MSCA/Salem Chapter Newsletter
February 25, 2002
President's Message - Paul F. McGee
Pay Raise
Since July 2001 all but one newsletter has started with the heading "pay raise"
or "contract funding." With a little luck this will be the final newsletter
starting with contract/pay raise issues (at least until the next pay raise date
in October).
With the March 1st pay advice all the money due to full-time unit members should be included. This includes base increases due on January 1, 2001 and September 30, 2001, rank adjustments, and the appropriate retroactive monies. A signing incentive for post-tenure review of 2.5% and merit pay, both off-base, will also be included. Because of the complexity of the adjustments and the problems with the statewide HR/CMS, in order to meet the March 1st date many employees at Salem had to work on this project. I would like to thank from the Academic Affairs Office: Amie Marks Goodwin. From Human Resources: Mary Kate Bulter, Patricia Bradford, Paula Griffin and Jackie Freitas. From the Financial Services/Payroll department: Pat Crowley, Mary Ann Gachignard, Sylvia Guerrette, Robin Hincman and Joan Thomas. These individuals worked long and extra hours to meet the March 1st pay date.
There will also be an individual pay adjustment explanation that should received within the next couple of weeks.
Appointments
The Chapter Office received nominations for three committees. Since the nominations
were at or under the requested number of volunteers I have asked the Chapter
Secretary, Tom Luddy, to cast a single vote for the following members:
SSC Advocacy Committee - Frank Bridges (LIB) and Linda Coleman (MKT)
Search Committee - Director, Office of Students with Disabilities - Patricia Connolly (SWK)
Retention/Enrollment Management Committee -Kevin Cannon (CRJ) and Margaret Saul Laccetti (NUR)
Committee Vacancies
Student Grievances - New Committee Two (2) unit members needed. Nominations
should be received at the Chapter Office by March 18th. Please drop a note to
SB-205B or call extension 6920.
Proposed Increases in Group Insurance Commission (GIC) Co-Payments & Deductibles
The State's GIC is facing a $52 million projected shortfall in its FY2003 budget
and has voted (6 to 3) to increase doctor's office visit co-pays, inpatient
hospital deductibles, outpatient surgery deductibles, emergency room co-pays,
and prescription drug benefit co-pays. For example, a physician's office visit
or prescription drug benefit co-pay of $5.00 would increase to $10.00. Preferred
brand name prescriptions would increase from $15.00 to $20.00.
These and other increases will be effective July 1, 2002, unless the legislature votes to restore the $52 million to the GIC. The 85/15 contribution was maintained in Governor's Swift's proposed budget but by decreasing employee health insurance benefits state workers will incurred a disguised "tax."
Our legislators should hear from us. The complete GIC budget proposal is available in the Chapter Office and will be posted on the Chapter website.
MSCA Statewide Forum
Salem State will host a Candidates Forum on Monday, March 4th from 4:00 p.m.
- 5:00 p.m. at the Heritage Room, Ellison Center. This is an opportunity for
members to meet and ask questions of the statewide candidates for union offices.
Message from Sandra Faiman-Silva, Chair MSCA Nominations and Elections Committee
and Supervisor,
MSCA 2002 Election -
To MSCA Membership:
The 2002 MSCA Officer Election season has begun. All MSCA Members in good standing (full, part time, day, DGCE) as of March 15, 2002, are eligible to vote in this election. Ballots for the 2002 MSCA Officer Election will be mailed to your home address on March 12, 2002, by the American Arbitration Association, Boston, MA. Ballots must be returned to the AAA in the envelopes provided by 5:00 p.m. on April 2, 2002.If you think you are eligible to vote and do not receive a ballot within a reasonable time, please contact your Chapter Treasurer or Chapter President immediately, who will resolve the problem through the MSCA State-wideTreasurer and AAA. In order for your vote to count you must follow all directions included with the ballot. Thank you for taking the time to vote in the MSCA Officer Election.
2002-2004 Salem Chapter/MSCA Election - Nominations Open
In accordance with the Chapter's Constitution and Bylaws, nominations are now
open for all Salem Chapter Officers, all members of the local Executive Committee
and the Salem MSCA Director. These positions have a two-year term beginning
May 1, 2002.
Nominations are also open to attend the following:
2002 MSCA Delegate Assembly
Saturday, April 27th Worcester State College Ghosh Science Technology Building (Multimedia Room)
Estimated 26 delegates needed2002 MTA Annual Meeting
May 17th - 18th Hynes Convention Center Boston, MA.
Estimated 9 delegates needed
Travel expenses will be paid to support attendance at these two meetings. These positions have a one-year term from the date of the meeting.
All Salem Chapter members in good standing (full-time, part-time, and DGCE) may nominate themselves for the offices listed. All members in good standing will be eligible to vote in the election. The election will be held in April - time and places will be announced. Absentee balloting will be available.
Nominations deadline: Monday, March 18th at noon, Salem Chapter Office, SB 205B.
Special Meeting for Nominations for the General Election Per the Salem Chapter Constitution and Bylaws:
"In years when there is a general election, a special meeting of all members shall be held on or about March 15th for the purpose of receiving from the Nomination Committee a list of candidates for all positions open for election.
Positions shall include but not be limited to Officers of the Chapter, Representatives to the Executive Committee, members of the MSCA Board of Directors, and Representatives to the MSCA Delegate Assembly.
Any Chapter member may nominate any other Chapter member or him/herself at this meeting. The Chapter members present shall then approve the names of the nominees for the general election ballot. The quorum rule shall not apply during the special nominations meeting."
This year's meeting will be held on Monday, March 18th at 1:00 p.m. in the MLK room, Ellison Center.