Busy Times

Contract negotiations began March 24, 2009 and are starting to make progress. To see where we are with YOUR issue, please check the update posted on Union bulletin boards throughout the facility. The negotiation schedule is two weeks on, and one week off. This coming week is an off week.

During negotiation "off" weeks, many contract and legal issues have finally made it on the schedule through the end of this year. Meetings and hearings are in abundance, and many Local officers will not be as readily available. Our steward family is growing, so please do not hesitate to contact them directly, or contact our Chief Steward.

Many temporary positions will be coming available in the very near future. Put yourself at the top of the list by ensuring your OPF is updated with your most recent work experience and education.

Protect Yourself Heat Stress

When the body is unable to cool itself by sweating, several heat-induced illnesses such as heat stress or heat exhaustion and the more severe heat stroke can occur, and can result in death.
Factors Leading to Heat StressHigh temperature and humidity; direct sun or heat; limited air movement; physical exertion; poor physical condition; some medicines; and inadequate tolerance for hot workplaces.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

• Headaches, dizziness, light-headedness or fainting.
• Weakness and moist skin.
• Mood changes such as irritability or confusion.
• Upset stomach or vomiting.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke

• Dry, hot skin with no sweating.
• Mental confusion or losing consciousness.
• Seizures or convulsions.

Preventing Heat Stress

• Know signs/symptoms of heat-related illnesses;
• monitor yourself and coworkers.
• Block out direct sun or other heat sources.
• Use cooling fans/air-conditioning; rest regularly.
• Drink lots of water; about 1 cup every 15 minutes.
• Wear lightweight, light colored, loose-fitting clothes.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, or heavy meals.
  

What to Do for Heat-Related Illness

• Call 911 (or local emergency number) at once.
• While waiting for help to arrive:
• Move the worker to a cool, shaded area.
• Loosen or remove heavy clothing.
• Provide cool drinking water.
• Fan and mist the person with water.

For more complete information:
Occupational Safety and HealthAdministration
U.S. Department of Labor http://osha.gov/index.html (800) 321-OSHA

OSHA 3267-09N-05

Courtesy of Karen Gibson, Safety Representative, AFGE 1438.

Union Member Rights and Officer Respo...

Source: US Department of Labor. 2004. Retrieved May 27, 2009 from http://www.dol.gov/esa/olms/regs/compliance/CSRAFactSheet.htm

The standards of conduct provisions of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), among other statutes, guarantee certain rights to members of unions representing Federal employees and impose certain responsibilities on officers of these unions to ensure union democracy, financial integrity, and transparency. The Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) is the Federal agency with primary authority to enforce many standards of conduct provisions. If you need additional information or suspect a violation of these rights or responsibilities, please contact OLMS at 1-866-4-USA-DOL. You should also refer to 29 CFR 457.1 - 459.5, and your union's constitution and bylaws for information on union procedures, timelines, and remedies.

Union Member Rights

Bill of Rights- Union members have:

• equal rights to participate in union activities
  
• freedom of speech and assembly
  
• voice in setting rates of dues, fees, and assessments
  
• protection of the right to sue
  
• safeguards against improper discipline

Collective Bargaining Agreements - Union members (and certain nonunion employees) have the right to receive or inspect copies of collective bargaining agreements.

Constitutions, Bylaws, and Reports - Unions are required to file an initial information report (Form LM-1), copies of constitutions and bylaws, and an annual financial report (Form LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. Unions must make these documents available to members and permit members to examine the records necessary to verify the financial reports for just cause. The documents are public information and copies of reports are available from OLMS and on the Internet at http://www.union-reports.dol.gov/.

Officer Elections - Union members have the right to:

• nominate candidates for office
  
• run for office
  
• cast a secret ballot
  
• protest the conduct of an election

Officer Removal - Local union members have the right to an adequate procedure for the removal of an elected officer guilty of serious misconduct.

Trusteeships - A union may not be placed in trusteeship by a parent body except for those reasons specified in the standards of conduct regulations.

Protection for Exercising CSRA Rights - A union or any of its officials may not fine, expel, or otherwise discipline a member for exercising any CSRA right.

Prohibition Against Violence - No one may use or threaten to use force or violence to interfere with a union member in the exercise of his or her CSRA rights.


Union Officer Responsibilities

Financial Safeguards - Union officers have a duty to manage the funds and property of the union solely for the benefit of the union and its members in accordance with the union's constitution and bylaws. The union must provide accounting and financial controls necessary to assure fiscal integrity.

Prohibition of Conflicts of Interest - A union officer or employee may not (1) have any monetary or personal interest or (2) engage in any business or financial transaction that would conflict with his or her fiduciary obligation to the union.

Bonding - Union officers or employees who handle union funds or property must be bonded to provide protection against losses if their union has property and annual financial receipts that exceed $5,000.

Labor Organization Reports - Union officers must:

• file an initial information report (Form LM-1) and annual financial reports (Forms LM 2/3/4) with OLMS.
  
• retain the records necessary to verify the reports for at least five years.

Officer Elections - Unions must:

• hold elections of officers of local unions by secret ballot at least every three years.
  
• conduct regular elections in accordance with their constitution and bylaws and preserve all records for one year.
  
• mail a notice of election to every member at least 15 days prior to the election.
  
• comply with a candidate's request to distribute campaign material.
  
• not use union funds or resources to promote any candidate (nor may employer funds or resources be used).
  
• permit candidates to have election observers.

Restrictions on Holding Office - A person convicted of certain crimes may not serve as a union officer, employee, or other representative of a union for up to 13 years.

Loans - A union may not have outstanding loans to any one officer or employee that in total exceed $2,000 at any time.

Last Updated: 07/27/04