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Another AME General Membership Meeting
12/4/2009
- Cheryl A. Felice, President
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Tuesday, December 1, 2009 @ 6:00 p.m.
Did you miss it? Just in case you missed the most recent AME General Membership Meeting, we have posted a summary of what was discussed. First and foremost:
Happy Holidays from your AME Executive Board!
Cheryl A. Felice, President
Dan Farrell, Executive VP
Josephine Passantino, 1st VP
Alice J. Peltz, 2nd VP
Brian Kelly, 3rd VP
Dot Kerrigan, 4th VP
Rob Zielinski, Treasurer
Frank Casiglia, Secretary
President Cheryl Felice welcomed everyone present, a gathering of AME members who enjoyed the festive holiday decorations which adorned their Union Headquarters, compliments of AME’s Social Committee and volunteers.
•AME Children’s Holiday Party - members were reminded of AME’s Annual Children’s Holiday Party, which will be held on Saturday, 12/12/09 – a morning session and an afternoon session. Call headquarters if you would like to bring your children or grandchildren! Santa Claus will also be there! And please bring a can or box of non-perishable food for our holiday food drive to help others.
•Convention C & B Amendments - President Felice announced that changes made to AME’s C & B are being printed and will be sent out to the membership in the special issue of the Voice, which will highlight the many results of AME’s 2009 Annual Convention. In that many C & B amendments were agreed upon unanimously, President Felice said this was one of the finest conventions in AME’s history. An updated C & B, reflecting all changes made at the 2009 Convention, will also be available shortly. Cost of Convention overnight lodging was offset by our many financial sponsors and vendors.
•Lag Payroll – Announcement of -0- dues – President Felice advised all present that Convention delegates voted unanimously to waive the entire bi-weekly dues deduction of $16 for the County’s final 2009 check (affected by the second lag.) She said the $16 amount was reimbursing our members who paid $8 dues when their July 30th county check was lagged. The AME Executive Board, BOD, and delegate body all voted unanimously that members will not pay any AME dues covering the two weeks of lagged pay.
•In Support of an AME Member – Ray Rendina, DPW Unit member, is currently running for West Islip Fire Department Fire Commissioner. Ray has been a member of his fire department for 29 years and a life-time resident of West Islip. AME asks our West Islip members to show their union-support by casting their votes for a fellow AME member – Ray Rendina.
•AME’s Post Holiday Party - Put the date on your calendar! January 14, 2010 – and it’s always a grand time! Join the post-holiday celebration (and relief!) with your AME Union brothers and sisters by dancing the night away! More information will be sent.
•Another Retirement & Congratulations! Sondra Palmer Randall, Benefit Fund Administrator, announced her pending retirement. Debra Alloncius is nominated to take her place as Benefit Fund Administrator upon approval of the Board of Trustees.
•SCCC – Members asked about College members; are they still part of AME? President Felice reported the College fought for fiscal autonomy (as indicated when they won their lawsuit); yet, our AME members at the College are jointly employed by the County and remain part of AME. The College Budget cycle is different from the County Budget. Several issues are currently being addressed
•CWA Update – During the Open Questions Period –
•The minimum amount of decertification cards were allegedly filed; No exact number is known; Arbitrator Arthur Reigle is scheduled to meet with parties on 12/15/09; legal papers were filed by all parties; updates will be provided on AME website.
•Several members reported they were offended when CWA knocked on their doors at home!
•AME is seeking a change in venue regarding the PERB election in Suffolk County, due to AME members working at Department of Labor.
•Many members claim cards were signed inaccurately, wherein members were told they were “just for informational purposes.”
•Members stated they want to be assured all cards are “verified” as accurate and legal. Some members fear that CWA supporters listed other members’ names on cards!
•President Felice promised these issues would be discussed with legal counsel. She also pointed out that Agency Shop members also have the right to vote in the election to choose which union represents County workers.
•Ray Rendina reminded everyone of all that we have under AME’s leadership. “Don’t lose what we have!” He pointed out there are 8,000 current CWA members being laid off! There have been no layoffs here in Suffolk County!
•Health Insurance – Ever wonder why CWA doesn’t talk about their health insurance? Because CWA is 80% private sector… who have much less in their health insurance! And CWA’s 20% public sector, like the New Jersey State workers – now have to pay toward their health care, with CWA’s representation! AME’s health insurance is being described as a “Cadillac Plan”- which is the coverage that Health Care Reform seeks to tax. Also keep in mind, CWA spent $1.9 million in membership dues to fight concessions in New Jersey that they agreed to anyway!
The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m., and members enjoyed some Italian Food for a light dinner. A good time was had by all – why not join us at the next meeting?