News

Thanks to members Mercy Boys, Kenny Hanson, and Laura Langberg for completing this audit of FOCUS MSU's local finances.

Members Present: Colette Campbell, David Reese, Kylie Webb, Ren Wall

Website: www.focusmsu.org

What is working:

– Scrolling event calendar is reportedly used by members

– Members like having easy quick access to docs like the contract and the constitutions.

– Readability on phone is excellent

– FAQs page

– all docs live in a google drive folder make it easy to access

What is not working: - Regular updates are not happening

– Marshall Swearingen’s personal load has increased

– Need a way or strategy to post content with images intact

– We haven’t had a news post since August

– have not been able to to format page easily,

– some fonts not very readable

– domain name does not redirect to the site

– super limited in our ability Features/options that would be ideal

– ability to post videos (new member orientation welcomes) embedded you tube is free

–Members only section, password protected - member highlight stories, personal or sensitive information,

– wordpress? commenting

IFrames can turn a pdf into a webpage - embedded as part of the website instead of opening as a pdf.

Bring your Platform options that are user friendly and cost effective.

Wordpress - has to be on a wordpress specific host - content management system

huge variety.

WIX is just another platform content should be able from one website host to the next

Continuity - to have a pretty functional CMS is pretty important.

Do any of us have time and energy to put something together?

Ren thinks he can put the CMS together - Kylie is more than happy to do the front end graphic design type work.

Ren suggested a Drupal site -

David pays 15.00 per year for the .org page

Social Media challenges

Brainstorm and discuss: Do we pour more energy into social media or webpage?

Our membership age demographics probably push us to one form of social media or another, Kylie confirms we could regurgitate content from the webpage to social media so that social media does not become its own beast to provide content for.

Starting proposal that we can build on - with the resources and people we have here if Ren could find the right platform - Kylie could help with graphics end and get it on social media. Kylie likes the idea of having a separate page that is public from th group.

Ren will do some research on his end. Kylie will do some website mock ups.

This committee will come together again the week of spring break.

In Solidarity,

Colette Campbell

Tuesday’s AUG 17 noon Membership Meeting Reminder, Reid Hall room 301

Building A Credible Strike Threat

Train for it.

An involved and engaged membership is crucial to creating A Credible Strike Threat with OCHE for better wage increases. FOCUS does not have that today.

Have you seen the news of Montana Nurses Association AND Montana State Prison employees making a ruckus for better wages? Their MEMBERS are organizing to be that credible strike threat. The Helena office and our field rep can’t make a credible strike threat for us. ONLY workers make the strike threat credible.

There is a PLAN to turn this around, but we need everyone’s help and participation to make a FOCUS credible strike threat a reality.

COME AND DO this training meeting with us Tuesday at noon for the membership drive for better wage increases.

Our strength is in our numbers, and our numbers are low.

It is imperative we get as many members to this training meeting as possible.

Bring your co-workers!

Zoom link for virtual attendance:

https://www.google.com/url?q=https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87410842356?pwd%3DWEdvWUs1M2ZNSHR4N2FJc0kvb2hKUT09&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw2pFvLD3DQ-dCF8ND4p-ma9

Cosmic Pizza provided in person, bring your beverage.

Fun SWAG and Prizes will be abundant for participation.

We CAN DO THIS!

In Solidarity,

Colette Campbell

Update on Collective Bargaining (wages)

Vice President David Reese:

For those new to FOCUS (yes there are a few – woohoo!), we are a statewide local. That means the Collective Bargaining Team is made up of 6 Focus Presidents and 1 Vice President (David Reese) from MUS campuses Missoula, Dillon, Great Falls, Billings, Helena, Butte and Bozeman. With Field Rep Tammy Harris. They meet and they bargain as a team with OCHE and an HR Representative from each campus.

That team has returned from that negotiations table with a recommendation that we (members) vote YES on an increase of .55 cents or 2% (whichever is larger according to your wage) increase in November of 2022. There is no wage increase included for 2023.

A No vote from all 7 campuses sends the collective bargaining team back to the table with OCHE to deliberate further.

The Collective Bargaining team believes that this agreement is the best deal OCHE will negotiate.

At a date yet to be determined, members (you) statewide will be sent an electronic ballot via Survey Monkey asking you to vote YES or NO on that Tentative Agreement. Stay tuned, I will be sending email alerts when we get close to time. PLEASE DO VOTE!

Let there be no doubt in anyone’s mind how hard our team deliberates and fights for all of us. We have not for several years (since 1990s) been able to organize our local into anything that could be perceived as a credible threat to strike and of late, our numbers, and active member participation only continue to decline. COVID has increased that 10 fold over the last year.

Your team is well aware of – and suffering the same economic circumstances of housing, childcare, rising taxes, andeveryday living. They want wage increases that help us burden those increasing costs as much as the rest of us.

If we want to improve these wage increases at the Collective Bargaining table we all have to do a little union work back here in our workplaces – all year long, every year – to become that credible strike threat that demands higher wage increases. How do we get this local back in that kind of shape?

It takes our members being willing and eager be a part of the solution, educated, willing and comfortable enough to talk with co-workers in the break room, mail room, or at the watercooler about building our own strength and power as a group. We are making every effort to provide several insightful training opportunities. If you have never participated in any organizing whatsoever PLEASE Make sure to attend at least 2 of the 3 upcoming trainings with your co-workers (Links/Dates/Times all listed in this newsletter) for the Many Hands Make Light Work Membership Drive.

The union IS the boots on the ground – you and me.

MEMBERS VOTED at the July 14^th meeting

President Colette Campbell

• Members Voted unanimously to SUPPORT and GO FORWARD with the Membership Drive plans including cash prizes from last year’s surplus budget to be awarded at the culminating event of the Holiday Social Meeting December 21^st.

• Colette has written and submitted a proposal asking MFPE to match our commitment of $1500 to this membership drive with money from the State Local Organizing budget to support these efforts and fund the Holiday Social in December.

• Members Voted unanimously FOR the proposed Budget for the 2022 Local budget. This includes moving $25 dollar monthly contributions from the member travel subsidies pot to the member communication and organizing pot.

Many Hands Make Light Work Membership Drive

Why?

1.) To rebuild our collective voice and power in every aspect. We need to increase our numbers. OCHE is not compelled to raise wages any more than they absolutely HAVE to. The way things stand right now: there is no credible threat of FOCUS striking now, or in the foreseeable future and OCHE knows it. For every member that quits MSU or retires, a new employee comes along that is completely unaware of all that is going on, and has gone on – on all our behalf. It takes time to help them develop Union knowledge: who does what, what is in our contract, how wage increases are negotiated, and so much more. We can’t get them on that path if they don’t know what they are missing.

2.) Too few of us are doing most of the heavy lifting and it IS powerfully draining to try to cover all of the bases – all of the time. Every member should see themselves as a FOCUS union representative and willing to talk about our work when opportunities present themselves in the mail room, or at the proverbial water cooler. You can help by being aware and taking note of which positions in your offices and departments are being refilled, were they union before? It’s as easy as encouraging them to attend the next Information Session for New Bargaining Unit Employees, the next ones are scheduled for August 26^th, and September 23^rd. These are all virtual meetings.

3.) To reduce and eventually STOP the drain on our resources of employees getting our Field Rep and other MFPE resources for free. MFPE does a lot of work at the legislature defending our working rights, our pensions, increasing our healthcare plans, and SO MUCH MORE. This work takes serious time and serious money. No other organization works for OUR common working interests like our Helena MFPE Staff and leadership. We cannot afford that work to be diminished through serving those who don’t pony up their fair share of dues.

4.) To continue to build our Local Strike Fund which will have a $2400 balance at the end of August 2021.

Who is doing the membership drive?

We ALL are.

Every dues paying member of FOCUS is considered a “Representative” of our Local. We will have Focus Union Rep buttons for you at our August 17^th meeting.

This membership Drive has (4) 200 cash prizes to be given away at our December Holiday Social. Every member will have 2.5 months to sign up 1 eligible employee between September 30^th and December 15^th. That’s how you get entered in the drawing for cash. If you sign up 2 employees, you get 2 entries, 3 employees sign up – you get three entries and so on.

This is your local giving you an opportunity to win some of the local dues back we did not spend due to COVID in exchange for a little fun and healthy participation.

The 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th $200 prize will each kick in upon every 40 new member threshold.

We will need to reach a total of 120 new members signed up in order to release all 4 $200 prizes.

The member that signs up the highest number of new members name will be removed from that pot of names because they will be the winner of the (1) $500 cash prize right before the holidays!

There will also be a bucket of names of the new members everybody will have signed up over that 2.5 month period. We will have (2) $100 winners from new members!

Your odds of winning one of these prizes are really VERY good.

At last count there were only 211 of us that can have our names entered into the pot every time we sign up a new member. That number has likely gone down even in this short of time.

But I don’t know HOW to talk to my co-workers about the union, it makes me uncomfortable:

You are not alone. Our August and September meetings will be almost completely devoted to getting each one of us confident and excited to recruit at least 1 new member to FOCUS.

You can also Listen to VP David Reese and Secretary Mel Turney facilitate the New Employee Orientation for FOCUS by attending via google meet and see how these are done from the comfort of your own seat.

Additional opportunities to get comfortable talking about FOCUS membership coming down the pipeline include: (make sure to plug some of these into your calendar and commit to being there)

New Employee FOCUS Orientations

August 26th, 4-5pm meet.google.com/srk-mgaz-kyz

September 23rd, 4-5pm meet.google.com/srk-mgaz-kyz

Noon Membership Meeting trainings

(Both in person AND zoom - physical space yet to be determined)

August 17th Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87410842356?pwd=WEdvWUs1M2ZNSHR4N2FJc0kvb2hKUT09 Meeting ID: 874 1084 2356 Passcode: 088262

September 28th

Join Zoom Meeting

(Both in person AND zoom - physical space yet to be determined)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82828939990?pwd=c25pajg3QmJGYWwwbUNGK2hqVG05UT09 Meeting ID: 828 2893 9990 Passcode: 371687Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83235947624?pwd=QkU5NDkwVVlxMVArNGp6SjZDdWswdz09 Meeting ID: 832 3594 7624 Passcode: 243667

NEA Representative Assembly report

Member Spencer Clark

As an affiliate to the National Education Association our district is allowed to send 1 delegate to the BIG NEA representative assembly each summer. Held in Houston TX in June/July – Spencer picked a good year to say YES – as the entire conference was virtual. This year member and activist Spencer Clark was elected to represent our district in a similar event to our MFPE Annual Conferences yet on a MUCH larger scale.

He reports many interesting reports and debates were had.

Spencer served on the Budget Committee and remarked on the large amounts of grant money that support unions, including MFPE and our organizing efforts.

Spencer enjoyed a tradition of Montana Night, where he drove to Helena and enjoyed physically meeting with the other delegates from around the state he was attending with virtually.

Spencer reports this as an excellent eye opening experience of the enjoyable kind, a place where he saw our union democracy in action.

MT AFLCIO Convention report

President Colette Campbell

Much love and appreciation was expressed to all the trades leaders in attendance for their PHYSICAL presence at the capitol during the legislative session when it looked very likely we were about to become a Right to Work State.

10 year Executive Secretary Al Ekblad has retired and chose not run for that position again. Much love was bestowed on Brother Ekblad throughout the conference.

Our Newly Elected Executive Secretary is: Board Member James Hobrook (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) from Helena. James was a key player in getting so many trades workers to the capitol during our most recent MT Legislative Session.

Erin Foley (Teamsters) was elected as President.

---Quint Nyman remains Vice President/Treasurer

MFPE Board appointees include -- Colette Campbell, Mike Kenison (Butte Teachers Union),Eric Matthews (Bozeman Education Association), Kaycee Ballou (Missoula Education Association), and Vicky Byrd (Montana Nurses Association).

Hi everyone,

Colette is on vacation through July 6, so if you need assistance or have questions before then, please reach out to VP David Reese (rdavidreese@gmail.com) or MFPE Field Consultant Tammy Harris (tharris@mfpe.org).

VEBA

The bulk of this month's meeting was spent discussing MSU's classified union employee VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association) group, which is currently holding its annual election. Thanks to MFPE Deputy Executive Director Quint Nyman for his helpful presentation.

For those who don't know, VEBA is a system designed to allow retiring employees to deposit their sick and annual leave payouts into a tax-free savings account that can be used for certain insurance premiums and medical expenses. The union VEBA group consists of all classified staff age 55 and up with at least 5 years of service who are represented by either FOCUS/MFPE or by the Laborers' Union (LIUNA). Anyone in this category who leaves MSU--whether to retire or to take another job--is automatically included in the VEBA, which means that their sick and annual leave payouts are put into this savings account. This works great for some folks, but it can mean a serious financial setback for anyone who was counting on a cash payout.

Each year, this group of folks is asked to vote in an election that would either maintain or disband the existing VEBA group. In last week's meeting, we heard from several union members who desperately need the VEBA group to be voted out so that they can take their cash payouts.

Voting NO in the VEBA election would allow current members who wish to leave MSU soon to take their sick and annual leave payouts in cash. It would also allow for a new VEBA group to be created that might capture a narrower population of actual retirees and better serve their needs without harming the interests of folks over 55 who just want out of MSU. Please note that a vote to change the VEBA allocation would not allow a redesign of the VEBA group or an exit route for folks trying to leave.

Membership Drive

COVID has been hard on our local's membership numbers--we've been losing members left and right, and we haven't been on campus to do the hard work of meeting and recruiting all the new staff starting at MSU. If we want to build our power to fight for better wages, benefits, and working conditions, we need to grow our local. And we need your help.

As a small consolation, COVID has also allowed our local to save money over the past year. Since we haven't been able to meet in person, we've had no need to buy lunches for our meetings. As a result, we're on track to have just over $1,500 in our account that was allocated for lunches but never spent. Colette and the rest of the FOCUS MSU officers propose that we put that money back into the local by using it (along with matching funds from MFPE) to fund a membership drive.

Here's the plan: in August and September, we host trainings at our in-person monthly meetings so that interested members can get comfortable having union recruitment conversations. Then, starting September 30, any member who gets a coworker to join the union gets an entry in a drawing for one of four $200 cash prizes. Additionally, the member who signs up the most new members will win a $500 cash prize, and any new members who join between September 30 and our December local meeting will be eligible for one of four $100 cash prizes. All told, we'd spend $1,500 from our local's lunch fund, as well as $1,500 in matching funds to cover the cash prizes, food for our trainings, and the cost of our holiday social in December.

What do you think about this idea? If you have thoughts, let us know (rdavidreese@gmail.com)! And we're going to ask you to vote on this proposal in our July meeting.

Budget

Finally, on a related note, it's almost that time of year when our local needs to pass a new budget. Last week, we walked through a budget proposal put together by the FOCUS MSU officers. You can see that proposal here. Importantly, there would be no change to our $1/month local dues. The significant updates include transferring the $1,500 from our lunch budget to our communications and organizing budget to pay for the membership drive, and re-allocating $25 each month from our travel subsidies budget (which has also grown during lockdown) to our communications and organizing budget, so that we have money to make our holiday social--which is a strong recruitment tool--a recurring event.

Again, if you have thoughts, please share them. You can email me or bring your questions to our July membership meeting. Members can amend and will vote on a budget proposal at our August meeting.

***

Stay cool out there, and please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions or concerns about the workplace. I should have an update shortly on collective bargaining for the 2021-23 biennium.

In solidarity,

David

First off – We had a good technical difficulties free meeting in May!

BONUS!

News and announcements:

- As you likely read today: The Board of Regents won their “STAY” of motion against HB102. It will not go into effect next week. The University will continue to operate under the current MUS guns policy.

- Congratulations on all the amazing emails, post cards, phone calls and public comments at the ARSA meeting on May 12^th. I was in the dentist’s chair while listening to this meeting and MFPE was well represented. As you should have received word by now, the Board of Regents has decided to heed the public outcry for a legal review of the constitutionality of HB102. Public comment turn-out was amazing!

Are you on President Cutis’ email list serve? If you are you would have received this message this week:

You will soon hear the news that MFPE's lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of HB's 102, 112, 349, and SB 319 has been "dismissed" by the MT Supreme Court.

Do not despair. This is not a step back. This is a step SIDEWAYS.

MFPE will continue to do what we have always done--defend the MT constitution. Same plaintiffs. Same message. Nothing changes but the venue.

So do not despair. You'll quickly hear another news report that MFPE has filed in District Court.

You know MFPE--we don't give up, we don't give in. We won't sit down and we won't shut up. (that's a song reference)

Cheers,

Amanda

- My Activists Apology

- Our Local Activists meet once a month to work within our membership on the relevant and/or pressing issues at hand.

- One thing we can ALL can take away from that meeting are these links to support the PRO ACT. Passing the PRO Act would be the most significant pro worker legislation in a good many years.

Please review and share wherever you can these AFL-CIO campaign resources from Amazing Activist member and delegate to the NEA convention in June:

· PRO Act Toolkit: go.aflcio.org/PROAct

· PRO Act Event Registration: go.aflcio.org/PROAct-Submit

· PRO Act Order Printed Materials: go.aflcio.org/PROAct-Order

Other PRO Act resources:

· House Bill: congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/842/text

· Senate Bill: congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/420/text

· Explainer: brandonmagner.substack.com/p/breaking-down-the-pro-act

· Coalition Letter: epi.org/publication/coalition-letter-in-support-of-the-protecting-the-right-to-organize-act/

· IUPAT Campaign: passtheproact.org

· IUPAT Social Media toolkit: sites.google.com/iupat.org/pass-the-proact-toolkit/home

- MSU FOCUS Executive Board members to meet June 7^th 7:30pm

this includes myself, VP David Reese, Secretary Mel Turney, Treasurer Jim Espeland, and LMC Rep Molly Arrondale. –Jim Espeland reports that we have almost 4500 in our local account. We owe you the members a proposed budget to look over ahead of time for comment, and to get a budget approved and in place by Sept 1st.

Updates from Helena and OCHE

- MFPE Field Rep: Tammy Harris

- As everyone is aware by now, COVID precautions such as masks have been repealed. You may continue to wear a mask if that is your desire. Staff are highly encouraged to get vaccinated. Masks can be strongly encouraged but no signage supporting that will be posted on the MSU campus. There will not be signage encouraging people to wear masks. Sanitization stations are to remain in their locations and custodial staff is to refill these.

Discussion: MUS Return to Work Plan

- LMC Rep: Molly Arrandale

- If for any reason you are not able to be vaccinated or have health related issues with returning to the office full time, please contact Janet Simon MSU ADA Coordinator for Faculty and Staff janet.simon@montana.edu

Phone: 406-994-2629

and/or MFPE Field Rep Tammy Harris tharris@mfpe.org with your concerns

Collective Bargaining

-- Local FOCUS VP and FOCUS Board President: David Reese

The FOCUS Board postponed their meeting until after the Board of Regents were scheduled to meet this last week. They would have been approving university budgets at that meeting. David will have a report for you at the June 16^th meeting.

NEXT MEETING:

Topic: FOCUS MSU - Monthly Membership Meeting

Time: Jun 16, 2021 12:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89574530615?pwd=SGlqQ1grRTVUUi9hNHh4d3k2UWdBZz09

Meeting ID: 895 7453 0615

Passcode: 165470

Meeting ID: 895 7453 0615

Passcode: 165470

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kIaGpdgOz

In Solidarity,

Colette

Mary Ann George

Helena College FOCUS President

maryann9961@gmail.com

Inter-Unit Benefits Committee (IUBC)

Notes from the March 24 meeting

This meeting was the annual rate-setting meeting.

Financial Updates

Our plan is fiscally sound. There will be no rate increases to members’ premiums for FY22.

State Share Holiday: A bill was passed that will withhold two months of state share employer contribution from the MUS Health Plan. This was thoroughly researched by our actuaries and the plan can withstand this loss in revenue. We will need to watch closely over the next year though as we anticipate a financial impact to the plan as utilization and trends rise post pandemic.

Outpatient Rehabilitative Services. This benefit will be increased from 30 visits per plan year to 60. This includes all rehabilitative therapies combined, including physical, speech, occupational, chiropractic, cardiac, respiratory, pulmonary, acupuncture and massage.

Orthopedic Bundle

This plan year MUS Benefits, BCBS and Bozeman Health will be piloting and offering a Lower Extremity Joint Bundle. The intention of this pilot is to provide a streamlined high quality experience and procedure for members with the added benefit of controlling costs. Final details are nearing completion.

Retirement Plan Update: Committee would like to see more employees taking advantage of additional retirement savings opportunities in addition to their defined benefit or defined contribution accounts.

Employee Assistance Program. More employees used this program this year but there is still room for improvement in utilization. There are a number of tools available through this program.

Closed Enrollment: Plan will continue to have closed enrollment. Can only add a spouse with a qualifying event.

Dependent Premium Hardship Waiver: Since expanded Medicaid less employees are using this benefit. MUS Benefits will raise the household income to 120% of Healthy Montana Kids Guidelines to try and catch employees who may need assistance.

Covid19

UM and MSU are vaccination sites and have been providing vaccinations on campus. The MUS health plan is not providing Covid vaccine clinics at this time as there is not a vaccine supply and the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses. This will be reviewed as a potential offering in the future, particularly if annual booster shots are necessary.

Annual Enrollment: Scheduled for April 26 through May 14. Presentations will be live streamed on April 22. The presentations will be recorded and posted to the MUS Benefits website for viewing.

MFPE lost a longtime friend, amazing union supporter and Field Staff this year.

You can watch Scott McCulloch Memorialized At Montana Capitol at the link below to understand the kind of man he was.

https://mfpe.org/2021/04/12/scott-mcculloch-memorialized-at-montana-capitol/

FOCUS Local #8521 (Federation of Classified University Staff) was incredibly well represented statewide. As mentioned by David Reese in our membership meeting there was someone from FOCUS with a comment, or presenting, or a part of just about every piece of business that happened throughout the day.

Constitutional Amendments:

The items below are the changes made to the standing rules for the coming 2022 MFPE 5^th Annual Conference (we will need delegates for the 5^th AC 1 year from now).

PASSED - 1 constitutional amendment cleans up outdated language.

PASSED – for the 2021 AC only - 1 Constitutional amendment changed “New Business Items due by noon day of AC”.

PASSED - 1 constitutional amendment generated a bit of contentious discussion regarding a proposed requirement for State Officers to be declared by March 1^st instead of being able to nominate from the floor. This is the second time this CA has come before the members at the AC. There were many valid arguments for and against.

Will there be a change in dues this year? Short answer – NO.

• Due to the hard work of members all throughout our state, MFPE is in a much better place fiscally than we thought we would be this time last year. Most notably due to the defeat of the RTW bills.

• We got a good look at all the work our dues support throughout the state through reports from most MFPE staff and that work is reflected in the State budget. You get a chance to see that proposed budget at every spring meeting.

• MFPE’s Treasurer Michelle Wheat’s number 1 goal in creating a budget we could work with was NO NEW DUES for members this year – and she accomplished that.

The only way your dues might go up – is if you have seen a wage increase that puts you into the next dues tier since last October of 2020.

Moffie Funk ran the nomination and election for the:

MFPE National Education Association Director. This person is in constant contact and meetings with NEA representatives from all over the country discussing all things that affect public employees.

NTT Faculty (English Teacher) from Butte, Glen Southergill was doing a pretty amazing job serving in this role previously and wished to continue.

No additional members were nominated for the position and Glen won the election by acclamation.

NBI #1 – Creation of The Eric Feaver Distinguished Leadership Award - MFPE honors past-President Eric Feaver by annually recognizing the accomplishments of active members through establishment of the Eric Feaver Distinguished Leadership Award.

NBI #2 - MFPE shall endorse/support the PRO Act – PASSED

Introduced by our own local member Spencer Clark

• MFPE shall endorse the Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2021 by:

• Signing on to the AFL-CIO Pass the PRO Act campaign

• Participating in the April 26 - May 1 national week of action

• Sending a letter to Senator Tester thanking him for co-sponsoring and urging him to vocally champion the PRO Act

• Sending a letter to Senator Daines urging him to pass the PRO Act

• Providing a press release

• Promoting the campaign on social media

NBI #3 – MFPE will continue to recruit and fully support member legislative candidates.

• We need Public Employee friendly legislators.

• 2 MFPE member legislators spoke at the conference of their experiences and the great need for more public employees to run for everything from school boards to senators, regardless of party affiliation. PLEASE contact Lauren Caldwell at LCaldwell@mfpe.org is this is something you might consider.

2 MFPE Scholarship winners were announced:

Continuing Student: Bozeman Teacher: Sierra Fischer Dykman

New Student: Helena Senior, Grace Burton

DISTRICT 4 Caucus:

National Education Association Representative Assembly Delegate election

Spencer Clark was elected to represent District 4 at the NEA RA in a virtual zoom meeting that would normally take place in Huston for several days at the end of June.

Spencer agreed to provide a report back for the District once the assembly is over.

Maureen Horton from Bozeman Education Association was elected as Spencer’s alternate in the event he cannot fulfill his election to attend.

MFPE STAFF REPORTS:

Quint Nyman, Deputy Executive Director, talked about the number of contracts that had been extended and which ones were still open.

Diane Fladmo, Public Policy Director, talked about the legislature.

Morgan Smith, Organizing Director - “The Morganizer” rolled through a long list of organizations MFPE is in contact with about organizing into additional locals with MFPE. MSU Tenure Faculty is on that list.

Bob Funk, Communications Director revealed public opinion of unions and being in a union continues to become more and more favorable over the last few months. Messaging around the “FREEDOM” to organize and the “FREEDOM” to collectively bargain with the employer is effective.

Sarah Piper, Director of Research talked about public employee student loan forgiveness plans, the retired member program, and a wide variety of benefits available to all members through NEA and AFT.

Lauren Caldwell, Political Director raved about the work members all across the state did in defeating so many bills that would have hurt our pensions, and created a RTW state. The Rapid Response Team is a model President Curtis

You can expect to have some of these staff members show up as special guests at some of our monthly meetings so you can hear about all the amazing work they are doing and how this benefits us all on so many levels.

Big Shout out to all our delegates this year for staying the course and showing up to vote on work that matters!

Dear MFPE Member,

On February 18, Governor Gianforte signed HB 102 into law, making concealed carry legal on every college campus and in every state/local government office. Whether or not you agree with the policy in HB 102, the bill sets a dangerous precedent for the legislature infringing on the Board of Regents' constitutional authority under Article X, Section 9 (see below).

Where will this infringement stop? What other aspects of the University system will politicians legislate next? The Regents are the only entity with legal standing to challenge the government overreach enacted by HB 102, and they will decide their next steps in their May 12 and 26 meetings.

Please use the email list below to contact each Regent before May 12th asking them to

· litigate HB 102 and

· continue firearms policy 1006.B (see below).

Please include your own personalized message about why this policy and litigation is important to you. Please only use PERSONAL time, devices, and email accounts to make these contacts.

I sent you this email because I think you care about the constitutional authority of the Board of Regents. If I have made a mistake, just click "unsubscribe" at the bottom of the email.

Thank you for your membership and your attention to this issue.

Solidarity,

Amanda

Loren Bough

regentbough@montana.edu

Todd Buchanan

regentbuchanan@montana.edu

Joyce Dombrouski

regentdombrouski@montana.edu

Casey Lozar

regentlozar@montana.edu

Roberty Nystuen

regentnystuen@montana.edu

Brianne Rogers

regentrogers@montana.edu

Amy Sexton

regentsexton@montana.edu

Regents email list: regentbough@montana.edu; regentbuchanan@montana.edu; regentdombrouski@montana.edu; regentlozar@montana.edu; regentnystuen@montana.edu; regentrogers@montana.edu; regentsexton@montana.edu

Montana Constitution, Article X, Section 9

2(a) The government and control of the Montana university system is vested in a board of regents of higher education which shall have full power, responsibility, and authority to supervise, coordinate, manage and control the Montana university system

Board policy 1006:

A. The president, chancellor or dean of each campus of the Montana University System shall have general control and direction of the police or security department of his or her campus in accordance with the policies of the Board of Regents of Higher Education. A campus may contract with private security companies for the provision of security services.

B. Except as provided in subsection C, only the following may carry firearms on or at any campus of the Montana University System:

1.those persons who are acting in the capacity of police or security department officers and who:

a. have successfully completed the basic course in law enforcement conducted by the Montana Law Enforcement Academy or an equivalent course conducted by another state agency and recognized as such by the Crime Control Division of the Montana Department of Justice; or;

b. have passed the state approved equivalency examination administered by the Montana Law Enforcement Academy; and

2.those persons who are employees of a contracted private security company and who are registered to carry firearms pursuant to Title 37, Chapter 60, MCA.

C. Each campus may establish regulations governing the transportation and storage of firearms on campus.

MFPE - 1232 E 6th Ave - Helena, MT 59601 - United States

April 14 meeting

Time: Apr 14, 2021 12:00 PM

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82377066385?pwd=MDVGSTVMWDJIZzk4QllqK1E2OWwvQT09

Meeting ID: 823 7706 6385

Passcode: 806354

One tap mobile

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kK8ruCf6M

Put this invite in your calendar.

March 17 meeting Summary

*** Annual Conferences are serious business

MFPE 4^th annual Conference: Saturday April 17^th. A total of 7 of our members have committed to act as delegates to the coming AC. These members will vote with delegates from every local across the state on such pressing matters as:

· the annual MFPE Budget (Where your dues dollars are spent is no secret and members VOTE on it and whether there will be any dues increases – or not.)

· New Business Items (NBIs) (What should MFPE focus on? Take up? These come from members just like you and me)

· Constitutional Amendments (What changes to the MFPE governing documents need to be made?)

· Elect our next MFPE NEA Director (currently the amazing Glen Southergill from Butte Tech is the only candidate I am aware of)

· Who will be our District 4 voice at the National Education Association Representative Assembly in Houston TX at the end of June.

Every member should participate as a delegate to the annual conference at least once every few

*** HB 102 (concealed carry on campus) Discussion:

4 points of action/what happens next

MFPE is contemplating the following four options:

1. A campaign in April and May to try to compel the Board of Regents to file litigation challenging the new law and seeking to overturn it.

2. An effort amongst all bargaining units and MFPE staff to participate in the Regents’ effort to craft a statewide higher education gun policy that reflects the concerns of members about personal safety and impacts on campuses.

3. Demanding to bargain over any adopted policy that does not address the concerns of our members in assuring safety. Such a demand would likely not overturn or change policy but would result in asking for accommodations or considerations that would address concerns.

4. Individual efforts by faculty to prohibit firearms through a course syllabus.

These four options are not mutually exclusive. MFPE is committed to pursuing any one or all these measures on behalf of our Montana University System members – but we need to know that when we do initiate actions that we have the support of our members in doing so.

In the most recent CUFS meeting (April 1) we learned many Higher Ed Locals had already surveyed their members with results indicating most members WOULD be willing to take some kind of messaging action to the Board of Regents encouraging that group to litigate the protection of their constitutional authority of control over the university system.

The FOCUS Board (7 campus Classified Staff leaders) is currently grappling with the fine tuning of a survey for the full statewide local.

Please respond when that comes to you.

Providing WE – the members – are willing to pursue this with active messaging to the Board of Regents up until May 26^th (their next BOR meeting) the MFPE state office is willing to treat this very much like the successful Rapid Response Team work that has been going on for the legislative session. This would include providing us with compelling arguments for commentary to add to our personal stories, possibly providing post cards, and contact info for phone calls and emails.

Watch for an “official” summary from Field Rep Tammy Harris soon.

You do not have to wait for this communication to submit a comment.

Please send public comment in writing, by emailing oche@montana.edu before May 17, 2021. All emails to this address are saved and read by those working on the draft firearms campus policy and will be made available to the Regents.

Special Guest: MFPE Executive Director Erik Burke, Legislative Update

Tax cut bills tend to hurt the university system first, and there are a lot of them floating around out there.

He appreciates the work many of us are doing after and before work hours on the Rapid Response Team

The best way to keep track of what’s going on with the legislature and how it pertains to us is being on that list serve.

Member and AC Delegate Spencer Clark: The PRO (Protect the Right to Organize) ACT

Today (April 9, 2021) is the AFL-CIO National Day of Action for the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. Call your senators and tell them to support working people by voting YES on the PRO Act.

Let’s show the Senate that people are pro-union across the country and across party lines.

Call Your Senators

Our outdated labor laws are no longer strong enough to protect us in the workplace.

High-profile corporations openly union-bust without facing consequences. Anti-worker lawmakers have passed wage-killing and racist right to work laws in 27 states. Inequality has skyrocketed as workers have been denied a voice on the job.

The PRO Act would change that.

It’s the most significant worker empowerment legislation since the Great Depression. And it’s also a civil rights and economic stimulus bill. If we can get this passed, working people will thrive for generations to come.

It passed the House on March 9 with bipartisan support, and President Biden has urged Congress to send it to his desk. The Senate is the final obstacle.

So let’s flood the Senate phone lines with support for the PRO Act. Call your senators and tell them to vote YES on the PRO Act.

Spencer has been working diligently with MFPE President Amanda Curtis and NEA Director Glen Southergill on language for submitting endorsement of the PRO Act as a New Business Item (NBI) to the MFPE Annual Conference.

He’s also working throughout the community building energy and awareness.

You can join your working local friends in front of the Bozeman Public Library at 5pm for a Pass the PRO Act March! Some signs will be provided.

In Solidarity,

Colette

Legislative update from Peter Strand, MFPE Member Legislative Organizer

(See a one-pager with info about these bills.)

Hi Everyone,

We're zeroing in on public education bills for the moment (though with all the other crazy legislation in motion, this is damn difficult). We held the line on anti-union legislation by remaining focused and speaking up together. So now we're doing the same.

Our job is to get everyone understanding and then talking about what these bills will do to our schools! We need to get the community up in arms, and yet most folks are oblivious about the situation.

With a whopping 5 minutes of your time...

ACTION: Read the PDF attached below such that you get the gist of these bills for yourself. Should you wish to read the bills in full, you can find them HERE.

ACTION: Share about the problem on social media. Feel free to include the JPG attached below with words such as: Four bills in Helena are targeting public school funding! We can't let this happen! Contact your legislators: https://leg.mt.gov/web-messaging/

ACTION: Spark conversations about the situation with anyone you encounter—on the phone, at the grocery store, in virtual meetings, or anywhere else you interact.

Requiring more time, but super impactful...

ACTION: Draft a letter to the editor! Again, we need the larger community to be in the know. No worries if you're anxious about publishing your words in the paper! I can set you up with expert writers who will help you to get your sentences right. These folks would even ghostwrite for you! Just let me know you're up for the challenge, and I'll set you up with what you need. Please consider participating in this way…and don't be bashful about using a ghostwriter. You end up with a nice letter that you can edit the way you like and then submit. There are plenty of successful folks out there who hire ghostwriters, so you're in good company should you take this on.

Thanks for your efforts! Feel free to respond with questions or suggestions!

Peter Strand

Member Legislative Organizer, Region 4, MFPE

406-579-5130 / ptstrand@gmail.com

MFPE is an extremely BUSY staff and that is multiplied by 1000 during this very disturbing legislative session. They don’t HAVE spare time, and yet they are constantly working to help us become more informed, more organized therefore more POWERFUL locals. This is to every working person’s benefit. When we take advantage of the trainings and opportunities offered, the more powerful our voice becomes as a local.

BIG SHOUT OUT to Tammy Harris for he continued work and communication with OCHE making sure the mask mandate remains in place even though the Governor has lifted that. Thank you Tammy!

** If you are NEW to our 24,000 strong union family, or just need a refresher course please seriously consider taking the Feb. 22 Member Rights and Grievances Training course at 5:30 p.m. You will learn about your Weingarten rights (you must KNOW HOW to use this -- in order to use it), and the 7 tests of Just Cause. This is practical information every working union member should know BEFORE things get testy back in the office. Sign up at https://mfpe.org/mfpe-events/. You should know your basic rights as a member.

**Spring Regional Meetings March 3, 10, and 17: Please pick ONE and attend. Learn and participate in the BUSINESS end of the union YOUR hard earned dues dollars support. It’s takes a TON of effort, energy, money, and direction to keep an organization such as MFPE as democratic and powerful as possible for us all. This is what makes MFPE a member run organization, in the business of empowering groups of working people.

Pick one and learn what members will be voting on at the coming MFPE 4th Annual Convention! Our dues dollars are decided here. Members are given every opportunity to speak up, participate, have your say... this is where the rubber hits the road. You can bet our Local’s crew (myself, David Reese, Mel Turney, Molly Arrandale, Jim Espeland, Lyle Williams,) will be there, and there is room for you!

• Voting on the coming budget

• Voting on Constitutional Amendments

• Electing NEA Director and Odd numbered district representatives

• Experiencing a feeling of purposeful solidarity across the state, we are not alone

Getting the inside scoop on the latest from the State legislature and Governor

NEA (National Education Association) Director: Glen Southergill MT Tech (Butte) Faculty currently serves in that role in a very effective and informative manner and is running for this position again. Glen has served MFPE and FOCUS well in this capacity. As a result of Glen’s consistent voice, NEA is repeatedly having to grapple with changing much of their cultural identification from a “teacher’s union” to a “Public Employees union”. The language is important as MFPE represents Public Employees of all walks of life from Nurses to Parole officers, to the Department of Transportation and everything in between. Glen is particularly sensitive to those tiny language differences and he is proving to be both an educator and non-educator’s champion with NEA.

This is such a big deal because we are all members of NEA, a NATIONAL union that works diligently to affect national policy to protect and further the interests of you, me and the other 23,000 MFPE members throughout this state. The NEA Director requires a ton of volunteer time on top of more volunteer time and attention - above and beyond his day job and family I know we don’t frequently have. Nevertheless, he persists, and he champions our cause. Glen is a major asset to us in this position because he believes in us as an important part of this union family and he DOES THE WORK REQUIRED. Attend any Spring Meeting, and it is likely you will get to hear him talk about his passion for all working people in this union.

Odd Districts (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) will be up for election. What MFPE district are we? #4

In 2022 District #4 Board Representatives along with other even numbered districts will be up for election. Any member can run for a District Board seat. Currently your Board Reps are Chair Kathy Rutherford, Three Forks Teacher, and Vice Chair: yours truly. Any member either working in or living in District 4 can run for either of these seats in 2022 at the 5th MFPE Annual Conference.

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Jim Espeland did an amazing job explaining where our budget sits. There is $156 in our communications budget, and 600 in our Meetings (lunches) budget. This budget goes untouched as we continue to meet virtually. We have $198 in our contingency fund and $2140 in our strike fund. The total Local budget comes to 4196.16.

Many expressed it will be nice to be able to meet in person again when that time comes. There was some discussion about using some of this money for a Staff Appreciation celebration much like the Holiday Social event we put on December 2019, just before COVID came on. That was a successful even that reached out to all staff.

Activists Report: VP David Reese has been communicating with MFPE Political Director Lauren Caldwell and Organizer Morgan Smith. They are working out the kinks of breaking down our own local members by MT Senate and Legislative districts. At some point hopefully soon we hope to have the VAN calling system available and up and running so we can call members and no members when there are VERY BAD bills pertaining to our voted on subjects that are of extreme importance to this local as we ranked them at the last meting. In the meantime it would be extremely helpful if any of YOU out there have 5 minute to send a message to a representative to send them to Jane Gillette jane.gillette@mtleg.gov or leave her a message at 406.444.4800 OR (SD35) Walt Sales waltsales4montana@gmail.com, 406.282.7435. These have been determined to be representatives who MIGHT be willing to listen to constituents if we try.

You might receive a phone call from MFPE Member Legislative Organizer Peter Strand. His call is an invitation to join the Rapid Response Team and get in on the email alerts that members are using to provide comments and responses to legislators on bills that are bad for labor in some way shape or form. Not one of us can respond or act on every call for responses, but when there are many of us to do the work, the work gets lighter for all of us.

David also wanted members to know: those MFPE Legislative Priorities that come out every year are voted on and come from the Annual Convention mentioned above.

MFPE President Amanda Curtis Report: It’s one bad bill after another. Labor made a tremendous showing Monday morning in opposition to the Right to Work bill, while there were few proponents.

MFPE Executive Director Erik Burke is tasked with tracking all the bills that cut state taxes. These defund our public services, education, and therefore the jobs of our members across many departments. It looks like there may already be a shortfall of 1 Billion dollars and this doesn’t bode well for at least keeping the state running and operating at its current capacity.

2400 Members across the state are signed up for the RRT (Rapid Response Team). It is important this number continues to GROW to keep SPREADING the word of what is happening with these bad bills, and to keep the pressure on the representatives voting on these bills. Sign up here to get on President Curtis’ Rapid Response Team: https://www.mfpe.org/freedom/ You will get the most recent updates being a part of this team! Here is an example of an Action Alert from President Curtis:

ACTION ALERT: HB 251

LET THE HOUSE BUSINESS AND LABOR COMMITTEE KNOW "RIGHT-TO-WORK" IS WRONG

Rapid Response Team,

HB 251 will likely be voted on in the House Business and Labor Committee tomorrow morning. Please take action today using the instructions below. Click on the link below to leave a message with the Switchboard asking for a "No" on HB 251.

The National Right to Work Coalition is driving calls to the switchboard, and we can't let them beat us--lets send 5 calls in opposition for every call they get to support it!!

Talking Points:

• In states with "right-to-work" laws, wages are lower, poverty levels are higher, people are less likely to have health insurance, and resources for education are lower—even infant mortality and the likelihood of being killed on the job are higher.

• HB 251 creates 11 new sections of code and 11 new ways to be a criminal

• HB 251 illegally expands federal labor relations law regarding private employers and union members

• HB 251 wrongly conflates public and private sector union law

Make a call to the House Business and Labor Committee and tell them to vote NO on HB 251 at committee because our unions are important to our good pay and quality healthcare.

By clicking the link above we will connect you with the Montana legislature and guide you through how to leave a message for the House Business and Labor Committee. Calls can be made between 9 A.M. and 5 P.M.

In Solidarity, Amanda

No one is expected to be able to act on every single item, we all have busy lives and issues to deal with, but if you could respond when the opportunities arise, it’s a HUGE help.

You can find Amanda’s Legislative update videos at this link:

https://www.mfpe.org/2021/02/15/weekly-legislative-update-from-mfpe-president-amanda-curtis- 6/

Keep putting the pressure on our representatives! The work we are doing is showing 😊

In Solidarity,

Colette Only1tigress@gmail.com

It’s time to start getting ready for the MFPE Annual Conference!

This year’s MFPE Annual Conference will be held virtually, April 16-17! (half day on the 16^th). This annual event is MFPE’s most important gathering. During this year’s meeting, we will elect a statewide officer (NEA Director) as well as board members from half of MFPE’s membership districts. Delegates will also adopt our statewide dues and budget.

Please email me only1tigress@gmail.com if you are ready and willing to say YES to being a delegate to this important annual event!

This year’s meeting will be held virtually due to ongoing Covid-related limitations on large events. Once registered, confirmed delegates will receive information about attending the MFPE Annual Conference in communications to delegates later this spring.

To get the information on the decisions members will make at the Annual Conference, you will want to attend one of our three Virtual Spring Meetings – March 3, 10, or 17. These meetings will preview the important decisions that will be made at the Annual Conference and provide updates about statewide issues, including legislation, affecting you and your fellow MFPE members.

To register for MFPE Spring Virtual Meetings, visit the following link and register for the meeting most convenient for you!

https://mfpe.org/2021springmeetings/

In Solidarity,

Colette Campbell

From the meeting Wednesday January 24th

Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in getting our officers elected.

Molly Arrandale was unanimously re-elected to serve as our MUS Labor Management Committee Representative.

James Espeland was unanimously re-elected to serve as our Local Treasurer.

David Reese was unanimously re-elected to serve as our Vice President.

Each of these roles is crucial to furthering Classified Staff’s interests in keeping our local on track in pursuing better wages, benefits, and working conditions. It is important to note none of these individuals has any more “free time” to volunteer than the rest of us. Thank you, David, Jim and Molly, for stepping up to the important work of fighting for all of us time and time again! We are stronger for having such a dedicated team of caring officers.

Legislative Update: Special Guest: Deputy Executive Director Quint Nyman

Quint took time out of his busy schedule to let us know how ugly things are getting in Helena. MFPE is literally tracking 1500-2000 bills.

A part of Governor Gianforte’s budget policy is what is being referred to as a 2-month Holiday on the state paying its share of employee premiums. The money to cover these differences will come out of the state’s reserves budget that was established in the previous Governor’s administration.

Field Rep Tammy Harris chimed in saying that this measure has a positive effect as this will be a measure to prevent losses in staff and faculty and will balance the budget.

BILLS TO join the fight on:

House Bill 168 – eliminates employer payroll deduction. This is a bill designed to kill unions across the board.

Senate Bill 89 – Also eliminates employer payroll deduction and takes away exclusive representation.

House Bill 102 – Concealed Carry on Campus has passed the House 66 to 31 This Bill is scheduled for its 3^rd reading in the Senate 2.3.21 It is expected to pass and it is likely the Governor will sign it into law.

Listen to Quint's testimony here

MT AFLCIO is holding Unity Table meetings with all MT affiliated unions every Thursday through April. This is a MASSIVE statewide amount of work going into addressing these bills. Any member can attend these. Register in advance for these meetings here:

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJErcumprj8uGNc08K92G8CmREI-E5qPID0-

See President Curtis' most recent video update

Get signed up on her list serve at acurtis@mfpe.org

MARY ANN GEORGE (Helena FOCUS President) report from IUBC meeting Jan 27

Summary of Inter-Units Benefits Committee Meeting

Benefits Finalization Meeting

Wednesday January 27

Submitted by Mary Ann George, Helena College and FOCUS representative on the committee.

There is a huge volume of information shared at these meetings. I am impressed by the dedication of Mary Lachenbruch, her staff, /Wellness staff and committee members’ commitment to get the highest quality services and benefits for MUS employees in the most economically responsible way. We are in great hands. Mary Ann

The IUBC met for the quarterly meeting. This meeting focused on potential changes to our plan. Items being considered are:

• Dental Benefits

• Vision Hardware

• Hearing Aids

• Delta Dental Discount Programs

  • Amplifon

  • Qualsight

• BCBCMT Discount Programs

  • Blue 365

• TeleHealth

• State Share Holiday

Bozeman Clinic representatives presented a program. They are offering an Orthopedic Bundle for Total Joint Replacement and want to partner with the MUS system for a pilot program beginning in FY22.

More specific details will be presented at the March meeting.

Laura Del Guerra presented and update on the Take Control Program.

The program has adapted to Covid restrictions and even though the program has always been a distance contact they added video capabilities and produces short focused webinars throughout the spring and summer.

Neal Andrews and Mary Lachenbruch presented an update on our Wellness Program

• Upgraded Limeade One

• BCBSMT Well on Target Program

• Well Checks

• BCBSMT Add-On Benefits

  • Naturally Slim

  • Hinge

• Wellness Budget

Mary L presented update relating to Covid: No information about vaccinations to system yet.

Next committee meeting is March 24.

MFPE Member Rights & Grievance Training

Monday, February 22, 5:30-7:00 p.m.

How do you know if you have a grievance to file? Did you know you only have 10 days to file it? Learn your rights as a member!

This introduction to member rights and grievances will help members learn the role of the union representative. Topics covered include Basics of Employee Representation, Grievance Definitions and Grievance Procedure, The Role of the Worksite Leader, Identifying Grievances and Complaints, Weingarten Rights and Seven Tests of Just Cause. It features practice scenarios that will help you put these basic grievance concepts into action in real-life situations back at your worksite.

This virtual training is open to any MFPE member wishing to learn more about union engagement and rights. Brought to you by your dues dollars at work...

Register here.

The House Business and Labor Committee will soon vote on HB168 and whether or not to send this anti-worker bill to the floor. Committee members need to hear as much opposition as possible.

Please send messages to the members of this committee to state your opposition. Below are instructions on how to do this. Find legislator contact info here (PDF).

BY PHONE: individuals can call 406.444.4800 and say they want to leave a message for members of the House Business and Labor committee.

SUBMIT COMMENT ONLINE:

To submit a comment opposing HB 168 go to https://leg.mt.gov/web-messaging/ and follow the instructions below.

1. After you fill out the required fields, you must choose the committee to which you would like to submit a comment. You have the option of either legislators or committee.

This is a house bill so you must make sure you select (H) Business and Labor from the drop-down menu.

2. Under Bill Type and Number select HB and type 168.

3. Enter your message to the committee. Keep it simple and to the point. Below are message guidelines.

Attached to this email I've also included individual contact information for each member of the committee.

RECOMMENDED MESSAGING:

HB 168: ILLEGAL INTRUSION ON WORKER RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS

(1) Unlawful government intrusion on the voluntary relationship between unions and their members

(2) Creates a bureaucratic nightmare

THE FACTS

• Every single state and federal court to consider the issues presented in HB 168, including a state court in Montana, has ruled that the Janus decision does not apply to the voluntary relationship between unions and their members.

HB 168 is government overreach and an assault on the freedom of speech and association of frontline workers like nurses, educators, police, and state troopers who protect, serve, educate, and care for Montana citizens.

Union members are not forced to join the union but instead choose to join.

HB 168 creates chaos in school districts, local governments, and state governments by allowing any number of parties to negotiate with public employers. SB 89 sows discord and undoes a century of labor stability and peace in Montana.

• HB 168 is harmful, unnecessary, and unconstitutional. Our nurses, law enforcement, firefighters, and teachers who have delivered essential services to every Montana community during a global pandemic deserve better.

Dwight Rose

406-459-3548

bigskyclcmt@gmail.com

Big Sky Central Labor Council

Leaders for a Just Society is a six-week, online professional learning opportunity designed for public workers and educators, including support personnel. Workshops begin Feb. 10.

For more info and to register:

https://www.mfpe.org/benefits-of-membership/professional-development/ljs/

Hello FOCUS Friends,

In case you haven’t seen your MFPE President in action yet, here’s a place you can do that. The defense of working people was well coordinated with many MT AFLCIO representatives from Carpenters, Nurses, Electrical Workers, Firefighters, Laborers, and many more.

https://twitter.com/AFTunion/status/1352656474963668997

This is MFPE’s Communications Director Bob Funk’s write up on the bill Amanda was opposing:

https://www.mfpe.org/2021/01/19/hb-168-is-an-illegal-intrusion-on-worker-rights-and-freedoms/

You can also join your fellow members at the Facebook CLOSED group where I try to repost these little gems as I stumble upon them and as time will allow.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/779772465468354

Labor needs all hands-on deck to communicate with MT Legislators on many fronts. There’s always room for fresh new voices and faces. Visit this link to let MFPE Staff know where your interests are in supporting working people!

https://www.mfpe.org/freedom/

FOCUS MSU MEMBERS VOTE TO EXTEND CONTRACT!

While I was attending the MFPE Board Meeting, VP David Reese help a Special Membership vote Friday at noon. It is this local’s leaderships belief that it is imperative that the members participate at every opportunity in the decisions affecting the contract that governs our agreement with our employer.

This union, this contract is ALL OUR RESPONSIBILITY. When the members make decisions, they own the decisions.

The Vote was YES or NO to extend our contract under the current existing language, only to negotiate wages in the coming spring. MFPE is consulting daily with other states that have faced similar anti-union state administrations as we are now. To preserve the decades of work in each local’s contract (ours is 46 pgs) it has been made clear that we need to take this step.

To be clear, OCHE also has to agree to this contract extension and Field Rep Tammy Harris has been in communication with them in these matters for many higher ed locals all across the state. I cannot express how much gratitude I feel on multiple levels, for more reasons than I can count, having this amazing person as our Field Rep.

Thank you to all the amazing members out there who showed up for the vote Friday on such short notice and listened to WHY this was such an important strategy to implement. Thank you for stepping up!

I logged in on my phone from the Board Meeting and couldn’t hear 1 word VP David Reese was saying but apparently he got the message across that we were in serious danger of losing our grievance process, seniority, Just Cause provisions, and so much more.

Thank you David! Thank you members!

Next meeting: Wednesday Jan 27^th noon to 1pm

Here's the agenda:

Member vote: Election of FOCUS MSU officers: (Nominations remain open until the start of the meeting)

MUS Labor Management Committee Representative: Candidate Molly Arrandale

MSU Focus Treasurer, Candidate: Jim Espeland

MSU FOCUS VP Candidate: David Reese

You can find brief statements from nominated candidates on this FOCUS News page.

Update on MT legislative session - Quint Nyman, MFPE Deputy Executive Director

Member vote: Priorities for local action

Members and leaders from FOCUS MSU are already working hard to defend the interests of working people. In the coming weeks, we plan to expand our efforts, FOCUS Activists would like your input collectively to determine where we focus our energy. Please visit www.focusmsu.org to learn more in preparation for the 1/27 meeting--info will go up after work hours on Friday, 1/22.

2 MFPE $1500 Scholarships, applications are open for submission!

Winners to be announced at the 4^th MFPE Conference April 16-17 2021

CATEGORY 1 – Public Employee (student)

1. Active member of MFPE.

2. Currently enrolled or accepted for study during the upcoming academic year at an accredited 2 or 4-year public Montana college or university.

3. Intend to register/have registered for at least half-time undergraduate or graduate study in a higher education program leading to a degree/certificate.

4. Achieved a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

CATEGORY 2 – Student with Required Sponsor

1. Sponsor is an active member of MFPE (parent or legal guardian of student).*

2. Currently enrolled or accepted for study during the upcoming academic year at an accredited public 2 or 4-year public college or university In Montana.

3. Registered in a higher education program leading to a degree/certificate.

4. Achieved a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

*A dependent child/legal ward must be unmarried and age 25 or younger.

You can find the link to the application here:

https://www.focusmsu.org/news

MFPE VIRTUAL TRAININGS COMING SOON

Leaders for a Just Society Training: 1 night a week (Wednesdays) for 6 weeks. Feb 10 – March 16

Sign up for each night here! https://www.mfpe.org/mfpe-events/

FEBRUARY 15^th – 5:30pm, MFPE Grievance and Member Rights Virtual Training

😊 Union 101: The place to learn more about MFPE and what it means to be Union.

Date and Time TBD.

New MFPE 2^nd Vice President elected

District IV Vice Chair Eric Matthews won the election to the vacant MFPE 2^nd Vice Chair.

Special Guests at coming monthly meetings

January 27^th noon All Membership Meeting: Legislative Update from MFPE Executive Deputy Director Quint Nyman.

February 17^th noon All Membership Meeting: Legislative Update from MFPE President Amanda Curtis.

4^th MFPE Conference April 16-17 2021

Call for Delegates! (Will be virtual) Email me if you would like to be a delegate.

Delegates to this conference vote on the budget for the coming year, vote on amendments to the constitution, and decide the direction of this union.

Where will you be?

Join your Local leadership in the single most important gathering of MFPE every year.

Attending this conference does require your willingness to give up a Friday afternoon of work and a portion of Saturday. It’s very little in exchange for owning the process that keeps this Union working for everyone.

In Solidarity and happy Sunday!

Colette

Hi everyone,

In lieu of a pre-meeting newsletter this month, this brief update is designed to fill you all in on the crucial issues that will be discussed and voted on in our January 27 membership meeting (join us on zoom).

1. Election of officers
   
   We’ll be nominating and voting for our vice president, treasurer, and MUS Labor Management Committee representative. You can learn about the folks who have been nominated so far at www.focusmsu.org/news. Nominations remain open through the start of our January 27 meeting.
   

2. Local priorities for legislative action
   
   Many of our members are working with MFPE to fight to defend the interests of working people in the Montana legislature. If you want to participate, I strongly encourage you to join MFPE’s Rapid Response Team. You can see MFPE President Amanda Curtis’s weekly legislative updates here.
   
   In addition to this work, though, activists within FOCUS MSU plan to engage in targeted outreach to members of our collective bargaining unit to ask folks to call high-priority legislators about crucial bills. Our activists are committed, but they’re also stretched thin, so we won’t be able to take this extra action on every bill that MFPE flags. So our local needs to make a decision about what our priorities are. Which issues are the most important for us to make extra effort on? In our January 27 meeting, members will be asked to rank their legislative priorities, and our activist group will use the outcome of this vote to make strategic decisions throughout the legislative session.

I hope to see you all on January 27. Our union is only as strong as our members are engaged and invested in the work we do.

In solidarity,

David

Hi everyone,

A special membership meeting has been called for Friday, January 21, 2021, at 12:00 pm. Members can join the zoom meeting here. The purpose of this special membership meeting is to discuss and vote on the collective bargaining strategy outlined below.

Our current collective bargaining agreement expires on June 30, 2021, and so we’d normally start bargaining later this spring. However, developments both underway and anticipated in the Montana state legislature require us to respond strategically and quickly. So far, bills have been introduced that would prohibit public employee unions from negotiating to have dues deducted from member paychecks (SB 89) and require union members to opt-in to membership and dues collection in writing every year (HB 168). Both are intended to financially cripple MFPE and other public sector unions by making it harder for union members who choose to pay dues to actually make those payments. Additional bills are in the works that could make it easier for employers to fire employees and then prevent wrongfully discharged employees from getting restitution (LC 645). We also anticipate that anti-union legislators, following in the steps of their counterparts in Wisconsin, Iowa, and elsewhere, will propose legislation to prohibit public employee unions from bargaining for items other than base wage increases. Were such a bill to pass, we could see everything we have won through bargaining over the past 50 years--protective disciplinary procedures, overtime rules, our ability to organize--could disappear forever with the expiration of our contract.

We are fighting in the legislature--as MFPE, as FOCUS, and as individuals--to stop these bills. But in order to protect the contract we’ve fought for from these bills, MFPE and FOCUS are recommending that we work with OCHE to immediately extend our contract with no changes through June 30, 2023. We would still meet this spring to negotiate wage increases for the 2021-2023 biennium, but we would pursue no other items this cycle. This would ensure that our contract would remain in force through the end of the next legislative cycle, giving us the opportunity to fight to undo anti-union and anti-worker legislation in the courts, at the ballot box, or in the next legislature.

This is a big choice, and one that FOCUS MSU is putting to its membership. As your representative on the statewide FOCUS board of directors, I urge you to vote in favor of this strategy. As much as I’d like to take an aggressive list of proposals to management in the spring, the trajectory of our current legislature suggests that, even in the best case, we’d be lucky to make even incremental progress. I don’t believe that there’s any potential outcome that would outweigh the risk of losing everything we’ve already bargained. In short, we have little to gain but much to lose from trying to bargain as normal. I believe that our other FOCUS locals are already on board with the strategy of extending our contract now, and I urge you as our local to join them in voting for this strategy.

In solidarity,

David

MFPE will award $1,500 scholarships to students who are active members of MFPE or have a sponsor (including a parent) who is an MFPE member. More details and application instructions here.

MSU Bozeman FOCUS Local 8521 Constitution Our Local officer positions coming up for re-election this year are Vice President, Membership Treasurer, and MUS Labor Management Committee Representative. These individuals should be in place and ready to fill those roles by March 15th. The elections are held annually during the JANUARY monthly meeting to allow for getting new officers trained up and up to speed for their new responsibilities.

Please send all nominations for any of these positions to Colette at only1tigress@gmail.com. Self-nominations are perfectly acceptable.

Self-Nomination for Vice President from VP David Reese:

Hi everyone,

If we haven’t met, my name is David Reese, and I’m currently the VP for the Federation of Classified University Staff on the Bozeman campus, as well as the board president for FOCUS on the statewide level. I’m running for re-election to the vice presidency because now more than ever I believe that unions are the best hope that the working class has to create a better world. I also believe that unions can only fight for that world to the extent that they actively and genuinely engage the working people they represent. In other words, while we do have staff at the state and national levels, our only true power lies in the willingness of our members to support and trust one another and to understand the union not as an independent organization that works on our behalf, but as an extension of ourselves.

As your vice president, I have focused my efforts on trying to create a stronger organization by improving our outreach and communication to members and non-members alike. Thanks to the hard work of many of our members, we’ve made progress, but much remains to be done. The next biennium is going to be incredibly difficult for public employees, and the work that lies before the union is only made harder by the isolating effects of the COVID pandemic. I ask you to trust me to continue helping to lead our union through what lies ahead. And, more importantly still, whether or not you support my candidacy, I urge you to step forward and join us in our struggle for a better life for all working people.

In solidarity,

David Reese

Self-Nomination for MUS Labor Management Committee Representative

from current LMC Rep Molly Arrandale:

I would love the opportunity to continue serving as the FOCUS MSU-Bozeman representative to the statewide FOCUS / MUS Labor Management Committee. It has been a challenge to make much progress during the pandemic but serving on the LMC has provided insights into the classification and compensation review process, for example. Our strength depends on our numbers, our representation, and our knowledge of the events and policies that impact our pay, benefits, and security. It is important that MSU-Bozeman continue to have a strong presence on this committee - our campus can and needs to be a powerhouse in FOCUS and MFPE statewide. We have so much to offer our union, and our representation on the LMC is part of that work that I would be honored to continue.

In Solidarity,

Molly Arrandale

Self-Nomination for Treasurer from Treasurer Jim Espeland

My name is Jim Espeland and I have been the MFPE Local #8521 (MSU Bozeman Federation of Classified University Staff) Treasurer for the past two years. I am interested in running for this position again during the next Treasurer election. In this position, I perform general financial duties of our union including banking, bookkeeping, assisting with budgeting, and financial reporting. I would encourage all of our members

to be engaged with our union and feel free to run for Treasurer if you are interested in taking over that position for the next two year cycle.

Together we are stronger,

Jim Espeland

MPFE is Montana’s largest union representing tens of thousands of frontline workers including educators, law enforcement, healthcare workers, and state and local government employees.  MFPE members have continued to report for duty every single day to ensure Montanans continue to receive vital services throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. 

However, if Montanans expect MFPE members to continue to provide education, corrections, law enforcement, and government services in-person, Montanans must take responsibility to reduce or eliminate community spread. Montanans must wear masks in all public areas, and state and local government must hold all of us accountable for noncompliance. Additionally, educators, school boards and administrators must continue to follow all state and county public health guidelines, including mask-wearing, contact tracing and quarantining. All Montanans can help protect their neighbors who serve on the frontlines by doing the same.

To date, MFPE governance has asked the Governor’s office for: 

• Stricter reporting guidelines, separating school case reporting into two categories: classroom spread and school activity spread 

• Remote learning in communities that cannot keep their infection rate below a rate set by county health departments 

• Telework for government employees 

• Increased protection and hazard pay for corrections, health care, human service, and law enforcement workers where telework is impossible as a matter of public safety 

Meanwhile, MFPE has negotiated and advocated at the federal, state and local level for:

• Flexible leave provisions to deal with Covid related illness and absences to help stop spread and allow families to support and assist one another

• Workplace safety measures including cleaning, access to protective equipment, and reporting that help workers stay safe on the job

• Increased funding to public schools and agencies to assure that adequate personnel and resources are available to continue services 

With Covid-19 cases growing rapidly in Montana, MFPE governance, staff, and members will continue to advocate for increased safety measures for all essential workers and community compliance with state and local health directives and recommendations.  We ask all Montanans to join us in doing so.

https://www.mfpe.org/2020/12/07/protect-essential-workers/

From Colette

My FIRST MEETING BACK IN THE SADDLE… was a bit of a crow hop, we didn’t get quite bucked off but many members were unable to log in after David got us up and running. I offer my most sincere of apologies as presiding over an online meeting and checking for an email giving me host permissions at the same time is a skill I have yet to master. We will have this issue fixed in time for the Dec 17th noon meeting (put that in your calendar and BE THERE so you can hold me to it!)

WE SHALL OVERCOME WHAT??

Working Montanans are headed into what will likely be one of the ugliest legislative sessions ever as they pertain to our jobs, state services, finances, and overall well-being. At last count, over 1,500 bills are in some draft stage for the coming MT Legislature that affect ALL MT workers, union or not - negatively. Some slash the legs out from under workers’ freedoms to organize and bargain collectively, weakens pensions, eliminate prevailing wage rules, public education, and much more. Have you looked at our contract lately? 52 pages of FOCUS negotiated rights and benefits we enjoy could be slashed to 1 page. States like Wisconsin, Alaska, Illinois, Ohio and others have been down this path before us.

The Montana AFLCIO and MFPE are NOT about to roll over. MFPE and MT AFLCIO leadership have been in communication with our sister organizations in those states and building a strategic game plan to help us hold the line on behalf of all working Montanans regardless of union affiliation or status. Allies are stepping up to advise and guide us in the most strategic and informed preparation possible.

That’s where we come in. You AND ME - WE are the rank and file. We are the source of the labor movement’s ultimate power and we are sorely needed to bring our voices together and make some noise! There is power in our numbers and that power weakens for every member that opts out.

We are severely understaffed and working through a hiring freeze during a pandemic. I know most of us were already underpaid and struggling to make ends meet under what was considered a worker friendly administration. I know we’re all struggling with a myriad of different issues, sometimes half a dozen or more in each week. I need more than both hands to count all the issues and disappointments I wrestled with last week on top of dealing with a personal health emergency. We can do this anyway – we can do it together!

We were truly made for these times.

Montanan’s are no strangers to the mantra “When the going gets tough, the tough get going!”

If there were ever a time the need for ALL OUR participation in preserving worker rights and freedoms it is now.

How do we start?

We start by RSVPing to the link below and making space in our lives to get trained up to be your own best legislative lobbyist!

From MFPE President Amanda Curtis

Hi MFPE FOCUS Members!

You and I know that our union, our pensions, and our work will come under attack during the 2021 Montana Legislature. That's why I'm grateful for union members like you who are committed to fighting for our freedom to join together and negotiate for fair wages, better benefits, and safe working conditions.

We must start to prepare for the legislative session immediately.

The most important thing you can do to support our union and get ready for the fight ahead is to attend the Legislative Action Training we're hosting on the 15th.

The MFPE Legislative Action Training

(Virtual via Zoom)

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

5:30 - 6:30 PM

Please RSVP here.

In solidarity,

Amanda Curtis

MFPE President

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN FOR 3 LOCAL OFFICER SEATS

MSU Bozeman FOCUS Local 8521 Constitution Our Local officer positions coming up for re-election this year are Vice President, Membership Treasurer, and MUS Labor Management Committee Representative. These individuals should be in place and ready to fill those roles by March 15th. The elections are held annually during the JANUARY monthly meeting to allow for getting new officers trained up and up to speed for their new responsibilities.

Please send all nominations for any of these positions to Colette at only1tigress@gmail.com. Self-nominations are perfectly acceptable.

Self-Nomination for Vice President from VP David Reese:

Hi everyone,

If we haven’t met, my name is David Reese, and I’m currently the VP for the Federation of Classified University Staff on the Bozeman campus, as well as the board president for FOCUS on the statewide level. I’m running for re-election to the vice presidency because now more than ever I believe that unions are the best hope that the working class has to create a better world. I also believe that unions can only fight for that world to the extent that they actively and genuinely engage the working people they represent. In other words, while we do have staff at the state and national levels, our only true power lies in the willingness of our members to support and trust one another and to understand the union not as an independent organization that works on our behalf, but as an extension of ourselves.

As your vice president, I have focused my efforts on trying to create a stronger organization by improving our outreach and communication to members and non-members alike. Thanks to the hard work of many of our members, we’ve made progress, but much remains to be done. The next biennium is going to be incredibly difficult for public employees, and the work that lies before the union is only made harder by the isolating effects of the COVID pandemic. I ask you to trust me to continue helping to lead our union through what lies ahead. And, more importantly still, whether or not you support my candidacy, I urge you to step forward and join us in our struggle for a better life for all working people.

In solidarity,

David Reese

Self-Nomination for MUS Labor Management Committee Representative

from current LMC Rep Molly Arrandale:

I would love the opportunity to continue serving as the FOCUS MSU-Bozeman representative to the statewide FOCUS / MUS Labor Management Committee. It has been a challenge to make much progress during the pandemic but serving on the LMC has provided insights into the classification and compensation review process, for example. Our strength depends on our numbers, our representation, and our knowledge of the events and policies that impact our pay, benefits, and security. It is important that MSU-Bozeman continue to have a strong presence on this committee - our campus can and needs to be a powerhouse in FOCUS and MFPE statewide. We have so much to offer our union, and our representation on the LMC is part of that work that I would be honored to continue.

In Solidarity,

Molly Arrandale

Self-Nomination for Treasurer from Treasurer Jim Espeland

My name is Jim Espeland and I have been the MFPE Local #8521 (MSU Bozeman Federation of Classified University Staff) Treasurer for the past two years. I am interested in running for this position again during the next Treasurer election. In this position, I perform general financial duties of our union including banking, bookkeeping, assisting with budgeting, and financial reporting. I would encourage all of our members

to be engaged with our union and feel free to run for Treasurer if you are interested in taking over that position for the next two year cycle.

Together we are stronger,

Jim Espeland

NEWSBITES VS NEWSLETTERS…

I have consumed so much information from SO MANY meetings over the last month I would LOSE your attention – that is if I even still have it at this point.

I think it’s in all our best interest if I just start posting announcements and news as it comes out instead of letting it build into a book.

That being said – keep an eye out for more announcements coming soon!

Stay strong my union family!

Colette

November 5, 2020

Hello, everyone!

Please find a couple of quick updates from our 10/29 meeting and the week since below.

COVID-19

Today Montana reported 1,013 new cases, including 146 in Gallatin County, just two days after posting a record of more than 200 cases in the county. Things are clearly bad and getting worse. I don’t know what else to say other than stay safe. If you had ADA accommodations approved for the fall term, they should be automatically renewed for the spring. If you are concerned for your safety at work, or if you need help with obtaining accommodations such as telework or safety equipment, please contact me (rdavidreese@gmail.com) and Tammy Harris (tharris@mfpe.org) so that we can help.

Vote like your paycheck depends on it: post-election update

If you read the pre-meeting newsletter or attended the meeting last week, you’ll have learned that MFPE’s pre-budget negotiations team had reached an agreement with Governor Bullock’s office to push the incoming legislature for funds for a $.55/hour raise for state employees, plus additional funding to support university system raises. At this point, given Greg Gianforte’s victory in the gubernatorial race and the strengthening of GOP majorities in the Montana house and senate, I think it’s safe to assume that the pre-budget agreement is out the window.

If you get MFPE President Amanda Curtis’s emails (and if you don’t, you should—email her at acurtis@mfpe.org and ask to be added to her listserv), you’ll have heard about the Montana GOP’s leaked legislative priorities for the upcoming session. Two of the five “top priorities” on the list are freezing state spending—including, presumably, state spending on staff salaries—and cutting the income tax rate for the top 10% of earners in Montana (who, most likely, aren’t earning state or university staff salaries). Other items particularly pertinent to public employees like us are bills to defund MFPE and other public employee unions by prohibiting public employers from deducting union dues from paychecks; weakening public employee and teacher pensions; and, in case anyone was feeling wary about working on campus during a pandemic, declaring all workers “essential” and restricting the ability of the governor or even county health boards to implement pandemic-related restrictions. I encourage you to read the list for yourselves. Depending on your politics, there may be much to love or hate there, but there’s no denying that the party that will control both the legislature and the governor’s office is planning to reduce, not increase, the money that is spent on workers like us.

So what can we do about it at this point? I’ve worked in a union position at MSU and been involved with MFPE since 2015; Greg Gianforte has run for office in every election since; and never once has he accepted an invitation to speak with our union about the concerns of the public employees we represent. I don’t imagine that he’s likely to take an interest now that he’s won the governorship. The state legislature seems unlikely to discover a new interest in ensuring that public employees make a living wage. So it seems to me that we have two paths forward. We can simply accept our fate (including the fact that it’s not likely to include much in the way of wage increases over the next biennium), or we can fight. I choose to fight, and I hope you will too.

But it’s important to understand that FOCUS, as it exists today, is not ready for this fight. A minority union (with more non-members than members) cannot win this fight. A union unable to move its members to action cannot win this fight. A timid union cannot win this fight. MFPE is likely closer to ready for this fight, but we have work to do on that level as well. To actually win will require a tremendous level of organization and a commitment to fearless action. It will require massive action by union members—not just officers or stewards or staff, but members—to force our next legislature to adequately fund public services, including but not limited to the university system. We cannot negotiate with the university for money they don’t have.

So if you want to fight—and again, I hope you do—it’s time. We have members working to organize their colleagues via phone and text; members talking about the union to their friends and coworkers on campus; members working behind the scenes to keep the records that allow us to do this outreach. We need more. We need you. Whatever skills you have, we can use them. We need organizers, of course, but we also need writers, spreadsheet wizards, web designers, event planners, strategists, and more. If you have lots of free time, we need you. If you can only give up an hour here or there, we need you. If you believe that the work you do is worth doing and worth paying for, we need you. If you want to have any hope of bringing home a raise in the next four years, we need you. If you want to fight and win, you need to help us build this union.

Email me, email Colette, email any one of our stewards or officers and let them know you’re in. I promise that we can find a way for you to contribute. And if you want to help MFPE in this fight, you can let President Curtis know by clicking here.

In solidarity,

David

P.S. - I just want to reaffirm that Colette is an amazing human being. I’m devastated that she didn’t win her election for HD 67, but most of all I’m in awe of the incredible amount of work she put into that race. We’re all better off for having Colette on our side.

Want to fight, but feel like you don’t know how to help? Sign up for this organizing training with MFPE!

Building power in the workplace is critical to the success of MFPE locals across our state. Increasing the number of local members; effectively engaging members around commonly held values; and identifying, recruiting, and developing leaders are steps every MFPE local union can use to build power and capacity.

Join us for an MFPE training where we’ll learn how to organize and:

• Engage and listen to members

• Effectively ask co-workers to join the union

• Identify common membership values and goals

• Move members to action collectively

• Recruit members to help

• Learn about how our union works

• Break down goals into manageable tasks

• Create a support system for ongoing questions and help!

We’ll break the training down into two 1-hour blocks using Zoom

• November 10, 5:30-6:30pm

• November 12, 5:30-6:30pm

This training is open to all MFPE members. Please forward to other members who may be interested and encourage them to attend!

Sign-up here!

If you have any questions or need additional information, please reach out via email - msmith@mfpe.org or cell - 406-459-2641.

FOCUS/MFPE Contact Information

October 25, 2020

Hello, everyone!

Our next meeting will be Thursday, October 29, at noon via Zoom. A full agenda is at the bottom of the newsletter.

COVID-19

I keep hoping that I’ll be able to write a newsletter that doesn’t start with a COVID update, but the situation continues to get worse in Gallatin County. As of today’s writing, the county has posted record high new cases two days running (both over 100 per day), hospitalizations are rising, our test positivity rate is over 13% (which means that we are almost certainly missing a substantial number of positive cases, and which is more than double the CDC’s threshold of “highest risk for transmission in K-12 schools), and the City-County Health Department is warning that their contact tracing program cannot even come close to keeping up:

“As the number of COVID-19 cases has increased, contact tracing has become more difficult.

“The health department continues to be able to notify those who have tested positive within 24 hours of receiving their test result. But the department can no longer alert all their close contacts to their possible exposure.

“Instead, the department is focused on reaching close contacts who are elderly, have preexisting health conditions or work or live in congregate settings like dormitories and long-term care facilities.”

It was a record week at MSU as well, with 99 new cases and 71 active (scroll to the end for full MSU numbers).

All of which is to say stay safe, and if you are worried about your safety at work, please contact me (rdavidreese@gmail.com) and Tammy Harris (tharris@mfpe.org) so that we can help you explore possible accommodations to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Vote like your paycheck depends on it (because it does)

I’ll make this part short, as I know many (all?) of us are reaching the point of election fatigue. But I want to say something, because what happens in November will play a huge role in determining what will be possible for FOCUS to achieve at the bargaining table next spring.

MFPE’s pre-budget negotiations team (including FOCUS-Dillon’s Bill Dwyer) has concluded their negotiations with Governor Bullock’s office, and the outcome paints an ominous picture. Due to the expectation that state revenues will drop precipitously in the next biennium (with fewer folks working, we’re collecting a lot less income tax, for one), Governor Bullock’s team was willing to fund only a single, $.55/hour raise for state and university employees over the next two years, to be effective in November of 2022. That means that, on our state’s current fiscal trajectory, and while housing prices in Bozeman make the national news, even a union-friendly administration does not anticipate having the money for any wage increase between January 2021 and November 2022. This is not good news, but I want to express my thanks to our MFPE team—from what I’ve heard of the negotiations, this raise would constitute a significant improvement over what the governor initially offered.

Of course, even that single raise is only a hypothetical at this point. For one, we have the right to try to bargain with the university system for better terms. I expect that anyone reading this will agree with me that we certainly have to try—and that means helping grow and organize our membership (let me know if you’d like to contribute to this effort!). But in the shorter term, if Greg Gianforte becomes our governor, and if we don’t elect union-friendly state legislators, there could easily be far less money available. On the federal level, too, this election will be decisive. All the way back in May, the U.S. House passed the HEROES act, which would provide (among many other forms of COVID-related economic relief) billions of dollars to the states to make up for lost revenues and fund critical public services like state universities. That legislation has stalled in the U.S. Senate, but could be revived if the makeup of the senate changes. Any hope of improving our odds in bargaining will require that federal money be provided to fill the holes in Montana’s budget.

Rather than discuss individual races here, I’ll just refer you to MFPE’s voter guide. Any candidate you find there has been vetted by MFPE members and can be counted on to support the work that public employees do (and the idea that they should be paid a living wage). And if you’re voting by mail, make sure you track your ballot status all the way to “accepted” at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo.

In solidarity,

David

Meeting Details

Thursday, October 29, 2020, 12:00-1:00 pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84832615432?pwd=ckFpdE5sZnBjQStuUXJJWjZTMXEvUT09

Agenda:

• The 2020 election, pre-budget negotiations, and collective bargaining for university staff: see above for more info

• Jim McGarvey Scholars: LMC Rep Molly Arrandale attended the MFPE Educators’ Conference as a McGarvey Scholar and will share her experience

• Open discussion: COVID, or whatever else is on your mind.

October 6, 2020

Hello, everyone!

COVID-19

COVID-19 continues to spread in Montana, Gallatin County, and even at MSU. As I write this, Montana has posted more than 500 new cases in a day for the second time, including another 46 cases in Gallatin County. Here are the most recent numbers for cases at MSU, provided by the Gallatin City-County Health Department. You can find this info each Friday in the department’s Weekly Surveillance Report—just scroll to the end for MSU numbers.

If you have any concerns for your safety at work, or if you’ve had any difficulty obtaining the necessary accommodations to keep you and your loved ones safe, please don’t hesitate to contact me (rdavidreese@gmail.com) and Tammy Harris (tharris@mfpe.org).

Announcement - See Colette Debate!

Our local president, Colette Campbell, will be debating her opponent for the Montana HD 67 legislative seat tomorrow, Wednesday, October 7, at 6:30 pm, over Zoom. Click here to tune in! You can submit questions in advance to bboyson@bozeman.net, or over the Q&A function in Zoom. You can learn more about the entire debate series here. Also check out the Chronicle’s coverage of the race.

Key Takeaways from Last Week’s Meeting

Montana University System Labor Management Committee Update

Our LMC representative Molly Arrandale reported that the Labor Management Committee had a positive meeting on 9/28, but that the committee is dealing with the difficulty of operating in the strange moment where everyone, including HR, feels overwhelmed. In light of everything going on right now, for example, the committee decided to again delay any further action on the employee satisfaction survey that they had been working on. It’s just not the right moment to ask folks what they like best about their jobs—not only could the survey be alienating, but it would also likely not be useful. Across the state, employees are struggling with their financial and mental wellbeing, and everyone recognizes that (including management).

The committee also discussed the university system’s work to update entry wage bands. Deputy Commissioner of Higher Ed Kevin McRae indicated that not much action is underway now, but OCHE hopes that a post-COVID economic recovery may provide better conditions for a possible implementation of wage band increases in July 2021, at least for those positions that are proving difficult to recruit and retain. Importantly, this process—where HR officers from across the state update the entry wages for classified positions—is distinct from what we do in collective bargaining. It’s not necessarily a route toward higher wages for existing employees, though some may benefit. Those across-the-board wage increases are won in collective bargaining. We will attempt to provide an informational presentation on entry wage adjustments at a future meeting.

COVID and MSU

Aside from discussing the raw numbers, we also talked about mask compliance. Bill Dwyer, the local FOCUS president from UM Western, shared at the LMC that he’s found himself having to personally enforce mask compliance in the computer lab he supervises. However, Tammy Harris reported that she’d received no complaints about student mask compliance on other campuses. Several members shared their thoughts about mask compliance in Bozeman, and while some classified staff have been having to enforce rules, others report that they’ve had support from faculty, supervisors, and administrators who have taken on the burden of enforcing these rules to keep everyone safe.

Other COVID-related topics discussed included the following:

• It was reported that Gallatin County has attributed most MSU cases to off-campus social gatherings. Folks have done well to follow safety guidelines on campus, but transmission has been taking place among university populations when they’re not on campus.

• Another member expressed a desire for more communication from the MSU administration. It was acknowledged that MSU has delegated communication around COVID to the Gallatin City-County Health Department, but there is still frustration around the lack of transparency for folks who have to work on campus.

• ADA accommodations that have been granted for COVID reasons are set to expire at the end of the fall semester. Tammy Harris asked OCHE for information on how staff can ensure that their accommodations are renewed in a timely manner, and has sent the following information:

  • ADA timelines at MSU were written for the end of the semester so that the needs of employees could be reevaluated and to see where things were with the pandemic. An email will go out from Janet Simons towards the end of the semester to anyone who has a current accommodation on file, and it will remain as is unless something has changed medically, or the accommodation is not working and a new accommodation is necessary. MSU HR thinks this process should be seamless and that no additional paperwork will be necessary for anyone unless there is a change in someone’s medical condition.

  • At any time if individuals feel that there needs to be a modification to their accommodation they should reach out to their supervisor, Janet Simons, and HR. They are available and willing to work and assist folks.

Family & Graduate Housing, Collective Bargaining, and FOCUS

If you’ve been following this discussion, you’ll already be aware that, despite the efforts of several FGH tenants to organize in defense of their living situations, 78 non-student tenants will have to leave FGH after June 30, 2021. The pre-meeting newsletter had a lot more information on the situation—if you haven’t already, consider giving it a read.

At our meeting last week, we mainly discussed what FOCUS can learn from the experience of the tenants in trying to get organized. Here’s what came up:

• It helps to be as organized as possible before a crisis hits. It’s only possible to respond quickly to situations if you already have the ability to get in touch with folks. FOCUS has a head start on this for sure, but we also could improve in a lot of ways. If you have ideas for how to accomplish this, let me know! And if you’d like to help your union be better prepared to take action, consider serving as a steward for your building or helping with our phone- and text-banking organizing projects. You can reach me at rdavidreese@gmail.com.

• Organization is crucial to being able to make democratic decisions. If folks have to take action on their own in response to a common issue, then there’s little way for the entire affected population to have a say in what those actions look like. As a result, those actions are less likely to legitimately represent the folks they’re designed to support. Our union is a democratic organization that takes action according to the expressed will of the membership (which is one reason it’s important to attend meetings if you can!). We also have elected leaders who can be voted out. But we are always striving to improve the accessibility and transparency of our democratic processes. How can FOCUS become more inclusive and democratic?

• Workforce housing is one way to potentially tackle the problem of cost of living in Bozeman. FOCUS could, in theory, try to negotiate a housing benefit in collective bargaining. But as the FGH organizing experience demonstrated, relying on your employer for your housing as well as your salary and health care means that you have to risk more in order to challenge your employer. The more dependent workers are on their employers, the more power employers have in negotiations. Are there goals we can fight for that, in addition to providing for our needs, also make us less dependent on MSU and thereby give us more freedom to fight for a better working life?

• The lack of affordable housing in the Bozeman area is a huge problem for FOCUS members. The need to address this crisis drives much of what we do in collective bargaining. There were a few threads of our discussion that I want to mention here:

  • Is cost of living a problem for FOCUS members at other campuses? Bozeman’s housing prices are extreme compared to most of Montana, but it’s also the case that MSU staff tend to be hired into higher-paid positions than folks at the other MUS campuses (for example, MSU might hire an Admin Associate III rather than an Admin Associate I). My experience bargaining alongside local FOCUS presidents from across the state indicates that staff at other campuses are also struggling to afford to live in their communities. This problem is statewide.

  • Additionally, the political reality of Montana and the funding structure of the Montana University System means that any solutions we seek will likely have to be statewide as well. State legislators from small Montana towns are unlikely to be swayed by the plight of public employees in Bozeman. We have some urgent, sympathetic stories to tell and to organize around, but we’ll need to leverage our situation and our power to make things better for university staff across the state if we’re going to win broad support for demands for funding. Improving wages for MUS employees can help small college town economies, not just the big cities.

  • And finally, it’s already time to start thinking about collective bargaining next spring. On the one hand, this means thinking about Montana’s legislative and gubernatorial elections, because our ability to win improvements to wages and benefits will depend directly on how much money the legislature and governor allocate to the university system. On the other hand, though, it means thinking about what we’ll fight for, and how. One idea that has grown out of last week’s meeting and discussion of FGH is to put together a survey that asks our members (and non-members) about their ability to make ends meet on MSU salaries. The idea would be to generate useful data about the financial stresses we face, both at the level of MSU Bozeman and also, if the other FOCUS presidents are interested, at the statewide level. This data, hopefully, could help make our case in bargaining and even potentially at the legislature. Right now, this idea is just in its early stages—if you’d like to be involved, or if you have other ideas about what we should bargain for or how, please share them with me at rdavidreese@gmail.com.

In solidarity,

David

Member Benefits Information

Our union exists primarily to fight for better wages and benefits that will allow working people to live with dignity. Now that we’re affiliated with the National Education Association, though, we also offer some other ways to address our current financial situation. Watch this video on NEA’s member benefits to learn about ways that being a union member can save you money.

FOCUS/MFPE Contact Information

Federation of Classified Staff - MSU Bozeman: www.focusmsu.org/contact-us

President: Colette Campbell - only1tigress@gmail.com

Vice President: David Reese - rdavidreese@gmail.com

Secretary: Mel Turney - mel.turney@icloud.com

Treasurer: Jim Espeland - jamesespeland@gmail.com

MUS Labor Management Committee Representative: Molly Arrandale - arrmol03@gmail.com

Montana Federation of Public Employees: www.mfpe.org

MFPE Field Representative: Tammy Harris - tharris@mfpe.org, 406.442.0570

September 28, 2020

Hello, everyone!

Our next meeting will take place Wednesday, September 30, at noon, via Zoom. More details, including a full agenda, are available at the bottom.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is spreading rapidly across Montana, Gallatin County, and even here at MSU--66 new cases and a 643% increase in active cases in the last week (see the final page in Friday’s Gallatin County weekly surveillance report).

Whether and how we should respond to this development is an open question. This will be on the table on Wednesday. Please come prepared to share your thoughts!

Family & Graduate Housing

I was contacted a few weeks ago by one of our FOCUS members who lives in Family & Graduate Housing (FGH). She had heard a rumor that non-student tenants (as many as 200 households) might be evicted from FGH as early as December 2020.The prospect of a looming eviction with little notice, in the middle of winter, and in the middle of a pandemic put a lot of stress and anxiety on those who stood to be affected. This stress was made even worse by the fact that FGH had not provided any official information to its tenants.

Housing in FGH is not a union-negotiated benefit, and the group of affected tenants included not just classified staff but also tenure-track and non-tenure-track faculty, so FOCUS had no legal standing to intervene or to represent the tenants. However, since this issue had direct relevance for some of our membership—both the specific worry about the eviction of classified staff and the broader issue of the shortage of affordable housing in Bozeman)—I offered to assist with early organizing attempts and for FOCUS to provide whatever support it could. Our upcoming meeting was postponed from last Wednesday to allow these organizing efforts to coalesce before bringing the issue to the FOCUS membership. Much transpired in that week, so this update looks different than I thought it would. Below are the latest details..

Organizing from scratch and the vulnerability of individuals

The tenants trying to organize in response to the threat of eviction faced a steep challenge. There was no single organization that united all the folks affected, so they had to start from scratch. Obstacles included:

• No one organization existed that could speak for the group of tenants.

• Tenants trying to organize had no comprehensive list of affected households, so making contact was difficult.

• FGH had made clear that non-student tenants were no longer eligible for housing, but they had not told current tenants when they would have to leave.

• Many tenants contacted by organizers declined to participate out of fear of retaliation (particularly NTT faculty, who are currently on one-semester contracts).

• Affected tenants disagreed on both demands and strategy, and busy schedules and uneven participation made it difficult to achieve consensus.

A small FOCUS-affiliated group of organizers began outreach to affected tenants. They also sent an email to FGH administration asking for clarity, but FGH declined to provide this information to the group, opting instead to notify tenants individually.

Where we are now

With no group consensus, individual tenants and small groups started working in different directions without much communication between them. The FOCUS-affiliated group developed its own set of demands, some faculty contacted their Faculty Senate reps, and some others reached out to the press, who made at least some attempt to contact MSU for comment. Some combination of these efforts prompted the university to respond with a decision that was at once a sort of victory and a devastating blow to many of the folks affected: FGH sent a notice to non-student FGH tenants that their leases would not be renewed after June 30, 2021, and that tenants could move out before then without any notice requirements or penalties. The housing units occupied by staff and faculty--which are subsidized through student housing fees--will be used for student occupancy after that point.

So what do I mean when I say this is both a victory and a defeat? The defeat part is clear--tenants and their families will be forced to leave FGH to face the very inhospitable Bozeman housing market on their own. Assuming they can find places to live, they’ll likely see longer commutes; many children will have to leave their schools; and, likely, we’ll see staff and faculty leave MSU or Bozeman altogether. It is also a modest victory, though, in that these folks will leave under vastly improved circumstances. The FOCUS-affiliated group’s planned demands were, in fact, met--we had hoped to ask for no evictions prior to June 30 (which is what FGH promised) and for 90 days’ notice (in the end, folks got closer to 270 days’ notice). This obviously does not remove the hardship for those affected, but it should give them a better chance to find new housing.

Some of the tenants are continuing the fight to keep their homes. If you want to support their efforts, you can contact FOCUS member Nina Schweppe at ninanoid@gmail.com.

Where does FOCUS go from here?

Fundamentally, that is up to all of you reading this. FOCUS has elected leaders, but we are a thoroughly democratic organization. If you think that FOCUS should be doing something in particular (about this issue or any other), it is your right to propose a course of action to the membership, and it is the membership’s right to direct local leadership.

We’ll spend some of our meeting this week talking about what lessons, if any, FOCUS can take from the tenants’ experience. Here are some ideas to get you thinking:

1. It helps to be organized in advance. The FGH tenants had a lot of difficulty spreading information and developing a collective strategy, because until this news came out, they were (like most neighbors) a largely disconnected group of individuals. We--FOCUS--are fortunately in a much better position to respond to crises, but even we have much work to do in this area. How quickly could we mobilize our membership in a crisis?

2. Organizing is key to democratic decision-making. It might seem democratic that, in this case, individual tenants acted independently as they saw fit. But I’d argue that this was, at least in its results, actually quite undemocratic. In the absence of elected representatives, the most assertive or determined individuals ended up making unilateral strategic decisions on behalf of the entire group, whether or not they saw themselves as acting on anyone else’s behalf. When FOCUS bargains collectively or takes other action on behalf of its membership, we always first provide our members opportunities to have their voices heard and to be a part of strategic decisions. And our leaders face elections every two years. How can we make FOCUS even more democratic?

3. Workforce housing is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, workforce housing would go some distance toward making life in Bozeman more affordable for staff. On the other hand, though, workforce housing would also end up making us even more dependent on our employer than we already are. We rely on our salaries to provide for ourselves and our families; and we rely on our employer-provided health insurance to keep ourselves healthy and (hopefully) out of bankruptcy. These dependencies give our employer power over us: when we are underpaid or mistreated, we can fight back, but we are limited in our response by our need to remain employed. If we tie our housing to our employment status, we further increase the risks we face in fighting against mistreatment in the office or for a livable wage. If you were less reliant on your employer, would you be more willing to leave a terrible job? Would you feel bolder about standing up alongside your coworkers to demand better wages? And can we negotiate for contract improvements that make us less dependent on MSU?

Bargaining Our Next Contract

We’ll begin negotiating a new two-year collective bargaining agreement in the spring. Before that happens, you can expect to see a survey where you can share your priorities. And there’s no need to wait--if you have an idea about what FOCUS should do to make our working lives better, share it with me at rdavidreese@gmail.com. Importantly, what happens in the November elections--particularly for the state legislature and the governor--will do much to determine what is and isn’t possible for us at the bargaining table. So if you want to see the state of Montana invest in our university system and the folks who make it run, consider supporting MFPE’s endorsed candidates, including our very own local president Colette Campbell for HD 67 in the Belgrade area. If you’ve got time, you can even get paid by MFPE ($20/hour!) to organize for those candidates (let me know if you’re interested, and I can connect you to more info).

In solidarity,

David

Meeting Details

FOCUS MSU - September 2020 Membership Meeting

Wednesday, September 30, 12:00 - 1:00 pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81663243193?pwd=RlVEZDJrazhsa20zSDJZRVpxZ21sUT09

Agenda:

• Montana University System Labor Management Committee Update - The MUS LMC is meeting Monday, September 28. Our LMC representative, Molly Arrandale, will provide an update on that meeting.

• Family Graduate Housing Update and Discussion - See above.

• Text message organizing for FOCUS MSU: Thanks to MFPE, we’re now using Hustle to reach our members and non-members via text (in addition to our phone-banking work). FOCUS MSU volunteers will share their experiences--we need your help!

• Open discussion - COVID, telework, etc.: With COVID currently surging locally, we’ll devote some time to discussing whether and how FOCUS should respond.

September 2, 2020

Hello, everyone!

I just wanted to send out a quick summary of our August 26 meeting for those who missed it. Following the meeting minutes, you can find an important update on the 2020 census and info on upcoming MFPE events.

Here’s what we covered in the meeting:

• Colette’s awesome, and she needs your help in her campaign for the state legislature: Learn more and help out here.

• Pre-Budget Negotiations: Representatives from MFPE, including FOCUS - UM Western’s Bill Dwyer, are currently in negotiations with Governor Bullock’s office regarding budgetary proposals affecting wages and benefits for state and university employees. These negotiations help set the floor for bargaining team as we head into our next round of bargaining in 2021. Of course, agreements made with Bullock are much more likely to mean anything if Mike Cooney wins the gubernatorial election in November. If Greg Gianforte is our governor in January, I think it’s safe to say that he won’t feel bound by agreements made between Governor Bullock and our union.

• Our union needs your help:

  • Organizing/Phone-Banking: If we want to go into our next round of contract negotiations in a position of strength, then we need to grow our membership. You can help from the comfort of your own home, and with a minimal time commitment. Join our phone organizing team and call coworkers to see how they’re doing and ask them to join the union. We’ll train you and provide you with all the tools you need. Contact Molly Arrandale (arrmol03@gmail.com) if you want to sign up or learn more.

  • Communications: We need help updating our website (www.focusmsu.org) and possibly expanding into other communication platforms. Minimal tech-savvy and no coding knowledge required. Contact David Reese (rdavidreese@gmail.com) if you’re interested.

• COVID: Here’s where things stand as of our meeting:

  • Most (if not all) MUS campuses have reopened.

  • Unsurprisingly, we’re seeing faculty, staff, and student cases at MSU and UM, at least.

  • Also unsurprisingly, there has been some resistance to the mask mandate. We’ve heard that compliance has been pretty good, but some folks are using provocative messages on their masks to express their displeasure. As long as folks are wearing masks, though, resist the urge to take the bait. If folks aren’t wearing masks in your area, give them a gentle reminder. If that doesn’t work, you can contact your supervisor (for other staff) or HR (for supervisors), or if you have students or other clients who refuse, you can close your workspace temporarily.

  • Some workspaces have issued exceptions to the mask rule for folks working alone. That is ok. However, if you have safety concerns about your workspace, contact your supervisor or HR, as well as your union (David Reese and Tammy Harris) immediately.

  • Same goes if you need help securing telework or other COVID-related accommodations--please contact me and Tammy Harris right away.

That about covers it. Please read below for crucial information on Montana and the 2020 census, as well as an upcoming event that you won’t want to miss. Stay safe, and be in touch if you need anything at all.

In solidarity,

David

Census Info

As we enter September, the final month of the Census, the news is not good. Like so many other aspects of our lives, the COVID-19 pandemic has completely upended the 2020 Census, and rural states like Montana have been disproportionately impacted by delayed and inadequately staffed field efforts. Montana's total Census response rate is currently under 75%, 6th to last among the 50 states. If you, your family, or your friends have not responded to the Census, you can do so now at at my2020census.gov or by calling (844) 330-2020.

Our own Elizabeth Marum pointed out to me that each person counted in the US Census brings $2,000/person/year for the next 10 years to Montana in the form of infrastructure, services and resources for programs that affect us daily. Montana NEEDS this allocation of funds. Some other critical reasons to fill out the census:

• Self-responding to the 2020 Census is more important than ever for Montana because it determines the state’s share of federal funding over the next decade for critical services like healthcare. Annually, Montana receives more than $1 billion each year for healthcare programs alone. Your response means Montana hospitals, clinics, Medicare, the Children’s Health Insurance Program and more receive funding.

• Overall, more than $2 billion from 300 federal programs is allocated back to Montana based on Census counts and information. (According to a George Washington University study)

• If Montana residents don’t respond to the Census, then we end up with an undercount. And an undercount means other states with a more complete count will end up getting some of our fair share of federal funding. It also means our state’s voting districts are misaligned, and Montanans don’t have accurate data for making important business, community and governing decisions.

• And finally, an undercount could cause Montana to miss out on a second seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

So it’s critical that we not only fill out the census ourselves, but that we also encourage others to do so. You can find resources for spreading the word here, and you can keep up with Montana’s progress at https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates/nrfu.html.

Upcoming Events

Labor Day Kick-off with Mike Cooney and Casey Schreiner, MFPE-Endorsed Candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor

Thursday, September 3, 5:30 pm, on Zoom

Register in advance at https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMrdeGurz4jEtSF7MJGRKQtMdV302lfkGkp.

MFPE Regional Meetings

The MFPE Regional Meetings are coming soon! All meetings will be held virtually for the safety of all members. Be sure to register ahead of time!

As always, regional meetings will provide a great opportunity to ask questions, meet other union members in your area, and learn about the work of your statewide union! All members are encouraged to attend the regional meeting closest to you. Topics that will be discussed during this round of regional meetings include COVID-19, upcoming elections, pre-budget negotiations, and the 2020 Educator Conference.

REGISTER FOR THE REGIONAL MEETING CLOSEST TO YOU:

• September 21, 2020 - Southwest Regional Meeting: Districts 3 and 4 (Helena, Bozeman, Butte, Dillon and surrounding (this is most of us!)
  

• September 23, 2020 - North Central/Northeast Regional Meeting: Districts 5, 6, and 7 (Great Falls, Havre, Glasgow, Wolf Point and surrounding area)
  

• September 24, 2020 - West Regional Meeting: Districts 1 and 2 (Missoula, Kalispell, Hamilton and surrounding areas)
  

• October 1, 2020 - South Central/Southeast Regional Meeting: Districts 8 and 9 (Billings, Miles City, and surrounding areas)

August 21, 2020

Hello, everyone!

Please pardon the new look of the newsletter. While I’m writing these in Colette’s place, I plan to experiment with formats and platforms that are more universally accessible and easier to edit than PDFs and that might help us communicate more effectively with our membership. This is take one—the post-meeting newsletter may look different (please let me know if you have any feedback!).

Before diving into the big issues we’re working on right now, I want to express my admiration and gratitude for Colette. She has put in countless hours of work to build and guide our union, and the results of that effort are visible to me even just over the three years or so that I’ve been in a union-eligible position. But that’s just the start. In this very difficult moment, while many of us (myself included) are struggling just to keep our heads above water, Colette has taken on more and more important work. As you hopefully know, Colette represents us and the entire region on the MFPE Board of Directors and the Montana AFL-CIO Board of Directors. And as if that weren’t enough, she also agreed to mount a long and demanding campaign to protect public employees and the services we provide in the Montana Legislature. Colette’s dedication to fight on so many fronts for the working class and for a better world inspires me every day to try to do better. If you want to support her, visit her campaign website.

Union organizing in the COVID era

COVID has been a major setback for our organizing work. Before the pandemic, FOCUS stewards were regularly conducting office visits to members and non-members in order to build channels of communication, identify new leaders and organizers, and recruit new members. Telework and social distancing have made it impossible to continue these in-person meetings, but we’ve switched gears and begun remote outreach via phone and email. We’ve set up a digital phone bank (with help from MFPE staff), and we’re regularly making calls to ensure that folks have opportunities to discuss their questions and concerns with FOCUS representatives, and to try and build our membership and strength. We need your help—if you’re interested in working to grow our union, you can join our phone organizing group. We’ll train you and provide all the tools and information you need, and even an hour of your time each week can make a big difference! Contact Molly Arrandale (arrmol03@gmail.com) for more information.

Communications help needed

Do you want to support your union, but prefer not to do one-on-one outreach? Are you minimally tech-savvy (no coding required—Google Sites is very user-friendly)? Do you have communications experience? Our local’s website, www.focusmsu.org, is about six months old, but it hasn’t changed much since it launched. When I built it, I’d planned to try to keep up with maintenance and updates myself. However, that proved difficult even before I had to step into Colette’s role. We’re looking for someone to work with FOCUS officers to maintain the website and potentially expand our communications work onto other platforms. If you’re interested, please contact David Reese (rdavidreese@gmail.com).

And, of course, COVID

Staff, for the most part, are back in their offices. Students are back in town and on campus. And meanwhile, the virus continues to affect all aspects of our lives. Many of our members have shared their concerns for their health and the health of those they love. Many of us have difficult decisions to make about how to best care for children, parents, ourselves, and others, while also balancing the requirements of the jobs we rely on for housing, food, and health care. President Cruzado encouraged us all this week to “step it up,” even as campuses across the country start to abandon their plans for in-person classes (see, for example, UNC Chapel Hill, Michigan State, and Notre Dame).

For me, one of the most difficult and most frustrating elements of this situation is the extent to which we are all expected to manage this more or less on our own. In the absence of consistent, coordinated guidance and support from state and federal governments, we have to each decide (as individuals or households) whether to send our kids to school or daycare. We have to decide whether, with whom, and how to socialize, which can be a sensitive topic in relationships that span partisan divides. We have to decide whether or not it’s safe for us to go to work. Those who answer that last question with a “no” can seek telework accommodations on an individual basis, either through the ADA process or in conversation with our supervisors and HR. But with the expiration of enhanced unemployment benefits and eviction moratoriums, and with our reliance on our employers for health care, few of us truly have the freedom to choose whether or not to work in dangerous conditions.

COVID and its economic fallout are social problems, not individual problems. And so when we confront those problems as individuals, we struggle to find solutions. It’s easy to feel powerless. We feel the constraints imposed by our social system--university policies, rent and mortgage bills, difficult or impossible options for child and elder care--but often we don’t know how to change those constraints, or even where to start.

Fortunately, if you’re reading this message, then you’ve got at least one option: your union. As individuals, we are largely powerless against our bosses, our landlords, and our government institutions. But by organizing as a union, workers can gain leverage over their working conditions (including wages); and by organizing as a labor movement, workers can gain leverage over those larger institutions that otherwise can feel so abstract and immovable. In other words, we can only effectively address social or collective problems together. FOCUS and MFPE have been fighting for months to ensure that worker safety remains a priority as the university system tries to navigate the pandemic without going bankrupt. (If you need help securing telework or other COVID-related accommodations, please contact me and Tammy Harris right away.) And one of our national affiliates, the American Federation of Teachers, has been fighting to ensure that as our nation tries to balance public health concerns with economic ones, workers aren’t hung out to dry. In May, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the HEROES Act, which would (among many other things) provide crucial funding to state and local governments to ensure that critical public services--including public universities--continue to operate, even in the face of declining tuition and tax revenues. It would also extend the $600/week enhanced unemployment benefits that helped laid-off workers care for themselves and their families through the end of July. This legislation has stalled in the U.S. Senate--if you’d like to see it pass, please call Senator Steve Daines and urge him to support it (Senator Tester has already expressed his support for the legislation's key provisions). You can find contact information and talking points at www.mfpe.org/focus.

Whether or not you support this particular legislation, I hope you’ll continue to engage with your union as we do our best to find collective solutions to our common problems. You can share your thoughts with me directly at rdavidreese@gmail.com, or you can join our next meeting (info just below) and share them with our membership at large.

In solidarity,

David

Meeting Details

FOCUS MSU - August 2020 Membership Meeting

Wednesday, August 26, 12:00 - 1:00 pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83409410559?pwd=TkVKRmkxR2hVZGpXWXNyM1dYbEZ6QT09

Agenda:

• MFPE’s pre-budget negotiations with Governor Bullock’s office: I’ll plan to share a quick update from MFPE Deputy Executive Director Quint Nyman on this process.

• Phone organizing for FOCUS MSU: See above for more info on the project. FOCUS MSU volunteers will share their experiences making calls and encourage others to volunteer.

• Call for communications help: See above.

• Open discussion - COVID, telework, etc.: Share your experiences, concerns, questions, and ideas with the FOCUS membership. FOCUS and MFPE have been advocating for our members on this issue since the start of the pandemic. Let us know what’s going well, what’s going poorly, and what you need moving forward.

Upcoming Events

Labor Day Kick-off with Mike Cooney and Casey Schreiner, MFPE-Endorsed Candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor

Thursday, September 3, 5:30 pm, on Zoom

Hello Sisters and Brothers,

The Montana State AFL-CIO and MFPE are excited to announce that we will be hosting a virtual Labor Day Kick-Off event with Lt. Governor Mike Cooney and Rep. Casey Schreiner. Mike and Casey will also be joined by State Superintendent candidate Melissa Romano, Attorney General candidate Raph Graybill, Secretary of State candidate Bryce Bennett, and State Auditor candidate Shane Morigeau.

Due to restrictions related to COVID-19, Central Labor Councils across the state will not be holding in-person Labor Day picnics.

Instead, we will hold a virtual Labor Day celebration while also highlighting what is at stake for working families in the 2020 election.

There is absolutely no doubt that if elected as Governor, Greg Gianforte will force the extreme Koch brother agenda onto Montana, including Right to Work, Paycheck Deception, and the most radical interpretations of the Janus decision. The 2020 election will literally determine the future of our state. The Montana Labor Movement has the most to lose, but we also are by far the best prepared in the state to make sure Gianforte is not elected.

Raised in Butte, Mike Cooney grew up on the picket lines and was part of the Montana families fighting together against powerful corporations for better wages and better working conditions. He’s fought for our brothers and sisters in labor every step along the way in his career in public service.

Mike was proud to stand with the locked-out workers of IBB Local D239 on the picket line in Three Forks. He knows that Montanans stand stronger together and that it is the hardworking folks of our state who are worth fighting for. As recently as last year, he worked directly with lawmakers during the legislative session to pass a bill providing presumptive healthcare for Montana firefighters, a decades-long fight.

Casey Schreiner is a former public-school teacher born and raised in Great Falls, a lifetime union member, husband of Teresa Schreiner, and the proud father of three young boys. Casey is a champion for working families because he comes from one.

So join us on September 3, 2020 at 5:30 PM to learn what is at stake in the 2020 election and what we have to do as a labor movement to ensure that we elect officials that will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us.

We will also be raffling off a fly rod at the end of the Kick-Off event. All you must do is register and still attend the entirety of the virtual Kick-Off when a winner is randomly drawn to be eligible.

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMrdeGurz4jEtSF7MJGRKQtMdV302lfkGkp

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

• January: post-meeting newsletter

• February: pre-meeting newsletter | post-meeting newsletter

• March: pre-meeting newsletter | post-meeting newsletter

• April: pre-meeting newsletter

• May: pre-meeting newsletter

• July: post-meeting newsletter

• August: pre-meeting newsletter | pre-meeting newsletter 2 | post-meeting newsletter

• September: pre-meeting newsletter | post-meeting newsletter

• October: pre-meeting newsletter | post-meeting newsletter

• November-December newsletter

• January: pre-meeting newsletter | post-meeting newsletter

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• November: pre-meeting newsletter | post-meeting newsletter

• December: pre-meeting newsletter | post-meeting newsletter

• January: pre-meeting newsletter | post-meeting newsletter

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• September: pre-meeting newsletter | post-meeting newsletter | Labor Day update

• October: pre-meeting newsletter | post-meeting newsletter

• November: pre-meeting newsletter | post-meeting newsletter

• December: pre-meeting newsletter | post-meeting newsletter