“INDEPENDENT”

UNION NEWS Affiliated ·Service Employees International Union ·AFL-CIO, CLC

CT EMPLOYEE UNION INDEPENDENT, SEIU LOCAL 511

MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES UNION INDEPENDENT, SEIU LOCAL 506

110 Randolph Road, P.O. Box 1268, Middletown, CT 06457

Phone: 860-344-0311 Toll Free: 1-800-622-3359

Fax: 860-344-8648 WEB SITE: www.ceui.org Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am—5:00pm

Non-profit Org.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Middletown, CT

Permit No. 18

LOCAL 511 LOCAL 506

September 2004

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR THE NEXT CONTRACT

EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2005 Dear Member:

It is time to begin preparing for contract negotiations. The negotiation process will begin no later

than January 1, 2005. Completed surveys are the way in which contract proposals and priorities are

determined. It is vital that your Negotiating Committee gets input on the issues that are most im-

portant to the members. This is YOUR contract. Please take the time to be sure your voice is heard.

Please return completed surveys to your Steward or your Staff Rep, mail it to the Union Office, PO

Box 1268, Middletown CT 06457 or email to tdeegan@ceui.org

In Solidarity,

Steven Perruccio, President

Please complete so the Negotiating Committee can contact you with any questions.

Name_________________________________________ Job Title_______________________

Agency________________________ Work Location_________________________________

Work Ph________________ Home Ph_____________ Email __________________________

Home Address_________________________________________________________________

Initial Date of Hire_______________________

WAGES & OTHER ECONOMIC BENEFITS

Which form of a general wage increase would be most acceptable to you?

a. Across the board percentage increase (for example, 3%)

b. Across the board flat-rate increase (for example, $0.25 an hour)

c. A combination of the above

Rate the following other economic items in order of importance to you, with “1” as most impor-

tant, “2” as second most important, etc. If the item does not apply to you, please mark it “N/A”.

_____ Annual Increments _____ 10th Step Bonus

_____ Differential/Premium Pay Increases _____ Meal Allowance Increases

_____ Longevity Increases _____ Vacation or P/L Increases

_____ Tuition Reimbursement Increases _____ Other Economic Items (please specify):

_____ Fees for Licenses: please specify the license, cost & government agency the fee is paid to.

CONTRACT LANGUAGE ISSUES & IMPROVEMENTS

The following list includes issues most often arising from contract language. Rate the following

issues in order of importance to you with “1” as most important, “2” as second most important, etc.

and explain the problems you see in these areas & improvements that you would like to be made.

_____ Domestic Partner Benefits:

_____ Discipline Issues:

_____ Hours of Work, Work Schedules & Overtime:

_____ Job Security & Protections Against Contracting Out:

_____ Layoff Procedures:

_____ Paid Leave Issues (sick, vacation, etc.)

_____ Snow & Ice:

September 2004 cut out-complete-return

If you have already

completed a question-naire & have changed

your mind on an issue, fill out another one.

THE CONTRACT REVIEW PROCESS: Is The State Also Looking Out For Our Members

On August 2, 2004, a public hearing was held in front of the Task Force On Contracting Reform, co-chaired by Senator Donald DeFronzo (New Britain, Farmington, Berlin) and Commissioner of Public Works James Flemings, to allow the public to present their views on contracting out. There were about twenty-seven members of the public and administrators who testified; among them were Attorney General Richard Blumen-thal, Jacqueline Herrick on behalf of Senator Edith Prague, Dennis O’Neil and Sal Luciano of AFSCME, and CEUI President Steven Perruccio. In his testimony, President Perruccio addressed the adverse effects that contracting out has had not only on the state and taxpayers, but most

(continued on page 4)

IT’S TIME TO ELECT YOUR BOSS!!! Our Union will begin negotiations on a new contract in just a few months. Who do YOU

want in the Legislature when your contract comes up for approval?

WE NEED YOUR HELP GETTING THE LABOR FRIENDLY CANDIDATE INTO OFFICE! You can help by making phone calls to other CEUI members at CEUI headquarters or arrangements can be made for you to phone bank at an

endorsed candidate’s headquarters close to your home. If you are interested in volunteering, have any questions, or would like additional information, please contact CEUI Political Director Alexcia Harrison at 1-800-622-3359, ext. 715. Your help can make the difference in this election, and this election will make a difference in your family’s life.

OR consider volunteering on Election Day, Tuesday, November 2nd. Take the day off from work, or volunteer before or after work. The polls are open from 6am to 8pm and we desperately need people to stand outside the polls with signs supporting our friends and reminding voters where on the ballot they can find the good guys!

Isn’t it worth a few hours of your time to make sure the right person gets to vote on the issues that affect your family?

Election Day, Tuesday, November 2nd

DAS FLEET UPDATE

As reported in the last leaflet, DAS Commis-sioner Barbara Waters notified DAS Fleet mem-bers on July 22, 2004 that DAS has stopped its desire to privatize at this time. It has been al-most two months since that notification and many questions remain unanswered. President Perruccio, Commissioner Waters and all DAS Fleet members met on July 28, 2004 to answer some of the immediate questions. Some Fleet members left Fleet and went to the jobs they

(continued on page 8)

_____ Seniority:

_____ Training Issues:

_____ Transfer Issues:

_____ Vacancy Issues:

_____ Other:

_____ Other:

INSIDE….

Will a daughter or son begin college in Sep-tember 2005?—Page 8

Social Security Age—Page 3 Don’t Speed/Drink with a CDL—Pages 6 & 7 Endorsed, Who and Why—Page 4

Information Station Know your Weingarten Rights

What are my Weingarten Rights? Every un-ion member has a right to union representa-tion (your union steward or any other union representative) if you are being questioned by your supervisor or someone else in man-agement and you think that this meeting will result in you being disciplined. However, the union member must remember to ask for union representation and your supervisor is not required to tell you of your rights. By having someone from the union with you at the meeting, you will be sure that your rights are being protected and you are not being unfairly pressured.

Here are the basic rules of Weingarten:

1. The employee must request union repre-

sentation before or during the meeting. The following is all you need to say: “If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated or have any effect on my personal working conditions, I respectfully request that my union steward, representatives or officer be present at this meeting. Without union representation I choose not to participate in this discussion.” You can’t get in trouble for making the request.

2. Your supervisor (employer) than will de-cide to either grant your request and wait for your union representative to arrive, deny your request and end the meeting or give you the choice of going ahead with-

out union representation.

3. If your employer denies your request and continues questioning you they are com-mitting and unfair labor practice. The employee can legally refuse to answer questions in if this happens.

Important note to remember: Weingarten Rights apply to meetings where you have a reasonable expectation that the meeting may result in you being disciplined. Weingarten Rights do not apply if there is no questioning involved, but your supervisor is telling you information without threat of dis-cipline.

PAGE 2

Fun & Games Unscramble these jumbles, one letter to each square to form commonly used labor terms. Then arrange the circled letters to uncover a phrase that all union members should remember.

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Answers to the July 2004 crossword puzzle:

Your Chief Steward is only a phone call away….. All Chief Stewards have voice mailboxes at the union office. Voicemail is a good way for stewards to reach their Chief Steward. Your Chief Steward is available to help you with any issues that you may have. To leave a message for your Chief Steward, call (860) 344-0311 or 1-800-622-3359 and enter the appropriate extension as follows: John Birtwistle, DMR/STS Ext. 745 Bill Burton, SCSU Ext. 748 Paul Garland, DOT/Dist 4 Ext. 747 Leslie Maddocks, UConn Ext. 713 John Marchese, DOT/District 1 Ext. 742

I HAVE A QUESTION…

Stewards and members are en-couraged to write in with any questions they have and those questions will be answered here. Questions should be sent to:

Ask Your Union P.O. Box 1268 Middletown, CT 06457

I have a question…Can the agency “move” someone into another title without posting the position?

Answer: Typically, “moving” someone from one posi-tion to another is a violation of the contract. Accord-ing to Articles 13 and 14, any vacancy must first be offered to those with reemployment rights. If no one has such rights or no one with those rights accepts the position, the vacancy must be posted. If you are aware of individuals being “moved” without any posting, contact your Steward—a grievance should be filed. The contract language prevents the use of reclassification to get around or skirt a posting requirement.

PAGE 3

SOCIAL SECURITY Greenspan Repeats Call to Slash Social Security Benefits Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, who will retire in 2006 at the age of 80, would apparently like more Americans to work just as long. On August 27th, the Fed chairman again called for raising the retirement age and slashing Medicare and Social Security benefits. Greenspan, who supported the Bush administration’s massive tax cuts—which are largely responsible for record deficits—believes the impending retirement of baby boomers will add enormous strain to the government’s deficit. “Social Security is not going bankrupt,” said Edward F. Coyle, executive director of the Alliance for Retired Americans. “Chairman Greenspan and the Bush administration paint a bleak forecast for Social Security while laying the burden of trillions in irresponsible tax cuts on the backs of Amer-ica’s retirees. This is about misplaced priorities, not the future solvency of Social Security.”

Beginning with persons born in 1938, the full retirement age (FRA) gradually increases from age 65, eventually reaching age 67 for persons born in 1960 and later. The benefit at the FRA is the Primary Insurance Amount. The adjacent table illustrates this provision.

The FRAs shown are applicable for retired-worker and spouse’s benefits. The FRAs for widow’s/widower’s benefits are slightly different (for instance, 65 and 2 months for persons born in 1940 and 67 for persons born in 1962 or later).

Year of Birth Full Retirement Age

Before 1938 65

1938 65 and 2 months

1939 65 and 4 months

1940 65 and 6 months

1941 65 and 8 months

1942 65 and 10 months

1943-54 66

1955 66 and 2 months

1956 66 and 4 months

1957 66 and 6 months

1958 66 and 8 months

1959 66 and 10 months

1960 and Later 67

Monthly Benefits at Full Retirement Age Your Present Annual Earnings

Your Age in 2003

Who Receives Benefits

$20,000

$35,000

$50,000

$65,000

$87,000 And Up

65 You Spouse

$803 401

$1,158 579

$1,466 733

$1,595 797

$1,741 870

64 You Spouse

819 409

1,180 590

1,496 748

1,632 816

1,787 893

63 You Spouse

841 420

1,210 605

1,539 769

1,683 841

1,849 924

62 You Spouse

849 424

1,222 611

1,554 777

1,705 852

1,879 939

61 You Spouse

850 425

1,224 612

1,556 778

1,712 856

1,895 947

55 You Spouse

858 429

1,237 618

1,556 783

1,744 872

1,981 990

50 You Spouse

863 431

1,247 623

1,572 786

1,752 876

2,010 1,005

45 You Spouse

869 434

1,257 628

1,579 789

1,761 880

2,027 1,103

40 You Spouse

875 437

1,269 634

1,587 793

1,771 885

2,044 1,022

35 You Spouse

881 440

1,279 639

1,593 796

1,780 890

2,056 1,208

30 You Spouse

884 442

1,284 642

1,597 798

1,784 892

2,059 1,029

WHEN CAN YOU BEGIN COLLECTING?

How Does Bush Define Compassion When It Comes To Social Security? President Bush resurrected his “compassionate conservatism” philosophy, but in his typical pattern he left out any specifics on what he’s done in the name of compassion. Would a compassionate president:

Enact a massive $2 trillion tax cut creating the largest federal deficit on record?

Raid the Social Security Trust Fund to pay for tax cuts for the very wealthy?

Ban cheaper drug imports from Canada as US drug price increases outpace inflation?

Promise seniors a drug benefit that is too confusing, complex and frustrating to comprehend?

House Representatives Johnson & Simmons support President Bush— why should you vote for them???

Choose pharmaceutical profits over seniors’ welfare and retirement security?

Forbid Medicare from getting the best price on drugs for seniors? Force seniors into a doughnut hole with no drug coverage? Stand by and do nothing as 45 million Americans go without health

insurance? Mislead Americans by calling his plans for Social Security “reform”

when it’s really privatization?

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT!! Bush’s New Overtime Rule

It is obvious that the big bad dogs (Bush Administration) are chasing what they perceive to be weak little cats (working families). On Au-gust 23, 2004 the new overtime rule went into effect. Who does the overtime rule affect? THE MIDDLE CLASS! The overtime rule has not been tweaked with since 1938, and now we have our “wonderful” President thinking that he is doing something good for the people. The new federal overtime rules are not clear, so many are left to de-velop their own interpretations of what it actually means, and who it will essentially affect. What does the new rule say?

Workers earning $23,660 ($445/week) and under automatically qualify for overtime

Workers earning $23,660 to $100,00 a year are at risk of losing overtime

Employers can reclassify workers as “professionals” to exempt them from overtime

As many as 50 million workers will eventually lose their overtime Employers can increase the amount an employee is earning to

avoid paying time and half Within three (3) to five (5) years 25 to 30 percent will be exempt

from earning overtime

130,000 cooks may be ex-empted

Corporations would save billions of dollars yearly

With the job growth sluggish, em-ployers will now be able to order their employees to work overtime without paying them the extra money. The average family is not only left with the worries of main-taining their job and their health insurance, now they are left to ponder ways of earning that extra income. Although this change will first affect the private sector of the working family, at some point it will trickle down to the public sector.

The Bush Administration insists that this is not a business-friendly rule and that more people will benefit than what labor leaders have argued. In actuality, the big business will get the break in the end and the work-ing people are left to suffer once again. Let’s all take time out to thank President Bush for screwing us once again.

(continued from page 1) importantly on CEUI members. He used examples such as the UConn Print Shop, DAS Fleet, and the recent attempts to privatize executive print/mail services. He informed the committee about the lack of for-mality the past process has had, resulting in a negative impact on CEUI members. The Task Force listened intently while President Per-ruccio made his plea for a better system and better communication. Some of the recommendations that were made by President Perruccio were:

Allow the current employees the opportunity to bid on the job

Prove cost saving to the state and the tax payers

Allow the union to participate in the costing procedures

Any contract over $5 million dollars be approved by a standing

government committee

Nonetheless, on September 1, 2004 the Contract Review Board pre-sented Governor Rell with its final recommendations of ways that the State can improve its contract system. The recommendations made were:

Adopt a statewide uniform procurement and contract code and

create Contract Standards and Properties Review Board to admin-ister this

Elevate the state’s commitment to ethical conduct for public offi-

cials, state employees and for contractors Improve professional development opportunities for state employ-

ees Adopt a False Claims Act with Chief’s State’s Attorney given full

subpoena power for the Attorney General in combination with the Contract Standards and Properties Review Board.

Implement a single purchasing portal for all state bid and contract

information Restrict or eliminate the legislature’s authority to enact special leg-

islation Convene a follow-up work group to develop a detailed plan for

submittal to legislature in January of 2005

It is not quite certain whether the Contract Review Task Force will fully serve out its purpose. One thing we do hope, however, is in the process of consideration, the Committee keeps in mind the people that contracting out affects the most. Indeed that was the last thought in the Rowland Administration’s minds, so let’s hope it is a thought that is in Governor Rell’s mind. We do hope the materials that were presented to the Governor will indeed get through legisla-ture and become legislation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT REGISTERING TO VOTE

Who can register to vote? A citizen of the United States A resident of Connecticut At least 18 years or older Why is it important to vote? It is important to vote because the decisions that are made could ultimately affect your life. Most workers do not have the power to hire or fire their bosses, you do. By voting you can decide who passes laws, sets taxes, and controls the future of thousands of public employees. Don't let others decide your future! When is the deadline to register to vote? The deadline to regis-ter to vote for the General Election is October 19, 2004. What do I need to register to vote? All you need to do is fill out the information on a voter registration form. The form can be mailed or dropped off at mandated sites. If I move do I need to re-register? Yes. You must register in your new town or area. What if I move right before the elections and do not have time to register before the deadline? If you move right before the elections, just vote at the voting poll in your previous area. How-ever, remember to re-register in your new area. Can I register to vote online? Yes, you can register to vote online. The website is: http://www.sots.state.ct.us/ElectionsDivision/Elecform.html Am I registered to vote as soon as I mail my form or submit my form online? No. You will receive in the mail a notice of accep-tance or rejection. Also in the mail will be your polling place for your voter district. What do I do if I do not receive the notice? Contact your local Registrars of Voters Office located in the town hall in your city. What do I do if I can't reach someone in Town Hall? Contact your town clerk. Am I eligible to vote if I have been convicted of a misde-meanor or felony? If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, call your town Voter Registrars Office and they will direct you on what you have to do. What are some important dates that I should remember? October 19, 2004 Voter Registration Deadline November 2, 2004 absentee ballots must be received by close of polls on Election Day November 2, 2004 ELECTION DAY!!!!!! PAGE 4

—COPE COMMITTEE ENDORSEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS—TO DATE—

The COPE Committee recommended the following candidates for endorsement. If you would like to view the questionnaire, or know of a candidate that is interested in requesting CEUI’s endorsement, the questionnaire can be found on the CEUI website (www.ceui.org), or contact Political Di-rector Alexcia Harrison at (860) 343-8715. A complete list of all the endorsed candidates will be made available on the CEUI website in October.

President John Kerry (D) John Edwards (D) US Congress District 1 John Larson (D) District 2 Jim Sullivan (D) District 3 Rosa DeLauro (D) District 4 Diane Farrell (D) House of Representatives AD 4 Evelyn Mantilla (D) AD 10 Melody Currey (D) AD 24 Tim O’Brien (D) AD 20 David McCluskey (D) AD 29 Anthony Guerrera (D)

AD 33 Joe Serra (D) AD 34 Gail Hamm (D) AD 46 Melissa Olson (D) AD 49 Walter Pawelkiewicz (D) AD 56 Claire Janowski (D) AD 65 Paul Cavagnero (D) AD 81 Bruce Zalaski (D) AD 84 Chris Donovan (D) AD 87 Steve Fontana (D) AD 100 Theodore Raczka (D) AD 101 Deborah Heinrich (D) AD 104 Linda Gentile (D) AD 110 Bob Godfrey (D) AD 118 Jim Amman

State Senate SD 2 Eric Coleman (D) SD 4 Mary Ann Handley (D) SD 6 Donald DeFronzo (D) SD 7 Bill Kiner (D) SD 9 Billy Ciotto (D) SD 10 Tony Harp (D) SD 17 Joseph Crisco (D) SD 19 Edith Prague (D) SD 20 Andrea Stillman (D) SD 22 Bill Finch (D) SD 31 Tom Colapietro (D) SD 35 Tony Guglielmo

AMERICA, THE RICH MAN’S YELLOW BRICK ROAD!!! President Bush, Have Some Heart

The past four years has proven to be a di-rect attack on the middle class family. One is left to believe at times that President Bush is trying to get rid of the middle class and create a two-class system, the extremely poor and the filthy rich. It is hard to think anything different with the numerous attacks

President Bush has made on middle class American jobs, health care, and Medicare. Dorothy helped the tin man in the Wiz-ard of Oz find a heart,

can someone help Bush find his? What has Bush done for you lately?

Wants to cut funds for dislocated workers and job training and employment pro-grams

Between 300,000 and 500,000 profes-sional jobs lost in the US since 2001

During at least some part of 2002 and 2003, nearly 82 million Americans between 18 and 65 did not have health insurance

Opposes strong patients’ bills of rights. The law would have held HMOs account-able

Supports giving $60 billion in tax breaks to companies that lay off workers and move overseas

Believes exporting jobs is good for America 50 percent of Tax cuts will go to those

making more than $1 million dollars Opposes giving American consumers the

right to buy prescription medications in Canada

Under the new Bush Medicare plan, HMOs will receive $46 billion in taxpayer money

Once Bush has found a heart we hope he will at some point develop a brain, so he would make sound decisions on issues that has continued to plague working families. Bush continues to hide behind the veil of Vice-President Cheney and past President George Bush. Maybe he should consider coming out of the dark and taking on unan-swered questions that have been left linger-ing since he took office in 2000. What about health care? What about property tax? What about job security? What about funding for the states? What about Social Security? What about the No Child left Behind?

So in the end, we should call for the Presi-dent to have a heart and try using his brain when it comes to attacking issues that are impor-tant to the Ameri-can peo-ple who really keep this country func-tioning.

Middle Class

Position

Estate

Tax

Repeal

HR 8

NO

Bankruptcy

Abuse Pre-

vention

HR 975

NO

Pharma-

ceutical

Market

Access

HR 2427

YES

Jobs

and

Growth

Tax

Relief

HR 2

NO

Unem-

ployment

Compen-

sation

HR 2185

YES

American

Dream

Downpay-

ment

S 811

YES

SCORE GRADE

DeLauro (D) CT √ √ √ √ √ √ 100 A

Johnson (R) CT √ × √ × √ √ 67 C

Larson (D) CT √ √ √ √ √ √ 100 A

Shays (R) CT × × √ × √ √ 50 D

Simmons (R) CT × × × × √ √ 33 F

DID YOUR REPRESENTATIVE

VOTE CORRECTLY?

DRUM MAJOR INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC POLICY Drum Major Institute is a non partisan, non profit organization

dedicated to challenging both the right and the left wings

REPORT CARD—HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Remember how your Representative voted when you go to the polls on Tuesday, November 2nd.

HR 2 Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 Eliminating the “marriage penalty” for joint filers Increasing the standard tax deduction for small businesses Reducing capital gains tax on dividends

This bill would have produced a tax cut for struggling working families.

HR 8 Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2003 Permanently repeals the tax on “estates, gifts, and generation-skipping transfer tax provisions”

over $1.5 million. The loss of revenue from estate tax inescapably forces reductions in public institutions that create services for children and communities.

S 811 The American Dream Downpayment Act 2003 Would allow the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to participating

jurisdictions for downpayment assistance to low-income, first-time home buyers

HR 975 Bankruptcy Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2003 Restrict the grounds by which debtors may file. This legislation gives the credit card industry

the power to burden middle-class families with unreasonable interest rates.

HR 2185 Unemployment Compensation Amendment of 2003 Would allow those whose unemployment insurance expired prior to December 31, 2003 to re-

ceive an additional 13 weeks of federal benefits

HR 2427 Pharmaceutical Market Access Act of 2003 Amends the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of Health & Human

Services to circulate regulations allowing qualifying individuals, wholesalers and pharmacist to import certain covered prescription drugs

S. Amdt. 1580 Overtime Compensation Amendment Blocks proposed changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938

S. Amdt. 660 Discourage U.S. firms contracting with the U.S. government from “outsourcing” a portion of

their workload to low-cost centers

Jobs and

Growth

Tax

Relief

HR 2

Unem-

ployment

Compen-

sation

HR 2185

American

Dream

Down-

payment

S 811

Provide

Add’l

Funding

for Child

Care

S. Amdt.

2937

Overtime

Compen-

sation

S. Amdt.

1580

Amend-

ment to

protect

U.S.

workers

2660

SCORE GRADE

Middle Class

Position

NO YES YES YES YES YES

Dodd CT √ √ √ √ √ √ 100 A

Lieberman CT √ √ √ √ √ √ 100 A

REPORT CARD—SENATE

PAGE 5

X = Voted Wrong

ARBITRATIONS-WIN, STIP, LOSS

GIBSON ORDERED REINSTATED AS A DOT CREW LEADER

Ruling that DOT’s action was “excessive,” an arbitrator decided, in June, that DOT acted too harshly when it demoted Ed Gibson four (4) pay grades, from Crew Leader to DOT Maintainer 2 in July, 2000. Citing the Gibson’s good record as a Crew Leader, the “flash” na-ture of the incident that occurred and evi-dence that Gibson immediately recognized that he acted in an inappropriate manner, the arbitrator reduced Gibson’s demotion to a thirty (30) day suspension. The arbitrator or-dered that Gibson be reinstated as a Crew Leader and given full back pay and benefits less the suspension. In May, 2000, Ed Gibson, a DOT Crew Leader at the Darien garage, went to work despite not feeling well. It was an unseasonably warm day but Ed got through the day despite feeling feverish and ill and despite an un-pleasant exchange with his General Supervi-sor, Phil Zoppi at lunch time. Just before 4PM that afternoon, Gibson took a call from Zoppi’s wife and went into the yard to get him. On the way back in to the office, someone made a derogatory sound and Zoppi, thinking it was Gibson, dressed down Gibson in front of oth-ers. Words followed and Gibson made an ethnic remark to Zoppi. A month later, DOT demoted Ed Gibson from Crew Leader to DOT Maintainer 2. The arbitrator observed that de-motion is a “very serious penalty” and that inappropriate conduct is not always worthy of

it. In the case of Gibson, the arbitra-tor observed that the demotion was exces-sive and that Gib-son’s misconduct, while serious was

not a part of a pattern of misbehavior and did not demonstrate an inability to perform effec-tively as a Crew Leader. Editors Comment: We are just waiting for the opportunity to see if Phil gets similar discipline when finally caught.

SATAGAJ—AUTHORIZED LEAVE

Eric Satagaj, QCW Electrician, DOT District 1 Electrical, was docked one day of pay in May 2000. (Prior to returning, Eric’s supervisor was very inconsistent when granting time off, es-pecially when comparing Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day weekends. The supervisor

tried to be vindictive whenever a worker stood their ground). Eric requested a va-cation day for the Friday of Memorial Day weekend and was denied without

reason. Truth is, Eric was denied because a signal head was hung too low on a state road. On the way to work on Friday, May 26, Eric’s truck broke down and he couldn’t make it in to work.

Proof of the breakdown and repair was pro-

PAGE 6

Connecticut’s Drunk Driving Law TWO WAYS TO LOSE YOUR LICENSE: There are two laws to protect the citizens of Connecticut from the impaired driver: Drivers license sanctions & criminal penalties

The Driver’s License Sanctions (license suspension periods) outlined below have been revised recently and will be imposed IN ADDITION TO CRIMINAL PENALTIES. In most cases, the driver’s license sanctions will be imposed much earlier. IN ALL CASES, they will be imposed in addition to criminal penalties and will ap-pear on your driving record.

Blood Alcohol Level First Offense Second Offense Third Offense

Refusal to submit to a blood, breath or urine test

6 months

1 year

3 years

Test results of .02 or higher and you are under twenty-one years of age

90 days

9 months

2 years

Test results of .08 or higher; up to but not including .16

90 days

9 months

2 years

Test results of .16 or higher 120 days 10 months 2 1/2 years

CRIMINAL LAW Under Connecticut’s criminal law, the driver arrested for DUI will receive both a summons and a court date. If the court proceedings result in a conviction, the following penalties must be imposed:

First Offense Test results of .08 or higher

Second Offense (within 10 years) Test results of .08 or higher

Third Offense (within 10 years of last convic-

tion)

Test results of .08 or higher

Fine: $500 to $1,000 $1,000 to $4,000 $2,000 to $8,000

Jail: 6 mo., 48 hrs minimum mandatory or 6 mo., suspended with 100 hrs community service

2 yrs., 120 days minimum mandatory

and 100 hrs of community service

3 yrs., 1 yr. minimum mandatory and 100 hrs of community

service

Suspension: One year Three years (or until you are 21 years of age, whichever is longer)

Permanent Revocation

Any amount of alcohol will affect driving ability. Alcohol’s effect is magnified by emotions, physical condition, use of prescription drugs or other types of drugs, some over-the-counter medica-tions and some herbal supple-ments.

BAC and Areas of Impairment

.08

.07

.06

.05

.04

.03

.02

.01

concentrated attention, speed control

information processing, judgement

coordination eye movement control, stand-ing steadiness, emergency responses divided attention, choice reac-tion time, visual function.

The facts are…. Driving is a privilege, and under Connecticut’s IMPLIED CONSENT LAW any person who operates a motor vehicle is presumed to have given his or her consent to a test to determine blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

You are legally intoxicated if your BAC is .08 or above. If you are under 21 years of age, you are legally intoxicated at a .02 BAC or higher.

Connecticut has enacted strong new measures to combat im-paired driving. Stiff penalties, including mandatory sentencing and strict enforcement of our laws send a clear message:

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) In Connecticut, operating a mo-tor vehicle while under the influ-ence of alcohol and/or drugs is a criminal offense. This offense may be prosecuted with or with-out any direct evidence of a per-son’s blood alcohol concentra-tion (BAC). The determining fac-tor is whether a person’s ability

to drive has been impaired.

If you are arrested for DUI: You will be detained by the

police and read your rights. Your vehicle will be towed at

your expense. You will be taken in a police

cruiser to the police station. You will be asked to submit to

a blood alcohol concentration

(BAC) test. If you refuse, your license will be suspended for 6 months (1st offense).

If the test registers a BAC of .07 or higher, you will be held on the presumption that you were operating under the influence.

You will be kept in a police lockup until you are bailed out.

Information reprinted from a brochure spon-sored by OPM, Dept. of Public Safety, DMV, CT’s Court Support Services and DOT

DMV/ADMINISTRATIVE SANCTIONS

vided at Step 3, but the grievance was denied. An arbitration was scheduled to begin on Sep-tember 13th, but the parties reached an agree-ment to reflect Eric’s absence as authorized leave.

SUSPENSION RESCINDED

Jerry Haas, DOT Maintainer 2 at the Glaston-bury Garage, was suspended for one day in July 2000, for damage to a weed whacker which he did not believe was his fault. The Union filed an appeal of the suspension, chal-lenging the discipline as far too harsh for an accident which was beyond Jerry’s control. The grievance was denied at Step 3 and appealed by the Union to arbitration. Prior to the arbi-tration hearing, an agreement was reached with the State to void the suspension and re-imburse Jerry for the day’s pay that he lost. In addition, a grievance concerning a subsequent unrelated written warning issued to Jerry was resolved by a stipulation that the warning would remain in his personnel for the contrac-tual 18 month period but would not by itself have any negative impact on his service rating.

VACANCY—LOSS

This arbitration was under the old Article 14 contract and thus should have no bearing on future grievances related to Article 14 due to the new language in our current contract. You can count on one hand the number of arbitra-tion cases DOT has one in the last five years. Unfortunately for Larry Warner, his case is one of them. Larry Warner applied for a DOT Maintainer 3 Payloader position and, based

Ed Gibson

Reprinted from the October 2002 CEUI newspaper

Eric Satagaj

PAGE 7

If a driver operates a motor vehicle and is convicted of: For a first conviction or refusal to be tested while operating a non-CMV, a CDL holder must be disqualified from operating a CMV for...

For a second conviction or refusal to be tested in a separate incident of any com-bination of offenses in this table while operating a non-CMV, a CDL holder must be disqualified from operating a CMV for..

1. Speeding excessively, involving any speed of 15 mph or more above the posted speed limit

60 days 120 days

2. Driving recklessly, as defined by State or local law or regulation, including but, not limited to, offenses of driving a motor vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the

safety of persons or property

60 days 120 days

3. Making improper or erratic traffic lane changes 60 days 120 days

4. Following the vehicle ahead too closely 60 days 120 days

5. Violating State or local law relating to traffic control (other than a parking violation) arising in connection with a fatal accident

60 days 120 days

6. Being under the influence of alcohol prescribed by State law (CT is .08) 1 year Life

7. Being under the influence of a controlled substance 1 year Life

8. Refusing to take an alcohol test as required by a State or jurisdiction under its im- plied consent laws or regulations as defined in article 383.72 of this part

1 year Life

9. Leaving the scene of an accident 1 year Life

10. Using the vehicle to commit a felony, other than a felony described in paragraph (b)(9) of this table

1 year Life

11. Using the vehicle in the commission of a felony involving manufacturing, distribu- tion, or dispensing a control substance

Life-not eligible for 10 year reinstatement

Life-not eligible for 10 year reinstatement

12. Causing a fatality through the negligent operation of a CMV, including but not lim- ited to the crimes of motor vehicle manslaughter, homicide by motor vehicle and negligent homicide

1 year Life

13. Having an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater while operating a CMV 1 year Life

FEDERAL CDL PROVISIONS

Don’t Be Caught Speeding in Your Car or on a Motorcycle

Don’t Drink & Drive

primarily on his failure of the hands-on practicum, was denied this position—although Mr. Warner was often "Q’d" to this very position. Some of the relevant facts in this grievance are: a less senior employee obtained this position; Mr. War-ner continued to occasionally fill in and get "Q" for this position; within nine months Warner was promoted to Maintainer IV; DOT claims during the hands-on practicum Warner did not perform a full check or in-spection of the payloader.

SAFETY STEWARDS If you have a safety question, please contact your Safety Steward or a member of the Bar-gaining Unit Job Safety Committee.

Bargaining Unit Job Safety Committee John Marchese (DOT) (860) 343-8742 John Pernal (non-DOT agencies)(860) 343-8740

DOT Safety Stewards Joseph Delorimiere, Portland Brian Green, East Windsor Dwight Johnson, West Willington Jeff Julian, Colchester Charles Labella, Torrington Thomas Larosa, New Canaan John Marchese, Hartford Edward Matson, New Milford Stephen Rice, Beacon Falls Gregory Ronalter, Southbury Richard Russo, Montville Carlos Soto, Stratford

Non-DOT Safety Stewards John Birtwistle, DMR/STS David Cummings, CSU/ECSU Julius Giaccone, UConn/Storrs Clayton Gustafson, DMR/STS Paul Kalajian, UConn/Storrs Ron McLellan, CSU/CCSU John Pernal, DMR/Central CT Regional Center Bob Smollen, DMHAS/CVH Joseph Starzyk, CSU/CCSU

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

CODE OF ETHICS

The Department of Transportation has re-cently tailgated its Code of Ethics policy which was created July 30,2004. It was not clear to our member exactly who or when this Code of ethics would apply to. Many of our members have second jobs, some of which are at major companies who may have a minor supply contract with the state. Pat Rogers was contacted to clarify the Code of Ethics Policy.

The Code of Ethics policy will not affect a second job if in your second job you have no decision making authority or influence over those who make decisions. This is true even if your second employer has a contract with the State.

The DOT wants members to focus on the part of the policy that states "...which could cause, or create the appearance of, a con-flict with or influence the performance of the employee's duties with the Department." If a member has any questions please call the Ethics Commission directly.

Safety Stewards recently attended a three-day training session presented by Mike Fitts of Con-nectiCOSH and Steve Schrag of SEIU Intn’l.

The class included training in: Confined Spaces

Walking and Working Surfaces

Lockout/Tagout

Respirators and Protective Clothing

Safety Steward’s Role in Emergency Response

Exit Routes, Emergency Action Plans and Fire

Prevention Plans Information on Labels and Material Safety

Data Sheets (MSDSs)

Upon completion, participants received an 8-Hour Hazmat certificate, New England Consor-tium Certificate and 10-hour OSHA card.

PENNY GRIEVANCE AT ARBITRATION

Due to Core-CT, a class action grievance was filed because the maintenance salary payscale has steps in every salary group where the penny is not being rounded up and paid.

A Step 3 grievance hearing was held and continued, to allow Core-CT, DAS and the Comptroller’s Office to obtain additional in-formation. Unfortunately, the Office of La-bor Relations decided to deny the grievance without hearing what the departments had learned.

The grievance has been sent to arbitration and if successful, members will be paid any retro-active monies due.

Safety Steward Training

PAGE 8

Dear Salvatore J. Perruccio Scholarship Committee:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your generosity in awarding me this scholarship. It will be extremely helpful in con-tinuing my education. I was glad to show my appreciation by volun-teering at the golf tournament and being able to meet everyone—they were all so kind. Thank you!

Sincerely, Cassie Blass Dear Scholarship Committee:

Please extend my thanks to everyone on the committee for the col-lege scholarship that I received. This will greatly contribute to my education. Thank you for making it possible for me to attend Mount St. Mary’s, a little less financially taxing. I have been working all sum-mer to help defray some of the burden on my parents.

Thanks again, Corinne Petrushonis I would like to express my thanks for the scholarship and say that I will not let my education go to waste.

With extreme thanks, Amy Voluckas Dear Steven & Leslie,

Sincere thanks to all of you...it meant more than you could ever know. I was so surprised to receive the Humanitarian Award, and to see my daughters there. Thank you so much.

Love ya, Alice Mott UConn Retiree 2004 Humanitarian Award Recipient

YOUR STAFF CAN HELP

Union Phone Directory

Main Number 860-344-0311 Toll Free 800-622-3359

DIRECT EXT. NAME/POSITION NUMBER

Brown, John—Staff Rep 343-8727 X727 Bylan, Joy—OJE Consultant 343-8717 X717 Cormier, Rich—Staff Rep 343-8737 X737 Deegan, Tracy—Assistant to the Pres. 343-8712 X712 Domaszek, Rachel—MEUI Staff Rep 343-8724 X724 Gombotz, Sue—Admin. Assist 343-8726 X726 Harrison, Alexcia—Political Director 343-8715 x715 Horesco, Sara—General Counsel 343-8719 X719 Kluytenaar, Bill—Staff Rep 343-8720 X720 Maddocks, Leslie—Sec/Treasurer 343-8713 X713 Marchese, John—Safety Steward 343-8742 X742 Miano, Connie—Office Manager 343-8700 X700 Nielsen, Barbara—Steward Coordinator 343-8721 X721 Pernal, John—Safety Steward 343-8740 X740 Perruccio, Steven—President 343-8718 X718 Pinkava, Tom—MEUI Staff Rep 343-8714 x714 Schurin, Zach—Staff Rep 343-8738 X738 Spencer, Artie—Workers Comp Rep 343-8711 X711 Spurlock, George—Retiree Staff Rep 343-8722 X722 White, Tom—Staff Rep 343-8716 X716 Update Line 343-8705 x905

New Education Director and Steward Coordinator

Barbara Nielsen has been a resident of Connecticut for over 20 years. She is a graduate of Indiana Univer-sity where she received a B.S. in Mu-sic and Business. She was a violinist with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra for many years, which is where she first became involved with the union movement as a mem-ber, steward and local officer. Barbara then worked for the American Federation of Musicians (International) in several positions, including Contract Administrator and Executive Assistant to the President. Her responsibilities included the development and implementation of local officer educational programs and materials. Barbara still remains in-volved with music as a substitute member of the Greater Bridgeport Symphony Orchestra. Babara is pleased to be a member of the CEUI staff. If you have any questions, she can be reached at (860) 343-8721 or by email at bnielsen@ceui.org

Zach Schurin (860) 343-8738

John Brown (860) 343-8727

Tom White (860) 343-8716

Rich Cormier (860) 343-8737

Applications are now available for the 2004-2005 Salvatore Perruccio Scholarship. CEUI offers four (4) $2,500 schol-

arships and MEUI offers one (1) $1,000 scholarship to a deserving child of an active dues paying member of CEUI/MEUI. The specifics for qualifying are:

1. You must be a senior in high school about to enter a four-year ac-

credited college by the Fall of 2005. 2. You must fill out a preliminary application form as soon as possible. 3. You must return a Final Application postmarked by May 14, 2005. 4. Qualifying students will by individually interviewed. 5. Winners will be expected to attend the 18th Annual Salvatore J.

Perruccio Golf Tournament held June 23, 2005.

To obtain a preliminary application form please call Tracy at 1-800-622-3359 x712 or locally at 860-343-8712. You may also request an appli-cation by email: tdeegan@ceui.org.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN OF CEUI/MEUI MEMBERS 2004-2005

(continued from page 1) chose in the September 2003 job fair. President Perruccio and Gen-eral Counsel Sara Horesco have met with Commissioner Waters on her plans for the future.

While Commissioner Waters does not have a concrete plan for the future, she does have a rough outline which includes raising the staffing levels, and buying new cars for the State Fleet. OPM needs to approve these transactions. There appears to be some discon-nect between DAS and OPM, which is why President Perruccio wrote Governor Rell on September 3, 2004. Until OPM and DAS get on the same page our members continue to be in a state of limbo, not knowing how all the chips will fall so that they can move on with their lives.

DAS Commissioner Barbara Waters updates Fleet members on not privatizing Fleet