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Council 13
Connection
AFSCME
Pays It Forward
Show of solidarity saves display of patriotism – Page 3
City employees, taxpayers see victory on ballot
measure result in Reading – Page 6
AFSCME members receive millions of dollars in
back pay – Page 7
Winter 2015
Vol. 43, Issue 4
ISSN: 0190-4957
www.afscme13.org
1-800-5-AFSCME
(1-800-523-7263)
AFSCME COUNCIL 13 DIRECTORY
COUNCIL 13 — David R. Fillman, Executive Director
4031 Executive Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17111-1507
Phone: 717/564-9312; (toll free) 1-800-5-AFSCME (523-7263)
Executive
Director’s
Message
DISTRICT COUNCIL 83 — Dominic Sgro, Director
161 Patchway Road, Duncansville, PA 16635-8431
Phone: 814/696-0255; (toll free) 1-800-252-3785
DISTRICT COUNCIL 84 — Richard Caponi, Director
116 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412/471-1218; (toll free) 1-800-222-8847
DISTRICT COUNCIL 85 — J. David Henderson, Director
1276 Liberty St., Franklin, PA 16323
Phone: 814/437-7654; (toll free) 1-800-865-9652
DISTRICT COUNCIL 86 — Corey Lockard, Director
David R. Fillman
Executive Director, AFSCME Council 13
250 Commerce Park Drive, New Columbia, PA 17856
Phone: 570/568-1147; (toll free) 1-800-540-9401
DISTRICT COUNCIL 87 — Kerri Gallagher, Director
McEntee-Keller Labor Center, 1258 O’Neill Hwy., Dunmore, PA 18512
As we go to press…
Message from the Executive Director
Phone: 570/961-5394; (toll free) 1-800-551-5066
DISTRICT COUNCIL 88 — Tom Tosti, Director
Robert T. Cooper Labor Center, 3031 Walton Road,
Building C, Suite 300, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
You did it, sisters and brothers. Thank you for all of your door knocking,
phone banking and support. Because of you, Tom Wolf is now the governor
of Pennsylvania.
AFSCME members were a part of history by having a huge role in seeing
to it that the incumbent governor of Pennsylvania was NOT re-elected for
the first time in more than 40 years. Although many down-ballot election
results were not so favorable, Pennsylvania was the only state in the country
to go from a Republican to a Democratic governor.
We are all enjoying this breath of fresh air, but there is still much work to
be done.
With the current agreement for state employees expiring on June 30,
negotiations will begin soon. Thankfully, we have a worker-friendly governor
who will be much more sympathetic to our concerns. We also hope Governor
Wolf will take a look at subcontracts in Pennsylvania and bring more work in
house; a move that would greatly benefit our economy and its workers.
Tom Corbett is gone, but the nearly $2 billion budget deficit is not.
Governor Wolf is aware that this is not so much of a spending problem as it
is a revenue problem. He is looking at taxing natural gas drillers and asking
wealthy Pennsylvanians to pay their fair share.
While the governor may be on our side, we must remain steadfast in these
trying times. Nationwide, overall union membership declined in 2014. The
Republican U.S. Senate wants to reform the National Labor Relations Board
to their political liking. Another extremely important case for labor is going
to be heard by the Supreme Court.
Here in Pennsylvania, groups like the Commonwealth Foundation
continue to develop ways to dismantle our movement. Many legislators are
still trying to find ways to attack workers’ pensions, collective bargaining
rights and automatic dues deduction.
I will stand side-by-side with you in the fight. Call, write and set up
in-person meetings with your elected officials. If you need help, feel free to
call our Legislative Department. Be active in your local union. Stay up-to-date
on labor issues and write letters to the editor in your local newspaper;
Council 13’s communications team is more than willing to help you to do so.
Contribute to PAL, which is easier than ever with the ability to contribute
through afscme13.org.
Help us to highlight the under-recognized jobs AFSCME members do by
contacting our communications team with any stories about the great things
members do on and off the job. There is a link on the home page of
afscme13.org to send in story ideas.
Again, sisters and brothers, I want to thank you, and I urge you to fight so
AFSCME can continue to be the best union in the country.
Phone: 610/825-4944; (toll free) 1-800-478-4944
DISTRICT COUNCIL 89 — Steve Mullen, Director
150 South 43rd Street, Suite 2, Harrisburg, PA 17111-5718
Phone: 717/564-7998; (toll free) 1-800-583-2376
DISTRICT COUNCIL 90 — Mary Schwanger, Director
4031 Executive Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17111-1507
Phone: 717/564-5123
AFSCME COUNCIL 13 MEMBERS’ BENEFITS
MEMBER ONLY BENEFITS
1-888-782-1323 or memberservices@afscme13.org
Call for more information about:
Car Discounts * Car Insurance * Car Rentals * Cell Phones
Computer Deals * Credit Card * Credit Counseling
Education Services * Entertainment * Goodyear Tires & Auto Services
Financial Planning * Flower Service * Health Club Discounts
Mortgage Programs * Moving Vans * Pet Services * Scholarships
Theme Parks * Vacation Packages
Legal Services 1-800-631-1233 or 1-888-294-2747
Workers' Comp. Hotline: 1-866-413-2667
HEALTH FUNDS
AFSCME Health & Welfare Fund
PEBTF (State Workers)
(Non-State Workers)
717-561-4750
717-564-9338
1-800-522-7279
1-800-692-7332
PRESCRIPTION PLANS
CVS Caremark 1-888-321-3261 (State Workers)
www.caremark.com
Benecard 1-888-907-0070 (Non-State Workers)
www.benecardpbf.com
DENTAL PLANS
Concordia Dental - 1-888-320-3321 (State Workers)
Delta Dental - 1-800-932-0783 (Non-State Workers)
VISION PLANS
NVA / National Vision Administrators
1-800-672-7723
COUNCIL 13 CONNECTION
(ISSN 0190-4957)
Published quarterly Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter by Council 13, the American
Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO, 4031 Executive
Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17111-1507.
Periodical postage paid at Harrisburg, PA and additional mailing office.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: “Council 13 Connection,” AFSCME
Yours in Unity,
Council 13, 4031 Executive Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17111-1507.
COUNCIL 13 CONNECTION (ISSN 0190-4957)
Vol. 43, Issue 4 Winter 2015
Todd Singer, President
David R. Fillman, Executive Director
Jane Gill, Secretary
Jennifer George, Editor and
Barbara Cooper, Treasurer
David R. Fillman
Executive Director
A
FSCME is proud to represent PennDOT
workers who keep our roads safe all year,
especially when snow and ice wreak havoc
during the winter. We joined with PennDOT
during February to display this digital billboard
along multiple highways in Pennsylvania. It was at
locations in Erie, Pittsburgh, Scranton and
Harrisburg. Thank you to our sisters and brothers
at PennDOT.
2
PR/Communications Director
AFSCME Council 13 donates $10,000 to Variety’s
“My Bike” program
T
he childhood joy of riding a bike is a feeling we
will remember well into our adult lives, but it is
something a lot of people take for granted.
Many children suffer from debilitating diseases
that inhibit their ability to ride a standard bicycle so
they require specially designed bikes to ride. The
problem with that is their families usually have so
many expenses that they don’t have $1,800 of
disposable income to buy an adaptive bike.
Fortunately, Variety, the Children’s Charity has a
“My Bike” program that has provided close to 1,000
bikes for disabled children in Pennsylvania. Any
family with a disabled child that meets the income
guidelines can get a specially designed adaptive bike.
AFSCME Council 13 donated $10,000 to the
program to kick off 2015. The check was presented
by Council 13 Executive Director David Fillman along
with District Council 83 Director Mickey Sgro, and
presented to Variety CEO Charlie LaVallee and
Variety Chairman Mike Schneck. Also in attendance
was Joseph Cieply, Senior Labor Affairs Consultant for
Highmark, which is a “My Bike” founding sponsor.
“‘My Bike’ is a program that truly changes the
lives of the kids and their families in extraordinary
ways,” Fillman said.
“When you hear the stories about the ways these
adaptive bikes brighten these kids’ lives, it will
make you smile but it will also leave tears in your
eyes. It’s a wonderful program that anyone can
support and AFSCME is proud to make this $10,000
contribution.”
Variety teamed up with AFSCME in 2014 to raise
awareness about “My Bike.” Along with Highmark,
AFSCME’s partnership with Variety has greatly
strengthened the program.
Mickey Sgro’s deep involvement with the
program fortified this partnership, and spread “My
Bike” to Blair County along with the 14 other
counties it was already active in.
Variety has its sights set on the Harrisburg area
and plans to continue to expand “My Bike”
throughout the state, as well as begin to look at
technology for a “My Voice” program that helps
children who can’t speak to communicate through
an app, according to LaVallee.
“Every kid should have the opportunity to ride a
bike, and the key to making that happen is making
the community aware of this program,” LaVallee
said. “That’s why it’s great working with labor.”
Anyone interested in applying for the “My Bike”
program can obtain an application at
www.varietypittsburgh.org/mybikeprogram.asp or
by calling Variety’s main office at 724-933-0460.
(Left to right) Senior Labor Affairs Consultant for Highmark Joseph Cieply, AFSCME Council 13 Executive
Director David Fillman, Chairman of Variety Mike Schneck, Director of AFSCME District Council 83 Mickey Sgro
and CEO of Variety Charlie LaVallee.
David Fillman presents the $10,000 donation to Variety Chairman and former Pittsburgh Steeler Mike Schneck
as Variety CEO Charlie LaVallee celebrates.
Show of solidarity saves display of patriotism
B
rian Casey, Local 2369, oversees a PennDOT district chipping crew including workers from
various locals.
His crew passed a safety inspection with just one exception. However, it may not be the kind
of “violation” one might guess.
One might guess it would be an issue of safety or quality, but the stated reason does not seem
to have much to do with either of those things.
The inspector requested that one of the workers remove the American flag sticker on his helmet
or fail the inspection. Casey said this was the first time in 21 years he had heard such a thing.
“I have 16 men that I have to worry about getting home safely and everything else that
comes with the job, and you’re worried about a sticker?” Casey said.
Casey then went to his crew to tell them what happened. Instead of ordering the
worker to remove his American flag sticker, he decided all the workers should stick
together and put a sticker on, and that is exactly what they did.
About a week later, management wanted to have a meeting with Casey and his crew. In
the meeting, management explained the policy banning stickers on helmets, and
threatened to charge everyone who had a flag sticker with a safety violation.
The crew stood their ground, kept their stickers on and told management to let the
safety violations fly.
Meanwhile, the local VFW and State Representative Kurt Masser started making calls to
get the policy changed.
The same day the crew was called into the meeting, Casey received a call congratulating him
on getting the policy changed. The issue made it all the way to the Executive Deputy Secretary of
Administration Brad Mallory, who did not hesitate to make a policy allowing American flag
stickers on helmets.
Congratulations to Casey and his crew for their valiant demonstration of solidarity that earned them the ability to display their patriotism on the job.
w w w.a f scm e13.or g
3
Local Union President recognized for community
service
L
abor and community service go hand-inhand, and there is no shortage of acts of
kindness on the part of AFSCME
members.
The people who actively seek ways to serve
their communities are also the people who do not
seek a lot of attention for it. They do it because
they want to help others and expect nothing in
return except the fulfillment it brings them.
That is why it is always great to see someone
who makes it a point to serve their community
get recognized and awarded for it, especially
when it is an AFSCME member.
Council 13 Executive Director
David Fillman congratulates Lori
Lori Cutshall, President of Local 2523,
Cutshall on her award.
Department of Environmental Protection, recently Cutshall (holding the camera) looks at photos with fellow Red Cross volunteers.
won the Pennsylvania 2015 Jefferson Award for
York County. The award was presented by United Way and WGAL, and aims to
recognize people going above and beyond in performing public services in their communities.
Cutshall was nominated by Alan Vandersloot, AFL-CIO Community Services Liaison at United Way of York County.
“Volunteers with the skills and compassion of Lori make a huge impact in our community,” Vandersloot said in a York Dispatch article.
“Very often, people like Lori serve without seeking recognition or publicity.”
Cutshall serves her local community as well as communities around the country and around the world.
“It is very difficult for me to tell the difference between global, national and local outreach when it comes to community service. I’m very much involved
in all three of those,” Cutshall said.
Globally, Cutshall travels to India, Guatemala, Argentina and Brazil for medical missions and to teach English as a second language.
Nationally, she is very involved with the American Red Cross, and served food and water to first responders in New York City after the
September 11th attacks.
Cutshall was a shelter manager in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, after Hurricane Katrina, where she said 10,000 people stayed and created somewhat
of a small town until homes were found for all 10,000 people.
She was also in New Orleans’ 9th Ward during that time to assist those in need, and saw a lot of destruction such as boats and cars in trees, and
a house on its side wedged between two other houses.
She served communities in “Tornado Alley” where she met a family that took cover in their home’s bathtub only for the bathtub to be ripped
out of the home and dropped down the street.
Her service with the Red Cross brought her back to Pennsylvania at East Stroudsburg
University to help after Hurricane Sandy along with service in Staten Island during that
time.
Her local efforts also include the establishment of Oasis of Hope, the first home in
Pennsylvania for victims of human trafficking ages 5 to 17. Upon learning that
Harrisburg is the number one city in the whole nation for human trafficking, Cutshall
was inspired to do something about it. When she learned there was no home of this
sort in the whole state, Cutshall said, “there’s going to be within a year.” She didn’t
realize how serious she was when she said it, but now Oasis of Hope is helping these
victims every day.
“None of us are exempt from something happening, so you would hope in that
situation that someone would be there to help you,” Cutshall said.
“It’s just people helping people. We’re on this boat together.”
Cutshall said she was totally shocked when she got word that she had won the Jefferson
Award as she had not sought after it. She said many union sisters and brothers showed
support and attended the awards ceremony at Elizabethtown College.
On top of receiving the award, Cutshall was chosen among Pennsylvania’s eight
Cutshall (in the middle of people sitting) with a group of fellow Red
award winners to go on to the national ceremony in Washington D.C.
Cross volunteers at a shelter in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Congratulations, Lori!
AFSCME members make the Pennsylvania
Farm Show happen
A
FSCME members do a lot of jobs that make Pennsylvania happen, yet
often go unnoticed and under-appreciated. This is the first installment
in a series of stories highlighting the important jobs our members do.
Pennsylvania is host to the nation’s largest indoor agriculture exposition;
known simply as the Farm Show. The week-long annual event features nearly
6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibits.
2015 is the year of the 99th annual Farm Show, and the events were in full
swing. What many of the approximately 500,000 people who visit the
attraction don’t realize is all of the hard work done behind the scenes to
make the Farm Show happen; much of which is done by AFSCME members.
Melvin Maple, member of AFSCME Local 2162, has worked at the Farm
Show Complex for 24 years and was kept very active during their busiest time
of year.
“I handle the setup of meeting rooms and the banquet hall, I set up screens
for different events as well as cleaning and waxing,” Maple said.
“AFSCME has people who set up stalls, welders, carpenters and a variety of different jobs.”
Maple works extensive hours during this time of year setting up banquets for upwards of 1,000 people as well as taking care of all of the
other setups he has on his plate for the day.
He also made note of how surprised visitors are when they see the banquet area in the reconstructed building, and how drastic of a difference
it makes before and after he sets it up.
“I can honestly say in the position I’m in now, I truly enjoy it,” Maple said.
If you stop by the Farm Show, thank one of the workers. There’s a good chance they’re an AFSCME sister or brother, and the Farm Show
could not go on without them.
4
Council 13 Connection Winter 2015
LEGAL UPDATE
New Law Expands Clearance Requirements for
Employees and Volunteers Working with Children
A
new Pennsylvania law, Act 153, took effect on December 31, 2014, requiring increased and more frequent background checks for all paid
employees and unpaid volunteers who are “responsible for the welfare of a child or who have direct contact with children.” “Child” is
anyone under the age of 18. “Direct contact with children” is defined as “the care, supervision, guidance or control of children or routine
interaction with children.” Act 153 applies not only to school districts, but also to other educational institutions, Department of Human Services
(“DHS”) facilities, county children and youth services offices and youth detention centers, as well as other entities (both public and private)
involved in child care services. Because AFSCME members work in these settings, District Council Staff Representatives have been making
information available to anyone who may be impacted.
Under the new law, covered individuals are required to provide the following certifications every 36 months:
1. Pennsylvania Criminal History report from the Pennsylvania State Police ($10 fee);
2. Certification from DHS that the individual is not named in the statewide database as the alleged perpetrator in a pending child abuse
investigation or as the perpetrator of a founded report or indicated report of child abuse ($10 fee); and
3. Federal Criminal History from the FBI, which includes finger prints ($28.75 fee). For volunteers, this requirement can be waived under
limited circumstances.
For new employees or volunteers, the certifications must be obtained prior to employment or volunteer activity. For employees hired prior to
December 31, 2014, DHS has indicated that:
1. If the certifications are less than 36 months old as of December 31, 2014, the employee must obtain updated forms within 36 months of the
date of issuance of those certifications;
2. If the certifications are more than 36 months old as of December 31, 2014, the employee must obtain new forms by December 31, 2015; and
3. If the employee has not previously received certifications because the employee was not required to obtain certifications under prior law
(i.e., was “grandfathered”), the employee must obtain certifications by December 31, 2015.
As noted above, these new requirements apply to employees as well as volunteers, which means that virtually anyone who coaches soccer,
serves as a mentor in a big brother or sister program, or volunteers to teach Sunday school
or with any organization where volunteers have direct contact with children, is impacted. If
the new law impacts you at work, please speak with your Local Union leadership and Staff
Representatives about it. If it impacts you as a volunteer, please reach out to the sponsoring
program for more information. You can also visit this website for more information:
http://www.dhs.state.pa.us/cs/groups/webcontent/documents/document/c_135248.pdf.
2015 AFSCME Council 13 Scholarship
Guidelines and Application
AFSCME Council 13’s Scholarship Program for Members Only is now accepting applications for 2015 Scholarship
awards. Scholarships are one-time-only payments which may be applied toward educational expenses, such as
tuition, lodging and books.
SCHOLARSHIPS
AFSCME Council 13’s 2015 Member-Only Scholarship Program will award the following scholarships:
1. A total of 48 $500 undergraduate scholarships (6 per District Council).
2. The top 4 of the 48 will be selected to receive an additional $1,000.
3. One additional $500 statewide scholarship for a graduate student.
ELIGIBILITY
AFSCME Council 13 members in good standing, their children and grandchildren (as well as
grandchildren of RPEP members in good standing) who are full-time students enrolled in an
accredited program of higher education are eligible to apply for AFSCME Council 13 Scholarships.
Sponsors must be active members at the time that Scholarship Awards are processed.
HOW TO APPLY
1. Complete the Application Form. Please be
sure to enter the Social Security Number of the
sponsoring AFSCME or RPEP Member.
2. Attach a copy of the student’s most recent
transcript (high school or college).
3. Attach an essay completed by the student
(typewritten, double–spaced, not to exceed two
pages) responding to the following question:
“What is organized labor’s role in raising
the minimum wage throughout the country,
considering most minimum wage jobs
are currently non-union?”
4. Attach 3 character references who are not family
members. Include name, address, phone number,
and relationship to student.
5. Mail the completed application form, transcript,
essay, and 3 character references so they are
received by June 1, 2015, to:
AFSCME Council 13 Scholarship Program
4031 Executive Park Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17111-1507
SELECTION OF WINNERS
Winners will be chosen by a Selection Committee
comprised of knowledgeable, exemplary individuals.
Selections will be final and binding and are NOT
subject to appeal.
2015 AFSCME COUNCIL 13 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
APPLICATION FORM
(Please complete and return)
STUDENT INFORMATION:
Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip: _________________________________________________________________________________
Daytime telephone number: ___________________________________________________________________
College:________________________________________________________________________________________
Year which you will be entering (Please Check One):
❑ FRESHMAN
❑ SOPHOMORE
❑ JUNIOR
❑ SENIOR
❑ GRADUATE SCHOOL
SPONSOR INFORMATION:
(Must be a member in good standing when the award is made)
Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________
Social Security Number:________________________________________________________________________
Local Union Number: _______ District Council Number: (Circle one) 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90
Relationship to student: _______________________________________________________________________
APPLICATION CHECKLIST:
❑ Essay (not to exceed two pages, typewritten)
❑ Transcript (high school or college)
❑ Three character references (not family)
❑ Must be received by June 1, 2015
w w w.a f scm e13.or g
5
Karla Hodge
appointed Assistant
to Executive Director
K
arla Hodge has been
appointed AFSCME
Council 13’s newest
Assistant to the Executive
Director. Previously, Hodge
worked at Local 1224, PHEAA,
for 13 years. She was a
full-time union president there
until she became a Staff
Representative at District Council
90 in 2002.
For the last 13 years, Hodge
has been fighting for the
working men and women of
Dauphin County and beyond.
“Karla has the drive,
knowledge and the experience
to take the torch from Charlie Benn as he looks to retirement. I
know she will continue to do great things as an Assistant,”
Executive Director David Fillman said.
“To me, AFSCME means higher wages, good benefits and a voice in
the workplace,” Hodge said. “I can’t wait to tackle all the exciting
challenges and opportunities this new position offers.”
City employees,
taxpayers see victory
on ballot measure
result in Reading
S
tate, city, county and municipal
employees constantly face the threat
of outsourcing and privatization.
Vultures circle above these good jobs,
hoping to take them out from under union workers with the stroke of
a pen by selling assets to the highest bidder with no regard for
workers’ quality of life or safety on the job.
Those who work for the City of Reading understand these threats as
well as anyone. After attempts to sell the city water system, AFSCME
members from the City of Reading in Local 2763 took initiative and got
Question 7 on the ballot, which asked voters if they think voter
approval should be required before the sale or lease of city assets.
When the votes came in on November 4, it was a victory for
AFSCME members who provide these services for the city, as well as
a victory for the taxpayers who rely on them.
In a vote of 4,881 to 1,549, voters in the City of Reading decided
that the city should be required to get voter approval before selling or
leasing for longer than 10 years any city asset worth $10 million or
more (unless it’s sold or leased to a city-created municipal authority).
The end-result was a victory and good news for Reading. However,
that victory only came after a lot of hard work, including a lot of
work on behalf of AFSCME members.
“It was challenging. It was the first time I dealt with anything like
this and it was definitely a team effort,” said Felix Freytiz, President
of Local 2763.
“Just like we made change happen by canvassing and campaigning
for Tom Wolf, we made change happen by getting Question 7 on the
ballot and getting a big majority of voters to vote ‘yes,’” Freytiz said.
Along with himself, Freytiz credited this victory to the hard work
of Justus James, Brenda Skimski, Jessica Thomas and Luis Marquez.
Vaughn D. Spencer, Mayor of the City of Reading, sent a letter to
Local 2763 to congratulate and thank the members who worked so
hard to pass this ballot measure.
“While this question’s placement on the ballot was a direct
response to the situation with the Reading Water Authority, its
passage will guarantee that any time a similar situation arises,
representation and inclusiveness will happen – the people of our city
will be a part of the decision,” Spencer said.
They needed 1,300 signatures from registered voters who are
residents of the City of Reading just to get the measure on the ballot.
They got 1,800 signatures, campaigned to raise awareness about the
measure once it was on the ballot and saw a hard-fought victory on
Election Day.
These are the kinds of efforts required to fight the constant battle
of keeping good union jobs in Pennsylvania and defending our
members from these attacks. Thank you for all your hard work, Local
2763, and congratulations on this important victory.
6
Council 13 Connection Winter 2015
New District Council 89
Director appointed
O
n Friday, December
19, AFSCME District
Council 89's
Executive Board
unanimously accepted
Executive Director David
Fillman's recommendation of
Steve Mullen for District
Council 89's new Director to
replace retiring Mike Fox.
"I am happy that District
Council 89's Executive Board
shares my confidence in
Steve's ability to take the
torch from Mike Fox and
lead 89," Council 13
Executive Director David
Fillman said.
"Steve has the kind of experience and devotion we need from a
Council Director, and I look forward to working with him."
Mullen was born and raised in south-central Pennsylvania. He
began working for PennDOT in 1993 and joined the union on
his first day on the job. He became Chief Steward for Local 2137
in November 1993.
After working in numerous elections and attending multiple
leadership conferences and LUTI trainings, Mullen joined
District Council 89's staff in February 2006.
"Tonight, I received the greatest honor of my life," Mullen
said on the night he was appointed Director.
"Our members and their jobs face a multitude of threats, and
the best thing they can do besides joining the union and being
an active member is participating in PAL. That's their part, and I
will do my part in doing everything I can to stop these attacks."
AFSCME District Council 89 represents nearly 10,000
workers in south-central Pennsylvania.
AFSCME and NHS sign
new 3-year agreement
O
n Wednesday, February 4, Executive Director Dave
Fillman and Assistant to the Executive Director Darrin
Spann, along with the AFSCME and management
negotiation teams, signed AFSCME Council 13’s three-year
agreement with Northwestern Human Services (NHS); the
largest non-state employer under contract with AFSCME
Council 13.
The new contract was overwhelmingly ratified by the
membership. It included fair pay increases, a vacation buyback
plan and lower healthcare costs in a time when healthcare rates
are increasing for many workers. Tuition reimbursement was
also increased for employees who attend college.
“AFSCME and NHS enjoy an amicable labor-management
relationship, and this new agreement reflects that,” Spann said.
Employees at NHS provide a wide range of services including
working with child and adult mental health patients, assisting
people with Autism, drug counseling, foster care, juvenile justice
and educational services, along with many other things that
make AFSCME proud to represent these extraordinary workers.
(Left to right) Assistant to the Executive Director Darrin Spann, Executive Director
Dave Fillman, NHS Chief Executive Officer Joe Martz and NHS Chief Negotiator
Billie West (seated) along with NHS management and workers (standing).
AFSCME MEMBERS RECEIVE MILLIONS
OF DOLLARS IN BACK PAY
AFSCME Helps Win $10 Million Settlement with
American Water
O
n October 30, 2014, a settlement was reached in a labor dispute between American Water
and 19 different unions, including AFSCME Local 1821.
The American Water Company privatizes municipal water treatment plants across the US
and is party to 65 different collective bargaining agreements with various unions.
In January 2011, American Water unilaterally implemented changes in its National Benefits
Agreement which would have reduced benefits and increased costs to 3,500 union members across AFSCME members at Local 1821
are receiving part of $10 million
the country, including the members of AFSCME Local 1821.
in back pay in a settlement with
The affected unions filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board against American Water
American Water.
alleging unfair labor practices. In 2012, the board found that American Water’s actions were in violation
of the National Labor Relations Act, and they were ordered to pay back pay to the affected employees.
American Water appealed this decision, which would have stalled the employees’ back pay payments; however, through the cooperation
of all of the affected unions, along with the help of District Council 88 Staff Representative Walt Francis, and Alaine Williams and John Bielski
from Willig, Williams and Davidson, a settlement was ratified by all of the involved bargaining units in October 2014.
“Companies try to make these kinds of unilateral decisions that would leave workers like those at Local 1821 with the short end of
the stick,” said Walter Francis, Staff Representative for District Council 88.
“We were able to get a good settlement for the members; this is why workers need to organize.”
The settlement includes $10 million in back pay, increased options for Locals in future contract expirations, lower employee
healthcare premium contributions, the establishment of a labor/management committee and the creation of a union/company
partnership for mutual growth and cooperation.
Big win for workers at Lackawanna County Prison
T
he contract for workers at the Lackawanna County Prison bargaining unit expired in 2012.
When the county offered a one-year collective bargaining agreement for 2013 that included a
2.5% pay increase, but also significantly increased healthcare costs, the union declined and
took the case to interest arbitration.
The case ended in February of 2015 with a major victory and huge award for workers who had
been going without a contract for nearly three years.
“This is the biggest award in Lackawanna County in any of the seven unions that are there,” said
Eric Schubert, staff representative for AFSCME District Council 87.
“We started (negotiations) in April of 2013, and it got to a point in August where (the county)
gave us an absurd counter-proposal. They wanted to have increases of almost 830% for healthcare
and take their death benefits away. We basically told them, ‘you’re insulting us and we’re going to
AFSCME members at Lackawanna County
interest
arbitration.’”
Prison did not accept a bad deal from the
Schubert
took part in negotiations until it was necessary to go to interest arbitration, which was
county, and are now receiving a nice
handled by Alaine Williams and John Bielski, who got a great deal for the prison employees.
chunk of retroactive pay.
The employees are receiving a 3% wage increase in years 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. In 2017, the
wages will increase to 4%, but with a graduated raise of 2% on January 1, 2017, and 2% on July 1, 2017. Wage increases are retroactive to
January 1, 2013, for all current employees with a requirement that retroactive monies be paid within 45 days of the award.
There is a slight increase for healthcare costs, but nothing compared to what the county had offered.
All employees are receiving additional equity adjustments, and certain bargaining unit employees are receiving additional equity
adjustments to correct for consistency with similar fellow employees. Juvenile detention officers, community corrections and counselors
will be eligible for longevity payments.
The employees will also receive increased shift differentials and significantly increased uniform allowances for correction officers, as
well as newly awarded uniform allowances for juvenile detention officers, community corrections employees and counselors.
Once again, AFSCME members did not settle for a bad deal that disrespects the hard work they do, and it led to the biggest
arbitration award in Lackawanna County.
Washington County probation and parole officers
receive back pay
P
robation and parole officers in Washington County filed an unfair
labor practice on August 5, 2010, concerning the county’s refusal to
retroactively implement a 2004 interest arbitration award provision
that extended the workday shift by one-half hour of paid time.
The Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board ordered the county to pay the
workers back pay with interest, which was affirmed by the Pennsylvania
Commonwealth Court.
After a dispute on how to calculate the back pay amounts, a settlement
agreement was reached once AFSCME moved forward with the case.
The county and union agreed to the amount of $705,960.05, which will
be dispersed to probation and parole officers in Washington County at
AFSCME Local 3046.
“The members came out as winners,” said John Galuska, Staff
Representative for AFSCME District Council 84. “AFSCME always goes the
extra mile for its members.”
(Left to right) Local 3046 Recording Secretary Nick Davidson, Local 3046
Executive Board member Joe Brownlee, Local 3046 Vice President
Stephen Joseph and Local 3046 President Joel Walsh.
w w w.a f scm e13.or g
7
AFSCME Locals Pay It Forward
A
FSCME members from Local 2592 collected hundreds of books to
donate to children in need in the Lehigh Valley. The books were
collected for Mosser Village in Allentown, which serves the
community with a food bank and after school care for children. Mosser
Village also allows Local 2592 to hold their monthly membership
meetings there, so the members do a food collection drive in spring and
book collection during the Christmas season to keep their food bank
stocked and give the kids books to read after school. In the photo,
President of Local 2592 and District Council 88 Georgiann Hunsicker
stands with her AFSCME sisters along with just some of the books they
gathered for the drive. AFSCME members serve their communities on
and off the job all year, and they always step up in the holiday season.
E
very year, Local 2450 donates money to various local charities. This year,
they donated to the Meadville Soup Kitchen, Center for Family Services,
Community Warehouse in Mercer County, Edinboro Emergency Food Bank,
Erie City Missions, Emmaus Ministries, St. Jude Children’s Hospital and multiple
Salvation Army locations. In the photo (left to right): member James Gross, Local
Treasurer Rogene Paganelli, member Angela Hensley, Local President Bill Long,
Local Steward Ed Painter, Local Executive Board member Ed Koreytowski and
Local Vice President John Morettini.
A
s part of the AFSCME Gives Back program, Local 2952 donated
$500 to Penn Lincoln Elementary School to help the school’s
behavioral program. This is the second annual donation to the
school on the part of Local 2952. In the photo (left to right): Local
2952 Vice President Joe Eckels, Local 2952 President Gary Orner,
Penn Lincoln Elementary School Principal Catherine Keefe and school
secretary Janice Calvin.
Council 13
We Make Pennsylvania Happen
®
2015 SCHEDULE OF
CONFERENCES & CONVENTIONS
DATE
EVENT
LOCATION
January 15-19
AFL-CIO Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Atlanta Westin Hotel Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta, GA
(www.aflcio.org/Issues/Civil-and-Workplace-Rights/Annual-King-Day-Observance)
February 9-10
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Legislative Conference
Harrisburg Hilton, Harrisburg, PA (www.paaflcio.org)
March 6-8
AFSCME Council 13 Women's Conference
Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, Lancaster, PA (www.afscme13.org)
March 19-22
AFL-CIO Next Up Young Worker Summit
Hilton Chicago, Chicago, IL
April 24-26
AFSCME Council 13 Convention
Hershey Lodge and Convention Center, Hershey, PA
May 3-6
AFSCME International Nurses Congress
Hilton San Diego, San Diego, CA (www.afscme.org)
May 20-25
Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) Convention
Hyatt Regency Chicago, Chicago, IL (www.cbtu.org)
May 31-June 5
AFSCME Council 13 Leadership Institute
The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel, State College, PA
June 12-14
AFSCME International Next Wave Conference
Hilton, St. Louis, MO (www.afscme.org)
July 22-25
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Community Services Institute
TBA (www.paaflcio.org)
July 25-30
UALE Northeast Region Summer School for Union Women
Penn State University, State College, PA (www.uale.org/womens-schools)
August 14-16
District Council 90 Leadership Conference
Crown Plaza Reading Hotel, Wyomissing, PA
August 21-23
District Council 88 Leadership Conference
Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel, Atlantic City, NJ
September 11-13
AFSCME International Public Safety Congress
Hyatt Regency, Albuquerque, NM (www.afscme.org)
September 11-13
District Council 89 Leadership Conference
Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, Lancaster, PA
September 18-20
District Council 85 Leadership Conference
Bayfront Convention Center, Erie, PA
September 25-27
District Council 87 Leadership Conference
Mount Airy Casino, Mt. Pocono, PA
September 27-28
AFSCME Chapter 13 RPEP Convention
Holiday Inn, Grantville, PA
October 9-11
District Council 84 Leadership Conference
Sheraton Station Square, Pittsburgh, PA
October 9-11
AFSCME International Women’s Conference
JW Marriott, Indianapolis, IN (www.afscme.org)
October 16-18
District Council 83 Leadership Conference
Oglebay Resort, Wheeling, WV
Oct 30-Nov 1
District Council 86 Leadership Conference
Wyndham Gettysburg, Gettysburg, PA
NOTE: Dates and locations are subject to change.