Council 13 Connection Council 13 AFSCME, the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO BASIC EDUCATION CUTS ...hurt our KIDS, our COMMUNITIES, our MEMBERS Ellen Shutt, Emotional Support Assistant Lancaster County School District — see her story on Page 3 State Contract Signing - P3 LUTI 2012 - P4 CLEAR PA Budget Press Conference - P6 Spring 2012 Vol. 41, Issue 1 ISSN: 0190-4957 www.afscme13.org 1-800-5-AFSCME (1-800-523-7263) AFSCME COUNCIL 13 DIRECTORY COUNCIL 13 — David R. Fillman, Executive Director 4031 Executive Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17111-1507 Phone: 717/564-9312; (toll free) 1-800-5-AFSCME (523-7263) Executive Director’s Message David R. Fillman Executive Director, AFSCME Council 13 As we go to press... A Message From Your Executive Director Gov. Corbett’s budget address held February 7 at the Capitol proposed another good year for corporations and another bad year for public education, higher education and Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable citizens. In an example of déjà vu, corporations are getting a tax break and all of the demands are on school students, families paying for college and the poor and elderly. Unfortunately, Gov. Corbett dismissed the painless and logical suggestions presented by the PA CLEAR Coalition study outlining $2.3 billion in added revenue and savings (see page 6) and chose a cuts-only approach once again. So our kids are stuffed into crowded, inadequate classrooms. School districts are cancelling programs, tutoring and other vital services. The most glaring example can be seen in Chester Upland School District. The Corbett administration refused to advance funds forcing the closure of Pennsylvania’s most impoverished school district. Paychecks stopped, but teachers did not. They continued to teach without pay and they went to the airwaves to plead their case for their students and their community. This was politics at its worst and public service at its finest. So what happens now? Senate hearings of Corbett’s proposed state budget started February 13. The House began their budget hearings on February 21. Council 13 representatives are participating in those hearings based on the agencies they represent. The good news is that we’re making some progress on closing the Delaware loopholes. An impact tax, although watered down, finally will be imposed on Marcellus Shale drillers. And for wine and spirits stores �privatizing’ appears to be turning into �modernizing’. None of this could have been accomplished without our presence in those Capitol chambers and your Political and Legislative (PAL) contributions. But anti-worker bills are a constant threat to our union and our jobs (see page 5). Attacks on collective bargaining continue to take place in other states and now as incredible as it seems, an ugly attack on women’s reproductive rights and attempts to suppress voters’ rights are rising up from the graves of the turbulent 1960’s. If you didn’t believe it before, believe it now — any right gained can be taken away. Keep the fight going and be a PAL MVP. This year’s biennial AFSCME International Convention will be held June 18-22 in Los Angeles. It seems every year is a historic year for labor and 2012 is no exception. With Pres. McEntee not seeking another term as president, an election for the highest office in our union will take place that week. To ensure a fair and united election process, an AFSCME Election Rules Review Committee held meetings throughout the country to gather input from members regarding possible improvements to AFSCME’s officer election process. Council 13 members provided excellent testimony at the meeting held in Philadelphia on March 3 and several of their ideas may be adopted, such as candidate debates. I look forward to joining many of you in L.A. as we move this union forward. DISTRICT COUNCIL 83 — Dominic Sgro, Director 161 Patchway Road, Duncansville, PA 16635-8431 Phone: 814/696-0255; (toll free) 1-800-252-3785 DISTRICT COUNCIL 84 — Richard Caponi, Director 116 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Phone: 412/471-1218; (toll free) 1-800-222-8847 DISTRICT COUNCIL 85 — J. David Henderson, Director 1276 Liberty St., Franklin, PA 16323 Phone: 814/437-7654; (toll free) 1-800-865-9652 DISTRICT COUNCIL 86 — Sharon Sober, Director 250 Commerce Park Drive, New Columbia, PA 17856 Phone: 570/568-1147; (toll free) 1-800-540-9401 DISTRICT COUNCIL 87 — David Antle, Director McEntee-Keller Labor Center, 1258 O’Neill Hwy., Dunmore, PA 18512 Phone: 570/961-5394; (toll free) 1-800-551-5066 DISTRICT COUNCIL 88 — Tom Tosti, Director Robert T. Cooper Labor Center, 3031 Walton Road, Building C, Suite 300, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 Phone: 610/825-4944; (toll free) 1-800-478-4944 DISTRICT COUNCIL 89 — Michael Fox, Director 150 South 43rd Street, Suite 2, Harrisburg, PA 17111-5718 Phone: 717/564-7998; (toll free) 1-800-583-2376 DISTRICT COUNCIL 90 — Mary Schwanger, Director 4031 Executive Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17111-1507 Phone: 717/564-5123 AFSCME COUNCIL 13 MEMBERS’ BENEFITS MEMBER ONLY BENEFITS 1-888-782-1323 or [email protected] Call for more information about: Car Discounts * Car Insurance * Car Rentals * Cell Phones Computer Deals * Credit Card * Credit Counseling Education Services * Eldercare Services * Entertainment Extended Health Care Benefits * Financial Planning * Flower Service Health Club Discounts * Mortgage Programs * Moving Vans Pet Services * Scholarships * Theme Parks * Vacation Packages Legal Services 1-800-631-1233 or 1-888-294-2747 Workers' Comp. Hotline: 1-866-413-2667 HEALTH FUNDS PEBTF (State Workers) 717-561-4750 1-800-522-7279 AFSCME Health & Welfare Fund (Non-State Workers) 717-564-9338 1-800-692-7332 PRESCRIPTION PLANS Medco, Inc. 1-800-899-2674 (State Workers) Benecard 1-800-692-7332 (Non-State Workers) www.benecardpbf.com DENTAL PLANS Concordia Dental - 1-888-320-3321 (State Workers) Delta Dental - 1-800-932-0783 (Non-State Workers) VISION PLANS NVA / National Vision Administrators 1-800-672-7723 COUNCIL 13 CONNECTION (ISSN 0190-4957) Published quarterly Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter by Council 13, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO, 4031 Executive Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17111-1507. Periodical postage paid at Harrisburg, PA and additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: “Council 13 Connection,” AFSCME Council 13, 4031 Executive Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17111-1507. Yours in Unity, David R. Fillman Executive Director AFSCME Council 13 Vol. 41, Issue 1 Spring 2012 Todd Singer, President David R. Fillman, Executive Director Jane Beveridge, Secretary Alan Redding, Treasurer Patricia Bauer, Editor and PR/Communications Director New Frequency – New Format I t’s a new year and to meet the ever challenging balance of keeping members informed, keeping costs streamlined, keeping up with technology and keeping as �green’ as possible; the Council 13 Connection will now be published quarterly rather than bi-monthly (4 issues rather than 6 issues). In addition, quick response (QR) codes will be included throughout the paper which can be scanned with your smart phone taking you directly to websites pertaining to the story you’re reading! To “read” the QR code, just download a free QR Reader from your phone’s app store and simply scan the code. (The code with this article takes your smart phone directly to Council 13’s homepage). You’ll also notice the pages are a bit larger so that we can continue to fill the Council 13 Connection with as much news as possible. While we’re taking steps to streamline costs and accommodate members using the latest technology, we will continue to ensure all of our members are kept informed about important issues for working families, as well as the outstanding work you do at your job and in your communities. 2 Scan to go directly to our homepage, or go to afscme13.org 2011-2015 Master Agreement Signed O n January 27 Council 13 Executive Director David R. Fillman, Sec. of Administration Kelly Powell Logan and Commonwealth Chief Negotiator Alfred D’Angelo, Jr. joined with Council 13's Negotiating Committee and Commonwealth representatives to officially sign off on the 2011-2015 Master Agreement and Master Memorandum. Sec. Logan told committee members she was impressed with the good partnership between union and management noting the contract was both fiscally responsible and fair to employees. She said, “You took the time and Council 13 Exec. Dir. David R. Fillman and Gov. Corbett’s Secretary of Administration Kelly Powell Logan. Negotiating Committee members line up to sign new contract effort to come up with something that works. Other states are facing huge challenges and I’m proud of Pennsylvania – and I’m really proud of the effort and hard work you put forth every day in your jobs.” The contract maintains benefits and incorporates a 10.75% pay increase for the life of the contract – all with NO rolling furloughs. “It was seven months to the day since we began negotiations last year,” said Fillman. “But we had to be absolutely positive language was exactly what was voted on by the membership.” Signed drafts will go through a final proofing process and will then be posted on Council 13’s website (www.afscme13.org) and sent out to be printed in book format. Contact Local Presidents or District Council representatives for information on getting a contract book. Members At Work Every Day is a New Day F or nearly 11 years 58-year-old Ellen Shutt, Local 1758 Lancaster School District, has been working as an Emotional Support Assistant at Burrowes Elementary School. As an assistant she provides one-on-one tutoring, instructional support and assists with classroom management. Sister Shutt’s involvement in special education is a very personal one. She is the sole caretaker for her mentally ill brother who suffers with bi-polar and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Before coming to work for the school district she had started her own day care business because no one would take in special needs kids like her brother. Once word got out, teachers started calling her to take in kids no one else wanted for before and after school care. Shutt retired from the day care business after 22 years, but Ellen Shutt reviews Math problems with Burrowes Elementary students. teachers soon persuaded her to come on board at the school district. As an Emotional Support Assistant there’s no such thing as a boring day, and that’s just the way Shutt likes it. But with more and teachers don’t have to stop teaching to get a more funding cuts she sees our public school system disruptive child under control. In addition to nearly $900 million in headed for chaos. There are too many kids to handle When students lose control they can throw cuts to basic education last year, Gov. now, yet more need to be removed from regular things, run off, scream obscenities, or threaten to Corbett’s 2012/13 proposed budget classrooms. “There’s just nowhere to put them. We hurt themselves or others. She’s had two reduces Pre-K-12 school and library have up to 15 kids (3rd to 5th grade) in one classroom – operations on her hand from a student attack, and a funding by more than $124 million. For kids with behavior issues get mixed in with kids with back injury from another attack. How does she go mental issues. It’s a mess,” she said. In addition, the second fiscal year Gov. Corbett back into that classroom every morning? “Every day teachers and assistants have to keep an eye on eliminated funding for Intermediate is a new day,” she said. “You have to forget the day medications and an often precarious home life. “Some Units, Education Assistance programs before even if they hit you. I understand they don’t of these kids have been molested, abused, parents are in and more. In 2012/13 the governor again want to be the way they are, they were just dealt a and out of rehab - they come from a home life we bunch of bad cards in life.” eliminated funding for the Accountability couldn’t even imagine,” she said. But it takes a lot more than just showing up to help Block Grant meaning school districts will Funding cuts also mean more out of pocket expenses these kids. “I try to make each student feel like receive $100 million less in 2012/13. for teachers and aides. Shutt spends her own money for they’re the most important person in the world. Once reward items like games and snacks, and even basic they know you care, the other stuff comes along,” she school supplies. “We’ve been begging for a smart board said. It’s rewarding for Shutt to see the difference she can make. Like the (a projected interactive touch-screen whiteboard) so these kids would feel down-syndrome boy she worked with in a School to Work Program who equal. Regular fourth and fifth classrooms have them, but the funds aren’t now holds two jobs. It doesn’t always work out and the challenges can be there for us.” A classroom smart board would cost approximately $2,500. overwhelming, but for Ellen Shutt giving up isn’t an option. Shutt thinks teachers make all the difference for these kids, but it’s assistants She worries about more funding cuts that could take away music and like herself who make it possible for teachers to teach. “We’re often the art and even end the special needs program. But Sister Shutt takes it one confidant these kids open up to. We let teachers know what issues they’re day at a time. And today she wants that smart board for her kids. “If dealing with medically and at home.” And thanks to assistants like Shutt somebody could make that happen, I’d love them for life,” she said. w w w. a f s c m e 1 3 . o r g 3 LUTI 2012 C ouncil 13’s biennial Local Union Training Instructor (LUTI) program took place February 26 – March 2 in Harrisburg, PA. Under the direction of Council 13 Education Director, Carla Insinga, 26 LUTI Candidates and 9 LUTI Peer Instructors took part in an intense 6-day “train-the-trainer” seminar. LUTI’s spent up to 12-hour days in a classroom setting getting briefed on issues and resources needed to effectively train officers and stewards in their respective District Councils. Throughout the week, candidates also prepare a “student teaching” assignment which is presented to their fellow classmates and peer instructors during the last two days of class. Council 13 Department Heads and staff presented short dissertations about training resources available through their various departments. Students also received a notebook packed with information about the structure of our union, department functions and tons of resources to aide them in their trainings. Council 13 Exec. Dir. David Fillman told the group, “You represent what this union is all about. I can see your diversity. I can feel your energy. And just by being here, I know you care about moving this union forward.” At the end of the week, all of the candidates were presented with individual certificates and pins during a graduation ceremony. “I’m very proud of this hard-working group,” said Insinga. “They’re all my “cool kids” and I have every confidence in them as they head out to educate and motivate our members.” “AFSCME has a way of getting a full month’s worth of information into your head in under a week and make you love every second of it,” said LUTI graduate Randy Wilson, Local 469 Warren St. Hospital. “But it all starts with you,” he added. “You have to have that fire in your belly to fight for your members.” If your Local Union has 10 or more officers/stewards who are interested in having a member educator provide a training session contact your District Council Director. Class of 2012: 83-1982 Don Griner 83-2131 Mark Daugherty 83-2772 Pete Yosurack 84-2248 Stephanie Reynolds 84-2266 Jim Mallory 84-2459 Monte Turner 84-324 Barb Williams 85-469 Randy Wilson 85-2902 Lisa Alexander 86-596 Jonathan Tolar 86-1977 Clark Smith 87-1398 Denise Brill 87-2323 Melissa Lippincott 87-1438 Melissa Matoushek 88-1435 James Irwin 88-1439 Jeanette Hill 88-2347 Yvette Rudolph 88-2348 Frank Rittenhouse 89-1485 Kelly Kotchish 89-1981 Christopher Kalbarczyk 89-2915 Beth Edinger 90-521 Sue Weldon 90-972 Stephanie Crummel 90-972 Donna DeRose 90-2536 Mark Donahue 90-2716 Michael Crawford 2012 Peers: 84-2577 David Levine 85-2902 Alicia Craig 85-2902 Howard Thompson 85-2602 Keith Gomez 88-462 Lorna Oswalt 88-2061 Lori Sveda 89-1738 Bill Jones 90-1224 Susie Sprenkle 90-2527 Helen Elliott Council 13 Vice-President Receives Award J Jamaal Husam 4 amaal Husam, recent retiree of Local 2369 State Supervisory District 3 and Council 13 Executive Board Vice-President representing District Council 86, was recognized by the Milton Fire Company with a Contributing Member Award. Brother Husam received this award for his contributions to the community and to the fire company. For the last two years, Husam has hosted an appreciation picnic for the fire company members and their families. He provides and cooks all the food and plans on keeping up the tradition every year. A family member of Brother Husam’s experienced a house fire three years ago and this is his way of giving back for the fire company’s quick response. Council 13 Connection Spring 2012 2012 AFSCME Council 13 Scholarship Guidelines and Application AFSCME Council 13’s Scholarship Program for Members-Only is now accepting applications for 2012 Scholarship awards. Scholarships are one-time-only payments which may be applied toward educational expenses, such as tuition, lodging and books. SCHOLARSHIPS AFSCME Council 13’s 2012 Member-Only Scholarship Program will award the following scholarships: 1. A total of 48 $500 undergraduate scholarships (6 per District Council). 2. The top 4 of the 48 will be selected to receive an additional $1,000. 3. One additional $500 statewide scholarship for a graduate student. Thanks C13 ELIGIBILITY AFSCME Council 13 members in good standing, their children and grandchildren (as well as grandchildren of RPEP Members in good standing) who are full-time students enrolled in an accredited program of higher education are eligible to apply for AFSCME Council 13 Scholarships. Sponsors must be active members at the time that Scholarship Awards are processed. HOW TO APPLY 1. Complete the Application Form below. Please be sure to enter the Social Security Number of the sponsoring AFSCME or RPEP Member. 2. Attach a copy of the student’s most recent transcript (high school or college). 3. Attach an essay completed by the student (typewritten, double–spaced, not to exceed two pages) responding to the following question: “Why do you think so many right-wing politicians and their constituents are attacking public service unions like never before – and why is it so important to save collective bargaining rights?” 4. Attach 3 character references who are not family members. Include name, address, phone number, and relationship to student. 5. Mail the completed application form, transcript, essay, and 3 character references so they are received by June 1, 2012, to: AFSCME Council 13 Scholarship Program 4031 Executive Park Drive Harrisburg, PA 17111-1507 SELECTION OF WINNERS Winners will be chosen by a Selection Committee comprised of knowledgeable, exemplary individuals. Selections will be final and binding and are NOT subject to appeal. 2012 AFSCME COUNCIL 13 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM APPLICATION FORM (Please complete and return) STUDENT INFORMATION: Name: ____________________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: ____________________________________________________________________ Daytime telephone number: ______________________________________________________ College: ___________________________________________________________________________ Year which you will be entering (Please Check One): ❑ FRESHMAN ❑ SOPHOMORE ❑ JUNIOR ❑ SENIOR ❑ GRADUATE SCHOOL At the Capitol COUNCIL 13’S LEGISLATIVE TRACKING REPORT L isted below are some of the bills the Legislative Department is tracking at this time. Based on possible forthcoming amendments, our position on particular legislation is subject to change. HB 3 Prime Sponsor: Geist, DC 83 House Bill 3 is a transportation bill for Public Private Partnerships. We were successful in getting some protective amendments in the bill concerning Collective Bargaining rights for our members. AFSCME Position – NEUTRAL HB 50 Prime Sponsor: Metcalfe, DC 84 House Bill 50 is a Right-to-Work Bill that attacks all of labor. This bill will eliminate all UNIONS, and make Pennsylvania a right-towork state. A public hearing was held August 16, 2011 for the first time in 30 years. AFSCME Position – OPPOSE HB 51 Prime Sponsor: Rapp, DC 85 House Bill 51 eliminates fair share/agency shop from all school districts. A public hearing was held August 16, 2011. AFSCME Position – OPPOSE HB 52 Prime Sponsor: Creighten, DC 89 House Bill 52 eliminates fair share/agency shop from commonwealth employees. A public hearing was held August 16, 2011. AFSCME Position – OPPOSE HB 934 Prime Sponsor: Metcalfe, DC 84 House Bill 934 is a Voter Identification Bill that would require all voters to possess a valid photo identification. The bill passed the Senate 26-23 and is now in the House waiting action. AFSCME Position – OPPOSE HB 1985 SB 1342 Prime Sponsor: Fleck, DC 83 Argall, DC 87, DC 88, and DC 89 Senate Bill 1342 and House Bill 1985 will prohibit the privatization of nurses and nursing services in our Correctional Facilities. AFSCME Position – SUPPORT SPONSOR INFORMATION: (Must be a member in good standing when the award is made) Name: ____________________________________________________________________________ Social Security Number: ___________________________________________________________ Local Union Number: ___ District Council Number: (Circle one) 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 Relationship to student: __________________________________________________________ APPLICATION CHECKLIST: ❑ Essay (not to exceed two pages, typewritten) ❑ Transcript (high school or college) HB 2127 Prime Sponsor: Krieger, DC 83 House Bill 2127 would transfer background checks to the Federal Government which would eliminate AFSCME jobs from the State Police. The bill was introduced January 17, 2012 and referred to the Judiciary Committee. AFSCME Position – OPPOSE To Join our e-Activist Network, visit www.afscme13.org, and click on the link ❑ Three character references (not family) ❑ Must be received by June 1, 2012 You can make a Difference! Join the AFSCME Council 13 e-Activist Network w w w. a f s c m e 1 3 . o r g 5 Fillman Heads CLEAR Conference O n February 2, Council 13 Executive Director and CLEAR Coalition Chairperson David R. Fillman kicked off a news conference at the Capitol Rotunda to release an extensive CLEAR study: A Better Way for PA: Restoring Pennsylvania’s Fiscal Health through Fairness, Efficiency and Innovation. The report outlines $2.3 billion in savings, efficiencies and revenues in bipartisan measures that the legislature and Corbett administration can implement to close the budget deficit and forestall sweeping budget cuts that hurt Pennsylvania families. “School districts, students and parents struggling to pay for college, families with loved ones in nursing homes, fellow citizens on food stamps – are all paying the price for budget cuts that are just not necessary. We are here today because our members want the Corbett administration and lawmakers to step up and make the right choices for this state,” said Fillman. “Today is Groundhog Day, and just like the movie the failed draconian cuts-only policies cannot be repeated over and over again,” said PA AFL-CIO Council 13 Exec. Dir. and CLEAR Chair David R. Fillman (at podium) and PA AFL-CIO Pres. Rick Bloomingdale. Exec. Dir. Fillman answers questions from the press following the news conference. Pres. Rick Bloomingdale. “Big cuts for working families and big breaks for corporations continue to increase the disparity between the rich and the poor. We can take the high road or we can take the low road.” The 16-page report includes proposals from Republicans and Democrats in the legislature, from Auditor General Jack Wagner, and from outside experts and other states. Specific savings included correcting management-staff ratio levels; reduce contracting out; consolidate prescription drug purchases; implement a fair oil and gas drilling excise tax; close the Delaware corporate tax loophole; cut Medicaid fraud and abuse, reduce prison costs, and more. The $2.3 billion in savings and revenue is more than enough to close any budget gap and repair the damage caused by cuts to education, healthcare and other vital services. To view the complete report visit CLEAR’s new website at www.clearforpa.org or scan this code with your smart phone. Members in the News T ina Marie Lynch, Local 3130, was featured with four other women in Dauphin County’s Jan./Feb. 2012 issue of WOMAN newspaper in a segment called Caregivers Snapshots. Sister Lynch who works as a Reviewer for the Bureau of Charitable Organizations has also been working as a Professional Caregiver for three years. Her client is part of the evergrowing population of older Pennsylvanians who need help in their daily lives. In the article Lynch spoke about her love for her work and her client. “This is not a job to me; it is a lifestyle that has brought joy and a sense of greater purpose,” she said. 7 3-year-old Bernadette Sparks, Local 2289 Warminster Township, was featured in a phillyburbs.com article celebrating her 40 years of service as a Crossing Guard at Nativity of Our Lord School in Warminster. At a surprise assembly at the school in her honor, Sparks received a citation of appreciation presented to her by State Rep. Bernie O’Neill, R-29. Staff and students alike shared their stories and appreciation for Sister Sparks whose community service is not restricted for the school but throughout the community. She told attendees she will continue working at the school “until my feet can’t carry me no more.” B eth Cooper, Local 2345 West Chester University, was featured in a Union Plus web article, “AFSCME Member’s Dream of Second Career is on Track Due to Union Plus Scholarship”. Sister Cooper was awarded a Union Plus scholarship to attend the National Labor College (NLC) this year. “I want to complete my degree and help with the union while helping people,” Cooper said in the article. She hopes to become a community service organizer “to help her union get more involved in the community”. Each year $25,000 is awarded to eligible students through the Union Plus NLC Scholarship Program. NHS Contract Negotiations O n March 2 Northwest Human Services (NHS) Negotiating Committee members met with Council 13 representatives and Exec. Dir. David Fillman to discuss proposals for upcoming contract negotiations. Proposals are being finalized for upcoming negotiations with Management scheduled to begin in March. The current NHS contract expires June 30, 2012. C13 Exec. Dir. David Fillman addresses NHS Negotiating Committee. 6 Council 13 Connection Spring 2012 Negotiating Committee members discuss worksite concerns with fellow committee members. Fillman Honored for Community Service C ouncil 13 Executive Director David R. Fillman was recently awarded with a Recognition of Outstanding Contributions to Community Services by the Central PA Area Labor Federation (ALF). Other honorees included Robert Kutz, Jr. IBEW Local 5 (The Julius Uhlein Award for A Career of Service to Labor Councils); and Lancaster United Labor Council, Pres. Jean Martin (Recognition of Labor Council of the Year). District Council 83 Director and Central PA ALF Chair, Mickey Sgro, presented Exec. Dir. Fillman with his award noting that “he has been a pillar for public employees, serving as the foundation for Council 13.” Council 13 members with Council 13 Exec. Dir. David R. Fillman and DC83 Director and Central PA ALF Chair Mickey Sgro. Web News FSCME International is now offering free LaborWeb classes, including evening classes. The AFL-CIO will continue to offer free daytime classes. Once a Local is signed up for the tool, Local LaborWeb Administrators will receive e-mail blasts from Council 13 on upcoming AFSCME classes. Class dates and times from both AFSCME and AFL-CIO are linked to www.afscme13.org as we receive them. LaborWeb is a tool that allows Council 13 Locals to easily create and maintain professional looking websites with no technical skills required. To find out more go to www.afscme13.org and click on the LaborWeb icon or simply scan this QR code. A Council 13 Members Help AFL-CIO Community Action C ouncil 13 members traveled to Detroit to join over 500 activists and leaders for the annual AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Observance and National Conference held January 12-16. One day of the conference was set aside for attendees to participate in a day of community action volunteering for community service projects throughout the city. Council 13 members volunteered their time at Gleaners Community Food Bank which serves more than 600 partners in southeastern Michigan and distributes 40 million pounds of food a year (approximately 80 thousand pounds a day). Their partners include food pantries, schools, shelters, and soup kitchens to name a few. Next year’s event will be held in Philadelphia, PA. Food Bank volunteers with AFL-CIO Exec. Vice-Pres. Arlene Holt Baker (4th from left). (L-R) Linda Wise L1224 PHEAA; Helen Elliott L2527 L&I clericals; Janie Philips (retiree); Holt-Baker; Annette Sawyers L2527 L&I; Juan Carter L521 City of Harrisburg Organizing Victory! A s the result of a Joint Request for Certification between District Council 88 and Council 13’s Organizing Department, an agreement was reached with Morrisville Borough (Bucks County) to bring Morrisville Library Assistants into Council 13, Local 1598, Bucks County. This will add six new employees to AFSCME ranks. Congratulations and welcome to the Council 13 family! Got E-Mail? C ouncil 13 is constantly updating our contact information for members and we need your help! Non-State folks can contact Council 13 directly for address changes at 1-888-782-1323 or [email protected] . State members must contact their personnel office with address changes so that monthly updates we receive from the Commonwealth are current. We are also building an e-mail database which is the easiest, fastest, most cost-effective way to reach members. All members can contact us directly at [email protected] to provide a PERSONAL e-mail address. Thank you! w w w. a f s c m e 1 3 . o r g 7 Call, Text and Tweet for Less! Union Members 15 % DISCOUNT on wireless services from AT&T PEBTF Top Rated Provider Save 15%* on wireless costs You’ll also be supporting union workers and their families. AT&T is the only nationwide unionized wireless carrier (over 40,000 union represented employees!) For Discount Coupon Call 1-888-782-1323 or [email protected] *Credit approval and new two-year service agreement required. Offer cannot be combined with any other discounts. The iPad, additional lines for family plans, unlimited plans and Unity Plans are not eligible. Data services: the Dataplus 200MB plan and data plans on secondary lines are not discounted. Other conditions and restrictions apply. Offer available to union members, retired union members, Union Plus credit cardholders. A ccording to a recent study The Pennsylvania Public Employee Benefits Trust Fund (PEBTF) was found to be one of the most cost-efficient providers of health care in the nation (see graph). The report found that for every $1.00 the PEBTF spent, it purchased benefits that would have cost the average Pennsylvania payer $1.20. The fund has managed to contain cost trends below the national average for the past seven years. PEBTF administers health care benefits to more than 200,000 Commonwealth employees, retirees and their dependents.
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