It is hard to believe but Thursday, January 22 marked the First-year Anniversary!!! for the election of CFT/AFT as our union representative with Northcoast Children's Services. Our NECW Negotiations Team (Jennifer Turley, Julie Oakes, Beverly Hanns, Erica Dones and Terri Eleverum, CFT Field Representative) continues to meet with NCS representatives to reach a contract settlement. One big success is that they were able to keep benefits at the same level as last year, rather than agree to the management proposal to save money by increasing the basic health benefit from $250 to $500 deductible. This agreement has provided an actual increase in dollars to those selecting the higher deductible, child-care benefit or 403(b) retirement benefit. Read the bargaining update for more information.
Our NECW Executive Board has been meeting almost every month and we are currently working on our constitution, which will be sent to members for approval once it is completed. We are also in need of members to help on our Publications and Organizing Committees. The Publications Committee is responsible for helping us provide regular information and communications to our members - through flyers, newsletters, email, and on our new web site (necw6397.org). The Organizing Committee is responsible for helping us to get eligible employees to join and participate in the union.
Please let us know if you are willing to be a part of either of these groups. You'll get to know your co-workers better, have some FUN, help us spread the work around and help the cause all at the same time! If you interested in helping on either committee or have questions please contact Jennifer Turley, NECW President at (707) 733-5139 or twospoileddogs@msn.com or reply by email to this address (necw6397@gmail.com).
In closing, we say WELCOME! to our newest members:
Samantha Geiser - Classroom Assistant, Winzler
Barbara Price - Center Director, NCS Infant Toddler Center, Crescent City
Marlaina Price - Team Teacher, NCS Infant Toddler Center, Crescent City