MINUTES OF DELEGATE ASSEMBLY MEETING OF MAY 7, 2011
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jose Aponte (Quinebaug), Bryan Bonina (Tunxis), Jon Brammer (3 Rivers), Cindy Casper (Norwalk), Maureen Chalmers (Northwestern), Rebecca Cormier (Manchester), David Flynn (Manchester), William Foster (Naugatuck), Marianne Generali (Naugatuck), Greg Hager (Northwestern), Tom Jackson (Norwalk), Ana Jusino (Norwalk), Josh Kapelner (Manchester), Steve Krevisky (Middlesex), Janet Lanci (Housatonic), Lorraine Li (Gateway), John McNamara (Capital), Cynthia Meo (Naugatuck), Joe Navarra (Manchester), Fred Odell (Manchester), Liz Pisaretz (Norwalk), Mike Rood (Asnuntuck), Lois Ryan (Manchester), Minati Roychoudhuri (Capital), Mark Schnubel (Naugatuck), Tony Scott (Norwalk), Bill Searle (Asnuntuck), Kevin Skee (Manchester), Anson Smith (Housatonic), Anita Sparrow (Manchester), Tim St. James (Asnuntuck), David Welsh (Tunxis), Trent Wright (Middlesex)
1. President Steve Cohen called the meeting to order.
2. Introductions were made, including Minati, originally from 3 Rivers, who won her arbitration case.
3. The minutes of the last DA meeting were approved, with a change suggested by Josh K. John moved and Liz seconded that the minutes thus be approved, which occurred with 3 abstentions.
4. Extensive discussion occurred over the proposed SEBAC agreement. Various concerns were raised, with considerable talk about the health care part of it, and its implications. We don't want to have to go through this again in 4 years, and job security needs to be a part of any deal.
5. Bob Fernandez gave the election report. The ballots were counted, and the winners were notified. Bob made a MOTION to approve the final tally and vote, and Janet Lanci seconded it. The MOTIONPASSED unanimously.
6. More discussion occurred on SEBAC. Questions were raised, such as what do we say if layoffs do occur? The 4C's staff will assist anyone laid off, and we will try to rescind them, if they occur. It was also mentioned that we need to infiltrate the media, and deal with the bashing of state workers. Also, any agreement must come back to the legislature, which could drag things out until June. There's also a lot of fat in the system.
7. Tony Scott presented the 4C's budget. The $24,000 for chapter officers was put back in, after discussion in the Finance Committee. Chapters can decide how to allocate the money. Other matters were fixed, such as retiree expenses, and Professional Affairs. Bill Searle congratulated Tony on the work that he does. Steve K MOTIONED, and Liz P seconded to approve the budget, and it PASSED with 2 abstentions.
8. Grievances: 2 arbitrations are ongoing.
9. Committee reports:
A) Organizing- Liz. Thanks to all who participated in the walkathon, which raised about $1,000. It was impressive, and it will occur again next year. Liz was recognized for how the above-mentioned walk raised about $1,000.Also, there will be the Labor Recognition night at the New Britain Rock Cats on June 25. Steve Krevisky was nominated to throw out the first pitch, and he happily accepted. Other logistics were discussed. If there are any layoffs, then the OC will help with any transitions, as needed.
B) Finance-Tony. We are in good shape. We have about $1 million in investments, and there is a balance of $483,000 as of the end of April 2011. Further discussion occurred. Bill S MOVED, and Janet L seconded to ACCEPT this report, and it passed, with 2 abstentions. Also, John M and Janet L seconded a MOTION to request (allocate) $10,000 for the SEIU/1199 strike. This PASSED unanimously.
C) EOC report-Bill F. He will address various issues soon. Please contact him with any concerns.
D) Part-time report-Robin B. The committee needs new members. Bill S will be the PT chair, as Robin is the VP of Part-timers. There will be a co-chair in the fall. There was a good response to the PT brochure, which could be used at PT orientations.
E) PAC-no report.
F) Professional Affairs-Steve K. Management Evaluation is proceeding, as we have questions, using what management sent us, regarding their evaluation of Presidents and Deans. We have asked other unions to participate, and we need to develop the survey, discuss how it's distributed, and tabulated, and allow for campuses to opt-out. We will continue to work on this.
G) Legislative Affairs-no report.
10. Chapter issues: Steve K discussed the issue of the MxCC President trying to control what goes in our members' professional file. Trent and Steve are trying to get this changed, as the President's approach upset a lot of people.
11. Janet L made, and Liz P seconded a MOTION to adjourn. This PASSED.