The President's Corner

Trustee Election Results and Information links from last night's meeting....

noreply@blogger.com (Della A. Selner) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:09:00 +0000

Congratulations to TaLishia Brandao for her election to the vacant 3 Year Trustee position. I also want to thank Valentina Chubb for her dedicated service to the local.

Last night we had a speaker from the Keystone Research Center, Mr. Steven Herzenberg gave the membership lots of information about the Public Pension Debate. For more information visit the Keystone Research Center's web page at http://keystoneresearch.org/issues-guides/pensions.

We also discussed the ongoing situation at the PA Liquor Control Board. You can get more information on what AFSCME is doing here http://afscme13.org/documents/UFCWToolkit.pdf and you can get more information from the PA AFL CIO as well http://www.paaflcio.org/?tag=plcb.

Tara Caughey-Wilson also reminded the membership that their Union Dues can not be used to fight the Pension and LCB issues, only PAL money can be used to lobby on our behalf. If you are not a PAL member and would like to be come one please contact one of our steward from the list at http://www.2456.org/stewards.asp.

I also have to thank those brave dedicated AFSCME Local 2456 member, TaLishia, Kira and Keon Brandao, Michele Brookins, Mike and Amanada Neafsey, and Ed Skurupa who joined me, my family and 40 other very dedicated Union Volunteers in the "Labor on the March" group who braved, snow, sleet, rain and bitter cold to participate in the Harrisburg Saint Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 16, 2013 in Harrisburg, PA. If you would like to see pictures of these brave souls, visit http://www.flickr.com//photos/dzether/sets/72157633009389415/show/
.
In Solidarity ~ Della

Why I support the United Way during SECA

noreply@blogger.com (Della A. Selner) — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 17:44:00 +0000

I can’t tell you how many times I have used the Services of the United Way, but I want to tell you about how the United Way of Franklin County changed my husband and daughters lives.

In 1996 my husband decided not having a High School diploma wasn’t going to help him succeed. He needed a GED. After much searching, the folks at South Central Community Action Agency (a United Way Partner), referred him to the Franklin County Literacy Council. Through the Literacy Council, he was able to test for his GED and because we were on Welfare at the time, they paid for his GED testing. My Husband is now not only a GED Graduate from Waynesboro AHS, he is a Summa Cum Laude Graduate of Thompson Institute in Chambersburg.

In 2001, my oldest daughter decided that not finishing High School wasn’t going to get her very far. She too also sought help from the Franklin County Literacy Council and successfully achieved her GED. My daughter then went on to become a successful graduate of the Chambersburg Beauty School and is now successfully employed by Regis Corporation.

The list of how the United Way of Franklin County (4404-0000 United Way of Franklin County on your SECA form) reaches into the lives of those who need help is too numerous to mention in a short blog, but the ways the United Way has touch my life over the years.

United Way’s assistance in the community is often the hand up your neighbors, like me, need when life catches you off guard.

How did the United Way help you? And even if the United Way of Franklin County didn’t help you, I am sure they helped someone important to you, a neighbor, a child, a grandchild, a niece or nephew.

Keep this wonderful resource in your community and help those who help, the United Way.

In Solidarity,

Della A. Selner, President
AFSMCE Local 2456

“Labor helping Neighbor in our community. Live United”

Understanding SPF and FMLA

noreply@blogger.com (Della A. Selner) — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 17:59:00 +0000

You were out with the 'Flu for a week, all of a sudden, you have SPF paperwork from HR and it says you HAVE TO have it completed. What do you do? What is SPF? What is FMLA? Why are you getting this paperwork?

Lets start at the basics, SPF, Sick, Parental or Family Leave, is available to all Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Employees who meet the criteria of service and hours worked used as a qualification for use of SPF Absence. These criteria are set out in Management Directive 530.30.

SPF Absence Eligibility - Eligibility is determined based on two factors: One Year of Service and
1250 Hours worked during the 12 month period preceding the date of the first absence for each SPF Event.

Once Eligibility is determined for an SPF Event, the employee remains eligible for that SPF Event for the next 12 months, at which time Eligibility will be re-measured.
Eligibility is re-measured for each new or different SPF Event. Disability related to pregnancy, recovery from childbirth and child rearing connected to childbirth shall be considered one SPF Event.

FMLA is the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) (29 U.S.C. 2601, et seq.) is the federal

law that requires qualifying employers to provide at least 12 weeks of leave (with or without pay) with benefits within a 12 month period.

Why am I getting this paperwork? The management directive requires a supervisor offer SPF leave to any employee who may have a Serious Medical Condition. Often this is considered an absence that last longer than 3 consecutive days.

What do you do? First, determine if you are going to need SPF. HOW? You aren't likely to need SPF if you or your child have the flu, or if you, or a qualified family member have a minor surgery for which you have enough leave to cover your absence from work.

However, if you or your family member's illness is one that is going to need extensive treatment AND is going to require you to miss a significant amount of work, you should probably have the Physician Supervising the treatment complete the SPF paperwork. An example of this would be, you father is having arm surgery and will need your assistance at home with everyday care, medications and getting to and from Doctor's Appointment or Physical Therapy and you are going to exhaust your leave. I would recommend SPF.

SPF can be used in several ways, with out pay, with pay, intermittently, and for a full twelve weeks. There is also ESPF which can be used in situations where you would need to be off work longer than the initial 12 weeks.

Using SPF is entirely up to you and NOT required by AFSCME Covered Employees except in some extreme circumstances. We encourage you to discuss SPF leave with your Supervisor if you find yourself taking a significant amount of leave to deal with your or a family members serious medical condition. If you have questions as always the Steward's of AFSCME Local 2456 are here to help.

In Solidarity ~ Della

Della A. Selner, President

AFSCME Local 2456

visit us on the web www.2456.org

noreply@blogger.com (Della A. Selner) — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 14:05:00 +0000

AFSCME Local 2456's own troubadour, Kent Courtney is performing Labor music at Eckley Miners's Village on June 16 & 17, 2012. More details are available in the Press Release at http://www.2456.org/Press%20Release%20-AFSCME%202456-%20Kent%20Courtney.pd

Discounted Hershey Park Tickets NOW AVAILABLE! AFSCME Local 2456 now has discounted Hershey Park Tickets available to Members. The price is $36.50 for ages 9-54. Jr/Sr tickets are available with one weeks advanced notice. Contact President Selner or Secretary Dawn Imes for details.

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.