Forestry Local Statewide Meeting, October 10th

The Forestry Local of SEIU 503 is holding it's Summer/ Fall Statewide meeting on October 10th from 9:00am to 2:00pm at the Stafford Inn, Prineville.  For those unable to attend in person there will be a call in number available for the 9:00am to 10:00am portion of the meeting.  Contact Dave Wells or Mike Bray, SEIU Staff Organizer for the phone number.

The agenda is still being developed but will include a financial report, updates on current re-class requests, and review of the fire season.  Please contact any of your elected leadership or Mike Bray to add an agenda item.

Mileage and lodging (for those traveling more than 75 miles) will be available according to SEIU 503's Administrative Policy and Procedures.  Contact SEIU if you need lodging.

Forestry Local 629 Member Meeting (call-in hour from 9AM-10AM) Stafford Inn 1773 NE 3rd St Prineville, OR

WhenSat, October 10, 9am – 2pm

WhereStafford Inn, 1773 NE 3rd St, Prineville, OR 97754, United States (map)

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SEIU 503 Exective Board Recogintion and Thank You to ODF Firefighters

SEIU 503's Executive Board prepared this thank you for all of ODF's firefighters and supporting staff recognizing their extraordinary contributions during this unparalleled fire season.  I know the thoughts are from the heart and recognition sincere, please accept their congratulations recognizing the hard work and long hours you have given to make Oregon the special place that it is.

Dave Wells

*****************************************************

August 28, 2015

Dave Wells, President Oregon Dept of Forestry

Brandon Ferguson,  Vice President Oregon Dept of Forestry

James Neuman, Secretary Oregon Dept of Forestry

Dear Dave, Brandon and James:

This has been one of the most – if not the most – dangerous fire seasons in recent memory due to the long periods of extreme heat and little or no moisture. It has created incredible risk for many Oregon Department of Forestry members who day-in and day-out must deal with extremely volatile conditions in our forests in controlling fires of all sizes and intensity to protect Oregonians lives, properties and our treasured forest lands. Other ODF members have stepped up to competently assume duties that are needed in support of those on fire protection/suppression duty.

We can’t begin to express the admiration and gratitude due our ODF members for your commitment to service in this dangerous but necessary mission, whether you work the long hours over long uninterrupted periods on the fire lines, or take on the unfamiliar but necessary tasks in support of those on the fire lines.

We are proud to have you as members of SEIU 503, OPEU, as you serve all Oregonians in such dedicated and selfless duty.

In unity,

SEIU Local 503, OPEU, Board of Directors Executive Committee

Rob Sisk            Heather Conroy          Rebecca Sandoval                           

President           Executive Director      Secretary-Treasurer                      

Mike Scott          Linda Burgin                          Rhonda Morgan

Vice-President     Immediate Past-President      Human Services Sector Director                     

Shaun Notdurft                                          Greg Ledbetter

Private Non-Profit Sector Director               Retiree Sublocal Director

 

Statewide Forestry Meeting, October 10th in Central Oregon

Please save October 10th for our next Statewide Forestry Local meeting to be held in Central Oregon.  Many think Fall is the best time to visit this part of the State, and hopefully a good agenda that will seal the deal and you will make plans to attend.

If you have agenda items that you would like to see discussed please forward them to any of the Locals officers or Mike Bray our SEIU 503 Staff Organizer.

Final details are being worked out but as with other meetings, mileage, and lodging for those traveling more than 75 miles to attend will be paid for from our Local's account.

Stay Sharp, Remembering the Words of Nancy Orr

Stay Sharp, said Nancy Orr, Oregon's State Fire Marshall, when she addressed Oregon's Incident Management Team at our annual meeting many years ago.  Stay Sharp.

I think she talked about looking crisp and having your engine clean, something that you could be proud of.  That is important, but it has come to mean more to me, and that is always doing the best job you can do.  It's the edge, not of risk, but that little slice of satisfaction of a job well done. Stay Sharp.

I can't help think about the recent wildfire fatalities in California and Washington, and know many of my fellow employees are somehow effected.  That silent prayer, a "Thank You Firefighter" on a cardboard box that means just a little bit more now.  With seven more weeks of fire ahead, how to push on and get up at O' dark thirty for the briefing and the assignment ahead.  For me it will be taking a moment to remember those who I care about and care about me, think about LCES and to Stay Sharp.

Security Package Delivered

Your Bargaining Delegates met July 18th and recommended approval of the Tentative Agreement reached between our Bargaining Team and the State of Oregon by membership vote.  Ballots will be available beginning July 22nd at face to face Ratification Meetings or by mail, and must be received by close of business August 17th to be counted.

Heather Conroy, SEIU 503 Executive Director described the role of members and overall bargaining concept as "we can organize, we can galvanize.........we won't take cuts" and of the agreement added "proud of the contract, worked hard to meet expectations".   The TA was recommended to the membership by an overwhelming "yes" vote.

Some of TA details are listed below, with a more complete list available at the Ratification Meetings or SEIU 503 website.

Four year agreement with an opening in 2017 to re-negotiate cost of living adjustments, insurance, differentials and selective salary increases.

Cost of living adjustments (salary increase) of 1.48% effective December 1, 2015 and 2.75% effective December 1, 2016.

Insurance options that are up to a 99% employer/ 1% employee split depending on the plan chosen.

The day after Thanksgiving was added as holiday, there is no effect on other holidays or the Governor's Leave day.

Employees can now cash out up to 300 hours of accrued vacation leave upon separation from State service.

Volunteer firefighters can now use accrued leave, other than sick leave, to respond to emergency situations.

Telecommuting requests will be responded to within 30 days, and if denied the reason will be specified in writing.

The "employee" PERS contribution currently made by the employer will become the employee's responsibility beginning November 1, 2016.  Salary rates will be increased by 6.95% at the same time as an offset. Contributions will be made "pre-tax".

Boot reimbursement will now be $230 bi-annually for permanent employees or $115 yearly for seasonal employees.

The State will explore whether it is possible to do pre-tax deductions for qualifying cycling costs.

Welcome New and Continuing Forestry Local 629 Members

I would like to welcome the many new members to Forestry Local 629.  Your membership does make a difference when it comes to bargaining and having a voice in the workplace or on the fireline.  An immediate benifit of membership is that you have the opportunity to vote wether to accept or reject the tentative agreement negotiated on our behalf by Union bargaining team.  Details about the agreement can be seen here:  http://www.seiu503.org/2015/07/state-workers-reach-contract-settlement/

Another benifit is being able to join in the conversation about how our Local is run. This Wednesday, July 15th there will be a conference call to share what is going on at the leadership level and listen to concerns from the membership.  One topic will be how to become a Steward with the Forestry Local.  The call is planned from 7:00 to 8:00 pm and a toll free conference call number can be obtained from Dave Wells, Local President or Mike Bray, SEIU 503 Staff Organizer.

I would like to hear from you, and be safe.

Forestry Tentative Agreement Reached, June 24

A tentative agreement was reached between the State of Oregon and ODOT Coalition on June 24th about 5:00 am the morning. This conculded bargaining that began February 17th.

Contract improvemnents for Forestry employees included an increase in the boot reimbursement from $220 to $230 per biennium for permanent employees and $110 to $115 per year for seasonal employees.

Incident management rest and roatation policy will be developed with a Letter of Intent providing a framework and timeline.

Tree falling criteria and usage between agencies will be studied by a group of Management and Represented employees with a Letter of Intent.

Temporary employees working as Forest Inmate Crew Coordinators will be paid for their breaks and lunch when they cannot be relieved from thier duties.

Next steps include reaching a Tentative Agreement on the SEIU 503 and State of Oregon Master Agreement and a Bargaining Conference scheduled for Saturday, July 18th.

The Bargaining Conference will be Saturday, July 18th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Clackamas Community College in Oregon City.  Registration is available at the SEIU 503 website.