NTEU 156 Quarterly Meeting
                                                                    15 November 2011

Members Present:
Mike Steinmann  Denny VinselJareld Skinner
Lynne FosterKathy KleinCharlene Montoya
Tracy KorneDavid SmithTom Brooks
Bryan German   John McMillian


The meeting was called to order by Vice President Mike Steinmann at 5:14pm.
 
Kathy Klein gave treasurers report of approximately $27,000 in the bank.  There were no expenses during this time period.

There was a discussion about the start time for the Union meetings.  It was decided to leave it at the same start time (1630).

Overtime was discussed.  Normal scheduled overtime needs to be assigned 72 hours in advance. This would require availability to be put in by Monday COB for the weekend, and the overtime would be based on the money list on Tuesday morning.   The flights and the cargo assignments are a given.  The new procedure for overtime will begin PP2 of 2012. 
 
Meetings with the supervisors and chiefs took place last Thursday to discuss this overtime issue.
Why is it ok to have only 1 supervisor on a flight but 2 supervisors on a weekend?  Jan Robinson said that supervisors on the weekends have been cut.

President McMillian is working on a rough Draft of a CBP Survival Guide.  Past practices need to be put into writing.  We need a written policy on how certain things will be done or handled.
Light Duty –when is it ok and when is it not?  What is a light duty person allowed to do?
Overtime is assigned in different ways and needs to be consistent.
Slop over is never been put into writing.  When is it appropriate to assign an officer to Slop, and under what circumstances?

The 10 hour day has been successfully negotiatedd by NTEU 156 and implemented at T6.  It appears it has been working out.  It will not work out at the FIS as they do not have the work load to make this beneficial.
 
There is an issue about PAU targeting cargo when the flights arrive early.  There is not enough time.

There was a discussion about the qualifications of people picked for TDY.  It is believed that NTEU should be notified so they can give their input as to the person who is most qualified.

Recruitment incentives for new Union members were discussed.  President McMillan proposed that each member who recruits (hands a completed enrollment form to Union Officer) will receive a $100 gift card to Best Buy or Fred Meyer.  All were in agreement that this is a good idea to help boost membership.

Mike mentioned the problems of getting members to attend Union meetings and wanted input and assistance from other members. 
Tracy Korne brought up a discussion about the 5 year background check.  There seldom seems like they never give you the results of the background check.  Tom Brooks says there is a way you can call and get all the results of the background check.  This might be a good topic for discussion in San Francisco.

Next annual meeting February 22 a Wednesday at 1630.  It was suggested that we meet at a different place for the annual meeting.  This would be a restaurant type establishment that might have a buffet or something similar.  Input is needed from all members to help find a place for this.

Meeting adjourned at 6:24.  









NTEU Chapter 156 Meeting 8-17-2011                                                  

The meeting was called to order by President McMillian at 5:10pm



Members Present:

Kathy Klein                         Michael Steinmann         Lance Miller                        Lynne Foster

Tom Brooks                        Bryan German                   John McMillian                  Kevin Eshelman

Lanny Zuecher                  Brett Perry



Kathy Klein announced the treasury report with a total of approx. $26,000.00.  Biggest expense was Mike Steinmann trip to Seattle for Convention.   Audits were complete and OK.   Possible need for a replacement for the person doing the audit in a couple of years.   PO Box is working well.

Our chapter is entitled to a part time steward (20 hours per week).    Discussion about the need for this position.  4 hours of dedicated time per day will need list of duties for that employee.  Face time and travel  time between work stations.

Discussion on overtime and the budget for next year.

The management of the Union bulletin boards is a good duty for the part time steward position.  One board that is behind the door needs to be moved to an easily visible place. These boards need to be constantly updated with current events important to each Union member.

Mike Steinmann requested any information that needs to be put on the web site to be submitted to him via email.

Kevin discussed the problem of logging into the union web site and Mike requested for the 2nd time a pin number so he could create the sign on.

President McMillian advised that it is strictly prohibited to send political information on CBP systems.

Discussion ensued regarding the visit by the Commissioner  Bersin’s visit to T6

Mike discussed the convention.  Change of bylaws and the election.  Controversy about a building in DC that was recently sold, by Kelly.  They ended up signing a 10 year lease with increased profits.  Talked about chapter voting with another company handling the voting process.  Picking the convention site for the 2015 convention which will be Miami.  Boston is the convention site in 2013.

Discussion led  by President McMillian regarding the implementation of the alternate work schedule at T-6.  AWS is part of the contract.   Overtime is nil or limited.  It saved overtime but puts people in position without overtime.  Proposal for AWS was done 10 weeks ago and it will soon be greeved  as management has not responded in a timely manner. Local management has signed off on it but AWS has not been implemented.

Talk about PDX small work units and the problems encurred by allowing multiple TDY’s with limited officers to complete the work schedule.  McMillian discussed to have something put in writing to limited the amount of TDY’s one person will be forced to perform, mainly the southern border.  This is another thing the part time steward could perform. 

Bid rotation coming up.  Changes will be limited.  No change in work units.  Rumors about term limits with certain positions could  be changed.

Lanny Zuecher is a new union member as of today.

The union in PDX is in full swing with officers elected and members attend union conventions which allows member to know what is going on and gives them a voice in their jobs.

Talk about after hours meeting in the Columbia room and the problems that ensued.

Meeting adjourned.         6:06pm





  NTEU Quarterly Meeting
                                                            May 11, 2011
MEMBERS PRESENT:
David SmithNicole BrooksGeorge Fitz
Zack BinghamLynne FosterMichael Steinmann
Dennis  VinselCraig SanfordJared Skinner
Joseph GregorJohn  McMillianKathy Klein
Brett Parry     Tom BrooksCharlene Montoya
Lance Miller

The meeting was brought to order at 4:39pm by President John  McMillian

Kathy Klein discussed the purchased of a new computer for the Union use and Mike Steinmann has donated a printer/copier.

We want to make sure all our documents are stored electronically for easier handling and posting.  Talk about purchasing a portable scanner for documents/business cards/hand written items at about 400.00

Kathy discussed the possibility of changing the dues scale.  Dues based on grade and step level.  We have talked about changing local dues.  Board will have to discuss the amount and it will be voted on at the August meeting.    National NTEU will have to be notified and the new dues structure will begin in the first pay period of next year.  We are talking approx. $2.00 off each members dues.  Our goal is to pick up at least 3 new members to make up for the difference in revenue that is coming in on the new dues structure
.
John McMillian discussed the National Convention in Seattle.  National Convention is not training and is more political. open only for President and Vice Present of each chapter. The main purpose of this convention is elections of officers etc.  By- laws prevents anyone else from going to the convention due to the time to notify has expired.

Brian German is chief steward for Alderwood,  Charlene Montoya is at the FIS and Mark Severson at T6.  It was advised that we could have 2 more stewards if anyone is interested in becoming one.

Mike Steinmann discussed the training program in Las Vegas.  The new contract is going into effect today.   Officers will not be able to be forced out on their day off.  Officer’s need to advise their supervisors in writing at least 48 hours prior to their possible overtime shift if they do not want to work the weekends.  They cannot use not paying a commute as a reason to deny your request for a weekend off.  Routine/scheduled overtime should come out 72 hours prior but they have 1 year to implement this decision.  Grievances must be filed within 45 days of the incident.  Awards committee must have a quaram  of 6 people,  3 NTEU/3CBP.  Letters of reprimand stay in your file no longer than 18 months.  If you are asked for a letter/sick note from your doctor, provide the note to your steward or any NTEU Officer who will follow procedures so that supervisor does not need to know exactly what your medical condition is.  Talk about possible layoffs/Rif.  A possible mandatory fitness  program was discussed.

McMillian talked about forced TDY’s.  Once volunteers are used they will force from the reverse order of seniority upward.

Global entry terminals/kiosks that may appear in the Airport will quite possibly result in a reduction  of personnel  at that port. Duties will change the more technology comes into each port.

Kathy talked about telework, working either certain days a week or temporary work at home.   Employees can telework up to 5 days a week. They recommend a high speed internet at your home.  Some of the equipment you buy for your home directly related to your telework, can be tax deductible. “Most positions that do not require you not to wear a uniform qualifies for telework”.   It was noted that Olga Ramos has been denied telework and it has been passed up the National NTEU chain for possible reversal of this decision.

All members were encouraged to talk to non- union members about joining NTEU to help make up for the dues decrease in revenue for the local.

President McMillian advised that complaints that are not directly reflected  in the contract, will be sent up to the National  to find out how other ports are handling situations.   Officers need to be accountable so managers will be held accountable.  You may always have a union representative present when there is a possible situation of being counseled by management. 

In Portland there are 63 eligible members and we have 33 NTEU members.  Kathy advised the possibility of reductions in wages and health care cost increases etc.  and those non- union members should know that NTEU will fight for those rights. Our dues are not donated in any way to political elections.  That is a separate organization called TPAC.

Next meeting tentatively set for 17 August 2011

The meeting was formally adjourned at 1800.





February 16, 2011

NTEU Chapter 156 Annual and Quarterly  Combined Meeting                    
Members Present:
B. Parry
M. Steinmann
K. Klein
M. Severson
D. Vinsel
L. Foster
K. Eshelman
F. DeCain
D. Smith
L. Miller
T. Brooks
B. German

Vice President Mike Steinmann called the meeting to order at 1645.  President John McMillan is TDY and unable to attend.

VP Steinmann advised that this meeting would have normally been conducted in January per the Union Charter and future meetings would be held following Union charter guidelines.

The details of the last meeting on November 4, were discussed as old business.  Thanks was given to the Election committee who organized and conducted the recent election of union officers.  The officers included John McMillan/President, Mike Steinmann/Vice President, Lynne Foster/Secretary, Kathy Klein/Treasurer.

Old Business:  There was a need for a Union Steward at the FIS.  Charlene Montoya volunteered and was appointed by President McMillan.  The new Range schedule was implemented, using the added free time on Tuesday and Wednesday.  It appears to be a successful change.

New Business.  San Francisco field office has advised that there will be budget cuts that will result in reduced overtime.
It was mentioned by VP Steinmann for all Union members to look at the Union Charter that is posted on the web site.  He asked for input as to the number of Union emails that have recently been sent.  He asked if this was too much information for union members.  There was agreement that the emails were helpful and no change was needed.

Mark Severson was appointed as a Steward due to the fact that others stewards were on extended TDY’s.
There is an NTEU Training conference in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 25-28.  Local 156 will send 4 members.  VP Steinmann will attend the President/Vice President seminar.  Treasurer Klein will attend the Advanced seminar and Secretary Foster and Steward Severson will attend the Stewards Conference.

Mike Steinmann will attend a Labor Relations meeting in San Francisco next week.

The Treasurer’s report was presented by Secretary Klein.

It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 1706.

The next meeting is scheduled for May 11, 2011 (the day our new contract takes effect).






November 4, 2010



Meeting Minutes

Meeting called to order at 4:30 P.M. on 11-4-2010 by chapter President John McMillan.
There were 10 chapter members present.

The recent election was discussed.  Since the Vice President and Secretary positions were vacant, the new electees are appointed to the positions immediately.  Mike Steinmann is the new Vice President and Lynne Foster is the new Secretary.  The local website will be updated to reflect this information as soon as possible.

Overtime was discussed.  The overtime committee will be addressing the problems.  Mangement is anticipating a 10% cut in this years overtime budget.  It is our desire to come up with plans to address the assignments of work to a favorable outcome to workers and still be acceptable to management.  Management will receive a couple of suggestions and proposed schedules.  Ship boarding assignments were discussed, single person boardings will happen on low risk vessels.  All anchor boarding will remain a 2 person assignments.  High risk vessel boardings will remain with 2 people.  The risk will be determined by the supervisor.  A 4-10 schedule will be discussed for T-6 personnel, feasibility is still to be determined.

Training for new CBPO’s was discussed.  Training programs and mentors are needed for the FIS. 

The need for a Steward at the FIS was discussed.  Charlene Montoya was a Steward at Blaine, WA.  She volunteered to be a Steward for the FIS.  She was appointed by the President and this will be effective immediately.  Steward training will be available for the new contract items on Dec. 2 & 3 in Seattle.  McMillan, German, and Montoya will plan to attend.

A new range schedule was discussed.  The new proposal will be to have range qualification on Tuesday and Wednesday from 1200 to 1600 to be able to cause minimum disruption to the flights.

The cost of overtime at an open house in Hillsboro was discussed.  The overtime cost for 2 CBPO’s was approx. $1200.

The tentative date of the next meeting will be Feb. 16, 2011.

Meeting was adjourned at 6:00 PM