Every other Wednesday, SEA/SEIU Local 1984 publishes SEA News – a compilation of local, state, and national news relevant to SEA members. Our primary goal is to keep our members informed on the labor movement’s progress and foster an inclusive and tightly woven community of Granite Staters. Click here to become an SEA/SEIU Local 1984 member.
Top Story
Win for DOT
On August 20, 2020, the PELRB ruled on the State’s motion for reconsideration concerning the SEA’s recent victory pertaining to CDL medical cards being a mandatory subject of bargaining.
The SEA filed an unfair labor practice against the State last year after the State began requiring certain DOT employees to obtain CDL medical cards prior to being transferred, promoted, demoted, or otherwise moved within the DOT.
On June 23, 2020, the PELRB ruled in favor of the SEA, ordering the DOT to cease and desist from mandating current DOT employees to obtain CDL medical cards.
The State filed a motion for the PELRB to reconsider its decision, but the PELRB has upheld the SEA’s victory on this matter. The State now has the option to appeal this decision to the NH Supreme Court.
– SEA Legal Counsel
Union Governance
Bargaining Update
On August 5, 2020 the SEA filed a Petition for Declaratory Ruling with the Public Employee Labor Relations Board (PELRB) regarding the Legislature’s vote to accept the fact finder’s report. The SEA believes that when the legislature voted to approve the fact finder’s report, the state adopted the terms and recommendations of the fact finder, including wages and health care recommendations. Thus, we believe the State is now required to implement and abide by those terms, which would mean paying state employees the recommended raises. At this time, the State disagrees with the SEA, and instead believes the legislature’s vote was merely advisory.
As a result, the SEA filed a Petition for Declaratory Ruling in order to seek clarification on the matter from the PELRB. This matter will likely take at least a few months to be resolved by the court. However, any decision from the PELRB would be subject to rehearing and appeal. It may be much longer before this matter is fully resolved – from a few months to a year or two. I will strive to provide you all with timely updates as we proceed.
Bargaining Survey
Negotiations for the State Executive Branch 2021-2023 contract begin in November. A short 2020 bargaining survey has been sent to members of executive branch units so please check your email for a link from Survey Monkey. As a member of the SEA, your input is important and will help shape what the Collective Bargaining Advisory Committee puts forward in the next cycle of contract negotiations.
It is a short survey and you can complete it during your scheduled breaks and your lunchtime. Please do not complete the survey during work hours.
The deadline for completing the survey is August 31, 2020. If you have trouble with the link, please let us know.
Please contact Randy Hunneyman at rhunneyman@seiu1984.org, (603) 271-3411 ext. 129 with any questions.
Notice to Liquor Employees
Many of our full-time members are asking questions about working on Sundays.
“Work performed by any full-time retail store employee on any Sunday or calendar holiday will be voluntary.” –Collective Bargaining Agreement, Article 37.10
This means that while part-time employees may be scheduled for Sundays or Holidays, full-time employees cannot be compelled to work. Working on the aforementioned days is strictly voluntary.
Please remember the CBA has precedence over your Supplemental Job Description (SJD) and Liquor Commissions policies. For more information and questions, contact Adam Huberty at (603) 731-2185 .
Ken Roos memorial blood drive
The Ken Roos memorial blood drive is still taking place this year, although there are several changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The drive is Thursday, September 3 from 12:00pm to 6:00pm at the Holiday Inn in downtown Concord. Additional details are available here.
Directions to the Holiday Inn are available here.
Convention 2020
As we rapidly approach the 2020 Convention, SEA wants to remind members of several important upcoming dates.
The last day to propose resolutions and constitutional amendments is August 25. All nominations for the John B. Parker Award are due September 5. All nominations for elections are due September 21.
The SEA Convention will be held via Zoom on October 24.
NH State News
New COVID-19 Testing Site
A new COVID-19 testing site with a 12-hour turnaround time will be operational in Durham within a few weeks.
The site is intended to assist the University of New Hampshire and the local community track infections and reduce the number of people who are potentially exposed to the virus. All NH residents can visit the testing site.
Election 2020
Absentee Voting – easy, safe, and reliable
Voting got easier for Granite Staters this fall.
Any voter can request a mail-in absentee ballot due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Voting absentee is simple, and USPS workers are eager to reassure the public that absentee ballots will be delivered on time.
Five steps to voting absentee:
-
Complete an application
-
Return to your local clerk’s office (in person or via USPS)
-
VOTE! Complete your absentee ballot at home.
-
Return in the mail to your local clerk
-
Track your absentee ballot here and have peace of mind knowing your voice was heard.
SEA/SEIU Local 1984 Endorsements
Jeanne Dietsch, Jon Morgan, David Watters, Lou D’Allesandra, Andru Volinsky, Cinde Warmington, Sen. Tom Sherman, Mark MacKenzie, Sue Ford, Joshua Bourdon, Candace Bouchard, Deaglan McEachern, Sue Prentiss.
SEA/SEIU Local 1984 Endorsements* (appearing from left to right)
*Announced between 8/13-8/24
Member Notice
Anthem Mobile Health App
A reminder to download Anthem’s Mobile Health application onto your mobile device for ease of use to manage your benefits. Only takes a few minutes to download. Go to mobilehealtconsumer.com. Choose the User Button, then Register Now. Any questions, call customer service at 1-800-933-8415.
With Mobile Health you will be able to:
-
Complete your 2020 Health Assessment Tool (HAT). Do this before the end of the year to receive your $200 rewards. This takes approximately 5 minutes to complete.
-
Find a Smartshopper provider, and receive cash back for selecting certain providers within Smartshopper.
-
Keep track of your deductible and out-of-pocket expenses.
-
See a doctor using Livehealth Online.
-
View your Medical, Pharmacy, Dental, and Flexible Spending Benefits.
-
Access your Medical ID cards.
-
Watch a variety of videos on Health topics.