Salem Chapter Newsletter President's Message - Amy Everitt - September 2009

Welcome back!! I hope everyone was able to find some sun and relaxation over the summer because I think we have a busy year ahead.

Bargaining Updates:
As of today, the funding request for the day contract is still on the Governor's desk. C.J. O'Donnell, President of the MSCA, does not anticipate problems with the funding at this point, but the process is slow - not unusual for our contract! We'll keep you posted on progress and remember that this is 1.5% retroactive back to July 1, 2009.

DGCE bargaining is stalled due to an insufficient economic offer and the team has decided to request mediation. A petition was filled with the Board of Conciliation and Arbitraion on August 26th and I will keep you posted on progress. Thank you to David Goodof for representing Salem all summer at the table.

Legislative Update:
Many of you have inquired about the status of sabbaticals and I am happy to report that a joint effort between the MSCA and the Council of Presidents (COP) is in process. MSCA officers and COP Executive Officer Fred Clark have met with state legislators regarding the sabbatical repeal bill (H1170) and a hearing is scheduled for September 29th. There are indications that the bill will be reported out favorably. As always, we'll keep you posted.

A bill regarding the Optional Retirement Program (ORP), allowing members to switch, or switch back, to the State Employee Retirement System will be heard on September 21st. If you would like to testify in support of this bill, please contact the Chapter office and we will get your information to C.J.

Pandemic:
Thank you to everyone for helping to get the word out to students about the issues around the H1N1 flu situation. The Salem Chapter stands behind any faculty members' decisions around attendance policies and I recommend that you continue to remind students to save those cuts for the flu! We do need to acknowledge the CDC's recommendation that we not expect physician notes from students regarding flu and please report flu absences to your chairs. Thanks again for your patience and flexibility. Based on reports from campuses across the country......it's coming!!

TENURE COMMITTEE ELECTION:
We will be holding a Tenure Committee election next Wednesday, September 23, from 10-2. Ballot boxes will be available for all tenured and tenure track members at the Salem Chapter Office (SB202B), Central Campus lobby, South Campus lobby and O'Keefe #119. Thank you in advance to all who are willing to serve on this very important committee!

Finally, if you have any questions or issues that arise, please do not hesitate to contact me or Maggie Vaughan, Grievance Officer, at the Chapter office (6366) or by email. Have a great fall semester.

Amy Everitt
MSCA/Salem Chapter President