Public Employee Press
Council 13 AFSCME, the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO
“We Make
Pennsylvania Happen!”
September/October 2007
Vol. 36, Issue 5
ISSN: 0190-4957
afscme13.org
800-5-AFSCME
5
Non-State Conference
5
EMMY Winning Members
“
Education is for improving the lives of
others and for leaving your community
and world better than you found it.
”
— Marian Wright Edelman, founder & Pres. Children’s Defense Fund
6
Fighting for PA OSHA
– Page 5
AFSCME COUNCIL 13 DIRECTORY
Executive
Director’s
Message
David R. Fillman
Executive Director, AFSCME Council 13
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
DISTRICT COUNCIL 83 — Dominic Sgro, Director
160 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 — David A. Bielski, Director
1276 Liberty St., Franklin, PA 16323
Phone: 814/437-7654; (toll free) 1-800-865-9652
DISTRICT COUNCIL 86 — Norma Braidigan, Director
250 Commerce Park Drive, New Columbia, PA 17856
Phone: 570/568-1147; (toll free) 1-800-540-9401
Union Brothers and Sisters:
This time of year we’re all inundated with election images – TV ads; radio ads;
flyers; and the ever-popular yard signs – and we’re often too quick to roll our eyes
and shake our heads. Too quick to complain about this annoying annual tradition,
when in reality we should truly be grateful. After all, this is freedom in it’s most
basic form. Many countries envy our November inundation; this freedom to clean
out bad government – this freedom to keep in good government.
And that’s what’s happening in Pennsylvania November 6. Sure, we’re all
excited about next year. We should be excited. In 2008, George W. Bush will
become just an embarrassing chapter in American history. The American people
will finally have the chance to vote for a new United States President without his
name on the ballot. A new President will represent working families.
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 — Bob Cooper, Director
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 17111-1599
Phone: 717/564-5123
AFSCME COUNCIL 13 MEMBERS’ BENEFITS
But, November 6, 2007, is no less important. On November 6 you have the
unique opportunity to essentially vote for your bosses! These are local and county
representatives who have a direct impact on your job, your home and your
community. These are the folks we elect to respect and honor the rights we work
so hard to gain. These are the folks you and I will face at the next collective
bargaining table.
MEMBER ONLY BENEFITS
1-888-SVC-13-AFSCME or 1-888-782-1323
Freedom is about choices and the choices can be overwhelming. But, Council
13 has done our homework. We’ve done the legwork for you. We’ve checked the
records; gone over every candidate to ensure they meet one important
requirement. Who is the best candidate for Pennsylvania’s working men
and women?
Moving Vans * Pet Services * Scholarships * Theme Parks
Vacation Packages
Your District Councils have been working closely with our Legislative
Department; researching each candidate’s agenda in order to find the right fit for
your county and local government. And on the opposite page you’ll find Council
13’s recommendations for Justice of the Supreme Court and Judge of the Superior
Court. Judge Debra Todd and Judge Seamus McCaffery both have a proven track
record for supporting the welfare of working men and women in Pennsylvania.
Retention recommendations are also listed on the opposite page. It’s very
difficult for retention candidates to run against the word, “no”; but after 10 years
of supporting working families, these individuals have earned our support at the
polls.
I respect the fact that voting is a very personal decision and these
recommendations are just that; recommendations. But, rest assured, brothers and
sisters, these are recommendations presented with your very best interests in mind.
Every vote counts; every election counts. Let the voice of working men and
women of Pennsylvania be heard on November 6.
Yours in Unity,
Call for more information about:
Car Discounts * Car Insurance * Car Rentals * Cell Phones
Checks * Computer Deals * Credit Card * Credit Counseling
Education Services * Entertainment * Financial Planning
Flower Service * Health Club Discounts * Mortgage Programs
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)
ESI/Express Scripts – 1-866-841-2368 (Non-State Workers)
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
Public Employee Press
(ISSN 0190-4957)
Published bi-monthly Jan./Feb., Mar./Apr., May/Jun., Jul./Aug., Sep./Oct., Nov./Dec.,
by Council 13, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees,
AFL-CIO, 4031 Executive Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17111-1507.
Second Class postage paid at Harrisburg, PA and additional mailing office.
David R. Fillman
Executive Director
AFSCME Council 13
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: “Public Employee Press,” AFSCME Council 13,
4031 Executive Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17111-1507.
Vol. 36, No. 5 September/October 2007
Todd Singer, President
David R. Fillman, Executive Director
Phyllis Wingate, Secretary
Patricia Bauer, Editor and
Alan Redding, Treasurer
2
Director of Public Relations
AFSCME Council 13 Endorses Statewide Judicial
Candidates For Election and Retention November 6
AFSCME has reviewed all the candidates’ records and has determined the following candidates are best qualified to represent AFSCME members:
SUPREME COURT
Judge Debra Todd (D)
Judge Seamus McCaffery (D)
Judge Seamus McCaffery
Judge Debra Todd
SUPERIOR COURT
Judge Ron Folino (D)
Judge Christine Donohue (D)
Judge John Younge (D)
The following Judges and Justices are also endorsed for Retention:
STATE
SUPREME Court
STATE
SUPERIOR COURT
COMMONWEALTH
COURT
Justice Thomas Saylor
Judge Joan Orie Melvin
Judge John Musmanno
Judge Correale Stevens
Judge Bonnie Leadbetter
Judge Doris Smith-Ribner
Judge Bernard McGinley
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3
Council 90 Education Conference
Jennifer Shrift, Local 3130; DeAndra Burger,
Local 3130; and Dona DeRose, Local 972,
wait to be “adopted”.
C
ouncil 90’s Education Conference was held August 10 – 12. This was Council Director
Mary Schwanger’s first conference as the Council 90 Director. Schwanger chose to continue the
Council 90 tradition of seasoned conference attendees “adopting” members attending for the first
time (see photo). In addressing the General Session, Executive Director David R. Fillman,
acknowledged Schwanger’s early years of service with the City of Harrisburg, “tirelessly fighting for
civil rights as a Human Relations Representative.” He also commended Schwanger for her fantastic
job as Council 90’s Council Director. Bill Dando, Assistant Director, Council 13 Legislative
Department, encouraged members to sign up as MVP contributors to help get union-friendly
candidates elected November 6. (Council 90 has 186 MVP level contributors and they hope to
increase that number to 323 by the end of the year.) Other speakers included Mike Dryden, Esq.
who provided excellent advice regarding Workers Comp claims; and Ed Haaz, Mental Health
Consultants, who entertained everyone with his tips for beating stress.
Council 90 members get ready to start their first workshop.
Council 88 Education Conference
176
District Council 88 Director, Bob Cooper, receives
plaque in honor of Gerri Jackson from Local 2244.
Local Vice-President, Marilyn Franks (pictured),
presented the award.
delegates attended the Council 88 Education Conference August 24 – 26. Council Director, Bob
Cooper kicked things off with a dedication to labor leaders, Jack Dougherty and Gerri Jackson, noting
that “this whole conference is about what they did…and we’re following in their footsteps as AFSCME
leaders.” Cooper encouraged members to register to vote and conducted an MVP “Auction” which prompted
several attendees to sign up on the spot. In fact, after Cooper’s presentation, Executive Director David R.
Fillman referred to Cooper’s presentation as a “PAL Telethon”. Fillman addressed the delegates on the new
state budget and upcoming Presidential
election. Alaine Williams, Esq. also
encouraged attendees to increase PAL
deductions, noting that we’re competing
against private corporations who entice
their employees to make political
contributions for big business candidates in
return for significant “bonuses”.
Conference workshops included Internal
and External Organizing; Classification
Grievance Training; and an AFL-CIO
update from Rick Bloomingdale, Secretary“Your word is your bond.” advised Council 13 Organizing Director
Treasurer Pennsylvania AFL-CIO.
and Non-State Liaison, Carla Insinga, in her Organizing Workshop.
2007 “Leader Ship” Sets Sail
73
Executive Director, David R.
Fillman, welcomes union
“movers and shakers” to
the “USS AFSCME.”
Introductions at orientation.
4
attendees turned out for Council 13’s semi-annual Leadership Institute.
The event is held in conjunction with Penn State University and took
place in Penn State August 13 – 17.
Liz Long, Council 13’s Education Director, kicked off the Welcome and
Orientation hoping to “generate a spark…to dissolve apathy…and to create better
AFSCME soldiers in our membership.” Paul Clark, Ph.D, Director of Penn State
University’s Labor Studies & Industrial Relations Department also spoke at the
Institute Welcome and Orientation and taught several workshops throughout the
week on ‘Building More Effective Unions’.
Other Leadership Development classes were instructed by Mike Sukal, Area
Director North East Region AFSCME International; Charles McCollister, Ph.D,
Indiana University; and Philip Allen, AFSCME International Education Department.
Council 13’s own Barry Bogarde, Carla Insinga, and other AFSCME staff
gave workshops in various areas of leadership training and education.
Executive Director David R. Fillman welcomed the AFSCME leaders
to the “Leader Ship” dock at Penn State, commending them for their
dedicated and eager union activism. “That’s good,” explained Fillman.
“Because this ain’t no cruise ship – you’re setting sail on the USS
AFSCME. A vessel that’s seen her share of battles, but no one’s been
able to sink her. And we’re all here to see that no one ever will!”
A graduation ceremony was held August 16 at Mountain Acres.
Public Employee Press September/October 2007
3 full days of 8 full workshops!
Members take in Executive Director Fillman’s memories of 1983’s first Non-State conference.
Negotiate! Organize! Now!
“It’s up to us to set the alarm for 2008 and wake this
country up!” Executive Director David R. Fillman.
T
he 25th Annual 2007 Non-State Education Conference took place September 14 – 16 at the Holiday Inn
East in Harrisburg. Newly elected Non-State Advisory Committee President, Jane Beveridge, Local 2188, started
off the General Session Saturday morning by welcoming the nearly 200 delegates to the Non-State silver
anniversary conference. Conference workshops included Treasury Training; Grievance Training; Steward
Training, Workers Comp Rights and Labor History.
A special presentation was made to Executive Director David R. Fillman by the Vietnam Veterans Post 29 in
recognition of his continued support of Pennsylvania Veterans. Liz Long, Council 13 Education Director, and
Charlie Hepler, Council 13 Education Staff, also received
recognition plaques from the Vets.
Fillman was the keynote speaker at the conference,
and brought back many memories of 1983 when the
first Non-State Conference took place. “On October 15,
1983, history was made in this labor movement of ours.
And the growth of our Non-State brothers and sisters
25th Annual Non-State Banner Hung Proudly Over
hasn’t stopped since,” said Fillman. He welcomed
the 2007 Committee Members
returning members and congratulated newly organized
Non-State locals. Nearly 500 new Non-State bargaining unit employees have come on board with AFSCME
since last year’s Non-State Conference, with Altoona School District adding another 194 Non-State members
just days before the conference.
Vietnam Veterans Post 29 present a plaque of
With the victories and growth of AFSCME Council 13 Non-State members, Fillman christened “non” to be recognition to Executive Director Fillman.
our newest union acronym asking delegates:
How do you win? Negotiate! How do you grow? Organize! When do you do it? Now!
Lights! Camera! AFSCME!
A
FSCME Council 13 kicked off the Labor Day
weekend with a new TV commercial. Executive
Director Fillman, wanted to get the message out that
AFSCME members are changing, growing and better
than ever. Fillman also wanted to remind
Pennsylvanians that it’s AFSCME members who
provide vital public services and “Make Pennsylvania
Happen!” The spot featured Fillman and 3 AFSCME
members at work: Connie Holt, Equipment Operator,
Local 2130; Randy Spann, Corrections Officer, Local
1738, and Marge Snopek, Teacher’s Aide, Local 3126.
Leadership Institute members also volunteered to be in
the spot. The ad was aired on several cable networks
during the holiday weekend; then a 2nd version of the
ad picked up after Labor Day and ran for 2 more weeks.
AFSCME Council 13 heard a lot of positive feedback
from the general public and the spot created a lot of
excitement among AFSCME members.
Check afscme13.org and click ‘News Archives’ to
see it!
Randy Spann, Corrections Officer, Local
1738, Lancaster County Prison
Executive Director Fillman with his cast of AFSCME
members.
Marge Snopek, Teacher’s Aide, Local 3126,
Scranton School for the Deaf
Connie Holt, Equipment Operator, Local
2130, Centre County
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5
Fighting for OSHA Protection
for Pa. Public Employees
I
“ didn’t know that.” “You learn something new every day.” “Really? I never knew that.” Those were some of the reactions from members of the House Labor
Relations Committee after Executive Director David R. Fillman’s testimony on September 10th. Fillman testified in favor of House Bill 1325 which would create a
Public Employees OSHA for Pennsylvania. Fillman had testified for OSHA coverage in federal court on May 24th of this year.
Federal OSHA does not provide workplace safety requirements for state and local governments. However, any state opting to develop and enforce similar standards
can submit a state plan to the U.S. Department of Labor for approval.
Fillman said, “AFSCME members confront serious and even life-threatening dangers on the job each
and every day.” He pointed out the inequity of public employees doing the exact same job as private
employees, but without equal protection. Fillman pointed out that many elected officials don’t realize
public employees lack adequate protection. And judging by the reactions of the committee, he was right.
Over half a million Pennsylvania public employees are protected only by a complaint-driven Labor &
Industry (L&I) department. Many were concerned that the department was not pro-active in protecting
it’s workers and only reacted to complaints. “I’m making a complaint right now,” said Representative
McGeehan. “I want an investigation.”
Fillman noted several fatality statistics including Pennsylvania highway workers. During Q & A
following his testimony, Representative Pyle noted that in driving 200 miles to get to the hearing, he saw
signs for doubled fines and State Policemen monitoring speed in several work zones. He assumed this
was the result of added OSHA protection for Pennsylvania highway workers. “No,” said Fillman, “and,
by the way,” he added, “that State Policeman isn’t covered either.”
Executive Director David R. Fillman takes questions from the
Labor Relations Committee.
2007 SECA Campaign Kicks Off
S
tate Employee Combined Appeal (SECA) Loaned Labor Leader training was held August 23
at AFSCME Council 13’s Conference Center. AFSCME volunteers gathered to gear up for
this year’s campaign to raise money for over 1,400 charities. Volunteers visit state agencies
throughout Pennsylvania asking for donations. State employees can donate through payroll
deductions, one time check or even credit card. This will be the 30-year anniversary for the
SECA campaign and this year’s theme is “Gems of Generosity”. Over $80 million has been
raised in the past 29 years. The statewide SECA kick off was held September 13 in Harrisburg.
Since then, district kick-offs have taken place in several parts of the state.
Photo Credit. Larry Kubek, Local 2105
Loaned Labor Leaders for 2007
Members of Local 2612, District 11 PennDOT, fill out
pledge forms. Local 2612 has raised nearly $3,000 so
far this year!
2007 Loaned
Labor Leaders
Michael J. Vitale
Local 2353, C85
Michelle J. Lee
Local 3130, C90
Lori Cutshall
Local 2523, C90
Charlotte Matza
Local 2585, C87
Debra C. Christian
Local 1977, C86
Bob Lucas
Local 2247, C83
Tom Holsinger
Local 2609, C83
Tom Turney
Local 2612, C84
Heidi Lozano
Local 2604, C86
Kelli Sweet
Local 2545, C90
Carol Graves
Local 1224, C90
Lynne Chapman
Local 2586, C89
Barb Frankenburg
Local 819, C84
Mark Szitas
Local 1975, C85
Georgiann Hunsicker
Local 2592, C88
Laura Mullen
Local 2534, C90
Valerie Williams
Local 2586, C88
Altoona School District Victory!
O
n September 12 Altoona Area School District’s Personal Care Aides became the newest
bargaining unit members joining the AFSCME family. 194 new members, including Personal
Care Aides and 3/4-hour Teacher Assistants, were successfully added to the pre-existing bargaining
unit which represents Teacher’s Aides, Bus Drivers, Cafeteria Workers and Clerical Aides. It was a
10-month campaign for Council 13’s Sue McCormick, lead organizer of the campaign, and the 7
organizing committee members. Running into a snag well into the campaign, McCormick was forced
to re-file in May 2007 and 2 days before the election McCormick and her organizing committee did a
big push with phone banks resulting in a landslide victory. Chief issues gained with AFSCME
representation will be respect and dignity in the workplace, protection against favoritism, vacation
days and bereavement leave.
6
Public Employee Press September/October 2007
Altoona School District Organizing Committee: (L to R) ‘Bets’
Hoover, Beth Hicks, Carol Lockard (kneeling), Bonnie Stang
(center), Patty Bunn, and Pam Rice
Fun Facts About
Pennsylvania
It’s Still Wal-Mart
1. State colors:
A. Blue and Gold
B. Red and Blue
8. Only woman governor:
A. Marilyn Franklin
B. Hannah Penn
2. Total counties:
A. 58
B. 67
9. ‘Pennsylvania Dutch’
means:
A. Pennsylvania German
B. Pennsylvania Amish
4. Only US President
from PA:
A. James Monroe
B. James Buchanan
5. ‘Pennsylvania’ means:
A. Penns Woods
B. Land of Plenty
6. 2 counties with more
deer than people:
A. Cameron & Potter
B. Huntington & Juniata
7. Groundhog Day:
A. February 2
B. February 7
10. State Motto:
A. Independence, Freedom
& Liberty
B. Virtue, Liberty &
Independence
11. 2nd Largest City:
A. Harrisburg
B. Pittsburgh
12. How many school
districts:
A. 501
B. 375
Answers:
1 (A); 2 (B); 3 (B); 4 (B);
5 (A); 6 (A); 7 (A); 8 (B);
9 (A); 10 (B); 11 (B); 12 (A)
3. Most valuable mineral:
A. Limestone
B. Coal
Prime
PA
Time
A
fter 19 years, Wal-Mart is firing it’s smiley face and launching a new tagline. Replacing
“Always Low Prices” will be “Save Money. Live Better” [than our employees]. What hasn’t
changed? The WAY Wal-Mart saves money – by importing over 90% of its goods from China
and mistreating its employees. Don’t be fooled by the new marketing strategy. When it comes
to Wal-Mart, it’s business as usual – always. And speaking of Wal-Mart, Labor Day weekend
kicked off a new off-Broadway musical, Walmartopia. Walmartopia is a political satire starring a
single mother and her daughter, both employees of Wal-Mart, who dare to speak out against WalMart working conditions. Somehow the two get catapulted into a future where Wal-Mart rules
the world (with, of course, the exception of Vermont). The musical is off-Broadway and off-thewall, but with it’s pro-Union, pro-worker anti Wal-Mart message, it’s definitely on-the-money for
labor, according to Stuart Appelbaum; Retail, Wholesale and Dept. Store Union (RWDSU). “How
often do we get a chance to see a musical-comedy that portrays unions and workers in a positive
light?” said Appelbaum. Jeremy Thal of
The Indypendent says, “Walmartopia
[speaks to] key issues such as workplace
discrimination, union busting,
environmental destruction and the
mind-numbing homogeneity of
corporate culture. With its tongue
firmly in its cheek, Walmartopia reveals
the savage sneer behind the brightyellow smiley face.” Coincidence Mr.
Smiley got canned? Power to the
people right on. The show is offering
group discounts through November 19.
Visit www.walmartopia.com for
more information.
A REPORT FROM DANIEL MAZUS
President of Chapter 13 of the AFSCME Retirees
RPEPchapter13@afscme13.org
T
he 28th annual Retired Public Employees of PA (RPEP) Convention was held September 23 – 24 at the Grantville Holiday Inn.
Workshops included Labor History and the Medicare Privatization Fight. Judge Seamus McCaffery, candidate for PA Supreme
Court, stopped in to talk with Retirees and Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll was a keynote speaker. A very moving memorial service
took place for all RPEP members who passed away since our last convention.
Elections were held with all 4 main officers getting re-elected. 13 Regional Vice Presidents and 1 Trustee were also elected.
We had a number of firsts at this convention. This was the first time members met Kari Paris, the first employee of RPEP! Kari is
working at the RPEP office 8am - 1:30pm, Monday-Friday, and has adapted to our organization as if she were a long time employee.
Kari, along with her husband Dan, were a big help at the convention. To contact RPEP, call Kari at 717-564-9797, or 1-800-558-RPEP.
Another first was the recognition of some long time officers of Chapter 13. Ruth Norman, Barbara Richardson, Ethel Porter, Dorothy
Herman, Robert Dougherty, Nevin Miller and Max Pokorski all received AFSCME watches. Past Chapter 13 President, Marion Wolf,
was honored for her many years of service with AFSCME. Marion was presented with roses and an engraved AFSCME watch from
Bob Cooper, Director of AFSCME District Council 88, on behalf of Council 13 Executive Director David Fillman. Bob also gave
Marion crystal candle holders from Council 88. Chapter 13 presented Marion with a silver and sapphire pendant.
As many of you are aware, the Governor's Office recently made
a surprise announcement regarding changes to the state Retired
Employees Health Plan (REHP) effective February 2008. The
changes will affect prior 2004 state retirees who would be hit with
a 3-tier prescription payment plan and other increased co-pays.
This will force our oldest seniors to find ways to stretch fixed
incomes even further to pay for multiple prescriptions and other
health care. To go after a group who can least afford this is wrong.
I have been meeting with Council 13 Executive Director Fillman
on this issue and although Retiree benefits are provided solely by
the Governor’s Office, and only administered by PEBTF, we plan to
do whatever it takes to stop these changes.
Retiree Honorees, including past president, Marion Wolf (3rd
from L)
Jean Peticca, Chapter 8301 (Center) and
Bob Malosky, Chapter 8306 (L) with Judge
Seamus McCaffery.
Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll
addresses the delegates.
w w w. a f s c m e 1 3 . o r g
7
AFSCME ADVANTAGE Pet Services
Keep your Pet Healthy
and Your Wallet Happy
Get member discounts on
veterinarian services,
pet insurance,
and more!
For more information:
1-888-782-1323
MemberServices@afscme13.org