Salem Chapter Newsletter President's Message - Amy Everitt - February 14, 2014

Hi all, I hope this finds you doing well. I want to take this opportunity to bring you up to date on a few issues.

1. I would like to publically thank Paul McGee for covering for me while I was on sabbatical leave this past fall. We did not miss a beat thanks to Paul. He represented us well!

2. Our grievance officer, Caitlin Corbett, is on sabbatical leave for the spring 2014 academic term and Anne-Marie Hakstian has graciously agreed to serve for the semester. She has hit the ground running and has already filed grievances for unit members. Thanks Anne-Marie for your willingness to serve.

3. We are officially in negotiations for a successor agreement for the day contract. The bargaining team will be meeting with management next Monday to exchange proposals. Please keep in mind that the bargaining process is confidential, so I will not be able to provide specific details on progress.

4. ORP: The IRS has agreed to allow state employees to enter into the state retirement system. TIAA/CREFF “Locked” accounts are still holding up the process, as TIAA/CREFF has not given the ok to release these funds. The MTA, in collaboration with the DHE is working diligently with the state retirement board to find a solution to this road block.

5. If you are in a same-sex marriage, PLEASE consider re-filing your tax returns. You are due refunds for money you or your partner paid for GIC health insurance for your partner. There is a 3 year window of opportunity to re-file, so take the time to check with your accountant about the process. I have heard reports that people are receiving thousands of dollars per year in refunds. Don’t miss it!

6. Post Tenure Review: April 1 is an important date. For those of you who are being reviewed this year, the decisions are due out and typically go into the mail on April 1. Please do not go to the AVP’s office for a copy of the letter. It will be delivered by certified mail to your home. I will send a separate email to all who are being reviewed regarding the appeal process. For those who are eligible to be reviewed next year, April 1 is the deadline to notify the Provost that you are electing to be reviewed. There will be a PTR workshop tomorrow, February 25 at 3:00 in the Underground and I encourage you to attend. PTR review is voluntary and can be deferred.

7. As you may be aware, the parking lot at Central Campus is being closed as of this morning. The contract provides for faculty to park in ANY student spot if faculty spots are not available. I have reaffirmed this with the President, who assured me that it would be communicated to our Campus Police. Should you encounter a problem, please let me know right away. I am also aware of the shuttle situation for evening classes at Central and will be in conversation with the Provost about an appropriate solution this week.

8. Please see the email and link below from our MSCA President C. J. O’Donnell regarding nominations for the NEA Representative Assembly. Please let me know if you have questions about any of the above items or if other issues arise.

As always, thank you for your support and for all of your efforts in the classroom and beyond. Have a good week. Amy