Policy Committee Meeting - April 9, 2008
Attending: Jim Arrowsmith, Julie Paone, Tom Moran, Rey Sugui, Matt Pope, Ref Lindmark, Jay Osborne, Mark Dalton, Anna Clemenger, Cliff Chase, John Shively, David Mark, AnneMarie Jehle, Jerry Hunnicutt, Lois Watt, Jacob Metzger & Whitney Hupf – Local 17 staff.
Jacob is officially rep for Transit and Whitney (back from Maternity leave) is for Roads.
Election for a new chairman of the PC took place, due to Jon Bez moving to a new bargaining unit. Jay Osborne (Roads) was elected unanimously. Tom Moran (Transit) was elected Vice Chair. Lois Watt volunteered to continue taking minutes.
Seniority – Lois and Tom to review list and get up on web for Transit. Roads is attached to contract.
Stewards – we need to update list.
JLMIT – This is to discuss with management issues around IT before they become issues. Steve Coffing is representing transit. A consultant report is back and there is an All IT meeting next week to discuss the future picture of IT at KC.
Communications – Cliff and Anna - their draft new employee booklet needs more review. Lunch meeting will be scheduled.
Whitney-Jacob report –They are reestablishing the Labor Coalition aka Big Table. Personnel Guidelines are still an open topic. There is a new Labor Relations Manager – Liz Ford. They are working on a new charter for the coalition and forum to discuss county wide policies.
It’s been 8 years since class-comp and associated bargaining. Transit reporting that County is tending to reclass people from PPM’s to TP’s. Philosophy is if it takes place it transit, it is transit.
Question of whether we want to bargain wages in coalition. It has its advantages. The County is reclassifying positions rather than dealing with wages. The union is saying it is no longer acceptable to “surface bargain” wages, they must do it. A decision needs to be made soon re: wage bargaining in coalition. Union reps working actively on this issue.
JLMIC – Health costs increasing 9-10% per year. Retiree healthcare is big issue. Whitney forming a subcommittee of members to give advice. Probably meeting 1 X per 6 weeks. Give feedback to reps on healthcare issues.
Issues 2008 –
Roads deciding whether to bargain or role over contract. HRD freezing classifications if person is in it and won’t reclass. Look to our contracts for leverage on this.
A discussion was held regarding our meetings. It was decided to try meeting as a joint policy committee once per quarter and meet independently as bargaining units between times.
Next JOINT MEETING - June 26. The next joint meeting after that will be September 2nd, the same day as the KC Chapter meeting. Members will be encouraged to attend KC Chapter after our meeting.
Roster needs updating.
Meeting ended 7:00 p.m.
