TOP STORY
“They deserve a contract” – Dan Feltes
On September 30, Dan Feltes spoke with WMUR via Facebook Live to take questions from the public about his stance on workers, climate change, and corporate money in politics.
At the beginning Feltes was asked about his stance on paid family leave, a bipartisan effort that was vetoed by Governor Sununu earlier this year. Feltes said working people should not have to choose between valuable time with family and job security.
Most importantly, Feltes emphasized, without prompting, that state employees need a contract – “State employees on the front lines working hard each and every day don’t have a contract because Chris Sununu failed to deliver a contract… They deserve a contract.”
Feltes is right – Sununu failed to recognize the need for wage increases, he failed to abide by the Fact Finder’s report, and he failed to bring the report to his Executive Council for review. It’s time to elect a leader who will work with state employees, not against them.
Election 2020
Absentee Ballots are out
Absentee ballots have been mailed to NH voters and some districts are already receiving completed ballots. It is NOT TOO LATE to request an absentee ballot due to fear of contracting COVID-19. If you have requested a ballot and not received on yet, call your local clerk’s office and ask when you can expect your ballot. Make sure to follow all procedures for completing an absentee ballot.
After you complete the ballot: The USPS has recommended that voters mail back their ballots two weeks before Election Day – October 20. Voters can also turn ballots in directly to your local city or town clerk’s office.
Absentee ballots have allowed active duty service members, working parents, and homebound citizens a safe and reliable option for exercising democracy for over 100 years of American history.
Request a ballot here. If you’ve already mailed your ballot, track your ballot here.
WATCH: Interview with Candidate Joshua Bourdon
Candidate for NH Senate Joshua Bourdon sat down with SEA/SEIU Local 1984’s Political Director to talk about his campaign. Bourdon currently sits on the Derry City Council and has seen how corrupt and disconnected politicians can be.
Repairing the budget after COVID
We need your help to elect pro-worker candidates like Joshua Bourdon all over NH.
Volunteer to phone bank one day a week until the election.
October 7 October 14 October 21 October 28
Call to Action
NEEDED: Volunteers
This is the year to elect pro-worker candidates to local offices all over NH. Your union has endorsed over 80 candidates across the state that have committed to defending, and expanding, worker protections.
Phone bankers call fellow union members to advocate for local candidates – state senators and reps. By advocating for local candidates, we can make real changes in our communities.
Choose the date that works best for you to get started.
October 7 October 14 October 21 October 28
Protect democracy – become a poll worker
NH is relying on poll workers to create a smooth and peaceful election season in NH. Communities expressed concern ahead of the primary as many long-time poll workers were dropping out due to fear of contracting COVID-19. Many poll workers are older Americans and at an increased risk of severe infection.
As workers dropped out, many communities expected to close some polling stations due to a lack of poll workers. However, some of those came communities witnessed an influx of new poll workers who stepped up to keep polling stations open. Towns like Lebanon have seen a rapid increase in young poll workers.
Poll workers distribute ballots and instruct voters on proper procedures. Depending on your municipality, poll workers may even receive a stipend for their work.
Click here for specific guidelines for your community.
We want to hear from SEA/SEIU 1984 members!
Governor Chris Sununu’s vetoes are directly impacting lives in New Hampshire.
In 2020 alone, he has rejected legislation that would help improve healthcare, employment, public safety and sustainability including, but not limited to: raising the minimum wage from $7.25 to $10 in 2021, paid family and medical leave, and many laws which would have protected voters from the COVID-19 virus.
Have you been impacted by Governor Sununu’s vetoes? Help us educate Granite State voters on Sununu’s veto record, by sharing how YOU have been personality affected, before the November 3 election. Fill out this form or reach out directly to Britta Petersen (britta.petersen@SEIU.org or 917-596-8609) to tell your story.
Union Updates
MAKE AN IMPACT: JOIN A COMMITTEE
An active membership is the backbone of a successful union. We are asking members to sign up for a committee and join your fellow members in making a valuable impact. Click the links below for more information on the committees.
Charge & Trial – Collective Bargaining Advisory – Constitution & Bylaws – Convention Arrangements – Dues Assistance – Ethics – Financial Advisory – Grievance – Honorary Membership – Lavendar Caucus – Member Discounts – Operation Santa Claus – Organization – Political Education – Resolutions – Retirement – Road Race – Social Activities
Registration Form. More information
SEA Movie Night: On the Basis of Sex
Join us via Zoom on Thursday, October 8 for a screening of On the Basis of Sex. The film follows the early career of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader-Ginsburg. The campaign for Public Good and the Social Activities Committee have joined together to bring you this event!
Register here. You will receive an email verifying your registration.
A social will begin at 5pm, followed by the movie screening at 6pm.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Healthcare administrator change
Early this year, the state changed healthcare administrator for retired state employees. That state has switched from Anthem to Aetna.
This will not have an effect on the healthcare members can receive.
This is yet another instance of the state bypassing bargaining and making a decision without proper negotiation. Even small changes cannot be made without first negotiating with the union.
Sen. Cavanaugh: We need to protect state workers
On Friday, NH Senator Kevin Cavanaugh expressed his disappointments, and hopes, regarding how NH protects state workers during this global pandemic.
Additionally, HB 1494 included an amendment that would reinstate simplified language surrounding how employees can form unions. Sen. Cavanaugh says it best, “The language created a simplified pathway for employees seeking union membership. This would have given employees the opportunity to negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions without fear of outside influence or unnecessary friction between employers and employees. In short, it gave employees more freedom of choice.”
Read the full article here.