Issue # 30: February 28, 2023
Update from the President
Frankie Cocanour (2022-2024 Term)
Huge Thank You!
I would personally like to thank our Public Safety Officers who put their personal safety to the side to go into building one where we had reports of a gunman. It is amazing to me that there are people that run headlong into possible danger to save others. Had there been a real gunman I am positive that your actions would have saved many lives that day.
I would also like to thank all of our Public Safety Officers that were on duty during the lockdown and after the lockdown. Almost everyone’s nerves were fried and we needed to take time to process what had just happened. While we all did that all of you continued to work and make sure that our safety was taken care of.
I would also like to thank all of our classified employees who worked the next day while the majority of us had the time off. These were the departments where employees were working, part of our FMP, Custodial Services, Public Safety, The Online Student Hub, and the Mental Health & Wellness Center.
Bargaining:
We are setting dates to begin bargaining. We will update you when we have the dates finalized. We are hoping to have a ton of observers. Please fill out the bargaining survey. The more people that take the survey the better. It’s important for us to know what matters the most to everyone.
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Announcements and Reminders
DON’T FORGET TO WEAR RED ON WEDNESDAYS!
Bargaining 2023
Bargaining Survey Bargaining Survey 2/28/2023
Newsletter Feedback
We want to hear from you! Please take a few minutes to give us your feedback on our Weekly Newsletter. Newsletter Feedback Survey Goggle Form
Vice President of Labor Relations
Buck Potter (2022-2023 Term)
Good Morning members!! I just got back from a security and locksmith conference in California, and I heard a lot of colleagues in the private sector saying that they wish they could in a Union based situation. There is the Associated Locksmiths of America, which helps with training, certification and networking within the Union. I’m hoping in the next couple years to become a member of ALOA, and further network with more colleagues who believe in standing Union Strong.
I will have more information next week, but currently taking in all the information I received at the conference, and digesting it for further use.
“The most important word in the language of the working class is Solidarity.” — Harry Bridges
Vice President of Organizing
Colin Vurek (2023-2024 Term)
Greeting Members,
Membership Week 3/13-3/17/2023. Be ready for an awesome Raffle throughout the week! You can win prizes by participating in some of the actions we’ll be calling for, new t-shirts (have arrived), and LCCEF Swag!
Also the Executive Council meetings date and time has changed to Wednesday mornings at 11am. Members are allowed to observe for a portion of the meeting until there are items that may be confidential. Below is the link for the next meeting this Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Please email me at colinlccef@gmail.com to be added to the Google chat for observers.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 990 9266 5560
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,99092665560# US (Tacoma)
Dial by your location
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
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To get your T-shirt email me at: colinlccef@gmail.com
T-shirt sizes and count
- Small – 9
- Medium – 33
- Large – 31
- Extra Large – 6
THE NEW T-SHIRTS HAVE ARRIVED. WE HAVE PLENTY OF EVERY SIZE. Please email me at colinlccef@gmail.com to get yours!
I also have window clings and stickers for you to flaunt your support for your union! See below!
DON’T FORGET TO WEAR RED ON WEDNESDAYS!
UNION STRONG!
Grievance Officer
Dawn Rupp (2023-2024 Term)
First, I would like to thank our Public Safety team for an amazing response to a very scary situation. Remember that all of the Public Safety staff have families they want to go home to. If you think you can do a better job, STEP UP! Be on the safety committee, organize training in your departments, be the change you want to see. I personally know that if you communicate with Public Safety they are happy to set up training.
Not much going on with the grievance team. We are working with a few people who are moving to new spaces with new leadership. Which all seem to be a good fit. Few people are waiting on reclass information.
Please remember to have open communication with your managers and supervisors first. If that doesn’t work then come to your EC if you need help. We are here to help!
Reminder:
Grievance, Complaint, or Gripe?
As a classified employee you have certain rights but are you aware of what those rights are? Many employees mistakenly confuse a gripe of a complaint with a grievance. This brief article will attempt to explain the difference.
Grievance
A grievance is a violation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between CSEA and the District. The CBA is what is commonly referred to as “your contract.” A grievance is defined under the grievance article but generally is a denial of a specific section of the contract. For example, you would file a grievance if your supervisor refused to pay time and a half for overtime worked.
Complaint
A complaint is not a violation of the contract. Although an employee may believe that they are being treated unfairly, if there is no contractual violation, there is no grievance. A good example would be when two classified employees do not get along or have an argument. There is no contractual violation so a grievance cannot be filed. In these cases the employee must forward the complaint to their supervisor. LCC administration encourages employees to forward complaints, however the policy is not specific. If you have a complaint, speak to your supervisor. If you do not receive a satisfactory response, put your complaint in writing and forward it up the internal LCC administration chain.
Gripe
What is a gripe? Many employees call me regarding what they believe are legitimate grievances when in fact they just have a gripe. A gripe is not a contractual violation and may not be a complaint. A gripe may be something that you believe is unfair or unjust but is not unlawful. For example, if your supervisor or co-worker “treats you differently” but that treatment does not rise to the level of discrimination. The best way to describe this is when two employees just don’t get along. There is nothing legal or contractual that mandates that employees like each other or become friends.
Quote(s) for the week:
“Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’M POSSIBLE!’” Audrey Hepburn
“The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” Michael Altshuler
Treasurer
Linda Reling (2022-2023 Term)
I am back from my vacation and ready for bargaining!
Records Officer
Tracy Weimer (2022-2024 Term)
We are headlong into spring, and also – bargaining. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey intended to give the EC guidance in the priorities of our membership. This week your EC will be interviewing two candidates for the board of education during our meeting. We plan to take notes and transcript the presentations – look for that information next week.
Weekly Peek – inside the contract. This week – Definition of Student Worker.
3.2.7. Student Worker: Employees of the College who are in positions that are declared “Student Worker” or “Student Employee” can be declared exempt from the bargaining unit under the following conditions:
- “Student” is defined as a Lane Community College credit student enrolled at or above the half- time level of 6 college credits each term he or she is employed. The one exception is for “Student Worker” positions in Food Services. Food Services Student Workers are not required to be in a culinary major or discipline to be employed.
- The student is employed in a position that can be filled only by a qualified student. The position will provide a learning environment for students in their discipline and/or major area of study. The position may also be a position of a student mentor.
- Only students who are currently enrolled can be exempted and the number of terms of eligibility is limited to 9 terms.
- The student works under the direction of a permanent employee.
- The student must obtain any state or local permits as required to work such as a Lane County Food Handlers Permit.
- The student must provide proof of enrollment such as a printed schedule from ExpressLane or a billing statement.
- The intent of these guidelines is for the College to distinguish between those individuals who are primarily students and those individuals who are primarily hourly classified employees.
Student workers are intended to augment contracted bargaining unit employees, not replace them. When a classified position is declared to be a “Student Worker” position, an explanation for the exemption from the bargaining unit will be written and placed on file in the department to be held for review upon request. The reviewing parties can include Human Resources, Affirmative Action/EEO, the Union, and any affected employees.
*See also Article Three Section Two, Part(s) 3.2.8. and 3.2.9. for Summer caveats.
Next week I hope to explore contract pieces around Project designation(s) which I am suddenly very interested in: 3.2.5. Project Employees, 3.3.6. Project Work, and how these clauses impact the Project-classified professionals employed on campus. Until next time, Be Well.
Communications Officer
Marleena Pearson (2022-2023 Term)
The request to bargain has been made, and we are to the point of finding a time to meet. I hope we can set up a regular schedule so we can invite everyone to attend and show support. It’s going to be a tough year.
Don’t forget to take advantage every time we send out surveys, it’s the most direct way we can get your feedback!
Membership Week 3/13-3/17/2023.
Membership Officer
Skye Nguyen (2022-2023 Term)
We are nearing the end of term for students but we are still working towards bargaining. Looking forward to seeing how bargaining progresses, and hope we see members when open bargaining begins later on!
If there are any questions about membership or someone has interest in joining, they can reach out to me (membership@lccef.org) or fill out the online membership form. 🙂
Your Benefit Info of the Week
Did you know that members get some really useful benefits? This week we are highlighting AFT’s Home Financing Program. Maybe you’re wondering what options you have for buying a home, or you are a first-time potential homebuyer and wondering where to start. You can learn about different programs you can get as a union member by visiting AFT’s website.
Find out what other benefits you are qualified for as union members by going to AFT.org.
Resources you may need!
- How to update your physical address on Expresslane.
- Complete this form for a Membership card or a new membership card! If you are a new member, one may have already been requested, contact the LCCEF Membership Officer for info.
- Submit an Important Life Event for you or another member may have coming up.
Chief Labor Delegate
Mark Jordan (2022-2023 Term)
COPE Officer
Fiora Starchild-Wolf (2022-2023 Term)
Hello Everyone!
On the current political education agenda, we are currently in election season…again.
There is a Special Election in Lane County that includes the Lane Community College Board. Five positions are up for election:
Rosie Pryor, Angela VanKrause, and Holli Johnson are leaving the Board, so their seats are currently up for grabs.
Rosie’s and Angela’s seats are expired, and Holli’s address now falls outside of Zone 1 after a redrawing of the lines.
Lisa Fragala, Zone 7, and Steve Mital, Zone 5, are running again for their current seats and are unopposed. COPE did go ahead and endorse Lisa Fragala without a new process, as she has worked with us in the past and is unopposed.
Here is the current list of candidates filed for open seats on the Lane County Elections site: Lane County Elections May 16th Special Election Filing
Endorsements are important, as our interaction with them helps a candidate know and understand our priorities as a union, as well as the role of classified professionals in the mission of the College.
In order to be fair, in a contested election, if one candidate approaches us about endorsements, we reach out to their opponent as well. We offer them an opportunity to meet with us, and then we hold a vote as to whom we will endorse.
At this point, open seats that we are hoping to make an endorsement quickly are:
Zone 1: West Lane County, opening due to Holli Johnson leaving. Denise Diamond is running. I spoke with her on the phone. She worked at a community college in Southern California, and was president of the faculty union there. She says that at her college, the faculty and classified unions worked closely aligned very deliberately, so she feels she has a good understanding of She retired and moved to Florence recently. She is very pro-labor, pro-community college, and understands the issues that face community college students and employees.
Zone 2: River Road and Bethel areas. Zach Mulholland, Rich Cunningham, and Nick Skelton are running. Zach has reached out for our endorsement. I am working on reaching out to all of them, and have set a meeting with Zach for next Wednesday. I personally know Zach through a number of elections we have both worked on over the years, and feel very positive about his pro-labor and pro-public education stance. I do not know the other candidates.
Zone 6: At Large. This is a race between Lane’s own Bob Baldwin and Kevin Alltucker.
We meet with both of them tomorrow, Wednesday, March 1.
Bob Baldwin, who was LCCEF President for many years, and recently retired from the College Finance department, has extensive knowledge, both of LCCEF’s contract and history with the college, and also of Lane’s financial status and operations.
Kevin Alltucker is former faculty from UO, and a business owner in the community. He attended classes at Lane in the late 70’s.
If you have any knowledge of any of these candidates, or questions about our process, please feel free to contact me. We want your involvement! You may do so at fiora.starchildwolf@gmail.com or fiora.lccef@gmail.com.
Officer At Large
VACANT
Did you know that members get some really useful benefits? This week we are highlighting discounts on computer purchases. Members can get a discount on select brands of computers. If you are needing to change your computer out, why not use a discount. More info about this discount on AFT’s website.
Find out what other benefits you are qualified for as union members by going to AFT.org.
Stay connected to LCCEF
Website: https://lccef.org/
Subscribe to Calendar: LCCEF Union Google Calendar
Email address: lccef@lanecc.edu
Resources you may need!
Submit an Important Life Event for you or another member may have coming up.
How to update your physical address on Expresslane.