Nov. 2011 -
BOH News - Read the Nov. 5 Tri-City Herald Article

Update - Dec. 5, 2011 Negotiations

Your negotiation team met with the management team on December 8th.  The meeting was very productive and a lot of work was done on both sides. Our next meet will probably not take place until after the new year. It is likely that we will complete the process during that meeting or very soon there after. Unfortunately, there is little other information we can share at this time as most discussions have been conceptual and we are working on finalizing agreements in writing.  I can say that your team is exceptional and works very diligently on your behalf.

Update - Nov. 22, 2011- WIC Phone Surveillance

By Carrie Blackwood, Union Rep.

The District has stopped all phone conversation surveillance in WIC while the situation is reviewed. If after the completion of the review the District determines that phone surveillance is necessary to conduct the business of the District, the District will contact Local 17 to discuss prior to reinstating phone surveillance.          

Update - Oct. 12, 2011

Update - July 28, 2011

By Carrie Blackwood, Union Rep.

Negotiations Update
The negotiating team and member leaders participated in a Negotiations 101 training last night as part of their preparation for upcoming negotiations.  Following the meeting the negotiating team reviewed the employee surveys and discussed upcoming negotiations issues.  The team will be doing research on varies issues and will have more information to provide members as we get closer to negotiations.  After preliminary budget discussions with the employer, negotiations should start in October.  

Union Representation Update
Don Briscoe has retired and I will be filling in until his replacement can be hired and trained. I am committed to making sure that the transition to your new representative is smooth and that the membership is comfortable with the transition. Because we are also at a critical time in negotiations I will not leave the process until everyone is comfortable with my departure which may be post negotiations completion. 

Recent Layoff Notice 
Some of you may be aware that a member of ours was notified of a possible layoff as she was departing for maternity leave. I am happy to report that after discussions with the District this notice has been rescinded.  

Dress Code
Dress code issues are still lingering and I will be working with the employer to help resolve our concerns.  

Home Emails
Please notify membership that we will be doing these types of communications via home emails, if they are interested in getting on the email list.

Thank you and I look forward to working with each of you during my time with you.