Our New Collective Bargaining Agreement

Now that the contract is ratified let's take a look at some of the changes that were made with regard to vacations. The text in BLUE is the new language in each section.
 

ARTICLE X Vacations
Section 5. Vacation Schedules

Subject to Section 6 and the Employer's operating needs, vacations shall be scheduled as requested by the employee in writing. The Employer shall respond to vacation requests within five (5) work days. Where current practice provides for a quicker response, such practice shall continue. Once scheduled vacation is approved it will only be canceled if the Employer's operating needs require that employee's services. The necessity of an overtime assignment shall not be a consideration in the cancellation of approved vacation. Employees selected for promotion shall not have scheduled vacation time cancelled solely due to the promotion. In any event, upon request, vacation time must be scheduled so that it may be taken no later than twenty-four (24) months after the expiration of the calendar year in which such vacation time was earned. If an employee does not
request and take accrued vacation within such twenty-four (24) month period, vacation earned during such calendar year shall be lost. Except that the period of time an employee is on an approved leave of absence pursuant to Article XXIII, Leaves of Absence, shall not count toward the twenty-four-month period.

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So what does that mean? This was a huge pick up for us. This means that once you have had a leave request approved either by the annual schedule of vacations by seniority or another request submitted after the seniority based period no longer applies, if you promote to a different position you will not lose the vacation request you were granted.

 

Previously if you were granted a vacation request in your current position but then accepted promotion, you might not get that request honored in your new position, now you will.

 

Contract Books

We are still waiting for the new contract books to be printed. Rest assured, that as soon as we know something we will let you all know!

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Attention Golfers: AFSCME Golf Outing!

Once again this year we will be participating in the AFSCME Golf Outing to benefit the Autism program at Kreider Services. Those of you who have participated in the past know what a fun outing this is. Our local will be sponsoring up to 10 teams of four players each. To sign your team up please send the names of your team members to Alice Sutherland at presidentafscmelocal448@gmail.com ASAP. Slots fill up fast and are on a first-come first-served basis. Last year this event sold out so don’t wait to sign up!

 

This year's golf outing will be held on Saturday May 11 at Silver Ridge Golf Course (3069 North. Hill Road, Oregon) with a 10 a.m. shotgun start. Registration starts at 9 a.m.

 

If you want to golf but don't have a team, sign up and we will find you a team!

 

International Convention 

The AFSCME International Convention will be held this year the week of August 11th through August 17th in Los Angeles, California. Start thinking about if you would like to attend this convention. Elections for Delegates, Alternates, and Guests will be at an in-person membership meeting which will be held either May 2, 2024 or June 6, 2024 depending on when we get the convention call.
 

Those elected to represent our local will be paid 37.5 hours lost wages for Monday through Friday provided you attend all convention sessions and required workshops.
 

Transportation and hotel expenses will be covered by the local and members will be paid per diem for each day of travel.
 

Keep your eyes peeled for more information in the upcoming months.

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