TOP STORY
Arbitrator deals SEA big win on holiday pay
In a major win for SEA/SEIU Local 1984 members, an arbitrator has ruled that the state improperly limited premium pay for certain state employees. The arbitration was held last week and the decision delivered Tuesday, a very quick turnaround time.
“This decision affirms what our legal department believed all along,” said SEA President Rich Gulla. “I’m proud of their efforts as well as those of our members who came forward and took part in the arbitration.” Read more on our website
MEMBERS IN ACTION
Dozens take part in Concord May Day event
At lunchtime on May 1, dozens of SEA/SEIU Local 1984 members joined with members of faith groups and community allies at the State House plaza to mark International Workers Day, more popularly known as May Day.
The event was part of a larger movement uniting organized labor and faith groups in the state to push for better working conditions and an end to poverty wages. President Rich Gulla was among the speakers at the event, and noted that on this May Day – a holiday marking the past struggles of workers – that many workers right here in New Hampshire are struggling and referenced state employees’ fight for a new contract. Read more on our website.
MEMBER ACTIVITIES
Reminder: Market day is this Saturday
It’s not too late for members to sign up as vendors for the event
All are invited to join us this Saturday, May 11, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. for our first Members Market at the SEA offices on North Main Street. On that day, Chapter 45 will also do cleanup and planting of their adopt-a-spot outside of our office.
The Spring Market is an opportunity for our members to present their work – any sort of handmade goods – for sale. We know a lot of our members have vibrant side businesses, and we’re hoping this is a nice showcase for that. If you’re interested in taking part as a vendor, you can send an email to publicgood@seiu1984.org.
STATE HOUSE UPDATE
We need your calls in support of COLA bill
Our retirees need an actual COLA, not just another one-time payment
The Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee is expected to vote in the coming weeks on HB 616, our pension cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) bill. Sen. Sharon Carson, the Chair of Senate ED&A, introduced an amendment that would change the COLA to simply another one-time payment.
Even if you’ve already reached out, we need members to contact their senators and tell them that our retirees need a real COLA. You can easily send a message to your senator using our updated online action form, which you can find here. We’ve given you a message to start with but we highly recommend personalizing it by explaining exactly what this COLA would mean to you. If you’d prefer to call your senator, you can find their contact information here. You can contact the entire committee here.
Child protection bill heads to Sununu’s desk
Last week, the House overwhelmingly approved our child protection bill, SB 6, sending the bill on to the governor’s desk. This is a huge win, and it would not have been possible without our members’ tireless advocacy. We cannot thank you enough, not only for the work you do every day, but for the efforts you’ve put in to improve outcomes for the children and families you serve.
The governor has not yet signaled whether he would sign the bill, so we’ll keep you updated in our weekly State House Updates. If you don’t already receive our State House Update, you can subscribe here.
Political Director Brian Hawkins leaving SEA
Wednesday is sadly Political Director Brian Hawkins’ last day at the SEA. As of Thursday, he’ll assume a similar role at the NEA of New Hampshire. In his decade-plus at the SEA, Brian’s expertise in guiding bills through the legislature and tactical smarts in helping elect politicians who have fought for working people have resulted in greater gains for our members. Brian will be tough to replace and while he’ll be deeply missed, the impact of his efforts on behalf of members will be felt for many years to come. We hope you’ll join us in wishing him luck in this new adventure.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Thank you to corrections officers & nurses
This week marks both National Correctional Employees Week and National Nurses Week. We would like to take this opportunity to extend our gratitude for all the hard work that you do. We are proud to have so many nurses and correctional employees among our members.
As diverse as these two professions are, they share one thing in common: both professions are widely misunderstood by the general public and as a result they often do not receive the recognition and resources that they need. Read more on our website.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join us at event in memory of Ken Roos
SEA members are planning the following events, which are open to SEA members and their families along with friends in the community. Unless otherwise noted, all events are at the SEA office in Concord.
Paddle in memory of Ken Roos is set for Sunday, May 26, on the Contoocook River in Concord. Ken’s family has invited SEA members to join them for this event in his memory. Even if you don’t want to hit the water in a kayak or canoe, you can join the group for a picnic on Daisy Beach. More information, including RSVP and rental availability, is available on our website.
Skill Share: Social Media will be led by member Stan Freeda at 5 p.m. May 14. We’ll discuss social media in general and Stan will be able to answer questions about Facebook, Twitter or other social media platforms. Please RSVP at PublicGood@SEIU1984.org.
Unplugged Family Game Night returns at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15. You can RSVP on Facebook.
Guest speaker Lorrie Rudis, the director of the Division of Personnel, will join members of Chapter 44 on Monday, May 20, at 4 p.m. at the Department of Education, Longerton Hall, 101 Pleasant, in room 15. The event is open to all members, though seating is limited.
Knitting for the Public Good returns at 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 22. You can RSVP on Facebook.
Foxwoods Resort Casino trip is set for Saturday, June 8. For just $35, you’ll get transportation to and from the casino, a $10 meal voucher and a $15 bonus slot play. The trip is open to SEA members and guests – you’ll want to act fast to reserve your seats. Read more on our website.