- ISD personal use of Internet policy change: As you may have seen in an email from ISD Management (3/17/2022), the agency has implemented a temporary policy to prevent cyber-attacks and phishing attempts. Until further notice, personal use of the Internet typically allowed by policy during breaks and lunch is suspended as a precaution and risk mitigation. This includes personal use of an agency web browser or utilizing the guest Wi-Fi with personal devices. Business use is not limited. You are still allowed to access local109.seiu503.org or SEIU503.org to view ODFW/Union related business during breaks and lunch. Our stewards can attest that misuse of the internet is one of the most common policies leading to employee disciplines, including both letters of reprimand and pay reductions. Remember, the agency can see everything you do on your computer, which includes your time-stamped web browser history. The Agency also has the right to review your computer use at any time without notice.
- Remote Work Grievance update: We continue to work on ensuring employees have access to the new telework language withing out contract. On March 23, we presented the cases for three separate grievances filed on the 19th on behalf of the Project Management Office, ISD Application Development Office, and all represented employees, respectively. We anticipate they may be elevated to DAS, at which point we strongly encourage people to provide their denials and testimony. Article 138 grievances cannot be sent to arbitration, so we must present a strong case to DAS. If we move to DAS, we encourage staff affected to consider adding themselves to the statewide grievance non-anonymously, although it is not a requirement.
- 2022 ODFW Local 109 Election March 29-Apr. 19: Election will be via electronic ballot sent to the email SEIU503 has on file. You should receive the email ballot on March 29. Thankyou everyone for supporting our candidate night, if you missed it, here is the candidate list you will see on the ballot- President: Michelle Jones, Chief Steward: Micki Varney and Eric Ollerenshaw, Bargaining Delegates: Angela Ward, Steve Emerson and Darlene Sprecher (write in), Secretary: Steve Emerson, Vice President: Angela Ward, General Council: Chris Rodriguez and Darlene Sprecher. There will also be a place to write in a member you want to elect.
- PEBB COVID 80 Hour Rule Ending: For any employees that are currently benefit eligible and covered due to COVID (for example they got long COVID and couldn’t work) their coverage will end April 30th unless they work 80 hours or more during the month of April. If they work at least 80 hours in the month of April, their coverage will continue through May. If they don’t work at least 80 hours in the month of April, their coverage will end April 30th. Their benefit termination will be processed in the system and BHS will be notified to send them a COBRA packet. Additionally - if someone is protected by FMLA, the 80 hour rule doesn't apply. For example, if someone is covered under FMLA in April and doesn't meet the 80 hours, their health care benefits are protected under the law, which highlights the importance of FMLA - to protect people's employment and their benefits
- Why Join/Have A Union-Types of paid leave available. Vacation Leave, after 6 months of service you have the ability to take time off (seasonal and permanent employees). Personal Leave, after 6 months of service employee shall be entitled up to 24 hours per fiscal year (Jul 1-June 30), pro-rated for part time and seasonal employees. This leave can be used by employee for any purpose and may be taken at times mutually agreeable to agency and employee. Compensatory Time Off, you can use this if you chose to collect comp time instead of cash when working over 40 hours. This leave can be used anytime, subject to operating requirements of the Agency. Things such as Personal Business being increased, paid time to attend retirement sessions, and additional leave after 25 years of service are examples that were brought forward by members. Without membership support/ideas we would still be at previous management rules/policies. (cap monthly vac. after 20 years of service, 2 days Personal Bus, no cash for working over 40 hours, use own leave when attending retirement sessions)
Want to hear more details about what your union is up to or speak with Leadership, join our next membership conference call scheduled for Tuesday, April 12, noon-1pm. Watch for an email invite in your state inbox a day or two before the meeting.
Solidarity,
SEIU 503/ODFW Sub-Local 109
