DOC CENTRAL OFFICE

Members Present: Beth Neubert, Len Hurdt, Gerald Firkus, Al Tervo, Rich Meyer, Mike Keapproth, Sid Helseth, Clyde Eells, Erik Skon, Nancy Moore, Sandy Olene, Patti Couch, Terry Carlson, Anita Alexander, Mike Hermerding, Steve Amic, Eric Langworthy, Joe Cosgrove, Greg Smith, Dennis Benson, John Westmoreland, Tim Henderson, Erik Olesen, Jessica Symmes, Rick Hillengass, Otis Zanders, Michelle Lehman.

DOC Legislative Update: Dennis provided an overview of the activities during this legislative session:

DOC received supplemental funding totaling $13 million to cover step increases, insurance increases and cost of living adjustments. $2 million wasn’t funded for next year and will become part of next fiscal years request.
The pension initiative as passed. This establishes a process for moving positions under CERP if inclusion is warranted. He thanked the Union and its members for all their help with this effort.
Contributions to CERP and GERP will go up to ensure stability of the plans in the future.
Computers for Schools will continue.
DOC is partnering more with DHS, offering expertise in the area of security.
The State’s budget continues to improve which is a positive for everyone.
Aid to local governments is still a concern and will be next year especially for CCA counties. Short-term offenders are also a concern from a funding perspective.
DOC will be marketing CIP next year. A national researcher has studied the program and was very positive about the results the program achieves. Recidivism is low.
Because DOC facilities run well, this allows management the time to work on legislative issues. This is a tribute to the outstanding staff of the department from top to bottom and bottom to top. DOC has doubled in size in the last eleven (11) years.

In June, work will begin on the next budget in preparation for the upcoming legislative session.

Local Labor-Management Meeting Visits: Dennis and Erik will go to each facility and will attend a local meeting between now and September. They want to do this as frequently as possible.

A Team Training Initiative: Erik reported that 95% of responses in facilities are A and B Teams. As a result, the captains have been asked to report on the A team training that is going on now and standard equipment. Jerry Clay will put together recommendations.

Facility Labor-Management Topics:

Uniform Allowance: DOC approved an additional $50/year ($100/biennium). This increase will be available July 1, 2006.
Safety Shoe Reimbursement: Discussion occurred regarding the reimbursement and/or provision of safety shoes to staff. The bargaining agreement states that shoes can be provided or employees can be reimbursed $100 annually. The question concerned who is eligible or should have safety shoes.

- Dennis and Erik to meet with Mark Koetke and Nancy Moore to discuss contract and safety issues and clarification of DOC Policy 103.2215 Uniforms and Attire – Facilities. Follow-up will be a priority.

WIRC Process (DOC Policy 103.226): Discussion occurred about how this process works. Dennis reiterated that this is a work in progress. The process is always being refined but it has served the department well. There has to be room for discretion in the discipline process.
Religious Holidays: Tabled. A contract issue.
No Call/No Show Decay (DOC Policy 103.035): Tim Henderson proposed that if an employee goes one (1) year without a no call/no show they would drop back one step in the discipline process. If they go three (3) years without an incident, they should start over with discipline. This suggestion needs to be run through the policy review process.

- The process for doing this is described in DOC Policy 100.100 Policy Manual Maintenance. The “Revision Request Form” (attached to the policy) should be completed and forwarded to the facility/unit policy coordinator. All employees have the ability to suggest policy revisions or changes using this procedure.

5. Rumor Control:

Double Bunking at OPH in the Transition Care Unit: This option has had some discussion but no decision has been made. If it is taken further it will be discussed with the Union.

ADDENDUM (From Erik Skon): In keeping with the agreed upon format for these meetings, unresolved local issues need to be clearly defined in local labor-management meeting minutes. Then, with this documentation in hand, issues may be raised from the local level in one of two ways: 1). a warden can bring the issue to Erik OR 2.) the local Union president can bring the issue to Sid or John. Working together with Sid and John, Erik and Dennis would like to be involved in the process of resolving issues before they are brought to this forum. Issues and their solutions will then be presented at these meetings.

NEXT MEETING:

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

1:00pm

AFSCME Council 5 Offices

AFSCME to take minutes.