November 13, 2001
Dear: This letter is addressed to all non-members of Chapter 21
Your co-workers are requesting that you become a member of OSEA Chapter.
Why? You are facing contract negotiations that require strong member representation. The District sees OSEA Chapter 21 – your union - as weak due to low membership. Increased membership means – in the eyes of the District – that Roseburg classified employees care for and support important contract proposals now being negotiated.
Here are the facts: 128 members support the representation costs of 325 employees.
As an employee who does not pay dues, do you know that you benefit by the work and financial contributions of your co-workers who do pay union dues? Right now OSEA Chapter 21 is bargaining for the following contract language and improvements:
ü Improved Transfer, “ working out-of-range”, layoff, and “bumping” rights language
ü Ability to accrue vacation from one year to the next
ü Restrictions on how long temporary positions can last
ü The right to request that derogatory materials be removed from personnel files
ü Respectable wage increases
ü An additional longevity step
ü Grievance rights comparable to those of the teachers
ü Fair share language
ü Improved, “family-friendly” sick leave language
The District is currently rejecting several of these critical proposals. We have made some progress, but it will be hard to win any significant wage increases and improvements if we can’t show the district and community that a majority of classified employees support their union.
Here’s what we need: Everyone to pay their portion and join other employees who pay dues and are working hard for improvements in working conditions and contract advancements.
OSEA makes it easy for you to pay dues. We provide a sliding dues schedule based on level of income earned. OSEA has many members who work 4 hours or less and still contribute financially to their representation. When you don’t work you don’t pay dues. OSEA still guarantees you continued representation during the summer months.
Please request a membership card from your local officers.
OSEA is a member run union. From chapter executive committees to the State Board.
OSEA has specialized in representing classified employees in Oregon since 1938.
OSEA has won more working rights for classified employees than any other union in Oregon.
OSEA protects the job security of classified employees better than any other union in Oregon.
OSEA has professional staff who specialize in representing only classified employees.
OSEA members have the final word regarding representation issues
OSEA has developed education and training programs for over 60 years, directed at the needs, issues and interests of classified employees.
OSEA provides a Government Relations Program that effectively lobbies legislation for only classified employees.
OSEA has professional staff who have had careers as classified employees and understand the representational needs of classified employees.
OSEA has state leadership that promotes effective local representation, bargaining, contract maintenance, political effectiveness, security and benefits for its members.
The Bottom Line: No Other Union In Oregon ;
Has a better record serving classified employees than OSEA.
Has better resources directed toward classified employees than OSEA.
Has more political power to pass legislation for classified employees than OSEA.
Has professional staff that are prepared and dedicated to serving classified employees than OSEA.