American Federation of Government Employees St. Louis Area Council #245 Post Office Box 160118 St. Louis, Missouri 63116 William Tyler, President Rayburn Wilkins, Vice-President Arnette Storey, Secretary Carrie Jackson, Treasurer Debra Robinson, Sergeant-at-Arms November 30, 2015 RE: ANNUAL MARCH TRAINING CONFERENCE THEME: “BIG ENOUGH TO WIN!” Dear Brothers and Sisters: It’s that time of year again! The St. Louis Area Council’s Annual Training Conference and Business Meeting is scheduled for March 21-25, 2016 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel-Westport, 1973 Craigshire Road, St Louis, Missouri, 63146, Telephone: (314) 434-0100. Featuring the following classes: Representation 1 Representation II Disciplinary/Adverse Actions FLRA Legislative Action/PAC Reasonable Accommodations in the VA Retirement Title 38 Young Organizing Unionists for the Next Generation (Y.O.U.N.G.) Collective Bargaining Arbitration EEO FMLA MSPB OWCP Secretary/Treasurer Training LGBT On–site registration will be held at the Doubletree Westport on Monday, March 21, 2016, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., and on Tuesday morning from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 a.m. Some of the highlights of the training will be: Meet and Greet with personnel from the National AFGE Office is scheduled for the evening of Monday, March 21, 2016. Town Hall with President J. David Cox is scheduled for Thursday, March 24, 2016. Each session will be taught by trained professionals from their respective fields of expertise. We have attached a summary of the topics we will train on. A luxurious hospitality room will available after 5 p.m. daily. Continental breakfast will be available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. “Way-Way Back” themed banquet Thursday evening. For more information or to register contact Treasurer, Carrie Jackson at (314) 482-5030 or the Training Chair, Ray Wilkins at (314) 302-8047. Please join us as we continue to provide our brothers and sisters with some of the best training by the best trainers available. Hope to see you at Training Conference 2016! Shuttle services are available for those who arrive by air flying into Lambert St. Louis International Airport. Reservations can be made online using our link: http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/S/STLWPDT-AFG-20160320/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG or by phone (314) 434-0100. Be sure to request the AFGE special rate. Room rate is $112.00 per night (single, double, triple or quad). We encourage everyone to make his or her reservations no later than February 29, 2016, as rooms at this rate will quickly sell out. The subject matter presented at this training does fall within the purview of the Comptroller General’s decision concerning administrative leave to attend training that is beneficial to both management and labor organizations. That decision is supported by FPM Chapter 630: S11-5E. Registration fees are $220.00 per person (includes banquet ticket and continental breakfast for three days) in advance, $255.00 after the deadline or onsite. You may register in advance for CLASSES ONLY for $185.00 per person or $200.00 on-site (does not include banquet OR breakfast). Extra banquet tickets will be sold on-site for $60.00 each. To take advantage of the tremendous savings of complete registration in advance, please submit your check and letter at least 24 days prior to the seminar to the acting Treasurer, Carrie Jackson, St. Louis Area Council #245, P.O. Box 160118, St. Louis, MO 63116. You may telephone her at (314) 482-5030 or the Training Chair, Ray Wilkins at (314) 302-8047. Please note that there will be NO REFUNDS given after March 4, 2016. We request you give this notice the widest dissemination/circulation possible. 2016 REGISTRATION FORM FOR HOTEL RESERVATIONS PLEASE USE THIS LINK: http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/S/STLWPDT-AFG-20160320/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG OR CALL: DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL-WESTPORT, 1973 CRAIGSHIRE ROAD, ST LOUIS, MISSOURI, 63146, TELEPHONE: 1-314-434-0100. MAKE YOUR HOTEL RESERVATIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, BUT NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 28, 2016. MENTION AMERICAN FEDERATION OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES-ST. LOUIS AREA COUNCIL TO OBTAIN SPECIAL GROUP RATE PRICING. 2016 TRAINING REGISTRATION One check from the Local for multiple participants is acceptable; however, each person must fill out a registration form. UNION LOCAL________________________________PHONE#______________________ UNION E MAIL ADDRESS____________________________________________________ NAME:______________________________________________________________________ STREET ADDRESS:___________________________________________________________ STATE:_____________ ZIP CODE:____________________ REGION:________________ ****************************************************************************** COMPLETE REGISTRATION PACKAGE IN ADVANCE $220.00 EACH COMPLETE REGISTRATION PACKAGE ON-SITE $255.00 EACH REGISTRATION-CLASSES ONLY IN ADVANCE $185.00 EACH REGISTRATION-CLASSES ONLY ON SITE $200.00 EACH EXTRA BANQUET TICKETS $60.00 EACH RETURN COMPLETED FORM TO: ST. LOUIS AREA COUNCIL #245 ATTN: CARRIE JACKSON, TREASURER P O Box 160118 St. Louis, MO 63116 MS. JACKSON CAN BE REACHED AT (314) 482-5030. NO REFUNDS AFTER FEBRUARY 29, 2016 QTY:_______ QTY:_______ QTY_______ QTY:_______ QTY:_______ CHECK THE CLASSES YOU WILL ATTEND. NAME ___________________________________ LOCAL __________ TUESDAY, MARCH 22 THURSDAY, MARCH 26 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 REPRESENTATION 1 REPRESENTATION 2 ARBITRATION 1 COLLECTIVE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING 2* DISP/ADVERSE 1 BARGAINING 1* EEO 1 EEO 2 OWCP 1 OWCP 2 EEO 3 YOUNG 1 MSPB 1 TITLE 38/FMLA REASONABLE ACCOM. IN VA 1 REASONABLE ACCOM. IN VA 2 SECRETARYTREASURER 1 * SECRETARYTREASURER 2 * SECRETARYTREASURER 3 * FLRA RETIREMENT RETIREMENT LEGISLATIVE/ LPO 1 FRIDAY, MARCH 25 ARBITRATION 2 DISP/ADVERSE 2 MSPB 2 FAIR PRACTICES YOUNG 2/LGBT LEGISLATIVE/LPO 2 *If your class has more than one session, you must attend all sessions to receive credit. AFGE ST. LOUIS AREA COUNCIL TRAINING DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL-WESTPORT ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI MARCH 22-25, 2016 TRAINING SCHEDULE Tuesday, March 22, 2015 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. On-Site Registration 8:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. Orientation 8:15 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Opening Address by Arnold Scott, 6th District NVP, AFGE 8:45 a.m. -10:45 a.m. Classes in Session Basic Steward Training/Representation 1 Sam Cravens, National Representative, AFGE Secretary/Treasurer (Part 1) Staffed by the Office of the National Secretary-Treasurer, AFGE OWCP Norma Goodwin, Independent Instructor, AFGE Activist Title 38/FMLA Barbara Casanova, Representative, VA Councils Equal Employment Opportunity (Part 1) EEO National Attorney, AFGE Collective Bargaining (Part 1) Donny Boyte, 9th District National Representative, AFGE Retirement Monte Jolley, Benefit Architects 10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Break 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Classes Resume 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch 1:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Classes Resume 2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Break 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Classes Resume 6:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. Hospitality Meet & Greet sponsored by Monte Jolley, Benefit Architects AFGE ST. LOUIS AREA COUNCIL TRAINING DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL-WESTPORT ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI MARCH 22-25, 2016 TRAINING SCHEDULE Wednesday, March 23, 2016 8:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. Orientation 8:15 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Opening Address by Eugene Hudson, National Secretary-Treasurer 8:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Classes in Session Secretary/Treasurer (Part 2) Staffed by the Office of the National Secretary-Treasurer, AFGE Advanced Stewards Training/ Representation 2 Sam Cravens, National Representative, AFGE OWCP (Part 1) Norma Goodwin, Independent Instructor, AFGE Activist Reasonable Accommodations in the VA Barbara Casanova, Representative, VA Councils FLRA Eugene Martin, National Organizer, AFGE EEO (Part 2) EEO National Attorney, AFGE Collective Bargaining (Part 2) Donny Boyte, 9th District National Representative, AFGE Retirement (CSRS/FERS) Rick Tello, American National Insurance 10:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Break 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Classes Resume 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch 1:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Classes Resume 2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Break 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Classes Resume 6:00 p.m. – 12:00 p.m. Hospitality Meet & Greet sponsored by Rick Tello, American National Insurance AFGE ST. LOUIS AREA COUNCIL TRAINING DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL-WESTPORT ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI MARCH 22-25, 2016 TRAINING SCHEDULE Thursday, March 24, 2016 8:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. Orientation 8:15 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Opening Address by Augusta Thomas, AFGE NVP, Women’s/Fair Practices 8:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Classes Start Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) 1 Jesus “Chuey” Sanchez, National Representative, AFGE Secretary/Treasurer (Part 3) Staffed by the Office of the National Secretary-Treasurer, AFGE Reasonable Accommodations in the VA Barbara Casanova, Representative, VA Councils EEO (Part 3) EEO National Attorney, AFGE Disciplinary/Adverse Actions (Part 1) Ray Wilkins, Vice-President, AFGE St. Louis Area Council Arbitration (Part 1) Eugene Martin, AFGE National Organizer Y.O.U.N.G. Jorae Williams, Program Coordinator, Women’s/Fair Practices Dept. Legislative/LPO Fred McDuff, AFGE National Representative 10:45 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Break 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Classes Resume 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch 1:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Classes Resume 2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Break 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Classes Resume 6:00 p.m. Annual Banquet (Cocktail Hour/Dinner to Follow) Guest Speaker is Cheryl Eliano, 10th District NVP, AFGE AFGE ST. LOUIS AREA COUNCIL TRAINING DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL-WESTPORT ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI MARCH 22-25, 2016 Friday, March 25, 2016 8:45 a.m. Classes Start Merit Systems Protection Board (Part 2) Jesus “Chuey” Sanchez, National Representative, AFGE Y.O.U.N.G. (Part 2)/LGBT Jorae Williams, Program Coordinator, Women’s/Fair Practices Disciplinary/Adverse Actions (Part 2) Ray Wilkins, Vice-President, AFGE St. Louis Area Council Legislative Action/LPO Fred McDuff, AFGE National Representative Arbitration (Part 2) Eugene Martin, AFGE National Organizer Fair Practices Shawn Petty/Diana Snedegar, National Representatives, AFGE 10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Break 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Classes Resume 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch 1:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Classes Resume 2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Break 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Classes Resume 5:00 CONFERENCE ENDS Class Descriptions: Advanced Stewards’ Training / Representation 2: This class covers the advanced issues regarding duties, responsibilities and obligations of a steward representing for AFGE. Instruction is fast-paced and intensive, but at the end you will KNOW how to better represent your brothers and sisters in the best possible manner. Arbitration: This class covers basic litigation and preparation before arbitrators. Instructors cover arbitration strategy, developing opening statement, witness lists, prepping witnesses, basic hearting rules of evidence, brief writing techniques, mediation and settlement. Basic Stewards’ Training / Representation 1: This class covers the duties, responsibilities and obligations of a steward representing for AFGE. Instruction is fast-paced and intensive, but at the end you will KNOW how to represent your brothers and sisters in the best possible manner. Collective Bargaining: AFGE’s best friend and greatest asset is a well-negotiated CBA! This class gives the rules on ground rules, the art of negotiation and the tips and tricks to get the most you can for your bargaining unit. Disciplinary/Adverse Actions: This can be the area in which Unionists find the most challenging cases. Be informed as to how to determine whether an action is warranted, the best way to win a member’s case or at the very least mitigate the punishment. Equal Employment Opportunity: Learn what the differences are between representing as an EEO representative and representing someone as a Union representative. The basics of representation will be covered, developing claims, processing claims, and EEO hearing preparation. Fair Practices: Women’s/Fair Practices is a vital area of labor where our battles are most fervently fought. This is an overview of our fight for equality and equity for ALL people, regardless of race, sex, class or anything else that makes the human experience unique. AFGE is at the forefront of protection of the rights of ALL employees. Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA): This class is designed to instruct Unionists on the basic fundamentals of the Family Medical Leave Act. Further, students will learn how to procure the proper medical/doctors’ documentation to satisfy agency demands when this leave is needed to care for oneself, a loved one or a significant other. Federal Labor Relations Authority: This class introduces the student to the FLRA office, it’s scope and functions and how to best interact with its staff while representing the client. Class will also include writing Unfair Labor Practices, organizing bargaining units, developing basic negotiation skills. Legislative Action/PAC/LPO: Learn why this issue is so important to the battle AFGE is able to wage and the influence we maintain on Capitol Hill. We will also cover the role of the Legislative/Political Organizer in your local. You will additionally learn how vital each member’s support of PAC is. Officers’ Training: Congratulations! You’ve been elected as an officer of your local. Now find out what that means and how to execute the duties and responsibilities of your new post, what you can and cannot do and how to manage properly. Office of Workmen’s Compensation Programs (OWCP): This class will introduce Unionists to the work of the OWCP, and teach how to maneuver your way through the “maze”. Learn how to get more timely results and give the best advice to your members. Learn how to file QWCP claims for traumatic injuries and occupational disease. Merit Systems Protection Board: Some unionists believe this is the arena of last resort. Some say that this is THE way to settle a rough case. Learn what the MSPB is all about, and add this knowledge to your bag of tools. Reasonable Accommodations in the VA: It has become apparent that reasonable accommodations are a much more complex issue within the Veterans’ Administration and the medical community. This class will teach you how to procure medical documentation to support disability claims, as well as how to make appropriate requests for accommodations such as job restructuring, additional training, furniture, equipment, technical assistance, reassignments, etc. Retirement: Are you really prepared for retirement? What will it take to get you there within the time YOU have left? This class explains and gives options for a more worry-free retirement. Secretary/Treasurer Training: Whether you have been elected as your local’s secretary, treasurer or both, this class is a MUST. Learn how to file and maintain all financial documents required by the NLRB, the National office and do proper record-keeping. Title 38: This class is tailored for our members in the Veteran’s Affairs arena, and instructs the “ins and outs” of this governing legislation. This class is designed for specialized medical unionists who are faced with the high bar of representation as medical professionals. Young Organizing Unionists for the Next Generation (Y.O.U.N.G.): This summit seeks to educate and mobilize young union members to become leaders, organizers and activists. We will help our young unionists adapt and embrace the labor movement. Note from the DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL-WESTPORT for the American Federation of Government Employees Guest Room Charges CREDIT CARD PAYING GUESTS: Upon check-in to the DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL-WESTPORT each attendee will be asked for a credit card for payment. The credit card that is given is the card that will be charged for the full amount of your stay based on your reservation. CASH PAYING GUESTS: Upon check in to the DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL-WESTPORT each attendee will be asked for full payment of your stay based on your reservation in addition a $40.00 per night cash deposit will be required to cover any anticipated incidental charges (phone, movies, meal charges). Stewards FLRA Officers Training