A few items...
Telework:
We wanted to clarify some things. The Interim Agreement specifically references 3 forms required to be completed as part of the Telework approval process. The required forms are: (1) Interim Telework Application; (2) Interim Telework Security Addendum; and (3) Interim Telework Agreement. Electronic “fillable” versions of these forms can be found on the A&R website under the Resources|Telecommuting tab or on the DAS|Telework site. These 3 forms must be completed or your application will be denied.
We have become aware of a fourth document making the rounds at some agencies. The document is being referred to as a Telework Work Plan. This is not a required document under the terms of the Interim Agreement. The Agreement specifies that “the manager shall establish methods and standards for measuring the work performance, including productivity and efficiency, of the teleworking employee….” This language rightfully leaves the method for monitoring work performance to the manager. The DAS Training Manual says: "A Sample Work Plan is found in Appendix B. However, work plans will vary depending on the nature of the work involved." Based on conversations with members, it appears that some agencies are erroneously under the impression that this unofficial fourth document (Telework Work Plan) must be completed. Your manager may or may not choose to utilize a Work Plan document. It is their choice – and while acceptable under the Agreement it is not a requirement of the Agreement. Our advice is that if your manager asks for such a Work Plan document, that you provide one – while at the same time pointing out to the manager that he or she can avoid this fourth bureaucratic hurdle because it is not required under the Agreement.
We have identified a handful of titles needing corrections to the list of Eligible/Ineligible titles (Appendix A, B, C of the Agreement). The titles of Supervising Special Investigator, Librarian, Librarian Tech, and Library Tech Assistant were all listed as Ineligible. With the exceptions of Supervising Special Investigators at OCME, and Librarians, Library Techs and Library Tech Assistants at DOC, these titles should be eligible (the exceptions are made because of the 24/7 nature of work and working environment OCME and DOC). We expect to have these titles corrected and a new appendix A to be issued in the coming weeks.
The A&R Officers are scheduling member meetings at agencies throughout the state to discuss/explain the Interim Telework Agreement and other issues of importance to members. The Telework program is a significant new benefit members now have a right to in the workplace. As it was when AWS first came into existence, it will take time to fully implement teleworking. We work for a large bureaucracy and such organizations take time to implement significant changes. In time teleworking will become as commonplace as AWS, but first we need to work out the wrinkles. We encourage people to complete/submit the 3 required forms and to work with your agencies to make teleworking a reality. As always, if you encounter problems, notify an A&R steward or contact the A&R office directly.
SEBAC Statement
SEBAC issued a press release Wednesday, 6/5/19 which has prompted some to ask if negotiations are taking place between SEBAC and the Governor. To be certain, no negotiations have occurred and none are scheduled. To clarify, the SEBAC statement referred to the pension funding proposal included in the state budget. Any changes the Governor or Legislature is contemplating will not impact our current or future benefits. The issue being discussed in the public square is pension funding. Modifications to pension funding would have no impact on present or future member benefits. More to the point, we have not negotiated nor agreed to any such changes.
For reference, here is the SEBAC press release:
“While we have made clear that we are not open to a penny of further concessions beyond the $24 billion in savings we are already providing through the SEBAC 2017 agreement, we have indicated our willingness to consider ‘win-win’ changes, including the pension funding proposal included in the budget. We don’t consider it unreasonable for the budget to assume the parties will agree to this change.”
- Dan Livingston, Chief Negotiator for the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition
Legislative Session Ends
The 2019 legislative session ended with relatively little fanfare. The A&R Accretion agreements passed, and once again we welcome those newly minted A&R members. Beyond the accretion agreements, there is not that much to report out of the legislative session (typically this is good news). Many legislators were hostile to the accretion agreements, with several taking the opportunity to blame state employees for the state's fiscal problems while at the same time forgetting the $24 billion in savings derived from SEBAC 2017. Fortunatley, after some legislative grandstanding, the accretion agreements passed.
