December, 2002
AFSCME Council 14, Local 34
Hennepin County Social Services and Related
Employees
From the Desk of the President, Jean Diederich
"There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or
the mirror that reflects it." - Edith Wharton
December General Assembly
Wednesday, December 4, 2002
5:15 pm
Health Services Bldg, Room 112
Note Changes due to January 1 Holiday:
January General Assembly
Wednesday, January 8, 2003
5:15 pm—Health Services Bldg, Rm 112
E-Board will meet January 22, not 15th
Special accommodations will be made
for our physically challenged members.
Please call 879-3681 or 348-0266 if
arrangements need to be made.
To Contact Newsletter Editor:
Call or e-mail-- Wesley Volkenant
612-596-6552 CP 1-East mc 630
The above quote pretty much sums up how I feel about Paul
Wellstone. He lived his life being the candle by which the rest of us
were lucky enough to reflect the light of in our mirrors. His energy,
his unwavering dedication to fighting the battles for all those who
had no voice, his integrity in standing by his statements, his love for
life were all traits which endeared him to many of us. And even those
who did not share his political views expressed their respect for his
willingness to listen and the strength of his convictions.
My first memory of Senator Wellstone was watching him on TV
speaking up for farmers. I wondered who that curly-haired person
was and how he could speak as long as he did with such fire!
Coming from a farming community, he spoke to my heart and I so
appreciated the fact that he was out there trying to help our
communities save an integral part of their fabric. Those of you who
know me know that two of my earliest heroes were Hubert
Humphrey and Bob Hope. I always admired their ability to get up
and speak with seemingly ease. Although there are those who would
not agree with me, I saw that ease in speaking as one of Paul's best
traits. As the years passed and he ran for office, my respect for him
grew and my admiration for his ability to hit the podium at full speed
- top volume - never diminished.
As you know, I am short. So, to be able to speak to someone at eye
level is always nice. I also suspect that height did not matter to
anyone speaking to him, though, as he had a way of making you
feel as if you were the only one in the room when he spoke to you.
You had his full attention as he listened to you and looked you in the
eye. When he came walking toward you with that big grin on his face
and that ambling gait, you knew that you were going to enjoy what
was coming. The amazing thing is that he would not forget that
conversation and years later would ask if you needed more assistance
or information to resolve the issue.
Continued on Page 2
Remembering a Friend of AFSCME, Senator Paul Wellstone, 1944-2002… Thank You, Paul!
Local 34 Officers & Stewards
President’s Message Continued from Page 1
President:
Jean Diederich
348-0266
Professional Vice President:
Andrea Lennox
348-0237
Para-Professional Vice President:
Bob Velez
348-4869
Professional Chief Steward:
Cliff Robinson
348-7542
Para-Professional Chief Steward:
Dennis Miller
348-6949
Secretary:
Nancy Fleming-Norton
879-3681
Treasurer:
Elizabeth Portlance
596-8925
Membership Secretary:
Kelley Leaf
596-6963
Sergeant-At-Arms:
Vicky Moore
348-7532
Professional Members-At-Large:
Andrea Lazo-Rice
348-3188
Evelyn Nelson
348-6389
Para-Professional Members-At-Large:
Laura Weikum
522-0471
Wes McGee
348-2015
Members-At-Large:
Laurie Simon
348-8961
Donna Dregger-Holmes
348-5165
So, after mourning for Paul and his family and aides, I am beginning to
believe that it is now our turn to be the candles whose light is reflected in
the mirrors of our friends, our families, our neighbors, our fellow
employees. We are the ones who must speak out for those without
voices and fight for the rights of our fellow citizens. Get involved in the
community – in politics - in church - in whatever activity will enrich the
lives of you and others.
Be a candle!
Stewards:
Shannon Wesley 348-6656, Century Plaza
Hai Jay Vu
596-7350, Century Plaza
Mohamud Noor 596-8636, Century Plaza
Steve Schoch
596-9017, Century Plaza
Judy Malcomson 596-9018, Century Plaza
Diane Fossen
302-4700, Pilot City Med Ctr
Joe Arrington
348-0230, Juvenile Justice Ctr
Terry Grace
348-7308, Juvenile Justice Ctr
Christine Brown 348-6703, Govt Center A9
JoAnn Elston
348-6977, Govt Center A15
Eleanor Kowalczyk 348-5942, Govt Center A16
David Madrigal 821-4564, Sabathani
Zachary Rice
821-4530, Sabathani
Monica Jochmans 348-4192, HSB 5
Lisa Durkot
596-6729, HSB 5
Brian Backberg 348-3096, HSB 10
Charissa Bryant 348-2249, HSB 10
Patricia Sheppo-Eyrich 348-6927, HSB 11
Steve Heckler
287-3406, 1011 W. Broadway
Linda Etim
287-7033, 710 W. Broadway
Barb Matos
998-0049, MHP
Jeff Meyer
348-5338, AY McDonald
Barb Garland
879-3555, 1800 Chicago
Dennis Moore
879-3560, 1800 Chicago
Shelley Koski
952-974-2412, Cty H School
Stephanie Cartwright 952-949-4698, Cty H Sch
Council 14 Business Representative:
o
Matt Nelson
651-287-0578
e-mail Matt at: mnelson@afscme14.org
Contract survey
We had our first meeting of the Master Negotiations Committee for our
Local on November 7th. We discussed the goals of the Local and how to
obtain information from our membership on what they see as priorities for
the next round of contract talks. We decided that we will send out several
surveys to garner opinions, comments and suggestions on the direction we
should take. You will see the first survey distributed with this newsletter.
We would very much appreciate it if you would take the time to think
about the questions and then complete the form. The contract protects your
rights so it is important that you provide input for this important process.
We represent almost 2100 members in over 40 job classifications with
more than 20 work sites spread throughout the County. We need to hear
from everyone so that all viewpoints are considered when determining
how to proceed. If you would like to serve on this committee, please call
me at 348-0266.
"There's absolutely no reason for being rushed along with the rush."
-Robert Frost
Please remember to not only take time for family and friends but also for
yourself during the coming holiday season. Breathe - laugh - sing - relax.
Happy holidays!
Jean
Statement by AFL-CIO President John J. Sweeney
on the Death of Senator Paul Wellstone
October 25, 2002
Senator Paul Wellstone stood up for the little guy,
but he never had small thoughts. He was tireless and
unapologetic for championing the rights of
working men and women even when he stood alone.
He was an outspoken advocate of legislation to give
workers a stronger voice on the job,
despite the current legislative odds that favor
corporate special interests.
Paul Wellstone refused to shrink his vision or
abandon his principles, and our nation's workers are
the better for it. America's working men and women
had no better friend.
2
News from the November General Assembly—November 6, 2002

Three members were elected to attend the Human Rights Day 2002 Conference to be held
December 6, 2002 in St. Paul. They were Charissa Bryant, Andrea Lazo-Rice and Evelyn Nelson.

Motion passed to increase dues for 2003 by $.65 per month and increase each tier by 3%
(in line with our contract raise for 2003). This increase is effective January 1, 2003. A notice will be
sent out to the body with the new dues tier structure.

Motion passed to donate $500.00 to the Central Labor Union food shelf in memory of
Senator Paul Wellstone. Editor's note: The family of Paul Wellstone is suggesting that people
make a donation to their local food shelf as a way to remember the late Senator. They said it would
be a fitting way to remember him, along with his wife, Sheila, and daughter, Marcia. Minnesotans
can find their local food shelf either by calling Minnesota FoodShare (at 612-721-8687, extension
324) or by going to the Web site, www.minnesotafoodshare.org

Motion passed to contribute $25.00 to the local Habitat for Humanity in memory of Tom
Scaglia, former Local 34 officer and union activist.

Jo Ann Elston and Terry Grace were appointed as Stewards of our Local effective November 1, 2002.
Please congratulate them and thank them for serving our membership in this most important role.
Tribute to Paul and Sheila
His voice is silenced…forever.
Paul Wellstone, together with his wife Sheila and daughter, Marcia, died today,
October 25, 2002, in a plane crash in Eveleth, Minnesota on his way
to the funeral of a friend’s father.
Paul Wellstone was the champion of those without a voice – the unemployed, homeless
people, senior citizens, veterans, domestic abuse victims and children. He was an
outstanding orator who infused enthusiasm into any audience he addressed. He was the best
friend that AFSCME had in the United States Senate and supported us and the issues that
affected working families. He was passionate about representing the people of Minnesota.
His family was always the most important part of his life. For those of us who had the
opportunity to work with Paul, it was no surprise that Sheila, his wife of 39 years and his
daughter, Marcia were at his side. They were truly a couple who epitomized a partnership in
every sense of the word. They were inseparable and discussed every decision that Paul faced.
Sheila’s legacy will certainly be her commitment to the victims of domestic abuse. She was a
strong advocate for their cause and lobbied for them while in Washington.
His voice is now silenced.
Let us not forget Paul’s legacy. Look to the future.
Work for change. Represent those who have no voice.
Do not falter. There is much to be done.
Thank you Paul and Sheila for your commitment to all the people of Minnesota.
You will be missed.
from John Herzog
For Remembrances of Paul, go to: http://www.wellstone.org/memorial/remembrances.php
3
New to the County?
Good and Welfare
Just transferred into Local 34?
The Good and Welfare Committee was established to send
remembrances to dues paying members at times of happiness or
sorrow. This includes marriages, the birth or adoption of a child,
prolonged illness or hospitalization, or the death of a member,
immediate family member or significant other.
To sign up as a full union member or for Delta
Dental Insurance, or to get answers to your
questions about AFSCME and membership
benefits, please complete this form and send it
to:
In the case of surgery or prolonged illness, or for the
birth or adoption of a child, balloon bouquets, flowers
or plants can be sent to a member.
Kelley Leaf, Membership Secretary
Family Justice Center, Mailcode 890
In situations involving the death of a member or a
death in the family of a member, memorials can be
sent. (“Family” is defined the same as in Article 16Funeral Leave- in our contract; it includes: spouse, child,
significant
other,
father/mother,
sister/brother,
grandparent/child, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew, or person
regarded as a member of the member’s immediate
family).
Name _______________________________
Job Title ____________________________
Work Location _______________________
In the event of members getting married, retiring,
gaining U.S. citizenship, or for a death in the
family of a member or in the case of the death of a
member, a card can be sent to the family.
Mail Code ___________________________
Phone _______________________________
Please send all requests for remembrances to one of the
Co-Chairs for the Good and Welfare Committee. The CoChairs are Lisa Durkot, Barb Gassler, and Terri
Huston. The referrals must include the name of the
member and the reason for your request. If the request
is for a plant, flowers, or a balloon bouquet, you will also
need to include the person’s home phone number for
delivery purposes.
I’m especially interested in:


I want to sign up as a full member
I want to sign up for Delta Dental
Are you interested in setting the Local 34 website as your Microsoft Explorer home
page? If so, go to the website address listed above. Click on “Tools” in the menu
bar at the top of your page. Select “Internet Options.” Under the “General” tab,
find the option for Home Page, and copy the Local 34 address there. The next time
you bring up your Internet connection, the website will be your new Home Page.
Do You Have Friends Who’d Like to Receive Our Newsletter?
GET UPDATES!
There is now a quick and simple way for you to get informed on a wide variety of issues concerning AFSCME Local 34. Just
sign yourself up for our free on-line newsletter! Please follow the instructions below:
> Send an email to the following address: cwvolkenant@msn.com
> In the Subject Line or the Text, just say “Subscribe to 34 Newsletter”, and send it off
> You will get a confirmation email sent to you within 3 days
Note: If, at any time, you want to stop receiving these updates, all you have to do is send an email to
cwvolkenant@msn.com, state “Unsubscribe” in the Subject Line or Text, and your name will be automatically removed from
the list.
From the Local 34 Website:
http://www.afscmelocal34.org
For Netscape users, you may need to press “Reload” to get the most updated version.
4
Some Thank You’s to Local 34
Dear AFSCME Local 34,
Thank you for your donation my campaign. People who contribute to political campaigns want to know that
the candidate is spending their dollars wisely. As a small business owner, I assure you that I spend each
dollar as though it was three. Your contribution has helped me reach voters through a variety of media:
newspapers, billboards, mailings and lawn signs. This has brought my positive, issues-oriented message to
scores of people. I couldn't have done it without your help!
Again, thank you for your continued friendship!
Very truly yours,
Mark Stenglein
Dear AFSCME 34,
Thank you for the contribution to my campaign. It is very appreciated and will be used judiciously in our
efforts. Thank you again!
Steven Voss
Dear Local 34,
Thanks so much for your campaign contribution. You have been so generous – with your time and advice - I
am deeply grateful for all of your contributions. Thanks so much!
With kind regards,
Joseph A. Erickson
Dear Local 34,
Your kind expression of sympathy is deeply appreciated and gratefully acknowledged.
The family of Perneal Toenges
Dear Sisters & Brothers in Labor,
The balloon bouquet brought color and joy to the drab hospital room. But, even more, it felt so good to have
your support and friendship. Thank you! You're the Best!
Judy Corrao
A Truly Tragic Death
October 28, 2002… AFSCME in Motion
"The loss of Senator Paul Wellstone and his wife, Sheila, and their daughter, Marcia,"
President Gerald McEntee declared on the day of the fatal Minnesota accident, "is
being felt by their family, the United States Congress, 1.3 million AFSCME members
and working families all across America.
On issues ranging from education and affordable prescription drug coverage
to safe workplaces and protecting Social Security, there was no greater ally of
America's hardworking men and women than Paul Wellstone.
When it was time to stand up for working families,
he was the first to rise to his feet."
"A
kind and compassionate act is often its own reward."
- William John Bennett
5
Social Action Committee Report
by Laurie Rose Simon
The Social Action Committee met on November 13, 2002.
Our committee has developed a survey that will be distributed to you within the next couple of weeks.
PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO FILL IT OUT. WE WANT YOUR OPINIONS AS TO WHAT KIND OF ACTIVITIES YOU
WOULD LIKE TO BE INVOLVED IN ON BEHALF OF LOCAL 34.
Also, we are looking for people to participate in our Committee to develop volunteer activities for our members.
When the survey comes to your desk, please take the time to fill it out.
The next meeting of Local 34's Social Action Committee will be on Wednesday, December 11, 2002 at 5:15 p.m.
in Local 34's office located in the Union Bank Building, located at the corner of Central Avenue and University Avenue,
in room 488. We hope to see you at our next meeting!
AFSCME Joins Lawsuits Against Drug Makers
from PrimeTIme, Third Issue 2002 - AFSCME Retirees Newsletter
AFSCME has signed on as a plaintiff in two lawsuits that claim illegal, anti-competitive practices by drug
manufacturers. The first suit was filed against GlaxoSmithKline in June. In that case, we are alleging
that Glaxo manipulated patent laws and threatened smaller generic drug companies with litigation in an
effort to block generic competition to its brand-name antibiotic, Augmentin.
Another suit, filed in August, involved alleged anti-trust violations concerning the drug Adalat, a calcium
channel blocker that's used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions. We claim that the two
makers of the drug, Elan Corporation PLC and Biovail Corporation have colluded to keep lower cost
generics off the market. According to the suit, Elan and Biovail agreed not to compete against each
other in the sale of Adalat. Instead, they agreed that one would market the 30 mg version of Adalat
and the other would sell the 60 mg version. We claim Biovail paid Elan approximately $45 million and
Elan shared its profit with Biovail.
As in the Augmentin case, AFSCME Philadelphia District Council 47's Health and Welfare fund is also a
plaintiff. So far, AFSCME is the only national union that has engaged in lawsuits of this type, along with
various public interest groups such as AARP.
Council 14 Scholarship
Applications are now being taken for the Richard Patterson Scholarship, presented annually by Council 14.
The Patterson Scholarship is for High School Seniors who intend on attending an institution of higher education in
Minnesota. To apply, call the Council office at 651-455-0773. Applications must be received in the office by
Friday, February 28, 2003. The scholarship winner will be announced at the Council Convention in March.
Paul Wellstone had a passion for the good things for people.”
Senator Ted Kennedy, October 25, 2002
"Paul Wellstone was my closest friend in the Senate. He was the most principled public
servant I've ever known. Paul truly had the courage of his convictions and his convictions
were based on the principles of hope, compassion, the Good Samaritan, helping those left
on the roadside of life.”
Senator Tom Harkin, Wellstone Memorial Speech, October 29, 2002
6
Developing Leadership
Council 14 will again host a conference aimed at encouraging higher levels of membership participation.
The conference is scheduled for January 11, 2003, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, at the Earle Brown Center
at the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus. The conference will focus on the leadership development;
skills that leaders need and identifying and developing leadership potential.
The Conference is intended to enhance the skills of current leaders and assist in recruiting and
preparing replacements for leaders who will be leaving, The need is critical now as projections
show that 30% of today's leaders will retire within the next 5 years. Mee Moua, State Senator from St.
Paul, will open the conference.
(This item was placed on the agenda for discussion at the November Executive Board
meeting. If interested, please contact Jean Diederich for more details.)
The Volunteer and Community Partnership Program is a multi-faceted program. It provides the services of
community volunteers who work as a team with social workers and case managers in providing needed services to
the clients in the Children, Family and Adult Services Department. This program is also heavily involved in
developing partnerships and collaborations with the private sector, non-profits, community organizations, religious
organizations and academic institutions. These partnerships and collaborations have made it possible for all of these
groups to participate in projects that help meet the changing needs of county citizens, projects which have enriched
the lives of families and individuals served by the Department. All of these partnerships and collaborations, which
have been developed by our program staff, have provided opportunities for thousands of Hennepin County citizens
to participate in our department's service delivery system.
The Volunteer Services Program was elevated to Departmental level status on January 26, 1981 by the
Department Director in what was then Community Services, serving all direct service divisions in the department.
Since that time many additions have been made. In 1983 a Volunteer Transportation Program for all of Community
Services was initiated; in 1984 staff persons were added to work directly with Services to the Developmentally
Disabled Division and with Services to the Disabled Division; in 1985 a staff person was assigned to work with
Services to Seniors Division; in 1986 the Volunteer Services Program began to develop volunteer programs with
private companies and corporation which has ended up serving a variety of client needs over the years. More
programs have been developed since that time as the program continues to expand and involve more groups within
the community.
One of the older features of this program is the Special Gift Fund. It was created in 1970 to help clients with
special needs that were not covered by any other funding service. The Special Gift Fund only serves clients who
have been referred by Social Service staff in the Children, Family and Adult Services Department. Last year, 2001,
224 Hennepin County clients received assistance from this fund. This assistance included the purchase of medical
equipment, prescription glasses for seniors, winter clothing, school supplies, moving costs, camping trips, rental
deposits and transportation. Every dollar contributed goes directly to help clients for a variety of needs. All
donations made to the fund are completely tax deductible.
We are grateful for the many generous and caring individuals and groups who have contributed to our efforts over
the years and especially to the Special Gift Fund. Those contributions have made a significant difference in the lives
of many county clients.
Robert Ansel, Director
Volunteer & Community Partnership Program
Note from the President: It is that time of the year when the Special Gift Fund is heavily used. In this season of
giving, please consider a contribution to this fund that is used for our clients. Contributions can be sent to
Robert Ansel, 16A Government Center (160).
Thank you,
Jean Diederich
7
Commentary:
DIGNITY AND RESPECT
by Donna Dregger-Holmes
Recently, it has become clear that workers are no longer being treated respectfully in some of the sub-committees of the
Behavioral Health Integration (BHI.) During the course of workgroup meetings, our social workers were told repeatedly that the
contract programs “want nothing more to do with you (county social workers)!”
These repeated put-downs in front of contracted program staff are not the way our professional social workers are used to being
treated. It is appalling! It is unacceptable. These disrespectful kinds of address are the reason why the last union negotiation
team tried hard to incorporate Dignity and Respect language in our current contract.
Lack of dignity and respect was first brought to the forefront of negotiations by staff at the Hennepin County Medical Center.
Adult Mental Health Case Management is not the first part of Hennepin social service to experience assaults on our dignity.
A major effort to demoralize staff was undertaken in the Economic Assistance staff during the Financial Worker Re-Design. There
too, staff was invited to participate in what became open season on their self-respect. In both instances the recommendations
and months of hard work on the part of workers became the parts of the re-design that were thrown out in the final product.
This should not hurt me at a personal level but I have to admit it does—deeply so. I used to cherish my Department as
maintaining humanity in its’ employee relations. I used to believe that dignity and respect were the starting point from where we
all began.
Background: Mental Health Case Management is engrossed in what is called the Behavioral Health Integration. In its most
basic sense, it integrates the services from adult mental health case management with case management services in Chemical
Health and that program’s Rule 25 or Chemical Dependency treatment services. Other services available to adults in Hennepin
County will be integrated as well.
Workgroups from huge to small have met intensively regarding the ways and means of the Behavioral Health Integration (BHI)
since February of 2001. Early on, all input was welcomed in this process and the facilitators made sure to encourage the less
powerful of the participants (social workers and line staff) to actively participate. Line staff have been outnumbered in these
planning groups anywhere from 25 to 1 to 10 to 1. It has been overwhelming for some to have a voice with so small a physical
presence.
One or two basic assumptions or premises have been forwarded by administration thwarting the cooperative efforts of many
sincere participants. The first and lasting assumption the case management sub-committee has carried is that all case
management services will be delivered in the format of multi-disciplinary teams. The words multi-disciplinary team sound so good
that few are willing to discuss the social workers concerns that many clients are not best served by a group and instead only can
tolerate one person entering their lives.
In fact, the case management subcommittee consisted of 3 field case managers that held strong to this notion that teams are not
the best intervention for ALL mentally ill clients. Their proposal addressed client needs in all their diversity, some well suited to
the team concept, while others best served by teams developed individually, by that clients county social workers. An unrealistic
proposal? No, it incorporates the best of what a dedicated professional social worker does.
Outrageously, the managerial staff of that group decided to vote on the recommendation for or against team delivery as the only
service mode at an Invitation-Only Meeting! Yes, the participatory process was now a totalitarian one. Only those agreeing to
the pre-decided outcome would be able to attend the meeting where the vote would be held. Where was the respect in that?
The other assumption in the case management subcommittee is a decision made by only a few in one small group. That group
decided that there would be no time at which both a county social worker and a community agency would be involved with a
given client. This is double speak for Contracting Out. The new plan is to contract out 400 to 500 Mental Health’s Case
Management cases that are currently served in the community with the active leadership of county social workers. That is all to
end. Though evidence has been presented by the same social workers in the case management sub-committee, outlining the
need for supervision, the community agencies will no longer be lead by county social workers.
Some have dared to accuse the social workers voicing their opinions as resistant to change. The answer to that is that change for
change sake is ridiculous.
This is one of the reasons for the union’s existence. When few are hurt, the many stand up. Where are the many now? A first
meeting was held among field and current team social workers in Mental Health Case Management. A petition was begun
(currently with about 17 signatures) asking that management delay the institution of changes to ongoing case management until
the issues described above can be addressed.
Respect requires us to honor those we disagree with. Dignity is an intrinsic or basic starting point. Dignity and respect are worth
fighting for but it is truly a shame that we need to make that fight inside of Hennepin County’s social service departments.
An excellent website for checking where Wellstone was on Labor Issues:
http://wellstone.senate.gov/Key_Issues/key_issues.html
8
Political Commentary:
Why I Ran
-Bob Velez, Vice President, AFSCME Local 34
Our union, brothers and sisters, has been affected by my decision to run against a labor/AFSCMEendorsed candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner in the 1st District. In the spirit of brotherhood
and mending fences within our union and the labor movement, I submit the following reasons for my
candidacy:
1) No matter how ‘on board’ an elected official is to organized labor’s agenda, there is no substitute for having a
union member hold those decision-making positions.
2) When are we going to advance our agenda? We do wonderful work at our conventions and executive board
meetings by passing resolutions and drafting ‘white paper’ on our positions, but we are losing power when it
comes to setting the agenda. If we continue to wait until someone really hurts us, and then not endorse them,
we will constantly be playing ‘catch up’ and never make the kind of substantive changes that we need in these
changing times.
3) We desperately need a viable ‘third party’ in Minnesota that increases choice, acts as a watchdog of the
“monied interests”, and attracts a different kind of political candidate. We must have an alternative to the
incumbent parties that dominate the agenda and our supposedly democratic elections.
If political insiders, both outside and inside our union, are allowed to fracture us, we will be
relegated to going into negotiations with our tail between our legs, and begging for the crumbs that fall
to the floor. Our strength comes from our solidarity.
I submit that we must shift to the offensive. We must find candidates that are willing to address our
issues wherever they may be; they might not reach up and smack us upside the head! We have to
recruit people to run for office and train them. We have to support the people who do run and do all we
can to get them elected.
We must also end the practice of “rubber stamping” the incumbents. They should have to earn our
endorsement each time; especially if we donate money and/or time to their campaign. This will add
value to our endorsement.
The time is now, brothers and sisters; we cannot afford to wait.
ESCHEW POLITICAL HEGEMONY!
EMBRACE THE NEXT GENERATION OF POLITICS!
Issues/Concerns to AFSCME Members
From the Star Tribune
November 20, 2002
Barkley gets White House Pledge on Minnesota Welfare
For Sen. Dean Barkley, his last-minute indecision on historic homeland security legislation got leveraged into an extension of a
special federal waiver Minnesota needs to run its welfare programs. Past efforts to extend the waiver -- the foundation of the
state's welfare overhaul program -- seem to have gotten nowhere. Since the waiver expired Sept. 30, the state was looking at
potential multimillion-dollar fines from the federal government.
White House adviser Andrew Card needed Barkley's vote. "I told him I had some concerns about not getting Minnesota's TANF
[Temporary Assistance for Needy Families] waiver," Barkley said. Barkley was patched in on a special telephone connection to
Card, who was flying on Air Force One with Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson. "They assured me they
would work with the state of Minnesota," Barkley said. Specifically, Thompson promised to send a team to Minnesota to make
sure the state's welfare programs can continue until Congress passes a new welfare law. "Based on those assurances, that
Minnesota would not suffer any problems having an expired waiver, I thanked them," Barkley said.
9
Comments from Shar Knutson, President, Saint Paul Trades and Labor Assembly
REGARDING ATTACKS ON WORKERS
To: Affiliated Unions, Saint Paul Works! Alliance, Assembly Activists, 11/15/02
Re: Bush Administration announces plans to privatize 850,000 federal jobs
By now you have seen the newspaper articles on the Bush plan to privatize 850,000 federal jobs. (See Page 12)
It is clear that this is just the opening round of the coming war on workers, and specifically, on unionized
workers. Many of us predicted something like this; in fact, we saw the Homeland Security debate -- with its
emphasis on removing worker's rights -- as the first step. What we didn't predict was the scope or severity
of the attacks, nor the dark-of-night method of announcing the plans. Some points to consider:
"Bait and switch." The election was just a week and a half ago. It is absolute cowardice on the part of the
Administration to wait until after the election to announce this attack on workers. It is clear that merely putting on a
work shirt and a pair of blue jeans is not the same as truly being a friend of workers. We need to remember another
marketing theme "buyer beware."
"Approval of Congress is not necessary." Announcing this proposal as Congress adjourns prior to the swearing in
of the new Congress is such a blatant political ploy that I don't see how anyone can deny it. Apparently this
Administration does not feel any obligation to honor contracts signed in good faith by the workers and their employer.
"Workers are not special interests." Every time privatization has been seriously considered (Indianapolis, for
example), the need for a stable, trained, dedicated work force has made the predicted cost savings far harder to find.
So, we are back to the easiest route: cut wages, cut benefits, cut pensions, cut, cut, cut. Cut everything but profits,
which under Civil Service do not exist. It is time for us to make this into a very simple matter of right or wrong. It is
wrong to exploit workers, whether they are hourly workers, or salaried workers. Every worker and every job has
dignity. On November 5, we did not vote on whether we wanted to become more like third-world nations. But,
between so-called "free trade" and now privatization, that is where we are headed.
"We ignore the lessons of history at our own peril." The Pendleton Act established Civil Service to protect
taxpayers from the graft and greed that for-profit government services led to in the past. Sadly, it appears that the
Bush Administration does not want to go back to the last century, it wants to go back to the 1880's. We can do
better.
"Where is Norm?" Norm Coleman tried this in Saint Paul when he introduced Compete St. Paul. The Saint Paul
Works! Alliance brought in representatives from Indianapolis to help craft the ordinance that the City Council passed.
When Norm saw that he would have to allow a fair, open process that allowed city workers an equal chance to bid on
providing jobs and services, he did nothing. The entire movement to privatize city services withered and died.
Apparently, the real goal wasn't improving services. It was saving money by paying employees less, by reducing or
eliminating benefits, all while trading stable, career-track jobs for second-class employment. We can do better. Will
our senator-elect speak up for the working people that he wooed so diligently this campaign? Or will he follow the
dictates of the Bush Administration? Remember, Coleman signed the National Right to Work Committee's election
survey "pledging to help lead the fight for a National Right to Work law," another tactic to cut workers' wages,
benefits and job protections.
Members and friends of the Assembly: If we hadn't figured it out before the election, this latest plan from
the administration makes it crystal clear. Profits trump all. Workers are to be used as photo-ops. The
alliance of this administration is with the corporate class, not the working class. They have more money,
they currently have more political power, they have the bully pulpit, they have talk radio. All we have is
each other.
The attempts have been made to divide and conquer the labor movement. We have had our own internal
disagreements in the past. We need to clearly recognize that the current threat is real. It is not imagined.
These national policies will be advanced sooner or later at the state and local level.
I will be reconvening the Saint Paul Works! Alliance in the near future. Whether or not you or your
organization participated before, I invite you to join us now. We may have only each other, but when we
stand together in solidarity, we are the strongest force in the nation.
Want to know more about labor issues from the recent election, as we head into 2003?
Try: http://www.issues2002.org/Background_Labor_+_Farming.htm
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From the Federal Diary Column by Stephen Barr, Washington Post
November 17, 2002
What a week for federal employees:
• President Bush won key votes on legislation to create a Department of Homeland Security. The measure -- approved by the
House and Senate -- would allow Bush to revamp how nearly 170,000 homeland security employees are to be hired, fired and
paid. It seems likely to reduce the clout of federal unions in the new department.
• The White House announced its plan to streamline a regulatory process used to decide whether federal work should be turned
over to the private sector. The announcement reinforced a Bush campaign pledge to put thousands of federal jobs up for
competition with industry. The week's events provided little comfort to many federal employees, outraged federal union leaders
and underscored the incredibly difficult task facing Bush and his key aides as they seek to reorganize the government.
Paul C. Light, a civil service expert at the Brookings Institution, said most employees coming into the Homeland Security
Department are highly motivated. But the debates over union rights and contracting-out come at a cost, he said. "There's
nothing worse in the federal government than having employees saying, 'Am I the first to go?' and 'What does this mean for me?'
It just distracts from the core demands of this new department," Light said.
Max Stier, president of the nonprofit Partnership for Public Service, said the contentious issues that played out last week show
"it is essential that attention be paid to the morale of the federal workforce. . . . We need a gigantic effort to make the employees
part of the change process."
From the StarTribune
September 23, 2002
Candidates offer plans to close budget gap
Of all the tasks Minnesota's next governor will face, the most formidable will be addressing the gaping hole
in the state's budget. The amount the state is expected to fall short over the next two years is not small: up to
nearly $3 billion of the $28 billion general fund that pays for the nuts and bolts of every service from schools to
nursing homes.
Of the four major party candidates -- Penny, Pawlenty, Moe and the Green Party's Ken Pentel -- Pawlenty, the
House majority leader, stands out for a dramatic promise: no tax increases of any kind for four years,
no matter what.
To cut costs, Pawlenty would turn over many of the state's social service functions to nonprofits, giving
them both the money and responsibility for acceptable outcomes. The state would trim overhead and bureaucracy.
It also would eliminate many well-paying state jobs -- which would be anathema to labor unions and have a
substantial impact on Minnesota's economy, since government is one of the state's largest employers. Nevertheless,
Pawlenty said, "the state needs to go on a diet.
From the St. Paul Pioneer Press
November 20, 2002
Pawlenty Names Goodno as Human Services Commissioner
Gov.-elect Tim Pawlenty today picked the Republican legislator most responsible for overhauling Minnesota's welfare system to
head the state Human Services Department. Retiring state Rep. Kevin Goodno of Moorhead, the chairman of the House Health
and Human Services Finance Committee, said he accepted the cabinet post because of Pawlenty's "commitment to change."
Minnesota has among the most generous welfare and social service benefits in the nation, and with the state facing a
$3 billion shortfall over the next two years, some of that spending will have to be cut, Goodno, 40, said at a Capitol news
conference. He contended essential services could be maintained by finding new ways to deliver them more
efficiently.
He was a leading advocate for the 1997 welfare changes that required more recipients to work. In 1999, he was the
chief sponsor of legislation that expanded services for people with disabilities and established the state's tobacco
endowment funds. Two years ago, he was the primary negotiator in restructuring the state's long-term care programs to
reduce reliance on nursing homes and encourage use of less-expensive options. Earlier this year, he pushed for welfare
spending cuts to help balance the state's budget.
For more on Kevin Goodno, try: www.pepp.org/award/senseless.html
or, www.accesspress.org/archive/2002/07/legislator.htm
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Bush Administration Puts 850,000 Federal Jobs Up for Private Sector Bids
Thursday, November 14, 2002
President Bush plans to subject as many as 850,000 federal jobs to competition from the private sector, administration officials
stated, a sweeping reform long sought by Republicans and stiffly opposed by labor unions.
Nearly half of the government's civilian work force could be affected by the plan to be published in the Federal Register. After a
30-day public review period, Bush can impose the new rules without congressional approval.
Bush and his fellow Republicans have long favored opening public sector jobs to competition from outside government. They
argue that competitive bidding will force government bureaucracies to improve service and lower costs -- or lose business to the
private sector. Public employee unions are expected to fight the proposal, which could cost their rank and file jobs. The White
House is poised to beat back union opposition to another administration initiative, this one in Congress: the creation of the
Homeland Security Department.
Current federal rules allow for public-private competition, administration officials say, but the regulations are so cumbersome that
private firms are often reluctant to seek government contracts. Under the plan, "commercial activities" conducted by the
government -- from lawn mowing to hanging drywall and secretarial work -- will be open to competition. There are 850,000 such
jobs in the federal work force; Bush has set a goal of putting 50 percent of those jobs up for grabs in the first stage of the plan,
with the intention of eventually opening the total 850,000 to competition. White House spokesman Scott McClellan would talk
about the job prospects of the affected employees, but said, "What we're trying to do is make government work better for the
American taxpayer."
Traditional high-ranking government positions would not be subject to the proposal, according to administration officials who
outlined the proposal. Expecting opposition from public employees unions, administration officials argue that the initiative would
encourage unions to compete and win contracts; it does not mandate that the private sector takeover the jobs.
See Shar Knutson’s Statement on Page 10
From the AFSCME Weekly Report
11/15/02
President Bush's Anti-Union Plan for New Homeland Security Department
Heading Towards Passage
With the death of Sen. Paul Wellstone (D-MN) and the appointment of Independent Dean Barkley to
the remainder of his term, Senate Democrats no longer had enough votes to win passage of an
amendment to homeland security legislation that would preserve collective bargaining and civil
service protections for federal employees who will be transferred to the new homeland security
department. With the inability to prevail on the federal employee issues in the waning days of this
Congress or in the next Congress, Democrats in the Senate agreed to move the legislation. President
Bush's proposed homeland security legislation (H.R. 5710), including the flexibility to rewrite
important civil service laws and waive collective bargaining rights for homeland security employees,
was debated and passed by the House on Wednesday by a vote of 299 to 121.
However, House Republican leaders and the White House added provisions to the bill unrelated to the
establishment of a homeland security department, including a provision to protect drug
manufacturers from certain lawsuits. They also stripped out a Democratic provision which prohibits
the new department from doing business with companies that move offshore to avoid paying
corporate taxes.
While homeland security legislation is expected to pass in the Senate, Democratic leaders are
proposing amendments to remove the lawsuit protection for drug manufacturers and other unrelated
provisions. Regardless of the outcome of these amendments, the bill is expected to pass the Senate
early next week. Any changes made in the Senate would require a conference or negotiation to
reconcile differences between the House and Senate bills.
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