OSEA Chapter 600 - Lane County Head Start

Minutes (unapproved) OSEA Chapter 600 Meeting

January 26, 2004

1146 W 7th, Eugene

Chair: Wanda Gledhill

Officers Present: Wanda Gledhill, Chava Kronen, David Neubauer, Blake Gledhill.

Officers Absent: None.

Call to order: 6:00 PM

OSEA Staff present:

Field Representative: Marilyn Thielke

State Representative: Merlene Martin

Director of Field Operations: Victor Musial

Wanda called the meeting to order.

Minutes: December and October Minutes were distributed, reviewed, and approved. Some discussion on whether or not minutes should include a list of all who attended. For now, we will use the sign in sheet.

Treasury Report: Beginning balance…$442.78; No expences. Income: $37.00. Ending balance…$471.78.

Motion: Blake proposed that Chapter Dues be deposited using Direct Deposit, saving two steps.

Amber Booth seconded. Motion passed.

Agenda:

1). Fair Share Update:

Victor: (briefly reviewed history up to the present). Last we heard, The petitioner against Fair Share had filed 5 objections with the NLRB, attempting to overturn the election (in which Fair Share won). The NLRB held a hearing. Wanda, OSEA Staff, and the Petitioner attended the hearing. Two of the charges were dropped. The other three were discussed; testimony was given.

Victor read the NLRB’s Hearing Officer’s recommendation that the three remaining objections did not constitute election interference and should be overruled. The petitioner, with legal help, could file appeals, (called “exceptions”), but OSEA Staff felt reasonably confident that we should have the Fair Share Election certified by March! (A cheer rose up from the crowd.)

Discussion followed. Marilyn asked if that would include the 50 cent Chapter dues portion. Victor said Yes.

2). Newsletter/ web page update:

David spoke with Glen, OSEA’s technical Web Page Computer Guy, and David should soon be able to post stuff on the Web Page, once some new software has been installed at OSEA's field office, if OSEA allows that. Victor indicated that was fine. For now, Glen has offered to post stuff for us. Some discussion re: the newsletter followed. Thanks to Wilbur for the labeling work, and thanks to Wanda, Blake, and Marilyn for their help as well.

3). OSEA’s Annual Conference:

On June 24th and 25th, at the Holiday Inn, at the Portland Airport, OSEA will have their annual conference. Wanda highly recommended it to folks, “if you want to see real Democracy in action.” ( Discussion followed.)

Motion: Chava made a motion to reserve two rooms for Chapter 600. Blake seconded. Motion passed Blake will follow up, as treasurer. ( Discussion on resolutions; deadline soon; Wilbur may introduce one.)

4). Event Report:

Chava discussed how to file, etc. Victor said that the Event Report is an investigatory tool for the Union, and will not be seen by management. Marilyn recommended that the Executive Board look at the reports as they come in. (Discussion followed.) Victor said that OSEA is now considering recommending that chapters follow a “Steward’s Model,” which is a more traditional Union model. (More Discussion.) Note: attend OSEA’s Stewardship training coming up this Spring .

5). Bus monitoring Report:

Delores Chasco and Donna Chase reported that most folks strongly agree that having bus monitors is important, but there have been challenges, including inconsistent hours, and, Doe (Delores) said, ironically, the “reprieve” has actually added more chaos. Others chimed in the discussion: some reported reduced hours, increased hours, a hodgepodge of wages, (not on the Wage Schedule), Workman’s Comp claims, and many people working way outside their job descriptions. Some of these events appear to go against our Labor Contract, and OSEA staff indicated it appears that Marilyn may have to “demand to bargain” with management. Marilyn will send the letter.

Following up on the injury concern, Blake said the Safety Committee had Sam ride the bus, and she did find the seats “uncomfortable.”

Chava read a directive from Karen Hamilton. (Discussion followed). Several folks reported that the administation refused to listen to people’s concerns. Many felt the Associate Teachers are being “pulled in too many directions”. There appeared to be a solid consensus that in the future we need to get some Contract Language protecting people from “working out of range.”

Meeting Adjourned at 7:20


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