Brothers and Sisters,
As we usher in a new year, I hope this correspondence finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. Unfortunately, because of the continued restrictions on in person meetings we are unable to hold our monthly membership meetings. If you have questions or need assistance please contact shop stewards or the union office.
Though there is light at the end of the tunnel the health concerns along with the financial realities caused by COVID are far from over. The development of multiple vaccines is great news however there is still much work to be done. The most recent stimulus is also welcome news. Due in large part to your efforts and sacrifices we completed the fall semester without a single member being laid off. I know if we continue to adhere to the safety precautions put in place we can help each other stay healthy and help protect our jobs during the spring semester as well.
I know this has been a most difficult year with many of us suffering losses in our personal lives while at the same time trying to care for family and loved ones and balance work. If you need assistance please utilize the employee assistance program.
http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/wellness/eap.php
Communication has been a significant challenge during the pandemic. The entire leadership team is here to assist you with any issues/questions or info inquiries you may have. Also always feel free to contact me directly at 742-5817 if you need assistance. I greatly look forward to holding a membership meeting as soon as permitted by CDC/DOH/URI HS regulations and guidelines.
Below please find some pertinent information and updates:
*Christmas Raffle was held 12/8/2020 most all the $ has been distributed. Congratulations to this year's winners.
Comp-time agreement
Reminder Local 528 entered into an agreement to allow comp-time to be used through the end of January 2021.
Local 528 2020 Scholarship Winners
Noah Doak (John Doak)
Olivia DaSilva (Antonio DaSilva)
Liliana Berube (Ed Berube)
Robert Lavoie (Selena Lavoie)
John J Fogarty (John Fogarty)
Brianna Ferrante (Greg Farrente)
*New General Assembly contact lists
http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Email/SenEmailListDistrict.asp
http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Email/RepEmailListDistrict.asp
STATE BUDGET
FY 21' budget is set no increases/no cuts. The tough work will come in the FY22' budget which begins July 1st, 2021. Governor has been given an extension to deliver the budget to the GA until March. Eleanor Slater hospital is a major concern as it appears the Governor's Office continues to target the hospital with a variety of proposed cuts. As the state budget process begins to pick up speed after the new year I will update everyone as I learn more.
AFSCME provided notice of dues increase effective January 1st, 2021
0.70 per month
0.35 per pay period
Current dues $22.15/ pay period
2021 dues $22.50/ pay period
STATE MASTER CONTRACT
We continue to work under terms of expired contract. Our contract language & benefits remain in place. If you have suggestions for upcoming contract negotiations please utilize the contract proposal sheet that was previously emailed. If you need a new copy of the proposal sheet, please let me know.
CAMPUS REOPENING PLAN SPRING SEMESTER
https://web.uri.edu/coronavirus/2020/12/18/spring-semester-updates/
*If you are having problems with access to PPE please notify shop steward or contact the union office.
URI provides update on vaccinations
https://web.uri.edu/coronavirus/2021/01/13/update-on-vaccinations/
*Free asymptomatic testing continues to be available through URI Health Services
Health Insurance premiums for 2021
The full rates can be found by visiting the link provided below:
http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/documents/SoRI-health-plan-co-shares-2021-26pp.pdf
http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/documents/SoRI-health-plan-co-shares-2021-20pp.pdf
Example Family Plan:
2020 Anchor Plus $124.34/ PP 2021 Anchor Plus $131.80/PP
2020 Delta Anchor Plan $6.12/ PP 2021 Delta Anchor $6.57/PP
2020 VSP Anchor Plan $0.96/PP 2021 VSP Anchor Plan $1.02/PP
*The article 10 grievance was heard in arbitration on November 17th decision forthcoming.
2021-2022 Wellness rewards program brochures are being sent out in January 2021
http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/wellness/rewards_2021-2022.php
In Solidarity,
Michael McDonald
President