TECHNICAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
Board Members Present: Eric Mandel, President/Acting Treasurer
Roger Browne, 1st Vice President
Patty Overby, Secretary
Status of Wastewater Contract
Eric reported that the subcommittee has started to work on descriptions of body of work.
Transit Arbitration Update
Eric reported that the Arbitrator has made a final decision. There is an overall compounded 10% increase for all employees. The actual signed contract with the Arbitrator's decision is being finalized this week. Since this contract ended December 31, 2004, TEA will need to begin negotiations soon for a new contract.
Eric said that he had spoken with KC Transit management about when to expect pay checks. Transit members can expect a change in rates for the pay period beginning 2/28 with a check for that pay period received 3/24. The retro checks will not get until 4/7.
Members will also be receiving information from TEA on what they owe for the special assessment. Voluntary dues will be credited towards the special assessment.
Discussion centered on:
á When does TEA anticipate sending a demand to bargain letter to the County? There was discussion about passing a motion for TEA to submit a demand to bargain letter for the next Transit contract to the County. (Eric responded that TEA has raised this question with Jim Cline. Eric said he wants to make sure the contract is signed and implemented before proceeding further with a demand to bargain letter. He added he would discuss this further with the Board.)
Ÿ Action: The membership passed a motion to table action asking TEA to submit a demand to bargain letter for the next Transit contract until the next monthly meeting to allow the Board time to check with legal counsel and the Negotiating Team.
Grievance Process
Roger distributed a copy of the flow chart for grievances and noted that the Grievance Committee has also put together a new Grievance form for members to fill out. Roger then reviewed the flow chart. He added that if TEA decides not to proceed with a grievance, the employee could file a grievance on their own. Grievance Committee members can assist employees in filling out the grievance form.
He added that employees have a right to union representation at meetings with management if they feel discipline action might occur.
Roger said that currently there are five members on the Grievance Committee. In addition to himself, there are Lisa Taylor, Susan McDonald-Wright, Garrett Stronks and David Kingsbury. There is a need for at least two additional members to handle grievances. Representation from Transit is especially needed. The contract gives members time to conduct TEA grievances on County time.
Roger stated that the Wastewater contract allows members to either submit a grievance directly to management or go through TEA. If a member submits a grievance directly to management, will not be given TEA's Grievance Committee or legal support.
The intent of grievances is relative to the approved contract or a past practice. If it is not a past practice or part of the contract, TEA cannot move it forward.
Roger reminded members of the training provided by Jim Cline. We hope to have the tapes converted soon so members can check them out.
Roberts Duncan Class Action Lawsuit
Eric said that this lawsuit has nothing to do with TEA and therefore, TEA is not representing members in any way. Questions should be directed to the class action lawsuit attorney (Bendix..) TEA or its legal counsel is in no position to give advice. Members may believe there should be a correction to show where you were not effectively represented until the contract went into place. If the County or attorney asks for documentation, you can reference parts of the Christie Agreement.
Issues for the Good of the Order
Ken Madden wanted to thank Dave Crippen for all of the time and effort he expended on the Transit contract. He also said that Carl Mack, who left the County for another job, was a constant source of inspiration and guidance for TEA in getting the Wastewater contract moving.
The meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.
Patty Overby, TEA Secretary