Forestry Local 629

Forestry Local Elections Open February 1, 2012

2012-01-30T08:46:00.000-08:00

Nominations for the Local offices of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer open February 1, 2012. Your Local officers serve as your executive committee and represent the Local’s interests at Labor/ Management, SEIU 503’s General Council and contract bargaining.

Nomination forms can be obtained from your SEIU 503 Field office or our Statewide Coordinator Troy Barnard at barnardt@seiu503.org.

Nominations must be received by 5:00 pm on 2/22/2012 at the SEIU Portland Field Office and candidate statements are due 2/29/2012 at 5:00 pm at the same location.

Ballots will be mailed out 3/7/2012 and are due back to the SEIU Salem Headquarters by 5:00 pm on 4/5/2012.

Absentee or replacement ballots can be obtained from the SEIU Portland Field Office no later than 5:00 pm on 3/29/2012.

New officers will be installed at the Local’s next statewide meeting tentatively planned for May 5, 2012.

The Area Representative offices will not be filled this year as a result of change to our Constitution and By-Laws made at our January 28th 2012 meeting.

State Forester Doug Decker to Speak at Statewide Forestry Local Meeting, January 28th

2012-01-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

Oregon State Forester Doug Decker will be the featured speaker at the next Statewide Forestry Local Meeting to be held January 28th in Portland. “It’s all about the people” will be the theme of the talk which should be very interesting considering these tight budgetary times.

Other agenda items include a general report on Local operations and finances, updates from the tent and field gear committee and on the hiring freeze, and discussion and vote on a proposed change to the Local’s By-Lays to remove the “District Representative” position. Forestry Local T-shirts for members and ¼ zip sweat shirts for Stewards (past and present) and officers will be available at the meeting.

The meeting will be held at the SEIU 503 Portland Field Office located at 6401 SE Foster Road in Portland on Saturday, January 28th. Light refreshments will be available at 8:30 am with the meeting beginning at 9:00 am. Lunch (provided) and adjournment are both planned for 12:00 pm. Please RSVP with Troy at 503-408-4090 who can also provide a conference call number for those unable to attend as well as lodging information. Mileage will be reimbursed at SEIU 503 rates.

Forestry Good to Great

2011-12-14T17:38:00.000-08:00

What a good year.

Going chronologically Doug Decker was selected State Forester, firefighters kept ‘em small, Stewardship Forester positions were reinstated, the State Forest revenue slide was less steep, and our contract was ratified. ODF’s front line firefighters deserve a special note because they kept the fires small when lightning struck day after day saving both Oregon’s Forests and fire fighting budget. For the second year in a row ODF did not deploy a full IMT to an Oregon wildfire suppression incident.

Getting to great

As good as the year was there are ways to improve and move towards great. These are my observations from Labor/ Management meetings and other sources that I see as the trends, opportunities, and awareness items for 2012 and in keeping with the season’s traditions here is my list:

Tents and field gear: Let’s get this solved and off the table. Incident lodging has been contentious ever since we moved into tents more than 10 years ago. During bargaining this year a collaborative approach was developed to address the issue and the committee that just met has my support in developing good recommendations for the Executive Committee.

Position descriptions: This year look at your PD during your annual review and make sure it describes what you are currently doing. We are all doing “more” but when that extra work adds responsibilities you may be eligible for additional compensation.

Physical fitness: For professional firefighters and others seeking to participate in the fire program the primary path to that work is through the Work Capacity Test. A level of fitness is needed to safely be part of a wildfire suppression team.

Professional organizations: Join them if you can, attend their meetings if allowed, just share ideas and bring new ones back. Maybe you will discover a way to improve operations.

Prepare for advancement: Look for the leadership opportunities where you work. One leadership opportunity is to become the Steward of your District. Currently there are openings and developing your leadership ability is part of the training. Ask a local officer or your organizer how to become one.

For 2012 find something you love doing and do it.

Best wishes

Dave Wells
Forestry Local 629 President

Keeping Our House in Order

2011-11-04T11:39:00.000-07:00

I am excited that new leaders have come forth, and have been elected in their work sites to become Stewards. The Steward is not just a title it is an action position. It's knowing your co-workers and being able to provide suggestions when suggestions are needed to help them stay on track for effective and efficient performance at work. Oregon expects that of us.

At Wednesday's (11/2/2011) Labor/ Management meeting our Human Resource Director shared a concise list, in understandable terms, of these expectations. Just as LCES can save your life on the fire line, many personnel problems can be avoided using this list as a guide for your actions at work.

Come to work: Be on time, let your supervisor know if you are going to be late

Be nice: use the working guidelines, respect co-workers, maintain your professionalism

Bring a lunch: Lunches are un-paid 1/2 or 1 hour long, 2 paid breaks per day they cannot be combined, combined with lunch or taken at the end of the day, code your time correctly

Do your job: Know what the essential functions, assigned duties and expectations are

No drugs or alcohol: come fit for work, alert and with full personal protective equipment, we are a drug free workplace, if you have a CDL random drug testing is a federal requirement

Forestry Local Statewide Meeting - October 15, 2011

2011-09-23T06:28:00.000-07:00

Our next Forestry Local Statewide meeting will be held October 15, 2011 from 0830 to 1200 at Outback Pizzeria (1059 NW Madras Hwy) in Prineville. For those who have fought fires in Central Oregon this is right next to/ behind the Brothers Family Restaurant that has provided firefighter meals to hungry ODF firefighters.

Some of the agenda items are, selecting labor representatives to the Firefighter Equipment Super-committee as negotiated in our recent contract, a discussion of our past fire season and ideas for labor/management discussions or contract revisions, and what the responsibilities of Stewards are and how do you become one. My recent experience is that more Stewards are needed in the Local.

A conference call number will be forthcoming by postcard for those who cannot attend in person. Mileage reimbursement at SEIU 503 rates, lodging (make arrangements as described on the postcard), breakfast (provided by Brothers) and a pizza buffet lunch will be provided by the Local.

For many this is the best time to visit Central Oregon (September 15 - October 31) as the weather is cool and crisp and fall colors vibrant. Please make plans to attend for the views and help with the operation of our Local.

Oregon Forestry Elliott Forest Protest

2011-08-14T06:18:00.000-07:00

As our Local President I applaud the Oregon Department of Forestry's commitment to provide a safe work environment for those on the Elliott State Forest and elsewhere during the Elliott's public review period. Fighting forest fires or managing forests can be hazardous enough and protest activity that compromises that safety or ability to protect Oregon's forests from wildfire cannot be condoned. Thank you for all the work you do to protect our forests from wildfire, maintain pure drinking water and fish supporting streams, assessing landslide risk to public safety, searching for Threatened and Endangered species and providing a timber commodity to Oregon's forest related industries.

Forestry Statewide Meeting/ Bargaining Confernce Both July 23, 2011

2011-07-01T06:41:00.001-07:00

Our next Statewide Forestry Local meeting will be held the morning of July 23rd 2011 from 7:30 am to 10 am at the Doubletree Lloyd Center. The agenda is still being developed but at least one item will be to continue this Blog or move to a SEIU posting format. As always we will get together to inform, discuss and make decisions about the operations of our Local. A postcard notice should soon be in the mail providing registration instructions and phone number for those who cannot attend in person.

July 23rd is also the date for the next DAS/ OUS Bargaining Conference and not coincidentally starting at 10 am and also at the Doubletree. Important decisions will be made at this meeting about our contract and its ratification. Register to attend this conference with your Organizer or at the SEIU 503 website.

Perhaps now more than ever, in Unity
Dave Wells, Forestry Local 503 President

Forestry Firefighters and Union Representation

2011-06-18T08:56:00.000-07:00

Forest Firefighters working for the State of Oregon have the opportunity to be represented by SEIU 503. This is just like many of their structural counterparts who choose to be recognized by Unions of their choice. The important thing now is to join, have a say in what's going on, and add strength (in numbers) to a successful bargaining campaign. A fair wage, health insurance, and retirement bennifts are all more possible when more firefighters and your co-workers are members.

Borrowing from a car sales TV personallity "I can't save you any money if you don't come and see me today" for us it is more like "I don't have a chance of getting your fair wages and benifits if you don't join today"

SEIU Staff and worksite Stewards and contacts will be meeting with Forestry Firefighters, asking you to join, which I hope you will.

Tentative Agreement Reached on Forestry Proposals

2011-05-17T08:57:00.000-07:00

Management and Union reached agreements covering the Work Capacity Test, boot reimbursement and incident lodging just before midnight Monday, May 16th. These were the last of a set of proposals originally brought to the table in February. The final package (where proposals are considered together and not separately) was telling of the work done as management and union each had two proposals in the mix. Dave Wells commented "it's tough out there, but there are solutions, you just have to keep looking, there were no losers this time". Union membership will have the final say with a vote in these proposals tentatively agreed to.

Details of the Tentative Agreement:

Work Capacity Test: In general if you are a professional (non-strikeable) permanent or seasonal firefighter you are expected to take and pass the WCT unless a you are prevented from taking it for a medical reason. A medical certification option that attests to ability to preform the duties of a firefighter is available if you cannot take the WCT.

Other employees (strikeable) who seek to assist in firefighting efforts need to pass the WCT at the appropriate level or get a medical certification to work on a fire.

A $25 reimbursement is available for those needing a medical release or certification to assist in co-pays.

Boots: Contract would change to provide both boot repair and maintenance and the dollar reimbursement raised from $200 to $220 for permanent employees and from $100 to $110 for seasonal employees.

Incident Lodging and Equipment: A six person committee (3 management, 3 union) will be formed to provide recommendations to the Executive Team about the tents, sleeping bags, pads, and fire field packs that really meet firefigher needs. Reasonable fit and agency identity will be considered.

Next dates:

May 20th Rally at the Oregon State Capital, this is important to show Bargaining Team support towards a fair contract. 11:30 A, front steps

May 31: ODOT Bargaining continues, 5:30 P at ODOT Human Resources

Real Work to Resolve Real Issues

2011-05-03T09:02:00.000-07:00

"Whatever it Takes" must be within us at ODF. Last night bargaining started at about 6:00P and as others of the ODOT Coalition left to sleep, ODF Management and Labor representatives met to discuss the finer points of the Work Capacity Test finishing just after midnight. In an unusual move, Tom Perry from the Department of Administrative Services will take another look at the latest WCT language presented by Management and try to make it clearer that the Medical Certification option is available for strikeable and non-strikable employees that cannot take the WCT.

Very real work to resolve a real issue.

"Lodging" at incidents and fire duty packs is another real issue. We received an innovative idea from Management, create an ad-hoc committee to see what the needs really are from our fire fighting community. Labor looked at the idea and is preparing a counter proposal with ideas gathered from others in the ODOT Coalition to include action items. Any ideas of what should be on the list? Contact me or your organizer.

More very real work to resolve a real issue.

Bargaining continues on Monday, May 16, 2011 beginning at 5:30P at ODOT Human Resources and ending at "Whatever it Takes"

Another important date:

Rally at the State Capital on May 20th starting at 11:30A.

Work Capacity Test + Listening = Amazing

2011-04-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

The first re-write of the Work Capacity Test's contract language is nearing it's conclusion. Management returned a proposal last night that incorporated firefighter safety and financial help when a medical certification is needed to take the WCT. These are the two issues identified when proposals were handed back and forth on March 1st.

Amazing describes the very real work that Management and the Union have done to find a solution that can be supported. Contact your organizer or me if you have questions about the specifics.

The ODOT Coalition meets next on May 2, 2011 starting at 5:30P at ODOT Human Resources in Salem.

Sustainable Jobs, Sustainable Forests

2011-04-15T10:01:00.000-07:00

I grew up playing in the forest, I learned in the forest, and now I work in the forest.

Oregon's Stewardship Foresters help ensure that Oregon's forests will always provide the benefits of clean water, protection of wildlife habitat, and the continued growing of trees. When called they provide leadership in the suppression of wildfires. Sustainable forests for sustainable jobs it takes a dedicated group of forest professionals to make it happen.

For everyone else who will play, learn, and work in the forest.

Work Capacity Test Center of Attention

2011-03-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

Bargaining on March 21 was a good warm-up for fire season when members and management came from all of ODF's Areas to work on the WCT.

At ODF in Salem we heard about why it should be changed:

Management's focus was on how the ability of few could effect the safety of many.
Union's focus was on how to remove the financial burden of obtaining a physician's medical release when needed to take the WCT.

It is now up to the Union (us) to prepare a counter proposal, promised to Management at our next meeting on April 4th at 5:30P, ODOT Human Resources in Salem.

Reading the tea leaves, it's time to start your conditioning program for the WCT.

Lobby Day Connects

2011-03-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

We met Legislators who are supportive and good listeners at the Capitol on 3/17. To quote Rep. Bob Jenson "it's pretty tough times" but also provided hope in what is budgeted for Natural Resource agencies.

For specifics HB 2123 that would allow the Department to provide legal protection to firefighters alleged to have committed a crime in the course of fire suppression activities passed out of Committee with amendments. The first step in the long journey to become a law.

Bargaining will be no less of a journey.

We bargain next on Monday night 3/21 starting at 5:30P at ODF Salem Headquarters. The work capacity test is on the agenda.

Central Oregon Firefighters Take a Bow

2011-03-08T16:52:00.000-08:00

Last night a tentative agreement was reached that will allow seasonal employees not currently employed to apply for Agency internal promotions. Certain conditions apply. This is how bargaining is supposed to work, identify a problem or need, communicate a solution, and then bargain towards it. Thanks for bringing it forward Central Oregon Firefighters.

Next bargaining meeting is Monday, March 21 at ODF Headquarters in Salem where the Work Capacity Test will be a focus. Dinner at 5:30pm, bargaining at 6:30pm, Tillamook and Clatsop rooms.

Future bargaining dates: April 4, April 18

All Proposals In

2011-03-01T19:24:00.000-08:00

Finally an opening to change the Work Capacity Test. Last night union and management traded WCT proposals. Union's focus to have physician co-pays paid; Management's focus to remove the physician note option when the WCT cannot be physically "passed". What do you think?

This will be a focus of bargaining on March 21st when we meet at ODF headquarters in Salem. The meeting starts at 5:30P. Being present to listen, think, share and decide will be important.

Next ODOT coalition bargaining is March 7 starting at 5:30P at ODOT Human Resource Center in Salem.

Foresters You've Got to Talk More Than Trees

2011-02-19T19:29:00.000-08:00

At our statewide meeting we reviewed bills about Forestry in Oregon. They went from cut more trees to create conservation areas, protect forestry firefighters from alleged criminal charges to limit expenditures from the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund. What does that mean to you?

You don't need a tent to make a political statement but you do need to participate in our Lobby Day for Natural Resource Agencies on March 17th, contact your organizer for more details. The Local will pay for your companion's part of lodging if needed, we're family friendly.

Other dates: Coalition bargaining February 28, March 7, March 21

Possibility Thinking, Problem Solvivg Stewards Wanted

2011-02-03T19:43:00.000-08:00

Efficiencies and change that works will be needed to give Oregon's forests the protections expected from Oregonians. Stewards are needed to help grow the ideas of empowered co-workers to feel secure and share what they know. Becoming a Steward is a great way to grow your own leadership skills. Ask our Statewide coordinator Lisa or me how to become one.

See you at the next Statewide Forestry meeting February 19, 10am, Portland Field Office.

Encouraging leadership, safety, fairness and recognizing success

2011-01-15T19:35:00.000-08:00

It felt like bargaining had started as Forestry met with others in the ODOT coalition to craft contract proposals for the 2011/ 13 contract on January 15th. Leadership, success, safety and fairness all themes to weave words around in a period of change and opportunity. See what our proposals look like at the Bargaining Conference, January 30th.

Other dates of note:

Purple up on January 25th
ODOT Coalition bargaining February 7th
Forestry Local statewide meeting in Portland, February 19th
ODOT Coalition bargaining February 28th

What will your job look like in 5 years?

2010-12-30T19:07:00.000-08:00

Boots, incident lodging, hazard pay or something else.

What do you want your job to look like in 5 years?

These are the questions as contract language is being prepared for our next round of bargaining beginning in February 2011. Language will be prepared on January 15th at SEIU headquarters in Salem.

Should employees who work in Salem be allowed to bump employees who work in the Districts/Area if programs are combined?

Vote for Kitzhaber

2010-10-17T18:48:00.000-07:00

On our biggest fires, Kitzhaber always showed up to see what was going on, and in a Governor's way lend a hand. Before it was cool, before Katrina, then Governor Kitzhaber came to the Monument Complex Fire and when he asked the IC, what do you need. Mike Tempelton said showers. Within 24 hours we had showers.

Kitzhaber knows what's going on and how to get it done. I don't want to be dirty any longer than I have to be.

2010-09-12T20:15:00.000-07:00

Bargaining Surveys are Available @ SEIU 503 Website

On September 11th bargaining our next contact began, with the question what needs to be changed (if anything) in our next contract. The Bargaining Survey, available on-line for the first time, is the place to start. Your input is so important.

Please make the time to fill it out.

Next ODOT Coalition (that's us) bargaining meeting is in Salem on January 15th starting at 10A in SEIU 503 Headquarters.

2010-07-11T13:08:00.000-07:00

Slight cooling then hot and dry

It's time to pack your bag and prepare for possible fires ahead.

If you do go out remember the Department is prepared to help. Need a sleeping bag, tent, sleeping pad, just ask, they should be there and in good clean condition. The sleeping bag has been cleaned and dryed in commercial like laundry facilities.

That's the standard, but if the bag isn't clean let me know so it can be brought up at Labor/ Management.

As Oregon's firefighters you're one of the best, be safe, do good work, be ready to go again.

Blogspot hats

2010-07-01T17:57:00.000-07:00

Hello Forestry Employees:
Forestry Local hats are now available through your organizer or Steward. These hats are not considered a uniform hat to be worn with ODF's uniform but can be worn after work.

This is the first of what hopefully be many more. Be safe and keep 'em small as the weather starts to heat up this week.

Local 629 Election Results

2010-05-07T14:59:00.001-07:00

The results are in.

President: David Wells - Tillamook
Vice-President: Bryan Koehn - Klamath Falls
Secretary: Doug Firoved - West Lane
Treasurer: Ashley Probst - West Lane

Southern Oregon Area Rep - Crystal Altheide
Eastern Oregon Area Rep - Diane Partridge
Northwest Oregon Area Rep - Eric Foucht

Bargaining Alternate: Kevin Cole - Molalla

Re-Classification and the New State Contract

2009-09-25T17:13:00.000-07:00

Our state contract was ratified with 88% approval. Many of you have a huge investment in the Re-classification study that began 2 years ago. The hard work to reclassify some Forestry classifications has finally come to a reality. You will be placed into your new classification with your new salary range on October 1st 2009. Below is a breakdown of the new classifications.

Forest Lookout - no new class - new S/R 11

New Class - Wildland Fire Dispatcher Entry - S/R 11

Forestry Communications Dispatcher - Wildland Fire Dispatcher - S/R 15

Forestry Communications Dispatcher Coord. - Wildland Fire Dispatcher - S/R 15

New Class - Wildland Fire Suppression Specialist Entry - S/R 13

Student Worker/Trades - Wildland Fire Suppression Specialist - S/R 17

Laborer 1 - Wildland Fire Suppression Specialist - S/R 17

Laborer 2 - Wildland Fire Suppression Specialist - S/R 17

New Class - Forest Officer Entry - S/R 19

Forest Officer - Forest Officer - S/R 23

Here is the Language
(a) Implementation Procedure for Above Classifications. Effective October 1, 2009 all employees will retain their current salary rate in the new classification except employees whose current rate is below the first step of the new range shall be moved to the first step in the new range and a new salary eligibility of October 1, 2010 will be assigned. For an employee whose rate is within the new salary range, but not at a corresponding salary step, his/her salary shall be adjusted to the next higher rate closest to his/her current salary, effective October 1, 2009. “Red-circle” under Article 81, Section 3 will apply when appropriate, (i.e., in cases of downward reclassification).

The step freeze lifts on 9/1/10, but the only employees who get a new salary eligibility date are those who go to the new step 1. Anyone else retains the same salary eligibility date they had before the new classification. Those moving but staying at the same pay will get an increase on their salary eligibility date that occurs on 9/1/10 or after.

If you have any questions please contact your steward, statewide officer or union organizer.

A Message From Local 629 President Kevin Cole

2009-06-23T10:38:00.000-07:00

Good Day All,

I hope that you all enjoyed your weekend. Local 629 Forestry had its statewide union meeting on Saturday the 20th of June at my home in Molalla. We also had a social Barbeque on Friday night. The Friday night social had very good attendance and with some very good food consumed as well as enjoyable festivities. No rain actually fell on us during the event and we did take full advantage of the fire pit as well as the horse shoe pit. Saturday was less attended but still enjoyable. We discussed how the lay-offs were going as well as how our contract negotiations were coming along and what we may like to see in future contracts pertaining to Forestry. We made the decision to purchase some items with the 629 Local insignia on them. These will be distributed this summer when you attend some 629 union functions. I want to personally thank the Department of Forestry finance section, particularly Betsy Kelly and Debbie Baugh, for the information on the states EAP program. Debbie came out and presented us with some useful information about the program and where to find it on the states internal web site She also had information on the Deffered Comp Program. Thank you, Debbie for your attendance and thank you, Betsy for setting this up.

I do have a concern. With all the lay-offs, our agencies strapped budget, and uncertainty with the current contract as it pertains to our pay, furloughs, and steps I believed we would have better attendance at our statewide meetings. Here are my thoughts: The state as well as the union is getting you all or enough of the information that you need. You do not have any questions about the contract. You have no need to file a grievance. You don't care about your healthcare benefits. You don't care about getting paid holidays. You don't care about getting a cost of living increase. You don't think your voice will be heard. You think that is what we pay the union to do. Folks, I challenge you all to make your voice heard. I was elected by you to serve as your president of Local 629 and without your feedback and hearing your concerns about issues I do not know what you need me to fight for. That is why I am challenging you to attend our future meetings and make your voice heard.

I want to thank all of you who are attending and making your voice heard. WE are the union.

Kevin Cole
President
Local 629 Forestry

Links to helpful programs:
Need some personal or family assistance?
The Employee Assistance Program:
http://www.oregon.gov/DAS/PEBB/EAP.shtml

It's your money. Know your benefits package.
Public Employee Benefits Board - PEBB
http://www.oregon.gov/DAS/PEBB/PDB/index.shtml

Statewide Forestry Meeting

2009-05-29T12:36:00.000-07:00

Want to know more about your Forestry Local? Get engaged. You are invited to the Statewide Forestry Local Meeting slated for June 19 & June 20. See details below.

Forestry Local 629 Statewide Meeting
When: June 19th and 20th
Where: Kevin Cole’s House
36506 S. Sawtell Rd
Molalla, Or 97038
503-829-9018

Family Members Welcome.

Friday night:

6:00 pm
Come complete a preseason checkout of your camping gear. Yes, this is a camp out.
Barbeque and Social,
Horseshoe pit is open.
Dinner around 7pm
Come and enjoy your evening by a camp fire until the wee hours, BYOB (bring your own booze) and drink. Food will be provided.

Saturday meeting;

Sun-up – 09:00 -Breakfast
09:00- 11:00 -Meeting - Bargaining updates
- Forest Officer Re-class update
- Lay-Off procedures, are they working?
- Union representation?
1100 -12:00 - Financial guest speaker to talk about EAP programs - Betsy Kelly or staff member
12:00 – 13:00 -Lunch
13:00 – 15:00 - Meeting - What’s next?
- Questions for Management at LMI Meeting?
- Contract changes 2010-2011?

15:00 - Meeting adjourned

Sunday
Happy Fathers Day!!

Please RSVP by June 12, 2009, 17:00 hours so that we can get an accurate count for food. You can RSVP to either Kevin Cole at kcole@odf.state.or.us or call and leave a message 503-829-9018, or Lisa Donoho at donohol@opeuseiu.org or 503-408-4090 ext 459.
Here is a link to the Cole’s house: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Molalla&state=OR&address=36506+S.+Sawtell+Rd&zipcode=97038

What's Going on Right Now...

2009-01-09T21:50:00.000-08:00

This is not meant to be a complete list of everything happening in Local 629 but rather a quick overview of the big things we are currently working on. If you have questions about how to get involved and help move things forward or just want more details contact your Steward or Area Rep, members of your Local Leadership or your Organizer.

State-Wide ODOT/Forestry Meeting (January 23rd & 24th. South Pheonix Inn 4370 Commercial St. Salem, OR 97302. Contact Robin Rico for more information: 503-581-1505 ext 173. Friday, January 23rd will be an ODOT/Forestry Bargaining meeting. Saturday, January 24th will be our Forestry specific meeting. I will post our agenda after it is approved.)
Bargaining (Begins January 26th 2009. So far our "main" bargaining items are: Work Capacity Testing/LOA 00.00 05 137, Tool Reimbursment/Article 122.3c Section 5, Vacation Leave/Article 66.3 Section(s) 1, 3 and 4.)
Incident Standards (Formerly known as tent rent, we have asked for the minimum standards and were successful in getting a few things added to this list, we are waiting to see the final version but planning goes on for how to address this issue during fire season. We will need to act together on this one so please stay tuned for more information)
Elections (New officers have been elected, see post below)
Mechanics Reclass (UPDATE: January 30th we will receive the last Mechanic's re-classification decision. All others were denied. However, we have discussed alternative steps that can be taken. Please contact Nakita Santiago or Kevin Cole for further information)
Re-allocation (OUR VOICES HAVE BEEN HEARD!!!! The State has submitted their first re-allocation proposal. The step increases being offered are significant! For example, the Forest Officer step increase has moved from a 14 to a 23!!! And under Article 26- Differential Pay- Special Duty Pay, Section 3(b) we have gained a differential pay of 1.50 cents per hour -for actual air-time only-. An increase from .40 cents per hour. I provided a link to view the full re-allocation proposal.)
Membership (We are asking everyone to check their membership status and sign an application if they are not a member yet, many people don't realize they are not. This gives us more strength in bargaining, it brings more money back to our Local where we get to determine how it is spent, it shows management that people care about the issues we are fighting for and of course with membership comes the right to vote on contracts-strikes-officer elections etc.)
New Stewards (WE NEED STEWARDS!!! We are allowed up to 2 Stewards per District with no more than 1 per unit and 3 in Salem HQ, if you do NOT have a Steward in your area please talk to your Leadership or Organizer about holding an election.)
Rights Quick Card (we are working on a business sized card to be distributed at the begining of fire school to all employees, the purpose is to remind folks of their important rights so that we are all exercising them...Use it or Lose it)

NEW OFFICERS

2008-04-30T08:13:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our newly elected officers of Forestry Local 629!

President - Kevin Cole
Vice President - Bryan Koehn
Treasurer - Dave Wells
Area Rep District 1 (Portland) - Kevin Geary
Area Rep District 2 (Salem) - Kristin Cotugno
Area Rep District 4 (Southern OR) - John Seward
Area Rep District 5 (Eastern OR) - David Weaver
Area Rep District 6 (Coast) - Gloria Clary
General Council Alternate Delegate - Diane Partridge

The write in candidates are still being verified and will be posted as soon as that is complete.

Re-Allocation Comment Period

2008-03-07T17:52:00.000-08:00

Both Labor and Management agree that the classifications for Protection are long overdue of an overhaul. We are not however in agreement as to how to fix it. Many of the issues that have come up should be of concern to all ODF, the general public and land owners! We have experienced recruitment and retention problems and we know that both of these issues lead to safety concerns. Issues like creating an upwardly mobile path that rewards people for the level of responsibility they assume and attracts quality employees that will continue to keep our standards high are of great concern to our front line employees. If you have not seen the latest classification specifications proposed by ODF and DAS you can do so by cutting and pasting this link into your browser http://www.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/otherstudies.shtml
The concern that many have expressed is that the changes made only promote a downgrading of our recruitment process and fire program. You will notice that an underfill (entry) level position was added beneath the Forest Officers and the Wildland Fire Suppression Specialists, this is a sub class rather than recognizing the need for an upper level. The original talks indicated using the same titles as most fire programs that we work side by side with in the field but that was scrapped. We have been speaking up with our concerns but we need to continue. We don't want to stop this re-allocation, it's a good thing, but we do want to make sure that we've done everything we can to make it an accurate representation of what we do! Our Comment period is currently open and will close on April 30th. Our research department will be preparing these comments to submit to DAS but not without talking to you all first. We will be having a conference call on April 8th at 6pm so that people can share their feedback with one of our researchers. There will be a bit of time following this for people to send additional comments to our research dept. before they need to begin writing the comments. Stay tuned for information on how to participate in the call.

Raingear

2008-02-22T16:33:00.000-08:00

Raingear Victory in Sight!!

We fought hard to win Raingear during bargaining and we were able to get language committing to determing who would receive Raingear through the Labor Management Committee. This committee is made up of representatives from both Labor and Managment. Through this process Jeff Hepler was selected to serve on a joint committee to determine the process. The committee decided to resurect the dormant Uniform Committee who has made great progress in amending the Uniform Directive to include Raingear. Jeff Hepler continues to serve on that committee as our Labor seat and Dana Gordon is the Manager that is heading things up. Thanks to both for their excellent work. So far they have determined a list of folks that they are proposing should receive Raingear. That list is...

Equipment Operators
Energy Technicians
Facility Maintenance Specialists
Forest Inmate Crew Coordinators
Forest Management Technicians
Forest Officers (permanent & seasonal)
Grounds Maintenance Worker 2's
NRS 1's
NRS 2's
Transportation Maintenance Specialist 2's
Auto Technician 2's
Constructions Project Manager 2's
Heavy Equipment Tech's
Laborer/Student Workers
Communication System Analyst's
other positions at management's discretion (eg some NRS 3's)

If the proposal is approved those who work primarily outdoors and in adverse conditions in the above classifications will have raingear purchased for them. The committee is currently working out the details of what Raingear should be purchased.