Members Meeting Minutes 12/10/08

LOCAL 3416
MEMBERS MEETING MINUTES
12/10/08


Meeting called to order at 1530.

Members Present: T. Houzenga, A. Clark, T. Vaniter, K. Parker, B. Booth, Ehrgott, Orril, A. Mercer, D. Mercer, Logan, Retzer, Buhlig, Hall, Cobb, Clairmont, R. Kelly, Swan, Z. Johnson, Armstrong, Walker, T. Smith, Seymour, C. Dougherty, Lay, Kokas, S. Hayes, Cook. Also present C. Stout.

Minutes: 10/08 Minutes approved as written. Meeting not held in 11/08.

Presidents Report:

*Labor/Management 11/08 - Minutes posted on bulletin.

*11/08 Members Meeting cancelled due to a training/seminar for e-board members. Teamwork and leadership skills were addressed as well as taking on additional responsibilities.

*Heartland Holiday Appeal - Letter of Appeal sent to all locals state-wide from Henry Bayer on behalf of workers at Heartland who have been on strike for 17-months. Heartland is a private direct care facility for alcohol and substance abuse patients as well as DD adults. Heartland has a staff of 34. Small donations from each local would add up to help these families who have been struggling for a long time. Motion made by Ehrgott to make a $100 token donation and motion seconded by Buhlig. Motion carried and local 3416 will send $100.

*Tinley Park/Howe/Pontiac - Meeting scheduled for 12/11/08 regarding impact if these facilities should close. Due to court order, Pontiac inmates are not being transferred at this time. There is talk that Tinley Park may be privatized and all work contracted out. Currently, our facility contracts out dietary and healthare. If Tinley Park privatizes, it may mean the beginning of many changes for state-wide facilities.

Treasurer’s Report: Not available.

Health & Safety Committee: This committee is now headed by K. Parker. Members from 2nd shift are needed. There will be a sign-up sheet in entry building and/or if interested, contact K. Parker.

Stewards Committee: B. Cooper will head committee. A meeting will be scheduled in near future.

Membership Committee: This is a newly formed committee and will be headed by T. Smith. Mr. Smith welcomes interest from members.

Good & Welfare Committee:
*STA Clayton won Chili cook-off. Mr. Clayton is a 2-time champ.

*Adult Christmas Party was held at Route 67 on 12/6/08.

*Family Christmas Party will be held 12/14/08 at Virginia House. Gifts have been purchased for children. Committee will need help in wrapping which will done in briefing room during lunch hours 12/11 and 12/12. Help is also needed in cooking the ham(s) and turkey(s) - 2 meats for each shift. Photos will be taken at party.
The G&W Committee, in support of Schuyler County, will have a drop off box for Christmas baskets. You may drop off food, clothing and/or toys for the needy.

The G&W Committee asked the union for a donation to help offset costs of the Christmas Parties which will near $1000. Clark made motion to give a $500 donation to the committee and Logan seconded motion.

New Business:

*Pies were served during Members Meeting. Booth made motion to have local cover the pie expense and T. Smith seconded the motion.

*Concerns were made about radio traffic. Maintenance uses common channel frequently. Per Houzenga, this subject has been brought up at Labor/Managerment during previous meeting and Director decided not to act. Subject will be brought up at next L/M Meeting.

*Management has mentioned their interest in opening up Supplemental. Union is waiting on Management. The Governor may request each Department open their Supplementals since some are very old and need a review. TDF(s) is a fairly new Supplemental. If Management does decide to open, the union either accepts or declines. Addendums and/or side letters are a better way to go.

*Incident Reports - C. Dougherty addressed subject. Incident reports are a report of one’s opinions. If ordered to write one, you have the right to include in report that you were under direct order to write such report. Insubordination will then be avoided. Always make a copy, and the union office has a file for reports.

*Pocket calendars - distribution to members was made by M.A.T.

*Subject of 10-hour days is rumor only.

C. Dougherty was winner of incentive drawing! Local paid out a total of $200 since she was an M.V.P. member as well. Congratulations!!

Meeting adjourned at 1610. Retzer made motion and seconded by a majority of members present.

Next Members Meeting scheduled for 1/14/09 at Deb & Di’s.

T. Vaniter, Recording Secretary