The President's Corner

AFSCME District Council 89 Election Results 4/12/2012

noreply@blogger.com (AFSCME 2456) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 13:28:00 +0000

From: Mike Fox
To: Mike
Sent: Friday, April 13, 2012 8:35 AM
Subject: District Council ElectionsLocal
Presidents,At last nights District Council 89 Delegate Assembly we had an electionof officers.

The following are those who have been elected.

President- Linda Cleveland, Local 1721

Vice President - Michael Walsh, Local 2161

Treasurer- Glenn Minnich, Local 2572

Secretary- Deb Miller, Local 2421

Executive Board- Anna Marie Martin, Local 2245
Della Selner, Local 2456
Dawn Imes, Local 2456

3 Year Trustee - Dian Roy-Smith, Local 1981

I am sure you all join me in congratulating our new officers.

Michael Fox
Council Director
District Council 89

Election Results

noreply@blogger.com (Della A. Selner) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 01:09:00 +0000

AFSMCE LOCAL 2456 Election Results from 3/27/12

Executive Board Members

Michele Brookins
James Barnhart
Michael Neafsey

Delegates to the AFSCME Council 13 Convention

                Della Selner
                Valentina Chubb
                Danielle Gibson
                Clark Gibson
                Dawn Imes
                Timothy J Wolfe
                TaLishia Brandao – ALTERNATE

Delegates to the AFSMCE International Convention

                Della A. Selner
                Michele Brookins
                Danielle Gibson
                TaLishia Brandao
                Karl Germick

Nomination Results from last night's meeting...

noreply@blogger.com (Della A. Selner) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:25:00 +0000

Congratulations on the following for being selected to serve AFSCME Local 2456 as officers

President	Della A. Selner
Vice President Bargaining Unit A4	Timothy J. Wolfe
Vice President Bargaining Unit B4	Michael P. Murphy
Secretary Treasurer	Danielle E. Gibson
Recording Secretary Trustee	Dawn Imes Linda Green

Congratulations to the Following who were selected to be Delegates representing AFSCME Local 2456 at District Council 89

Della A. Selner, Chair
Michele Brookins
TaLishia Brandao
Clark Gibson
Karl Germick
Valentina Chubb
Dawn Imes
James Barnhart
Michael Murphy
Danielle E. Gibson
Linda Green
Timothy J. Wolfe
Michael Neafsey
Tyrone Mitchell
Larry Lash
Jeremy Zuckero

Elections will be held for the Three (3) Executive Board positions on March 28, 2012. The Candidates for these positions are –

Valentina Chub
Michele Brookins
James Barnhart
Clark Gibson
Michael Neafsey

Elections will be held for Delegates to represent AFSCME Local 2456 at the AFSCME 13 Convention on March 28, 2012. The Candidates are –

Timothy J. Wolfe
Danielle E. Gibson
Clark Gibson
Valentina Chubb
Dawn Imes
TaLishia Brandao

Elections will be held for Delegates to represent AFSCME Local 2456 at the International Convention on March 28, 2012. The Candidates are –

TaLishia Brandao
Danielle E. Gibson
Michele Brookins
Karl Germick

Nominations and Active Shooter...

noreply@blogger.com (Della A. Selner) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:43:00 +0000

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

At tonight's Local Meeting, we will be having nominations for the following Local Positions;

President
Vice President A-4
Vice President B-4
Three Executive Board Member positions
1 Three Year Trustee
5 AFSCME International Delegates
5 AFSCME Council 13 Delegates
15 AFSCME District Council 89 Delegates

Elections will be held on March 27, 2012.

Yesterday's sad events in Ohio, reminded me that an Active Shooter situtation can happen anywhere at anytime and I would like to share two on line resources with you from the Federal Department of Homeland Security

Flyer - How to Respond when an active shooter is in your vicinity
Booklet - ACTIVE SHOOTER, How to Respond

I hope that you will review them and stay safe at work!

In Solidarity ~ Della

WHERE'S MY CONTRACT!

noreply@blogger.com (Della A. Selner) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:49:00 +0000

The Negotiators signed the new contract on January 27, 2012.

I am very hopeful that the final review of the contract will be completed by 2/10/2012 and the contract at the printers by 2/17/2012.

I do not know when we will have contracts to hand out. Please keep watching www.2456.org for details.

WHERE'S MY CHRISTMAS GIFT CARD!?!

noreply@blogger.com (Della A. Selner) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:43:00 +0000

Sorry, AFSMCE Local 2456 does not give its members gift cards. Why don't we? If we give you a $25 gift card under Federal Law, AFSCME Local 2456 would have to issue you a 1099-MISC and you would have to report that $25 as income on your Taxes.

We know other locals do it, but we are big, and Audited on many levels. We love our members, but we aren't going to jail for them. If you would like to read more about the IRS Rules on Gift Cards please follow this link http://www.irs.gov/publications/p525/ar02.html

We love our members and would love to see you at meetings, so much so we buy you dinner at every local meeting. Often we give away great gifts like in May we gave away a Hershey Park Ticket to every member that came to the meeting. A $52 value.

But we can only do this if you come to the meetings. Hope to see you there!

CONTRACT RADIFICATION DATE SET!!! 7/8/2011 - 3PM - 7PM

noreply@blogger.com (Della A. Selner) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:23:00 +0000

CONTRACT RADIFICATION FOR AFSCME LOCAL 2456

Will take place on FRIDAY, JULY 8, 2011 AT THE AFSCME CONFERENCE CENTER

(for directions visit www.2456.org/directions)

If you need assistance with transportation please contact Della Selner at 717-772-8166

Please have your membership card and photo id with you when you come to vote.

Negotiations and radification...

noreply@blogger.com (Della A. Selner) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 19:37:00 +0000

Hi Everyone, I know things have been pretty quiet for a while out here. As most of you know from the meetings and the web page we have been ask to maintain a level of quiet around the new contract negotiations. I haven't been web casting meetings, no long blog posts, but hopefully, we can begin web casting meetings again on Tuesday and catch everyone up on the contract gories.

The only thing I can say is, it is much much better than I thought it was going to be. I know most of you have see a copy from management, all I can say is for the most part it's right, there are some minor details that are wrong.

I know it is frustrating to not know, especially for you dues paying members, but the ratification process is coming soon. At the ratification meetings you will have a chance to ask questions.

I personally am very glad that it is over for another four years.

Just a reminder, there will be no local meetings in July or August. Look forward to seeing you all on June 28, 2011 at 6pm. Visit http://www.2456.org/ for times and directions.

In Solidarity, Della

Knock knock knock knocking on Fair Share members doors, and Water whoes...

noreply@blogger.com (Della A. Selner) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:55:00 +0000

What a week hun? First we are at work, then we are off work, then we are at work, wow. Some of us are essential some of us aren't. We have toilets, we have porta potties, WOW. Hope all of you survived well. Most of the members we represent work in the Capitol Complex.

I have also had several phone calls from Fair Share Fee Payers asking about visits by AFSCME Volunteer Organizers to their homes. Yes, they are real, they are from AFSCME, and they are visiting Fair Share folks at home. Why? Because we can not organize in the work place per the contract. AFSCME Local 2456 represents over 2,500 employees in every Agency except Corrections, Auditor General, Treasury, PHEAA, and Fort Indiantown Gap. I have no way of reaching out to all of you except the internet and these Volunteer Organizers from AFSCME Council 13. I appreciate their hard work on our behalf. If you have any questions about the Organizers or don't feel comfortable in the situtation just tell them so and they will leave.

If you aren't a member you should join, you saw the Governor's Proposal. You know what he wants, the more members AFSCME has, the louder and more powerful our voice at the bargaining table. Look at what is happening in Wisconsin and Ohio, they weren't strong, we need to be strong in these though labor unfriendly times.

Tomorrow is negotiations. I invite all the fair share and full members to come to the local meeting to hear about negotiations. Unfortunately, we will not be webcasting this meeting either out of respect to Mr. Fillman's request to not negotiate this contract in the press. You can also call me at work and I will tell you what I know.

Remember, full share or fair share we are all in this together.

In solidarity,

Della

AFSCME 13 Convention, Negotiation, and why you should be a member and join PAL

noreply@blogger.com (Della A. Selner) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 03:34:00 +0000

The AFSCME 13 convention is over for another year. You can view pix at http://www.flickr.com/photos/dzether/sets/72157626309723843/show/. We learned a lot, and we thought about our Brothers and Sisters in Wisconsin, Ohio and all the other Battleground States. We talked about negotiations.

I have spent most of the past couple days reading many of you the Governor's Contract proposal. I can't stress enough that this is just a proposal and this is just the beginning. Our next negotiating session is on April 22, 2011. I look forward to talking to all of you on Monday.

I know many people feel "Why be a full dues paying member? I pay fair share. I don't use the Union". But you do, every time you get a pay raise you use the union, every time you use your health insurance benefits you use the Union, every time you take a day off you use the Union, every time you get overtime pay, you use the Union. With out AFSCME negotiating a contract for you, you would be at the mercy of the Governor and the Legislature's whims. Look at Ohio and Wisconsin. That is what happens when Unions aren't strong, the stronger we are, the harder we can fight for your rights. I know it's a little bit more money out of your paycheck. I know that is hard for all of us in these difficult times, but think of it as an investment in your work future. One other reason to join is to strengthen our voice at the negotiating table, the more full dues paying members we have, the stronger our voice at the negotiating table. The Governor knows EXACTLY how many full dues paying members we have, and how many fair share, each fair share member make our voice softer at the negotiating table.

Speaking of the Governor and the Legislature, I am sure you don't like how Union Members are being portrayed as money grubbing fat cats who are free loading on the backs of tax payers. I don't either. I am a taxpayer. I count on hard working public employees like you to clean my roads of snow, inspect the hospital I take my children to, to protect the forests I love. As you know, your Union dues are NOT used for political activity. One way as a Union Member you can help assure that Legislators who respect the hard work we do for the citizens of the Commonwealth are elected is to contribute to PAL. PAL puts all our money into a pool to support lobbing and political activities to assure that Public Employee friendly Legislators are elected to office. If you would like more information about what PAL is and how to join, give me or one of the Stewards a call, and ask about negotiations while you have us on the phone.

In Solidarity, Della

Negotiations, Bake Sale, and much much more...

noreply@blogger.com (AFSCME 2456) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 15:45:00 +0000

Hi ~ Our webmaster Dean Winklespecht has been promoted, so I am brushing off my web skills and updating the website.

Mary Reading, a bargaining unit covered employee of AFSCME Local 2456 is having a bake sale to support Japanese Relief efforts, we like Mary a whole lot so we are encouraging you to stop my the Midtown Scholar Bookstore on Saturday, April 2, 2011. The flyer is available here... http://www.2456.org/BakeSaleFlyer.pdf

Negotiations, on Tuesday, we got to see the Corbett's Negotiating teams wish list. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, it wasn't good either, but it is just the beginning. I was encouraged by the negotiator's, (Frank something I forget) willingness to negotiate. He even ask for and got Joyce Cullpepper's "we are one" pin from her.

Mr. Fillman has ask us not to post anything specific online, or in email, etc. I am trying very hard to comply with those wishes. Several other negotiators haven't complied. (Being new to this negotiating thing I am trying to be a good kid) What I am willing to do, is, if you call me, I will go over what the Commonwealth is asking for, what we ask for and my very humble opinion.

We will be meeting again with the Corbett team on April 22, 2011. I will give you all updates then. I still don't think we need to panic. This seems like a reasonable bunch of folks, nothing like those idiots in Wisconsin and Ohio and all those other states where Public Sectors workers are being cast in the role of villains and thugs.

Since I am back to being the webmaster extraordinaire, send me your updates, your news and bake sale flyers and I will get them up on our web page, http://www.2456.org/.

In Solidarity, Della

TGIF

noreply@blogger.com (Della A. Selner) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:36:00 +0000

TGIF hope everyone's week is going well. I want to take this opportunity to remind you of the Local Meeting on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 6 pm at the AFSCME Conference Center. Directions are available on our webpage, http://www.2456.org/.

We will have two special guest on Tuesday, Mike Fedor, Candidate for the Office of County Commissioner in Cumberland County (http://www.votefedor.com/) and our very own, recently retired, JT Gould. Please come and meet Mr. Fedor and wish JT bon voyage.

The first Contract negotiation meeting with the Corbett Administration is on Tuesday Morning. I should have "Something" to tell you Tuesday Evening. Please remember though that this is just the beginning and nothing has been decided yet.

Look forward to seeing you and your family Tuesday evening. If you can't make the meeting, you can watch it live on our ustream feed. Follow AFSCME2456 on twitter for details.

In Solidarity ~ Della

Update...

noreply@blogger.com (Della A. Selner) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 20:05:00 +0000

Hi Everyone, just an update on negotiations, they have been schedule for March 29, 2011. As you may know I am the negotiator for our local. I will update you as soon as I can.

Michele Brookins, Linda Green, Valentina Chubb, Dawn Imes, Danielle Gibson and myself attended the AFSCME 13 Women's Conference over the weekend and learn lots! Conferences are always exhausting but well worth it.

On Thursday evening at the District Council 89 meeting we learned that increasing full dues paying members is important at this time. With Public Employees under attack from every side, the more members we have the stronger we are in our battles. If you are interested in getting emails from me about issues affecting our Union Brothers and Sisters please email me your HOME email address at della.selner@gmail.com.

Hanging, stay calm, and keep fighting ~

DON'T PANIC, the budget is out

noreply@blogger.com (Della A. Selner) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 05:05:00 +0000

Today Governor Corbett delivered his budget speak (Click here for Transcript of Governor’s Speech).

I know, it's scary especially with what is happening in Wisconsin, Ohio, and many other states across the US. All I ask is that we take a little advice from "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" and don't panic.

As of this moment, I have not been formally told of any negotiation meetings, but I did hear a rumor from another AFSCME Local that a negotiations meeting has been scheduled for March 29, 2011. As I get more information I will share.

What I do want you to do, is remind you co-workers who are fair-share dues payers, now is the time to join the Union. Why? Because the Governor knows how many members we have, and how many we don't. The more full dues paying members we have, the louder and more clearly the Governor and the Legislature will hear our voices. Not only at the negotiating table, but in the workplace.

Speaking of voices, there will be a Rally for a Responsible Budget on May 3, 2011. Council Director Mike Fox sent me this information;

Sisters and Brothers,

The Budget debate begins. Tomorrow Governor Corbett will make his budget address to the General Assembly. All reports suggest that it will be full of cuts that will affect everyone except the rich and large corporations. We must engage in the debate as public employees because we will be directly impacted. The cuts that are expected will affect us at all levels of government. We will be joining other unions as well as other groups and concerned citizens at a rally on May 3rd in the rotunda at the capitol from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

A strong showing by AFSCME is expected and needed.

The Clear Coalition has chartered 36 buses all over the state. There will be buses leaving from the AFSCME conference Center, 150 S 43rd St., Harrisburg. I will be sending another notice once we have determined the departure times but in the meantime go to the below link and register to attend.

Here ' s the link: http://clearforpa.org/index.cfm?zone=/unionactive/view_calendar.cfm&calendarID=4323471&thisdate=%7bts%20%272011-05-01%2000:00:00%27%7d&useCalSection=main

Mike Fox

I personally look forward to seeing EVERYONE there.

If you have questions or concerns about the Governor’s Budget, don't hesitate to contact me. I will do my best to answer them, until we know more, don't panic.

In Solidarity,

Della

Keeping our eyes on other states...

noreply@blogger.com (Della A. Selner) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:52:00 +0000

I know what is happening in Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, and the other states with Public Employees and collective bargaining has us concerned, especially with negotiations coming up.

As of today, February 28, 2011, there have been no contract negotiation meeting scheduled with the Corbett Administration. In several interviews, Governor Corbett has said he intends to negotiate fairly with the Unions. I have no reason to believe he won't. Anything you may hear other than that is pure speculation.

I know it is a scary time, but we must not let rumors and speculation control our emotions. Check your facts, and if you aren't sure, call one of our Stewards to get the information verified.

Our next local meeting is on March 29, 2010 at 6pm at the AFSCME Conference Center in Harrisburg, PA. I look forward to seeing you there.

In Solidarity,

Della

Rally cancelled!

noreply@blogger.com (Della A. Selner) — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 13:51:00 +0000

Sisters & Brothers,

As you can imagine the dynamics of the struggle in Wisconsin and its affects elsewhere are complex. After scheduling the rally for Wednesday, February 23rd all the Unions involved reconsidered and believe the timing is not right here in Pennsylvania therefore the rally for Wednesday, February 23rd has been cancelled.

I will keep you informed of all future developments.

Thank You for your patience, support and understanding.

Michael Fox
Council Director
District Council 89
(717)564-7998 Ext 8900
(800)583-2376 Ext 8900

Harrisburg Rally to support Public workers in Wisconsin, 2/23/2011

noreply@blogger.com (Della A. Selner) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 20:50:00 +0000

Sisters & Brothers,

As you know there is a very serious effort to strip public employees of their ability bargain with their employers in the state of Wisconsin . Included in this law the Governor wants to unilaterally impose increased contributions to the employee's healthcare and Pensions. These increases would amount to an approximately 13% cut in pay.

Could you afford a 13% cut in pay?

We need to understand that if this Governor gets away with this affront to democracy and the fundamental rights of working men and women it will spread.

We will be having a rally on Wednesday, February 23 from 12 noon to 1:00 PM in the state capitol rotunda.

I am requesting that as many of you as possible come to this rally to support our brothers and sisters in Wisconsin and send a message that this type of treatment of workers is unacceptable.

Michael Fox
Council Director
District Council 89
(717)564-7998 Ext 8900
(800)583-2376 Ext 8900

Happy Holidays!

noreply@blogger.com (Della A. Selner) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 17:44:00 +0000

Happy Holidays! Hope this holiday season finds you and yours well.

Instead of the usual holiday party, AFSCME Local 2456 is partnering with the Rick Smith Show in their Hungry and Homeless for the Holidays campaign. AFSMCE Local 2456 has made a donation on behalf of our Members to help those less fortunate this holiday season.

I also want to let you know that Mike Neafsey reports that the Members of AFSCME Local 2456 have donated over 577 pounds of food to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank this year. I encourage you to think about giving this holiday season.

On December 20, 2010 there will be a vote at the AFSCME Conference center to allow The Commonwealth of PA to continue deferring payment at the higher rate in to PEBTF. In exchange, The Commonwealth agrees that there will be no rolling furloughs from 1/1/2011 to 6/30/2011 when the Contract expires. The Commonwealth will begin paying the past due amount into the PEBTF on 6/30/2011 and the entire amount due will be paid in full by 12/31/2012. If you have questions about this please don't hesitate to contact me.

New way to get more people to local meetings...

noreply@blogger.com (Della A. Selner) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 14:56:00 +0000

Hi ~ We are starting a new way to get more members to a local meeting, it's easy you don't even have to leave home, webcasting. Did you miss last nights meeting? Trying to remember what you heard at last nights meeting? It's archived on line, Septemeber's Local 2456 Meeting.

I personally know how hard it is to get to local meetings. Hope you will join us online.

In Solidarity ~ Della

Why you should be an AFSCME Member...

noreply@blogger.com (Della A. Selner) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 20:06:00 +0000

Today I had a conversation with a Member who wants to leave the local. His wife sent me an email upset about the disability insurance that the Local has for all it's members. She was particularly upset about the free child safety kits American Income Life offered because they don't have children.

After apologizing to the wife via email, and explaining that there was no cost to her or the local for the insurance, I walked down the hall to talk to the member. A rarity in the case of our local.

The members concern was that he doesn't like who AFSCME endorses. Really that was why he wants to leave the local. I explained that no Union dues were used to support candidates endorsed by AFSCME. I explained that he could vote for whoever he wanted, AFSCME doesn't go into the voting booth with him.

I did explain to him why leaving membership was a bad idea. I ask him to look what AFSCME PA has done for him, guaranteed that there will be no more payless paydays, that if furloughs occur his seniority bargaining rights are assured. I explained that when we go to the Bargaining Table on the next Contract, the Governor, who ever it might be, will know EXACTLY how many Union members AFSCME has, and will bargain with AFSCME accordingly.
If you aren't a member of the local, if for no other reason, this is why you should be a member. To make AFSCME voice bigger at the bargaining table. To help AFSCME keep your benefits and pay raises that you have come to love. There need to be more members behind us and fewer fair share fee payers.

2010 Election Results for AFSCME Local 2456

noreply@blogger.com (Della A. Selner) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:40:00 +0000

The Election Results :

President - Della Selner
VP A-4 - Tim Wolfe
VP B-4 - Mike Murphy
Treasurer - Dani Gibson
Recording Secretary - Joann Smith
Executive Board -
Mike Neafsey
Clark Gibson
Jim Barnhart

DC 89 Delegates
Della Selner
Dani Gibson
Jim Barnhart
Michelle Brookins
Tina Chubb
Clark Gibson
JT Gould
Larry Lash
Annuncianto Marino
John Matchik
Joe McCarthy
Mike Neafsey
Bill Orner
Kathleen Ribec
Tim Wolfe
Jeremy Zuckero
ALTERNATES
Mike Murphy
Ed Reardon
Linda Green

AFSCME Council 13 Delegates
Della Selner
Dani Gibson
Clark Gibson
Tina Chubb
Dave Ehrhart
Annuncianta Marino
John Matchik
ALTERNATES
JT Gould
Jermey Zuckero
Linda Green

AFSCME 39th International Convention Delegates
Della Selner
Dani Gibson
Jim Barnhart
Tim Wolfe
Clark Gibson
Tina Chubb
JT Gould
ALTERNATES
Michelle Brookins
Dave Ehrhart
Jeremy Zuckero

Congratulations to all those elected to serve AFSCME Local 2456 and thank you for your continuing support.

Stupid Groundhog...

noreply@blogger.com (Della A. Selner) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:38:00 +0000

That stupid groundhog saw his shadow, so six more weeks of winter. Not that winter matters much to the jobs our members do.

So what is your local doing this winter? AFSCME Local 2456 has nominations coming up in at our February meeting and elections at our March meeting. Most of you should have received a green postcard in the mail.
The positions that are open are;
President, Treasurer, Vice-President A-4, Vice-President B-4, Recording Secretary, 3 Executive Board Members, 1 Three year Trustee, Council 13 Delegates, District Council 89 Educational Conference Delegates, AFSCME International Convention Delegates.
I look forward to seeing you at both meetings.

We had 35 people at our last meeting. It was great to see such a terrific turn out. So great to see new faces. If you are planning on coming to a meeting, and have dietary restrictions, please contact our Master Sergeant at Arms Cliff Ackman to make sure that we get something that you can eat. We usually order Pizza, Stromboli and Salads.

Some of the on going issues we have are;

1. Employees in the Department of Corrections will be represented by the AFSCME Locals in the Department of Corrections. AFSCME feels that our members will be better served by the Locals in the Prisons and in the work areas because of the unique nature of the Department of Corrections.

2. Agency IT Departments continue to merge with OA-OIT. Currently we are working with the JCJC to merge their IT Staff. If you have questions about an IT merger please don't hesitate to call.

3. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE COMPUTER ON YOUR DESK AT WORK IS NOT YOUR PERSONAL PROPERTY. It is property of the Commonwealth of PA, and they have the right to restrict your use of it. This includes, disconnecting your internet account and reading your email. AFSCME Local 2456 advises all it members to not write ANYTHING in email that you wouldn't want your mom or your children to read in the newspaper. One little information request and every email you write is public.

4. Contract Negotiations and Furloughs. Several rumors about Contract negotiations and more furlough have been brought to my attention. To date, AFSCME has no knowledge of either furloughs or Contract Negotiations.

That's all for now, stay safe, stay warm and have a great Valentines day. Our next local meeting is on February 23 at 6:00 pm. I look forward to seeing you there!

Holiday Season and Furloughs

noreply@blogger.com (Della A. Selner) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:07:00 +0000

Once again the Holidays and Furloughs are upon us.

This year, instead of having a holiday party that no one attends, or trying to satisfy our members request for a gift certificate which we legally can not do. (While I would do most anything for my members jail is where I draw the line) The Executive Board of AFSCME Local 2456 has chosen to give a $500 donation to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank has helped, and continues to help, our members during tough times. For more information on the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank please visit them on the web at http://www.centralpafoodbank.org/.

As for furloughs, while the numbers are out, we still don't have names to go with them. Here are some important facts to know if you are among those furloughed;

If you are furloughed, APPLY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT IMMEDIATELY. Do not wait until you get your last check.
Exploit your Commonwealth Benefits to the max, make dentist appointments, get eye exams and glasses, etc while you have these benefits. Pay, or apply for assistance with COBRA Health care payments. While this is a terrific option, it is a very expensive one. If you can afford to do it, you should.
COMPLETE YOUR PAPERWORK with the Commonwealth of PA immediately. List only the Counties you realistically want to work in.
ASK FOR HELP if you need it. As a Union member there are several financial assistance programs available and SEAP has some financial planning as well.
Think about retirement. Contact SERS. If you have military time, and are not receiving a Military Pension or disability payment, BUY THAT TIME BACK NOW. It is an actuarial debt and really does not come out of your pocket. The amount of retirement years you gain covers the difference. SERS toll free number is 1-800-633-5461.

If you need help finding resources or just need a sympathetic ear, don't hesitate to call us. A posting of Stewards is available at www.2456.org.

I found an interesting article from my hometown news, http://www.gantdaily.com/news/43/ARTICLE/65486/2009-11-17.html. Not only does it talk about the upcoming furlough but the work force reductions Ed Rendell has implemented during his years as Governor.

Wishing you a happy and safe holiday season, In Solidarity,

Della A. Selner, President
AFSCME Local 2456

My speech for today's rally at the Capitol

noreply@blogger.com (Della A. Selner) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:48:00 +0000

What do we want – PAID! When do we want it – NOW!

Hi everyone, my name is Della Selner, and I am the President of AFSCME Local 2456.
I have been asked to tell you my story though I know from talking too many of you; my worries are small in comparison to yours.

In September 2008, my husband lost his job with the construction company he worked for as an independent contractor, there went most of my savings.

In December of 2008, I was involved in a car accident with an uninsured motorist; there went the rest of my savings.

In March 2009, I had surgery on my foot that was supposed to be covered by workman’s compensation, they denied the claim, and I have no savings.

Now here we are in July of 2009, I have no savings, I was already behind and struggling to keep up with everything, and now, THROUGH ABSOLUTELY NO FAULT OF MY OWN, I have to come to work and not get PAID!

I wake up each and every morning since this nightmare began absolutely terrified that I COULD LOSE EVERYTHING that I have worked the past 25 years to build. My house, my new to me car, my family.

We were living paycheck to pay check, most weeks, robbing Peter to pay Paul as my mother says. Now, I can’t even tell my creditors when I will get my next paycheck. Thank god my husband is working, making about half of what he was in September of 2008. Every Morning I think, how will I keep the lights on? The water and the sewer flowing? How will we eat? I already can’t pay my flood insurance. That is enough for my mortgage company to start foreclosure. Where will we live? Rendellville? What is Rendellville, think Hooverville during the great depression, but in Harrisburg.

How long do you think it will be after I can’t provide for my 11 year old daughter that social services will become involved? Will my family fall apart?

I think about this every single morning, and every single night. My last thoughts are of this, and of you. My fellow Commonwealth Employees, the Doctors and Nurses at the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home, The County Assistance Workers in Johnstown, Clearfield, Erie, and Lancaster, The Prison Guards at SCI Greene, the dedicated employees at the Ebensburg Center, the rest of you already struggling before this to make ends meet, and I wonder how long it will be until all of you join me in Rendellville THROUGH NO FAULT OF OUR OWN.

One person described it best, maybe the Gov and the Republican Senators have watched too much Popeye, un- like Whimpy we can’t “Gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today”.

Thanks for listening to my story, stay strong, if you need help ask. AFSCME Local 2456 is offering the use of our office computer and telephone to those who need it. Whether to call your creditors or apply for help. Have your Steward get in touch with our Stewards and schedule a time.

What do I want – PAID! When do I want it – NOW!

budget update day of action July 28

noreply@blogger.com (Della A. Selner) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:50:00 +0000

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Mike Fox
To:
Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 2009 2:36:50 PM
Subject: budget update day of action July 28

Sisters and Brothers,

AFSCME and the seven other state employee unions are sponsoring a Day of Action on Tuesday, July 28 at noon on the capitol steps in Harrisburg . We will be bringing in buses of union members from across the Commonwealth and I am urging those of you who can get the day off to come in and join the rally. Those of you in Harrisburg if you can ' t get the day off please come down on your lunch period. Also please plan to visit your state senator and representative while at the capitol.

Please plan to attend and urge your co-workers to do so also. We must make our voices heard loud and clear.

We want a budget that gets us paid and one that adequately funds our jobs and the services we provide.

Mike Fox
Council Director
District Council 89
(717)564-7998 Ext 8900
(800)583-2376 Ext 8900