICATIONS Crystal Hodsdon Don Matson AndrewWing EDUCATION/TRAINING Donna Davis Wanda Ingham Kathy Weymouth FIELD Missy Fellows REPRESENTATIVES Andy Birch Beth Jackson Ron Ahlquist Roger Dunning John Graham RECLASSIFICA­ Sandy Dionne TION ANALYST TimWooten PamWarren Carol Webb Robert McLaughlin

65 State Street, Augusta, Maine 04330 Tel. (207)622-3151 1-800-452-8794


S e p te m b e r, 1 9 8 8

J u d i c i a l

C

D

o l l e c t i v e

e p a r t m

B

a r g a i n i n g

MSEA’s three Court contracts will be expiring at the same time as most other MSEA contracts — June 30, 1989. Preparation for this third round of collective bargaining will begin this fall. The First Court Bargaining Committee meeting is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, November 19, at the Augusta Civic Center. An application form to join the Bargaining Committee will be contained in the October issue of the Stater, as will further details about the meeting and bargaining in general. Aside from process orientation and training, this meeting will begin the formulation of proposals and will elect the Team members who will carry on the negotiations with the Court Management Team. It will be a critical meeting. All MSEA Judicial members are strongly encouraged to apply for the Bargaining Committee and participate in the upcoming round of contract negotiations.

S E A

M

a k e s

M

S E A ’s

C

o n t r a c t

L o c a l

5

a n d

V T I

M

e m

b e r s

t o

B e g i n

e n t

By Stephen L. Leech, Chief Negotiator

M

P a g e T h ree

M a in e S t a te r

P o l i c y

By Mary Ann Turowski, Bargaining Review Committee Chair and Cathy Cotton, Committee Member In the last issue of the Stater, our Chief Negotiator oteve Leech wrote that a special Bargaining Review Committee appointed by President Jim Webster would be making recommendations to the MSEA Board of Directors for adoption of new policy and guidelines for our bargaining process (pursuant to Section 7.5 of the MSEA By-laws). The Committee’s work is now done. At the August 19 meeting, the Board approved a set of written policies and guidelines discussed here. The Committee confined its review of bargaining to the five Executive branch bargaining units. We felt that the other units (representing VTI, Lewiston, Courts, Turnpike employees) have different management and bargaining histories and would need to make their own recommendation?. It is hoped they will look at these policies and guidelines and adopt as many as appropriate. The Committee began work by recognizing that over the past ten years, MSEA and the State have changed, yet continue to negotiate in the same manner. Problems have arisen because of this stagnation. The Committee’s recommendations resulted from identifying problems and trying to come up with solutions to make the bargaining process stronger. We recognize that results of these changes will not be known until the next round of bargaining is completed. It is hoped that at that time another committee will be formed to review how well these changes worked and if needed, make further recommendations in areas where it wasn’t successful. The following is a summary of the policies and guidelines to be used for Executive branch collective bargaining. 1. Collective Bargaining Bargaining will begin in coalition, recognizing the strength that comes from unity. This does not preclude a unit

T a l k s

S o o n

Employees of two Maine Vocational Technical Institute Systems bargaining units represented by MSEA are currently working under the second set of contracts negotiated since the System’s separation from state government in 1986. These contracts expire on June 30, 1989 and are therefore up for renegotiation this coming year. MSEA Assistant Negotiator, Chuck Hillier, who acted as chief negotiator for VTI employees in previous contract talks, is expected to head the VTI team this year. Because the 1988 negotiations will be the first time the state office of employee relations will not be involved, Hillier believes this round will be a strong signal for future labor/management relations at the VTI’s. “The VTI System management is now fully installed,” Hillier said. “To date, they have recognized the need to forge a close partnership with employees in order to effectively pursue an improved VTI System. I’m hopeful this attitude will be present this time at the bargaining table, as we discuss how best to define this partnership and as we set the tone for the future of the System.” The union’s preparation for these negotiations is already underway and contract proposals being gathered from members. All proposals should be completed and returned to MSEA Headquarters no later than November 18, 1988. MSEA Field Representatives have additional forms if needed.

C

h

a n

g

e s

f o r

C

Late in November, a meeting of VTI members will be held to review bargaining demands and elect the bargaining teams — six team members from the Support Services bargaining unit, and two from the Supervisory unit. It is expected that a package of proposals will be completed for presentation to management early in the new year. Local 5 Bargaining MSEA’s Local 5, consisting of Lewiston City and School employees in the General Government bargaining unit, has also begun preparations for a successor to the hard-won contract signed earlier this year which expires in June, 1989. After going through dragged-out negotiations which included picketing, mediation and fact-finding over the course of 18 months,. Local 5 leaders are determined to be ready for anything this time. A Local 5 membership meeting has been called for late September when goals and methods of bargaining will be discussed. Forms on which members in the unit can submit contract proposals are being circulated and should be returned by January 13, 1989 for review by elected bargaining team members. Chuck Hillier, MSEA Assistant Negotiator, is expected to serve again as Local 5’s chief spokesperson during contract talks. He indicated that although significant gains were made in the long, last round of talks, “several important areas for Lewiston employees remain unaddressed.”

o l l e c t i v e

temporarily bargaining separately over a specific issue. Additionally, a unit may bargain separately subject to Board approval. 2. Demands Demands will be accepted on a bargaining proposal form only; stewards, leadership and former team members will be available to assist with completion of these forms. Submissions will be within the deadline (October 15,1988). However, if a proposal is submitted beyond the deadline, the team will review it for its merit and possible inclusion in the package. A survey will be conducted to determine the membership’s priorities. 3. Bargaining Committee The membership ratio for Bargaining Committee size has been changed to allow a total of 175 committee members. Committee membership will be on a first come, first serve basis and, application cards must be submitted between September 8 and September .30. If there are more volunteers than slots available, excess applicants will be designated as alternates with the expectation of committee participation, but no voting rights. Committee members will be expected to attend all meetings and notify headquarters if unable to attend. The Committee will be strongly encouraged to make every reasonable attempt to limit the number of demands presented to the State as follows: ten for each bargaining unit and fifty for general coalition issues, for a total of one hundred. This change is due to the unwieldy number of demands submitted in past negotiations which severely limited our ability to research issues, lengthiness in presentation of demands, and the resulting unsuccessful obtainment of many of these demands. The Bargaining Committee will also be responsible for initially prioritizing these demands. After bargaining begins, the team will assume this responsibility. At the first Bargaining Committee meeting, training will be conducted covering the mechanics of the bargaining process, decision making and group process skills.

B

a r g a i n i n g

Finally the most important role our Bargaining Committee has is that of a communication link to the general membership for relaying information as appropriate. 4. Bargaining Teams Each bargaining unit will elect four team members and four alternates. This is a change from the past when there were five members for each unit except Supervisory, which had nine. It was felt that an increase in Bargaining Committee participation would increase representation of members and that 20 representatives at the table would be sufficient to make decisions by consensus and represent their units’ interests. Every attempt will be made to gain administrative leave for Bargaining Committee and team preparation. (As of this date, the State has verbally agreed to provide 225 paid leave days for our use in preparation for collective bargaining.) Units will be strongly encouraged to consider area and departmental representation and a balanced male-female ratio in their election of team members. Team members will be limited to two consecutive terms (exclusive of alternates filling in for elected team members’ resignations) beginning retroactively with the 1986/87 Bargaining Team. There is now an MSEA policy for use of administrative leave by Bargaining Team members, strictly for bargaining purposes, which authorizes the MSEA president to take action in event of any abuse of that policy. Team members are accountable to their respective membership and will be available to attend chapter meetings, area caucuses and worksite meetings as necessary. 5. Bargaining Process The concept of two-tier bargaining was examined and in recognition of its complexity, the need for further study of its feasibility and mechanics is recommended. We recognize that there is a need to heighten awareness and increase involvement at the membership level in the bargaining process. To accomplish this, a campaign using various printed materials will be conducted.


Page Four

A t h

r e a e

M A

S e p te m b e r, 1 9 8 8

M a in e S t a te r

e

e t i n

g

f f i l i a t i o

n

s

P P

l a

r o

In addition to the many chapter and local meetings already underway this September, MSEA has planned nine area-wide meetings across the State to allow all members a chance to receive information and express their views on the proposed MSEA affiliation agreement with the Service Employees International Union recommended by the Affiliation Committee.

A

r e a

M

e e t i n g

n

p

o

n

e

d

t o

D

i s c

u

s s M

s a l

Every MSEA member is invited to these Area meetings, which will be attended by SEIU representatives along with MSEA leaders and staff. The meeting schedule below, also printed in a special mailing of MSEA’s new leadership newsletter Insider to all members, details the “when” and “where” of it all. Please come and be heard!

When Where Saturday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m .-------- ---------------------- Augusta, Civic Center Sunday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m.*--------- --------Rockland, Trade Winds Motor Inn Monday, Sept. 26, 7 p.m .---------- ----------- ------ Biddeford, St. Jean’s Hall Tuesday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m.---------- --------------------------Portland, Verrillo’s Wednesday, Sept. 28, 7 p.m.-----Thursday, Sept. 29, 7 p.m .-------- --------------------- Augusta, South Parish Congregational Church Friday, Sept. 30, 7 p.m.------------Saturday, Oct. 1,10 a.m.----------Sunday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m.-------------* Corrected time.

A

o r k i n g

M

ix e d

F o r

f o r

s

i r e s A

I n c o m

P r o t e c t i o n

d m

N e w i n i s t r a t o r

e P l a n

No other changes are anticipated for the Income Protection plan. The VEBA (Voluntary Employee Benefit Association) Committee, consisting of six employee members of MSEA and chaired by President Jim Webster, oversees the plan and authorizes MSEA to be the plan’s administrator. MSEA’s Insurance Coordinator Effie Purdy will continue to handle members’ Income Protection claims directly.

A

L iv in g

In

1 9 8 8

P i c t u r e

Labor Day 1988 arrived in the midst of a period of economic contrasts for U.S. workers. While there is continuing good news, there are disturbing trends as well. New York Times columnist Leonard Silk described the current situation in a September 2 article in which he called for increased productivity (public and private investment in research and development, training workers, and new production facilities) and reduction of the country’s huge budget deficit. Among the contrasts: • More people are working than ever and unemployment is below 6%, but compared to the 20 years after World War II it’s still high. • inflation at the present rate of about 5% per year is lower than the late 1970’s and early ’80’s; but again it’s twice

50-Year Man Arnold Scott, a claims fraud investigator for the Division of Employment Security in Portland, is still an active Maine state employee after half a century on the job. Scott, married with two grown sons, came to work for the Maine Unemployment Commission in Augusta in February, 1938 — a time when there was lots of unemployment. His supervisor told him then that there was “only temporary work for two or three weeks” at $15 per week, but Scott has since seen twelve governors come and go. He is one of only two employees in Maine ever to work 50 years. Scott was a charter member of MSEA’s York County Chapter when it was founded in 1943, and he remains a member today. “I tell people that the years just caught up with me. I’m too old to retire,” he joked. But he hasn’t slowed down. When the Stater called for an interview it took(two weeks to set it up. Scott was out on the road working much of the time. In the photo above, he holds an award presented to him this summer by Governor John R. McKeman.

l a i m

H

Effective September 1, 1988 the MSEA Income Protection plan will be serviced by a new claims administrator Benefit Management, Inc. of Portland. The administrator will be responsible for processing all Income Protection claims filed with MSEA after September 1, replacing UNUM.

S c h e d u l e

W

C

S E A

as high as the 20-year period from 1947 to 1967. • While the U.S. worker’s average weekly paycheck increased from $235 to $322 since 1980, it’s worth less. Real wages, what you can buy with what you’ve earned, have declined 41/s%. • People who’ve owned houses for years, especially older adults, have seen property values increase significantly; but housing costs and interest rates have gone way up for those, especially young people, trying to buy a home. It’s a time for workers to be satisfied they have a job, Silk writes, but dissatisfied because their pay is worth less than 10 years ago, and perhaps worried because their standard of living may decline further in the future.

“Don’t get smart with me, sonny . . . I was drawing unemployment before you were bom."


M a in e S t a te r

S e p te m b e r, 1 9 8 8 S P E C IA L

P a g e F iv e

S E C T IO N S

D

e l e g a t e s

T o

T h e

C

o n v e n t i o n

H

a v e

A

V

A

E

!

V ita l

R o le " By Jim Webster, MSEA President As the 1988 MSEA Convention approaches, the role of our delegates becomes increasingly more important. At the Convention, issues that have significant impact on the organization will be discussed and business taken up: electing our President, Vice:President, and Board members; establishing next year’s operating budget for MSEA; and deciding whether MSEA should be affiliated with a national union, just to name a few. It is the duty and responsibility of the MSEA President, Treasurer and other top leaders to get information out to our membership. This is done in many ways —chapter meetings, area caucuses, membership mailings, and through our newspaper the Maine Stater. The responsibility of delegates is to attend these meetings, gather the information available, and seek the counsel of members on topics to be decided in November. Then they will go to the Convention and represent their constituents’ wishes. After adjournment of the Convention, the delegates job does not end. Members should then expect delegates to

Jim Webster

1 9 8 8 304 delegates representing sixty seven MSEA chapters and locals around the state will be arriving at the Convention this fall to vote on a number of crucial issues —MSEA’s 1989 budget, proposed affiliation with the Service Employees International Union, and election of 1989 MSEA officers and leaders foremost amona them.

D

e l e g a t e s

&

A

come back to their worksites and report on Convention decisions, and be held accountable for their votes. Our rank-and-file members aren’t without responsibility in this process. Members must familiarize themselves with union issues that will be discussed and express their views from a position of knowledge. Delegates cannot be expected to voice the opinion of their constituents if those constituents do not help give them direction. I believe our union to be one of the most democratic and membership-responsible organizations of its kind. As long as everyone fulfills their role in the decision-making process, MSEA will continue to be that way. It is only when members allow themselves to become completely detached from the operation of any organization that it becomes controlled by a few. Please take notice: there will be plenty of opportunity to familiarize yourselves with the 1988 MSEA Convention agenda. Please take time to read, listen, and ask the questions necessary to make up your mind on these important issues.

l t e r n a t e s

Each chapter and local president always serves as a delegate and will be there. Although some delegates won’t make it on November 4-5 for one reason or another, alternates will be serving in their stead. Forty-six members of the delegation are retired mem­ bers representing MSEA retirees throughout Maine.

They’ll be voting on all major business items. For anyone wishing to know who represents them at the Convention, the delegate list is printed below. Please contact your delegates if you wish to express an opinion or share a point of view on any aspect of MSEA business.

AREA I AROOSTOOK COUNTY SUPERVISORS CHAPTER President: Elroy Daigle, P. O. Box 54, Frenchville, 04745 Delegate:^ Sherman Daigle, RFD 2, Box 46, Fort Kent, 04743 Alternate: Ronald Bouchard, P. O. Box 1, Frenchville, 04745 CENTRAL AROOSTOOK CHAPTER President: Judy Hilton, 21 Turner St., Presque Isle, 04769 Delegates: Calvin Hall, P. O. Box 37, Westfield, 04787 Frank Boone, 652 Main St., Presque Isle, 04769 Judith Green, 172 High St., Caribou, 04769 Bob Glidden, Box 57, Westfield, 04787 Mark Parks, RFD 1, Box 106A, Washburn, 04786 Paul Rediker, 3 Terrace Dr., Ft. Fairfield, 04742 Mark Damboise, RFD 4, Box 395, Caribou, 04736 Alternates: Chris Bean, 5 Manchester Court, Presque Isle, 04769 Ella Boyd, RFD, Mars Hill, 04758 Terry Thibodeau, HCR Lot 20A, Stockholm, 04785 CENTRAL MAINE CHAPTER President: Dan Greene, RFD 2, Box 4680, Canaan, 04924 Delegates: Tim Paul, 4 Bacon St., Oakland, 04963 Jennine Genest, Rte. 3, Box 130, Oakland, 04963 Jennifer Paul, 4 Bacon St., Oakland 04963 Don Perkins, P. O. Box 265, Canaan, 04924 Marilyn Parks, 17 Kennebec Tr. Pk., RFD 1, Waterville, 04901 Bob Laplante, 5 Howard St., Waterville, 04901 Alternates: Ranee Poler, RFD 1, Box 3340, Solon, 04979 Art Libby, P. O. Box 94, E. Vassalboro, 04935 Dick McCollor, Rte. 1, Box 388, Madison, 04950 Ray Clement, RFD 1, Box 3265, No. Anson, 04958 Brian Campbell, P. O. Box 754, Skowhegan, 04976 FOREST RANGERS CHAPTER President: Gerry Parsons, P. O. Box 29, Carmel, 04419 Delegate: Dan Day, 57 Bangor Rd., Benton, 04901 Alternate: Paul Perry, 555 Central St., Millinocket, 04462 FRANKLIN CHAPTER President: Lewis Holbrook, RFD, Box 3400, N. Vineyard, 04956 Delegates: Clayton Smith, RFD 2, Box 3330, Jay, 04239 Paul Gilbert, 4 Elm St., Jay, 04239 Alternates: James Brougham, RR 1, Box 1532, Wilton, 04294 Lawrence Robinson, RFD 1, Box 1012, Jay, 04239

INLAND FISHERIES & GAME WARDEN SERVICE CHAPTER President: Dan Glidden, P. O. Box 351, Ashland, 04732 Delegates: Charles Marshall, P. 0. Box 86, Franklin, 04634 Mike Morrison, P. O. Box 95, Charleston, 04422 Alternates: Dave Berry, Box 238, Locke Mills, 04255 Fred Jackson, P. O. Box 7, Stockholm, 04783 LOCAL #1 President: Delegates: Alternates: LOCAL #2 President: Delegates: Alternates: LOCAL #3 President: Delegates: Alternates:

LOCAL #4 President Treasurer Delegates

Robert Crate, 322 Mt. Hope Ave., Bangor, 04401 Fred Chase, Box 606, Bradford, 04410 Stephen Stout, 195 Pearl St., Bangor, 04401 Paul Violette, 65 Eastern Ave., Brewer, 04412 Alden Deprey, Rte. 3, Box 808, Hermon, 04401 John Rolland, 244 Pearl St., Bangor, 04401 Bill Shepley, 11 Treats Falls Dr., Brewer, 04412 Joe Dionne, RFD 1, Box 444, Hampden, 04444 Brenda Welch, 118 Congress St., Bangor, 04401 Mary Shepley, 11 Treats Falls Dr., Brewer, 04412 William Zimmerman, 10 Cherry St., Dover-Foxcroft, 04426 Ed Higgins, Box 559, Guilford, 04443 Scott Taylor, Middle Rd., Bradford, 04410 Carol Harvey, 33 Mayo St., Dover-Foxcroft, 04426 Tracy Lord, RFD 2, Box 202, Dover-Foxcroft, 04426 David Richards, RFD 2, Box 242, Dover-Foxcroft, 04426

Bob Magaw, 39 Mayo Rd., Hampden, 04444 Gloria Smith, 25 Holyoke St., Brewer, 04412 Marlene Donahue, 331 French St., Bangor, 04401 Linda Colburn, 350 French St., Bangor, 04401

GREATER BANGOR SUPERVISOR CHAPTER President: Galen (Chip) Swan, P. O. Box 286, Medway, 04460 Treasurer: Neil Merrill, Town of E. Corinth, 04427 ...Continued on next page


P a g e S ix

’8 8

M a in e S t a te r

■ . (Continued from D e le g a te s P. si

HANCOCK CHAPTER President: Marilyn Gaspar, C-2 Eastern Rd., Ellsworth, 04605 Delegates: Frederick Gaspar, C-2 Eastern Rd., Ellsworth, 04605 James Cunningham, RFD 1, Box 311, Belfast, 04915 Jeffrey Frost, P. O. Box 484, Ellsworth, 04605 Bruce Candage, RFD 1, Box 200, Penobscot, 04476 Alternates: Douglas Monson, RFD 1, Box 154, Ellsworth, 04605 Starr Frost, P. O. Box 484, Ellsworth, 04605 Lee Berry, Town of Franklin, 04634 Harry Lounder, Star Road, Box 143, Hancock, 04640 NORTHERN PENOBSCOT CHAPTER President: Everett Howe, RFD, Passadumkeag, 04475 Delegates: Willard Tilton, RFD 2, Box 1025, Passadumkeag, 04475 Wanda Howe, RFD, Passadumkeag, 04475 Alternate: Fern MacDonald, RFD 2, Box 1025, Passadumkeag, 04475 PENOBSCOT CHAPTER President: Lois Baxter, R1, Box 446, Orrington, 04474 Delegates: Dale Ruhlin, 52 Manners Ave., Bangor, 04401 Al Greenlaw, RFD 2, Box 536, Orrington, 04474 Jim O’Brien, RFD 1, Box 1824, Bangor, 04401 Paul McTigue, 133 Yale St., Bangor, 04401 Bill McPeck, P. O. Box 137, St. Albans, 04971 Cynthia Fellencer, One Riverdale PI., Orono, 04473 Diane Belanger, P. O. Box 225, Hampden, 04444 Nancy Henry, 31 16th St., Bangor, 04401 Peggy Burgoyne, 228 Center St., Bangor, 04401 Bob Ruhlin, 18 Ellen Dr., Brewer, 04412 Glen Newcombe, RFD 1, Box 151, Bangor, 04401 George Burgoyne, 228 Center St., Bangor, 04401 Alternates: Mary Anne Turowski, P. O. Box 8191, Bangor, 04401 Lew Miller, 4 North Park St., Apt. 3, Bangor, 04401 Ed McCrae, 94 Congress St., Bangor, 04401 Joe St. Louis, RFD 2, Box 126, Carmel, 04419 Bonita Wight, RFD 2, Box 765, Hampden, 04444 Linda Soucie, Birch Hill Estates A2, Bangor, 04401 Tomi McLean, 162 Moosehead Blvd., Bangor, 04401 QUEEN CITY CHAPTER President: Robert Bryson, 167 Third St., Bangor, 04401 Delegate: Greta Davis, RD 1, Box 9, Bar Harbor, 04609 Alternate: John. DeFrancesco, Star Route, Box 9, Penobscot, 04476 ST. JOHN VALLEY President: Franklin Theriault, RFD 3, Box 1550, Fort Kent, 04743 Delegates: Bernard Nadeau, RFD 2, Box 654, Fort Kent, 04743 Laurina Albert, R2, Box 1222, Fort Kent, 04743 Alternates: Peter Jandreau, 20 Elm St., Fort Kent, 04743 Danny Pinette, P. O. Box 421, Fort Kent, 04743 SOUTHERN AROOSTOOK CHAPTER President: Steve Hynick, P. 0. Box 876, Houlton, 04730 Delegates: Bob Ritchwood, Rte. 1, Box 189, Houlton, 04730 Terry Tracy, R2, Box 25, Houlton, 04730 Ardean S. Black, General Delivery, Orient, 04471 Alternate: Dana Graham, RFD 2, Box 102, Houlton, 04730 WASHINGTON COUNTY CHAPTER President: Daniel Molinski, HCR 69, Box 110, E. Machias, 04630 Delegates: William Krider, Box 127a, Grove, Cooper, 04638 Gail Scott, RR 1, Box 101B, Columbia Fals, 04623 Billy Noyes, Town of Jonesboro, 04648 Howard Seavey, Box 708, Alexander, 04610 Gail Garnett, Box 77, Machias, 04654 Alternates: Dawnette Robbins, RR 1, Box 106, Columbia Falls, 04623 Karen White, 22 Gardner Ave., Machias, 04654 Frank Pennell, Town of Whitneyville, 04692 James Davis, Rte. 1, Box 95, Baileyville, 04694 Cheryl Childs, P. O. Box 18, E. Machias, 04630 LOCAL #1 STATE FIREFIGHTERS President: Greg Jordan, Waltham Rd., Box 80, Ellsworth, 04605 Delegate: Jerry West, RR 1, Box 196, Milbridge, 04685 AREA II AREA II SUPERVISORS CHAPTER President: Barry Newell, Rte. 17, Box 1110, Windsor, 04363 Delegates: Richard Gagnon, 14 Fairbanks St., Augusta, 04330 Peter Ault, RFD 1, Box 3480, Wayne, 04284 Brian Harris, (6 Greenwood Terrace, Winthrop, 04364 Alternates: Brenda Lewis, P. O. Box 51, So. Gardiner, 04359-0051 Bert Campbell, 690 Memorial Dr., Winthrop, 04364 Eugene Moreau, 33 Burke St., HaHowell, 04347

S e p te m b e r, 1 9 8 8

CAPITOL CHAPTER President: * Ron Mercier, 37 So. Belfast Ave., Augusta, 04330 Delegates: Prudence Nichols, 30-A Cedar St., Augusta, 04330 Rebecca Webster, Box 234, Belgrade Lakes, 04918 Brenda Kaler, RFD 5, Libby Hill Rd., Gardiner, 04345 Louise Hinkiey, RR 1, Box 277, Newcastle, 04553 Donna Doore, RFD 2, Box 1555, Augusta, 04330 Leslie Clark, RFD 1, Box 3290, Windsor, 04363 Sally Russell, Box 48, Coopers Mills, 04341 Loren Baker, 15 Columbia Rd., Waterville, 04901 Barbara Weeks, 26 Bowman St., Gardiner, 04345 Loyd Clark, RFD 1, Box 3290, Windsor, 04363 Alternates: Reno Blanchette, 48 State St., Augusta, 04330 Barry Cote, 26 Taylor St., Augusta, 04330 Phil Sevigny, RR 1, Box 2030, Augusta, 04330 Howard Thurston, Box 491, Skowhegan, 04976 Bob Russ, Pinehurst St., Augusta, 04330 CAPITOL-WESTERN CHAPTER President: Bob Rand, 9 Pike St., Augusta, 04330 Delegates: Marilyn Burgess, Rte. 1, Box 3670, Leeds, 04263 Sandy Picard, RR 1, Box 1679, No. Whitefield, 04363 Brad Ronco, RFD 1, Box 460, HaHowell, 04347 Joe Harakall, 36 Windy St., Augusta, 04330 Elizabeth Harper, P. O. Box 613, Augusta, 04330 EASTSIDE CHAPTER President: Cathleen Cotton, RFD 1, Box 785, Readfield, 04355 Delegates: Nancy Young, Box 2430, Windsor, 04363 Fred Lavallee, General Delivery, Readfield, 04355 Priscilla Bickford, 322 Maine Ave., Farmingdale, 04345 Scott Mason, RFD 1, Box 474, Coopers Mills, 04341 Alternates: Wally Pray, 48 Burke St., HaHowell, 04347 Jim Hynson, P. O. Box 253, So. Gardiner, 04359 Stan Johnson, Rte. 1, Box 955, Augusta, 04330 Linda Larrabee, 4-A Middle St., Winthrop, 04364 Robert Ballew, RFD 1, Box 2159, Bowdoinham, 04008 GRACE FOSTER CHAPTER (Augusta Mental Health Institute) President: Don LaBranche, 22 Kevin Rd., Lewiston, 04240 Treasurer: Joan Atwell, 80 Chapel St., Augusta, 04330 Delegates: Joan Atwell, 80 Chapel St., Augusta, 04330 Maria McDuffie, 15 Autumn St., Gardiner, 04345 Linda Quintal, P. O. Box 11012, Augusta, 04330 Muffie Sevigny, RR 1, Box 2030, Windsor, 04363 Mike Smith, 31 Barton Ave., Auburn, 04210 HILLTOP CHAPTER President: Brenda Clowes, 78 Bridge St., #4, No. Vassalboro, 04962 Delegates: Butch Beaulieu, P. O. Box 265, HaHowell, 04347 Kelly Webster, 52 Glen St., Augusta, 04330 Gail Chase, RFD 1, Box 1475, No. Vassalboro, 04962 Alternates: Linda Duffy, RFD 3, Box 826, Augusta, 04330 Cheryl Cloutier, RFD 1, Oakland, 04963 FRED HOLLINGDALE CHAPTER President: Janice Thomas, 6 Stoddard Lane, HaHowell, 04347 Delegates: Diane Crowley, RFD 1, Box 1589, HaHowell, 04347 Marc Gaudreau, 28 Munroe Lane, Topsham, 04086 Donna Gilbert, 420 Main Ave., HaHowell, 04347 Leonil Giroux, Jr., Rte. 4, Box 2580, Waterville, 04901 Madeline Genest, 9 Wabon St., Augusta, 04330 Marie Louise LaChance, 8 High Ridge Dr., Augusta, 04330 Loma Ulmer, 29 Closson St., Randolph, 04345 Alternate: Francis Vigue, 7 Albert Ave., Augusta, 04330 HOSPITAL STREET CHAPTER (Public Safety) President: Richard West, 70-22 Glenridge Dr., Augusta, 04330 Delegates: Ellen Gray, 40 Eastern Ave., Augusta, 04330 Jay Poor, RFD 1, Box 91, Coopers Mills 04341 Alternate: Sharon Carroll, 210 Central St., Gardiner, 04345 KENNEBEC #1 CHAPTER (Military Bureau) President: Cal Lawrence, RR 4, Box 7575, Gardiner, 04345 Delegates: Claustin Lawrence, Church Hill Rd., Augusta, 04330 David Rand, 7 Melville St., Augusta, 04330 Alternates: Richrd Dumas, 76 So. Belfast Ave., Augusta, 04330 Joan Paquette, 23 Elm St., Augusta, 04330 GEORGE LEADBETTER CHAPTER (Human Services) President: John Sendzik, RFD 1, Box 1915, Harmony, 04942 Delegates: Carol Fleury, RFD 2, Box 8340, Winthrop, 04364 Frank Kadi, 10 Howard St., Portland, 04101 Muriel Duplessis, 12 Mayflower Rd., Augusta, 04330 Carol Crane, P. O. Box 272, Gardiner, 04345 JoAnn Huwe, 15 Linwood Ave., Augusta, 04330 Becky Pike, RFD 7, Box 128, Augusta, 04330 Alternate: Lorelei Webber, RFD 3, Box 743, Bog Rd., Augusta, 04330 ...Continued on next page


S e p te m b e r, 1 9 8 8 ’8 8

M a in e S t a te r

D e l e g a t e s (Continuped6)rom

P age Seven I t ’s a v o t e

MESCO CHAPTER (Labor) President: Roberta Schmitt, P. O. Box 446, Winthrop, 04364-0446 Delegates: Charlie Picard, RR 1, Box 1679, No. Whitefield, 04353 Wendy Nelson, Rte. 1, Box 1644, Blaine Rd., Hallowell, 04347 Ken Bridges, 42 High Holborn St., Gardiner, 04345 Marie Lemieux, 11 Cherry St., Gardiner, 04345 FRANK MARSTON CHAPTER (Motor Transport) President: Roger White, RR 1, Box 166, Waldoboro, 04572 Delegates: Dale Linton, P. O. Box 185, Litchfield, 04350 Jeff Augsburger, RFD 2, Box 25, Litchfield, 04350 Gary Ronco, RFD 3, Box 4400, Oakland, 04963 Alternates: Ed Sliva, Box 87, Coopers Mills, 04341 Gerry Bechard, RR 3, Box 498, Augusta, 04330 KERMIT NICKERSON CHAPTER (Education) President: John Moran, P. O. Box 200, Readfield, 04355 Delegates: Leona Fletcher, RFD 3, Augusta, 04330 Linda Sawyer, 9 Highland Heights, Winthrop, 04364 Timothy Crockett, 5 Orchard St., Hallowell, 04347 Alternates: Clifford McHatten, RR 1, Box 1800, Winthrop, 04364 William Millar, RFD 1, Box 102, Harpswell, 04079 Edwin Kastock, Box 36, Tenants Harbor, 04860 FRANK ROBIE CHAPTER (Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages) President: George Dawbin, Jr., RFD 3, Box 1050, W. Gardiner, 04345 Delegate: Patricia St. Hilaire, RFD 3, Box 942A, Augusta, 04330 Alternate: Beverly Austin, P. O. Box 2464, Augusta, 04330 STATE STREET CHAPTER President: Roberta Lavallee, P. O. Box 54, So. Gardiner, 04359 Delegates: Jan Hanson, Box 13, Monmouth, 04259 Mary Niles, RFD 6, Box 285, Augusta, 04330 Barbara Seavey, 5 Meadowview Dr., Randolph, 04345 TRANSPORTATION CHAPTER Brad Sprague, 30 Murray St., Augusta, 04330 President: Beecher Whitcomb, RFD 6, Box 1342, Augusta, 04330 Delegates: Marilyn Whitcomb, RFD 6, Box 1342, Augusta, 04330 Carolyn Tozier, 16 Second St., Hallowell, 04347 Bruce Hodsdon, RFD 1, Box 1515, No. Monmouth, 04265 Carmen Laliberte, 14 High Ridge Dr., Augusta, 04330 Arthur Albin, RFD 1, Box 1160, Morrill, 04952 Ted Smith, RFD 2, Utchfield, 04350 Dick Marston, Richardson Rd., Hiram, 04041 Dick Trahey, 9 Highland Heights, Winthrop, 04364 Paul Jacobi, Dahlia Farm Rd., Box 2580, Monroe, 04951 Roger Madore, P. O. Box 2193, Augusta, 04330 Gary Callahan, P. O. Box 145, Windsor, 04363 Alternates: Doreen Lawson, 32 Sheldon St., Farmingdale, 04345 Jonathan Norburg, 125 Spring St., Gardiner, 04345 Nicholas Arkas, RFD 2, Box 444, Gardiner, 04345 Robert Dugal, Rte. 2, Box 6595, Winthrop, 04364 Bob Pray, Rte. 2, Box 260, Winthrop, 04364 Eino Leinonen, 40 Mayflower Rd., Augusta, 04330 Breena Bourgeois, General Delivery, Readfield, 04355 Timothy True, RFD 1, Box 161, Gardiner, 04345 249 WESTERN AVENUE CHAPTER President: Sharlene Maschino, Rte. 3, Box 3320, W. Gardiner, 04345 Delegate: Sue Beckwith, P. O. Box 282, Monmouth, 04259 AREA III AREA III SUPERVISORS CHAPTER President: Chris Crinion, 2B Meadowview Apts., Topsham, 04086 Delegate: Ed Cabral, 13 Lawrence Ave., Portland, 04103 Alternate: Rick Seferian, Fort Hill Rd., Gorham, 04038 CUMBERLAND CHAPTER President: David DiTomaso, 101 N. Raymond Rd., RFD 1, Gray, 04039 Delegates: Arthur Walsh, 194 Prospect St., Portland, 04103 Diane Hamilton, 275 Black Point Rd., Scarborough, 04074 Ed St. Michel, P. O. Box 31, Gray, 04039 Shirley Rosen, 11 Four Winds Rd., Portland, 04102 Wanda Pettersen, 9 Freeman St., Portland 04103 Scott Steitz, 9 Ponce St., Portland, 04101 John Veader, P. O. Box 524, Gray, 04039 Dois Hayes, 169 Lancaster St., Portland, 04101 Alternates: Rob Hinchey, P. O. Box 4563 DTS, Portland, 04112 Linda Doiron, 16 Oregon St., Portland, 04103 Susan St. Michel, P. O. Box 31, Gray, 04039 George Holmes, c/o Foster, 69 Brackett St., Westbrook, 04092 Dale Dorr, 366 Cottage Rd., Apt. 3, So. Portland, 04106 Roz Petrie, 72 Belfort St., Portland, 04103 Richard Petrie, 72 Belfort St., Portland, 04103 Leon Ouimet, 6 Maine Ave., Portland, 04103

ANDROSCOGGIN CHAPTER President: Wayne Hollingworth, RFD 3, Box 15, Freeport, 04032 Delegates: Rose Daigle, 27 Woodland Ave., Lisbon Falls, 04252 Carol Gould, 66 High St., So. Paris, 04281 Dick Clark, RFD 2, Box 50, Greene, 04236 Connie Suit, RFD 1, Box 470, Lisbon, 04250 Bob Colvin, 173 Warren Ave., Lewiston, 04240 Jack Decker, 35 Boston Ave., Lewiston, 04240 Matt Collins, 15 Old Lewiston Rd., Lewiston, 04240 Alternates: Beverly Cantin, 15 Spring St., Mexico, 04257 Lillian O’Brien, 68 Nichols St., Lewiston, 04240 Bob Bender, RFD 2, Box 208, Gardiner, 04345 Ann Lobacz, 197 College St., Lewiston, 04240 Olive Jasmin, P. O. Box 9, E. Wilton, 04234 ROBERT GRAHAM CHAPTER President: Richard McDonough, 18 Oxford St., Portland, 04101 Alternates: Frank Johnson, 62 Parrott St., So. Portland, 04106 Peter Sterling, P. O. Box 2382, So. Portland, 04106 Alfred McDonough, 173 Ocean St., So. Portland, 04106 HARBORSIDE CHAPTER President: Peggy Rice, RFD 1, Box 136, Lincolnville, 04849 Delegates: Marguerite Wilson, P. O. Box 492, Rockland, 04841 Karen Roberts, P. O. Box 492, Rockland, 04841 Alternates: Archie Higgins, P. O. Box 247, Tenants Harbor, 04860 Leland Perrigo, P. O. Box 1492, Rockland, 04841 LOCAL #5 (Lewiston City Employees) President: William Jones, #1 E. St., Norway, 04268 Delegates: Connie Levesque, 7 Dow Ave., Lewiston, 04240 Anita Dubois, P. O. Box 8240, Lewiston, 04240 Alternates: Gene Tardif, 7614 Androscoggin Ave., Lewiston, 04240 Gloria Johnson, 105 Pierce, Lewiston, 04240 MAINE CORRECTIONAL CENTER CHAPTER President: Lorraine Christensen, Arthur Dr., Box 495, Steep Falls, 04085 Delegate: Sue Deschambault, 9 Porter St., Biddeford, 04005 Alternate: John Hines, Box 2, West Poland, 04291 MAINE TURNPIKE AUTHORITY CHAPTER President: Linton Millett, 121 Maple Ave., Scarborough, 04074 Treasurer: Raymond Curtis, RR 2, Box 2400, Raymond, 04071 Delegates: Alan Rand, 47 Yarmouth Rd., Gray, 04039 Guy Savage, RFD 1, Box 165, Yarmouth, 04096 George Dennison, P. O. Box 586, Gray, 04039 Charles Knapp, 173 Weymouth Rd., Gray, 04039 Thomas Hayden, Star Route, Box 568, Steep Falls, 04085 Alternates: Gregory Sotir, P. O. Box 272, Saco, 04072 Robert Leighton, P. O. Box 297, No. Windham, 04062 Raymond Curtis, RR 2, Box 2400, Raymond, 04071 Linda Gallant, 16 Mussey St., Apt. 105, So. Portland, 04106-2107 ...Continued on p. 8


M a in e S t a te r

P a g e E ig h t ’8 8

D e le g a te s

S T ? )

KNOX-WALDO CHAPTER President: Dean Colby, P. O. Box 2, Brooks, 04921 Delegates: Lise Herold, 34 Church St., Belfast, 04915 Shirley Clark, P. O. Box 66, Belfast, 04915 Levi Walton, HCR 68, Box 76, Cushing, 04563 Beverly Smith, Mt. Ephraim Rd., Searsport, 04974 Phil Wolley, Knox Ave., Box 229, Searsport, 04974

MAINE YOUTH CENTER CHAPTER President: Linda Shipley, Box 53, Scarborough, 04074 Delegates: Chris McKinnon, P. O. Box 8813, Portland, 04101 Ernie Greene, 105 Brown St., Westbrook, 04092 Alternates: David Tiene, 15 Willard St., So. Portland, 04106 George Wilcox, 55 Spring St., Westbrook, 04092 MARINE PATROL CHAPTER President: Brian Norton, P. O. Box 2535, So. Portland, 04106 Delegate: Scott Worthing, 1 Ridge Rd., Brunswick, 04011 Alternate: Seth Higgins, P. O. Box 702, Rockland, 04841 MARINE RESOURCES CHAPTER President: Jerry Closson, Lobster Cove Rd., Boothbay Harbor, 04538 Delegate: Eileen Brewer, Lobster Cove Rd., Boothbay, 04538 OXFORD CHAPTER James Lowell, RFD 1, Box 440, Buckfield, 04220 President: John Brown, Box 185, Canton, 04221 Delegates: Tom Carter, P. O. Box 282, Bethel, 04217 John Day, RFD 1, Box 1251, Bethel, 04217 Ben Conant, 66 High St., So. Paris, 04281 Alternate: PORTLAND HUMAN SERVICES CHAPTER President: Janet Bernard, 106 Wainwright Circle, West. S. Portland, 04106 Delegates: Kathy Kadi, 10 Howard St., Portland, 04101 Donna Cote, RR 5, Box 5650, Windham, 04062 Alternates: Mary Arsenault, RR 2, Box 1273, Casco, 04015 Sharon Sherwood, 43 Garden Ave., Gorham, 04038 POWNAL CHAPTER President: Roger Irving, 46 Fisher Ave., Lewiston, 04240 Delegates: Camille St. Michel, P. O. Box 424, No. Windham, 04062 Dick Beal, P. O. Box 424, No. Windham, 04062 Jan St. Michel, P. O. Box 31, Gray, 04039 Ina Wing, RFD 1, Box 1441, Hebron, 04238 Frank Small, RFD 1, Box 708, Mechanic Falls, 04256 Jeannine Boulanger, 130 Bennett Ave., Auburn, 04210 Alternates: Audrey Doggett, P. O. Box 455, Gray, 04039 Julie Bakula, RR 1, Box 786, Casco, 04015 Dot Wood, Hunts Hill Rd., Gray, 04039 Pat Hill, RFD 1, Box 248, N. Gloucester, 04260 Bob Barton, P. O. Box 31, E. Poland, 04230 PRISON CHAPTER President: Mae Eischens, P. O. Box 223, Thomaston, 04861 Delegate: Cecelia Blake, Box 313, Friendship, 04547 Alternate: Liza Johnson, Ross Rd., Waldoboro, 04572 Dick Ames, Ship St. Cir., Thomaston, 04861 PROBATION-PAROLE CHAPTER Randy Brown, RFD 7, So. Belfast Ave., Augusta, 04330 President: Nancy Bouchard, MRB Box 239, Bangor, 04401 Delegates: Cathy Manchester, RR 1, Box 198, Bridgton, 04009 Merrilee Monks-Paine, P. O. Box 786, Auburn, 04210 Alternates: Dana Blackie, 10 Kathy Lane, Cumberland Center, 04021 SAGADAHOC-LINCOLN CHAPTER Gorham Lilly, Box 1570, Dresden, 04342 President Bob Galloupe, P. O. Box 681, Brunswick, 04011 Treasurer Pauline Briilant, 66 Union St., Brunswick, 04011 Delegates Steve Baker, RR 4, Box 9000, Gardiner, 04345 Ron Wright, RR 1, Box 331, Wiscasset, 04578 Bob Williams, P. O. Box 237, Topsham, 04086 Alternates: Bob Galloupe, P. O. Box 681, Brunswick, 04011 Howard Kaler, P. O. Box 204, Medomak, 04551 SOUTHERN MAINE DOT CHAPTER President: Neil Litchfield, P. O. Box 87, Moody, 04054 Delegates: Paul Curran, RFD 3, Box 310, Biddeford, 04005 Josephine Ledoux, RR 1, Box 3308, Kennebunk, 04043 Alternates: Harry Lawrence, P. O. Box 83, Scarborough, 04074 John Cunningham, 16 Royal Ave., Freeport, 04032 SOUTHERN MAINE P^O-TECH CHAPTER President: Guy Berthiume, Box 724, Gray, 04039 Delegates: Averin Huff, P. O. Box 10041, Portland, 04104 Gary Trusses, 67 MaSett Dr., Topeham, 04086 Alternates: Paul Verdi, 8 Murdock St., Augusta, 04330 Richard Cavanagh, RR 4, Box 4258, Freeport, 04032

S e p te m b e r, 1 9 8 8

YORK CHAPTER President: Gil Auger, 3 Avon St., Sanford, 04073 Delegates: Joe Littley, RFD, Cape Neddick, 03902 Jerold Gallant, 4 Short St., Old Orchard Beach, 04064 Carol Grenier, 24 Taylor St., Biddeford, 04005 Lorraine Belanger, RFD 3, Goodwin Acres, Biddeford, 04005 Alternates: Lee Gallant, 4 Short St., Old Orchard Beach, 04064 Donna Buono, Box 13, RFD 1, Springvale, 04083 Wendy O’Blenis, 17 Brookwest Dr., Westbrook, 04092 Sylia Neault, P. O. Box 591, Springvale, 04083 RETIREE CHAPTERS ANDROSCOGGIN VALLEY RETIREES CHAPTER (1987) President: Camille Carrier, 171 7th St., Auburn, 04210 Delegates: Merle Adams, 21 Huston Ave., Auburn 04210 Jackie Bilodeau, P. O. Box 119, Bath, 04530 FRED M. BERRY RETIREES CHAPTER NO. 1 President: John McCusker, 54-1 Glenridge Dr., Augusta, 04330 Delegates: Alix Caldwell, RR 2, Box 30, Wiscasset, 04578 George Dyer, 32 Smith St., Augusta, 04330 Joe Blais, 91 Mt. Vernon Ave., Augusta, 04330 Emily Goggin, RFD 1, Box 679, Gardiner, 04345 Theodozia Holeway, P. O. Box 125, N. Monmouth, 04265 Jorma Johnson, Box 165, Maranacook Rd., Winthrop, 04364 Carmen Cyr, Pine Hill 4-A, Gardiner, 04345 Lucy Lucier, 182 Capitol St., Augusta, 04330 Helen Cyr, 8 Hancock St., Augusta, 04330 Louis Poulin, 21 Smith St., Augusta, 04330 Polly Cathcart, 26 Pleasant St., Augusta, 04330 Pauline Ranslow, Rte. 2, Box 269A, Gardiner, 04345 Bunny Lambert, 86 No. Belfast Ave., Augusta, 04330 Dorothy LeMaster, R 1, Box 59, Monmouth, 04259 Alternates: Marguerite Crane, RR 1, Box 2710, Weeks Mills, 04361 Bea Adams, 22 Drew St., Augusta, 04330 Delmont Meader, RR 3, Box 300, Winslow, 04901 Winifred Keast, Rte. 1, Memorial Dr., Winthrop, 04364 Alphonse Kieltyka, 1 Tobey St., Augusta, 04330 FRED M. BERRY RETIREES NO. 3 CHAPTER President: Phil Goggins, Cross Point Rd., No. Edgecomb, 04556 Delegates: Frank Parker, P. 0. Box 384, Camden, 04843 Polly Lacross, 148 Broadway, Apt. 4, Rockland, 04841 Keith Bums, RR 1, Box 35, Nobleboro, 04555-960 DOWNEAST MSEA RETIREES CHAPTER President: Harold West, RFD 1, Box 274, Milbridge, 04658 Delegate: Eric Snowdeal, Town of Jonesboro, 04648 Alternate: Clifton Feeney, Town of Jonesboro, 04648 EASTERN MAINE RETIREES CHAPTER Delegates: Dave Allen, 14 Kell St., Orono, 04473 William Deering, 423 Hancock St., Bangor, 04401 Ada Fowler, 95 Hogan Rd., Bangor, 04401 Barbara Glidden, 724 Main Rd., Hampden, 04444 Frances Hopkins, 1083 Ohio St., Bangor, 04401 Mary Smith, Holiday Park Lot 451, Bangor, 04401 Alternates: Julie Fish, Box 85, Orrington, 04474 Betty Spruce, RFD 1, Box 291, E. Eddington, 04428 JAMES I. HOYT RETIREES NO. 4 CHAPTER President: Rufus Bernard, 51 Pioneer Ave., Caribou, 04736 Delegates: Herschel Good, RFD, Monticello, 04760 Martin Beaulieu, 22 School St., Madawaska, 04756 Gerald Chamberlain, P. O. Box 95, St. Agatha, 04772 Alternates: Harry Hallowell, RFD 1, Washburn, 04786 Wilfred Atkins, 15 Yale St., Presque Isle, 04769 MAINE STATE RETIREES OF SOUTHERN MAINE CHAPTER President: David S. Parker, Jr., 122 Christy Rd., Portland, 04103 Delegates: Margaret Anderson, Box 197, Hawthorne Dr., So. Windham, 04082 Wilfred Bernard, 88 Second Ave., Augusta, 04330 Helen Black, 178 Baxter Blvd., Portland, 04101 Stefania Holt, 21 Fessenden St., Portland, 04103 Elsie Lindblom, 91 Edwards St., Portland, 04102 ' Margaret MacDonald, 11 Shepley St., Portland, 04101 Marian Perkins, 60 Woodland Rd., Apt. E-9, Cape Elizabeth, 04107 Cornelia Sapiro, 356 Capisic St., Portland, 04103 Hyman Shepard, 469 Brighton Ave., Portland, 04103 Alternates: Barbara Bennett, 59 Colonial Village, Falmouth Foreside, 04105 John Caldwell, RR 2, Box 22, Wiscasset, 04578 Howard Lind, RR 1, Box 2553, Wells, 04578 Elizabeth Nieuwland, 113 Union Ave., Old Orchard Beach, 04064 May RobertieBo, 5 Marston St., W. Falmouth, 04105 Herbert Sanders, 10 Kirkland Ave., So. Portland, 04106 NORTHERN PENOBSCOT RETIREES CHAPTER President: Harold Kneeiand, Rte. 1, Box 20D, Passadumkeag, 04475 Delegate: Don McKenna, Rte. 4, Box 8210, Skowhegan, 04976 Alternate: John Pelletier. 126 Jefferson St., Old Town, 04468


S e p te m b e r, 1 9 8 8

H o w P a rt 2

P a g e N in e

M a in e S t a te r

o f th e

W

e

S e e

R e p o rt o n

O

S ta te

Editor’s Note: This is the second part of the MSEA Clerical Committee’s report on results of their 1987 survey of clerical work in Maine State Government. Part one was featured in the last issue of the Stater. Reclassification In the 1987-88 legislative session, we sponsored a successful bill to allow MSEA to negotiate over job standards for all classifications. This should at some point in time benefit us in producing a fairer compensation system. But this is a lengthy process and does nothing to address this concern immediately. Therefore, individual or class action reclassifica­ tions should stiil be attempted. Many clericals (36%) responding to our survey are aware that there is some sort of reclassification process, but many don’t know the exact procedure to follow. Some stated that their knowledge is mostly by word-of-mouth and they don’t have any real idea of what’s required to file for a “reclass”. 67% of our respondents have never filed for a reclass. A few of the mayor reasons include: lack of encouragement by management; intimidation (being threatened by a possible lowering of classification; and length of time and complexity of the process. Of those who had filed for a reclass, 53% were dissatisfied with the results. There were many reasons given for dissatisfaction, but the most recurring theme points toward a lack of interest on the part of state departments toward clerical employees. Examples of this include: being told not to do such a good job because it isn’t required; being told supervisory duties were needed to achieve a reclass; having duties routinely reassigned to deny employees the chance to benefit from a willingness to take on more responsibility. 61% of those surveyed reported they were given job descriptions. However, many had problems with them. Some were only given orally, some were ignored and many were outdated. One person wrote that “they’re not much good when they have the catch-all phrase ‘and other duties as assigned’.” Those who do not have job descriptions were often given some very creative reasons for that. Our Committee sees the need for training in personnel procedures, especially reclassification. And we feel clericals need to learn to generate their own strength and determination; we often seem to lack the patience and courage to see the process through to success. Many times clerical workers wait for the system to make things right. We need to learn how to use the system for the mutual benefit of the management and employees.

u r

J o b s

C le ric a l

E m p lo y e e s

Other Survey Results Stress at work is not limited to technical or professional positions. Clericals deal with stress on a daily basis. It can show itself in the form of physical or mental illness. Physical illness can be directly related to poor worksite ventilation and air quality, overcrowding and noisy conditions, and unclean, depressing work areas. Mental stress comes in the form of unrealistic workloads and deadlines, favoritism on the part of a supervisor, management’s view of clericals as being second-class employees, and not enough recognition for the amount or quality of work we do. The major areas of interest for benefits are still health, dental, and vision care benefits. New changes in Blue Cross/Blue Shield include the Maintenance Drug Program and the new Paid Prescription Plan. Recent changes in the dental plan include orthodontist coverage and increased coverage of existing dental benefits. Please contact your chapter leadership or the Bureau of Employee Health in Augusta for more information. Only 39% of clericals attend their MSEA chapter meetings. Of these who do, only 18% attend on a regular basis. Even though some may have valid reasons for not being able to attend, the majority expressed “no interest, no time or apathy” as the main reason for not attending. Lack of communication between membership and chapter leadership often is cited as a major reason for poor attendance. The only people being hurt by non-attendance are MSEA members themselves. Chapter meetings can be a very valuable source of information. Those responding were predominately females between the ages of 31 -40, married with 1-2 dependents and having a total family income of between $10,000-$20,000. This Committee learned a great deal from the survey which we plan to use throughout the next year. This information has also been passed on to other MSEA staff people and committees for use. There is much now being done to address several areas of concern covered in the survey; many issues we need to continue working on and some issues we still need to bring to the bargaining table. But it is still your responsibility to get information by attending chapter meetings, reading the Maine Stater and talking with MSEA chapter leaders. Find out what your union dues are doing for you! Be supportive of other clerical workers at your individual worksites, and during our next statewide bargaining. Twenty voices may be hard to hear, but two thousand voices can make a big difference. Please care enough!

O n e F o r B e tty To the Editor: I would like to personally thank MSEA and Betty Robinson for their outstanding work in winning my reclassification settlement. Betty is a true professional; she spent many long hours covering all the necessary bases. It was difficult to sort out the pieces since the original reclass dated back to 1981. Betty Robinson lined up all of her ducks and came out firing. MSEA should be proud of this special employee. Sincerely, Capt. Fred L. Upham P.S. Enclosed is a photo of my new boat purchased with part of my generous settlement. From left to right is retired Sgt. Dick Foye, Retired Deputy Warden Joe Smith and yours truly. Note the name of the craft, Betty I (“won"),

L E T T E R S t o T h e

E d i to r

The Maine Stater welcomes letters from MSEA members on issues of general concern to the mem­ bership!

L ik e s T h e Id e a To the Editor: SEIU affiliation. Great idea! Several years ago, when MSEA was still participating in the AFL7CIO Summer Institutes, I took part in the first discussion with Service Employees International Union (SEIU). I left that gathering feeling very positive, and thoroughly convinced that affiliation could be of great benefit to the members of MSEA. Up until the last Convention, little has happened to the idea. Now the study committee, appointed at the ’88 Convention, has made the same recommendation. Isay again, Great! SEIU affiliation can be a benefit to us. Be open-minded, and take an honest look. Sincerely, Bill Chellis Human Services Capitol-Westem Chapter

To MSEA: As the years have gone by and we have become accustomed to the state employees bargaining process, I have found that each year I use my Bargaining Agreement book more and more. It is especially helpful to have the salary increase schedule that is in the back of the book. Without that I would do a lot of guessing. There is one section, though, that I, for one, feel could be more precise. It is the “Holiday” section. It would be very helpful if the holidays were printed out in detail with the dates for each holiday for each year of the contract. In that way I would not have to guess which Monday Columbus Day was going to be observed, it would be printed in black and white in my contract book. Over the years there have been more “Monday” holidays, and then there have been “reconsidera­ tions” and the holiday date changed back to the original date. It can leave one in a state of confusion. (Suggestion: Put a holiday schedule in the back of the book along with the pay schedule.) Sincerely, Rose Parlin To MSEA: I wish to thank the MSEA Board of Directors for giving me the opportunity to attend Union Summer School. It was a great experience for me and I enjoyed every seminar and the fun times, even “thru” the heat wave. It has given me great insight into union work and procedure. Thank you so very much for a wonderfully great weekend in spite of the heat and humidity over which I know you had no control! Sincerely, Olive Jasmin W h e re A re T h e B o y s ? To the Editor: When reading the list of scholarships awarded by the union I was reminded what Everett V. Perkins said when announcing the highest ranking students of the Cony class of 1940, girls of course, quote “What’s the matter with us boys.” It’s unfortunate indeed that a no higher than twenty percent participation in the winning column of the union’s selection are boys which should tell us something although I am not sure what. Vaughn W. Peaslee, Sr. Somerville, Maine D.O.T. Retired


M a in e S t a t e r

P ag e T en

S e p te m b e r, 1 9 8 8

M SEA B u d g e t, P a rt IV C o l l e c t i v e

B

a r g a i n i n g

About 13% of MSEA’s operating budget goes toward collective bargaining services for our membership — 52$ from each member’s weekly dues. We now represent thirteen bargaining units in Maine, with the prospect of new new units covering employees at Maine Maritime Academy. Inevitably, collective bargaining’s share of the yearly budget is bound to increase. Bargaining for contracts, as most members know, is the essential dynamic of labor relations in Maine’s public sector since passage of the 1974 bargaining law. Negotiation over wages, hours, and working conditions for thousands of different kinds of public employees can be a long and complex process. MSEA has been in bargaining struggles in the past; we will be heavily involved in bargaining the coming year. The direct result for members has been a significant improvement in pay and benefits in the last decade. Many new benefit areas have opened up (such as child care and flex-time) and there is greater employee participation than ever in determining the development of public employment. Chief Negotiator Stephen Leech heads the union’s collective bargaining staff. He also serves as one of MSEA’s two Associate Executive Directors (the other is Legislative Affairs Director John Lemieux). Assistant Negotiator Chuck Hillier and Research Analyst Steven Butterfield round out the professional staff; Carl Wilson is their Staff Assistant. Staff Assistant Missy Fellows also works part-time for the collective bargaining staff, though most of her duties are with the staff’s legal services. In an interview with the Stater, the MSEA’s bargaining staff offered their personal perspective of their work. Steve Leech: “We’re responsible for coordinating the bargaining process at MSEA: working with employee team members, helping with the creation of proposals, developing strategy. As Chief Negotiator, I act as spokesperson ai the bargaining tabie. Collectively, we put together resources, set up bargaining meetings, and develop the public relations needed for negotiation. “This department also serves as the chief spokesper­ son for the union coalition formed in the last year-and-a-half for compensation bargaining with the State — developing a new pay system for state employee members. “We also act as liaisons for various labor/management committees resulting from contract agreements. “MSEA’s bargaining committees are made up of employees who have full authority to develop their own proposals for bargaining. We serve as advisors to that committee, and provide training and orientation for bargaining team members.” Chuck Hillier “Ifulfill the chief spokesperson’s role for several of MSEA’s smaller bargaining units, and do much of the mid-term negotiating that comes up — such as recent teacher pay talks mandated by the Legislature, department reorganization issues, and recruitment and retention stipends for state employees. “Generally, I do the talking at the table. I get instructions from and give advice to team members in closed session. Recently, we’ve had good teams come together and gotten some good agreements. There are always competing interests, but it’s remarkable to me how team members set aside their personal and parochial interests and work for the benefit of the whole group they represent. Steve Butterfield: “My job is to provide research support for all bargaining units, including gathering statistical and general information from other organiza­ tions in the area or nationwide in support of MSEA proposals in negotiations. I also plan to computerize our research techniques to develop a solid research base for the union. “One of my jobs is to sit at the bargaining table with the teams during talks and be ready to deal with sudden proposal changes and the need for information. “I also serve as staff liaison to MSEA’s clerical labor/management committee." Chuck Hillier: “One of the things about research: if the process at the table breaks down, research becomes central to the impasse procedures — fact-finding and arbitration — which follow.”

S t a f f :

G

e t t i n g

G

o o d

C

o n t r a c t s

t h e

T o p

G o a l

Chief Negotiator Stephen Leech, Chuck Hillier, Steve Butterfield and Carol Wilson.

negotiated over the next 12-month period. Combining that with mid-term bargaining, labor-management initia­ tives and never-ending contract interpretation battles, and MSEA and the Collective Bargaining/Research staff face a chalenge never before encountered. “While this in one respect is a satisfying consequence of progress and growth, I must also point out that we have requested and are now being provided assistance from the Service Employees International Union’s research and collective bargaining negotiations depart­ ment. Their scope and experience is a national one and their resources are outstanding. Such assistance should be invaluable in providing some measure of relief for a soon-to-be overtaxed MSEA staff and in supplementing the quality of our collective bargaining effort during the coming year.”

Carol Wilson: “ As staff assistant, I organize meetings and attend them, and take care of the clerical end of putting together bargaining demand packages. I type the settled contracts. And I handle correspondence and communicate with team members on a regular basis.” Steve Leech: “Carol is also setting up a computerized filing system for all our Maine Labor Relations Board and arbitration cases. So many of those have an impact on bargaining, dictating the need to modify contract language or defend against management counterpropo­ sals. “I’d like to add some comments. When collective bargaining began, MSEA negotiated for seven bargaining units — five state and two Turnpike. Now the number of units will stand at fifteen, and all fifteen will need to be

H o w

W A

e e k l y

l l o c a t e d

M in

e m M

b e r s h i p

D

u e s

A

r e

S E A ’s

B u d g e t Membership Activities Overhead $1-13 Convention Chapter Allotments MSEACommittees Directors Expenses Field Services $1 $0.10 Operating Reserve Fund

Field Services $1

$0.16 Legislation $0.18 Public Relations $0.22 Education &Training Legal Services $0.64 $0.52

o lle c tiv e Labor/Management Research

B a rg a in in g


S e p te m b e r, 1 9 8 8

P r e - R

P a g e E le v e n

M a in e S t a te r

e t i r e m

e n t

P r o g r a m S e t

F o r

T h r e e

L o c a t i o n s

T h i s

F a ll

Following the successful pilot pre-retirement program sponsored by MSEA and the state’s Bureau of Employee Health this summer in Augusta, further programs have been organized for Maine public employees and their spouses this fall. (See schedule below). The pre-retirement program is designed for those planning to retire within the next five years. Spouses are encouraged to join those who sign up for each of the five two-hour sessions, which are designed for about 50 people. A sample of topics covered: Personal Financial Planning; Legal Affairs and Estate Planning; Working Options; Meaningful Use of Time; and Housing and Lifestyle, among others. Sign-up for each program is limited! Contact MSEA if you wish to participate in future pre-retirement sessions.

Retirees Steering Committee meets SEIU representa­ tives: On August 15, a special gathering of the MSEA Retirees Steering Committee listened to presentations by MSEA leaders and Service Employees International Union staff on the affiliation proposal to be voted on at the fall Convention. President Jim Webster and Executive Director Phil Merrill

P re -R e tire m e n t P ro g ra m

reviewed the MSEA Affiliation Committee’s recommenda­ tions and potential benefits of affiliation for both active and retiree members. SEIU Organizer Andy Stern and Education Director Pat Thomas, who also oversees SEIU’s Retiree Program, provided the Steering Committee with information on how SEIU works and goals it has for developing its retiree membership nationwide.

F a ll S c h e d u le * Dates; Time: Place:

Augusta Sept. 27, Oct. 4, 11, 18 & 25 7:00 p.m. So. Parish Church, Church St.

Dates: Time: Place:

Bangor Sept. 29, Oct. 6, 13, 20 & 27 7:00 p.m. Elks Lodge, 108 Odlin Road

Dates: Time: Place:

E y e

In

*A Presqua Isle program will be set up if there is a significant showing of interest.

C r e w

M

e m

b e r s

One basic reason unions exist is to protect employees from retaliation by a superior if they voice a complaint about their working conditions. That protection is especially important when health and safety on the job is the issue. This July 25, arbitrator Timothy Buckalew ruled that the Maine Department of Transportation violated the contract when it laid off four seasonal bridge maintenance workers two of whom were part of a crew which complained about unsafe use of sandblasting equipment during highway bridge work. He ordered that the grievants be made whole for lost wages and benefits. The case first came up when the New Limerick DOT bridge crew was assigned work sandblasting and painting bridges in° the summer of 1986. Long concerned about the safety of sandblasting and lack of proper training in use of equipment, crew members strongly complained to the division Bridge Maintenance Manager after one seasonal employee got sick from breathing dust produced by the sandblaster. (Sandblasting uses silica sand. Inhalation of silica dust can cause shortness of breath, lung scarring, and a progressive disease called silicosis if there is prolonged overexposure). The Bridge Maintenance Manager felt the work wasn’t dangerous. After discovering safety information warning employees about the dangers of working with sandblasting material

D is c o u n t

B a n g o r

McGary Vision Center in Bangor is offering discounts to MSEA members and their families. • 15% discount on a set of lenses purchased separately. • 15% discount on lenses and frames purchased together. • $45 for a pair of OSHA standard safety glasses, single vision with frame. McGary Vision Center 674 Mount Hope Avenue Bangor, Maine 947-3718

So. Portland Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25 & Nov. 1 7:00 p.m. Jewett Machine Tool Auditorium SMVTI, Fort Road

D O T

G la s s e s

W

in

B a c k

P a y

f o r

R

sitting on the New Limerick DOT office shelf, crew members contacted the State safety and health office (OSHA). OSHA conducted a worksite inspection, later issuing a complaint against DOT for not warning employees about the dangers of silica dust or training them properly in use of respirators while sandblasting. At the same time, a DOT health and safety official also visited the worksite. After watching the sandblasting operating and seeing “housekeeping problems”, he told the crew to stop sandblasting until the problems were corrected. But the division Bridge Maintenance Manager threatened to lay off members of the crew if they weren’t sandblasting. Crew members contacted a local television station, which did a news story on the crew’s belief that the sandblasting operation was unsafe. Calling the TV story a “dirty trick”, the Bridge Maintenance Manager laid off two seasonal workers in the New Limerick crew. He also told the nearby Presque Isle bridge crew to stop sandblasting, laying off two seasonal workers there as well. In the grievance that followed, MSEA argued that the employees had been laid off in retaliation for complaining about unsafe working conditions. None of the seasonal workers laid off, the union noted, had received training in

e t a l i a t o r y

L a y o f f

sandblasting safety, nor had they been told about the dangers of working with silica sand. The union further presented testimony that during that time there was “sufficient work to keep a full crew occupied” at both the New Limerick and Presque Isle worksites. In his decision, the arbitrator cited the MSEA contract’s Non-Discrimination article, saying that it clearly protected bargaining unit employees against discrimination for filing safety and health complaints or otherwise lawfully asserting their right to a safe and healthy workplace.” Evidence presented showed, he said, that the issue of sandblasting safety “had boiled for some time” in the New Limerick crew, blowing up when the crew passed over the Bridge Maintenance Manager’s head and contacted the State OSHA office and the TV station. “The evidence supports the conclusion that hostility and anger, and not reason and business judgment, were the principal motivating factors in the layoffs,” the arbitrator said. The desire to avoid dealing with the New Limerick crew’s underlying safety complaints, real or imagined, seems to have played a major role in discontinuing the sandblasting operations.” If those operations were unsafe as claimed by the employees, said the arbitrator, then “they had a right to complain to protect themselves.”


Page Twelve

September, 1988

Maine Stater

Summer’s Over, School’s Out

The Sixth Summer Institute for Public Sector Unionists took place at the University of Southern Maine, Gorham Campus during the last three days of July. Co-sponsored by MSEA, SEA of New Hampshire and Vermont SEA, the Institute drew a aood crowd of experienced and new union activists for three days of leadership training and union education. Rated highest by participants were the “Understanding Handicap/Minority Issues” workshop, led by Ron Hanson of Maine’s Bureau of Rehabilitation, and a presentation on health and safety by veteran “summer school” instructor Dennis Martino from SEA of New Hampshire’s Staff.

Who’s In Charge MSEA’s Organization Review Committee is sponsoring a crossword puzzle contest in this issue of the Ststsr. Clues are provided for MSEA leadership names found in the puzzle below. Members are encouraged to complete the puzzle and send it to MSEA Headquarters with name and address. Five winners drawn at random from submissions will receive $10 each. Of those five, one name randomly drawn will win an

ali-expense-Daid -nd L, m o at the Sameset Report in Rockport (during the November 4-5 MSEA Convention). if the response is good, the Committee will design further puzzles about MSEA and union activities! Officers and Board members may not participate and anyone already attending the Convention in an official capacity will not be included in the final drawing.)

MSEA Leadership

Across Clues 2. Area III Director 7. Area II Director 8. Treasurer 9. Vice President 12. Area III Director 13. Area III Director 15. Area II Director 16. President

Down Clues 1. Area I Director 3. Secretary 4. Area II Director 5. Area I Director 6. Area I Director 10. Area III Director 11. Area II Director 14. Area I Director


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.