September 2007

Volume 2 Issue 22

FROM THE WORKSITES:

o       Congratulations to all the 2007 student graduates!  The Classified members were invited to march in the 2007 Graduation Ceremonies at Valley, Trade, City, Pierce, and Mission.

o       Mission College celebrated Classified Recognition by an awards ceremony.

o       Valley College also recognized their Classified Staff-Administrators took the time to show their appreciation for classified by preparing a luncheon.

o       Staff Guild’s Retiree Chapter showed their solidarity by attending the Health Care Rally on August 11 in Los Angeles. 

STAFF GUILD HIGHLIGHTS:

o       Staff Guild Quarterly Leadership Training:  Members of the Executive Board have been attending quarterly training sessions to enhance overall representation of our members.  Incoming Chancellor, Dr. Mark Drummond, attended the August training session and listened to our concerns. A dialogue between Executive Board Members and the Chancellor was very productive. We look forward to working with the Chancellor and improving labor management relationships.

o       Annual Staff Guild 1521A Membership Meeting:  The meeting is scheduled for Saturday, September 15, 2007 8:30 am to 11:30 am at the Los Angeles Wilshire Grand Hotel; This year’s theme is “Union Voices:  Strengthening Our Profession.”  All members and their families are invited to attend.

o       2007 Salary Reopeners:  The AFT Staff Guild and the District have met to negotiate on August 20 and September 10.  We will keep you informed of the progress.

o       Union Dues/Fees: The pass through amount as part of union dues/fees is calculated over 10 months so no deductions are taken out during the summer. The pass-through deductions will resume in September with an increase from $19.55 to $20.86 monthly. That amount is in addition to 1% of gross salary. 

o       Labor Day Rally: The Staff Guild would like to thank the members who participated in the Labor Day Parade/Rally in Wilmington on September 3.  The AFT team designed and built a parade float, marched and distributed “goodies” in the parade. The dedicated volunteer members and families who demonstrated 1521A solidarity are:  Mike Romo, Dorothy Mundt, Velma Butler and her family, Mariam Murray, Marchand Russell, Rosemary Taylor and Mary VanGinkle.  It was a success because of the active role of our union members and leadership.

  o       Personnel Commissioner: Staff Guild would like to welcome the new Personnel Commissioner, Henry Jones. Mr. Jones will be replacing Dr. Calvin Hall who has retired.  

o       Rocky Young Scholarship Fund: The Staff Guild has contributed to the Rocky Young Scholarship Fund which was created as a legacy to the outgoing Chancellor. The Scholarship Fund was established to provide financial assistance to LACCD students.  

AROUND THE DISTRICT:  

o       The Joint Labor/Management Benefits Committee (JLMBC) Rocks!  The Committee worked diligently to reduce the overall increase in our health benefits to 7% verses the state-wide increase showing double digits-Good Job!  

o       Health Benefits Annual Enrollment: The enrollment for active full-time employees is November 1 through November 30.  Active full time employees will be enrolling online via the District’s intranet.  District retirees will continue to enroll through enrollment packets mailed to them.

UP & DOWN THE STATE:

The program outlines political speakers, general sessions and workshops which include workers rights, classified power, safety at work and professional growth and career ladders.

o       State Budget-California State Budget has passed; COLA this year is at 4.53%.   COLA is a negotiated item, not automatic.  Your negotiating team is working hard to finalize negotiations as soon as possible.

   23^RD ANNUAL AIDS WALK LOS ANGELES, Sunday, October 21,

 2007 – West Hollywood To register for the walk or sign up as a sponsor for the LACCD Team (#1338) go to:http:/www.aidswalklosangeles.org/losangeles/index.html. 

opeiu:537 afl-cio/smHot off the Press 9/14/07