New Year New Faces New Challenges

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2004 MCO REPORT

NEW YEAR NEW FACES NEW CHALLENGES

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E Page 2 Officer Makes National News Page 7 OJT Reception Page 3 Heroes Among Us Page 8-9 Union Beat Page 4 Prepare for Higher Education Page 10 Statement of Activities Page 5 Scholarships Abound Page 11 Exchange/Transfers Page 6 Chief Steward’s Training Page 12 Union Contacts MCO REPORT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2004

PROFILES DOUBLE DUTY

OFFICER “SLUGS” IT OUT ON NATIONAL TV AT CRANE

Daren Ferden, a CO at Jackson, I certainly never expected some- made national headlines in thing like that.” December when he won NBC’s “Fear Factor” and the $50,000 prize. IS THERE ANYTHING SPECIAL YOU WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO YOUR To win, Ferden had to ride a FELLOW CO’S? slide 100 ft. above the ground and “I really think that paying capture flags, eat a sausage covered attention during academy training with nightcrawlers and red worms, made a difference. It teaches you and then leap under a flaming lake how to be observant, how to plan to release six giant Christmas ahead. This really made a ornaments. Only two contestants difference when I was facing the made it to the final task. different challenges. It helped me to plan my strategy and learn from Now that things have calmed the other contestants’ mistakes.” down a bit....Here’s what Ferden had to say in an interview recently with MCO about his experience.

HAVE THINGS CHANGED FOR YOU AT WORK? The Barker-West Twins! “No, not really. Although they did get to see a different side of me than they normally encounter at Cole Kaleb work. I did feel a sense of 5 lbs. 14 oz. 6 lbs. comaraderie though, everyone was 18” 18” very supportive. The prisoners even said “Good Job.” I got a 11:24 pm. 11:46 p.m. special thanks from the Warden for portraying a professional image on TV, which was very nice.” December 11, 2003

WHAT HAS COME OUT OF THIS EXPERIENCE THAT YOU DIDN’T Congrats to EXPECT? Rochelle and Chris! “I got to do a TV commercial PHOTO COURTESY OF NBC for State Employees Credit Union,

2 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS FOR OVER 25 YEARS

OFFICERS RUSH TO RESCUE AT CAR FIRE

Monday, December 8, 2003, through the windshield and pulled was the granddaughter of the started out like any other day for the driver of the overturned vehicle passenger who perished. The CO’s Bret Miller, Melody Teunis, to safety. CO Teunis then adminis- drivers’ continued requests to save Stanley Crisp, Robert Stahl and tered First Aid and comfort to the her grandmother still ring in the RUO Bonnie Hubbard of Pugsley. rescued driver who sustained officers’ ears. That would change. At substantial injuries but survived the CO Stalh, RUO Hubbard and approximately 2:30 that afternoon incident. CO Crisp assisted the driver of the they came upon a two car head on CO Miller made repeated other vehicle who also received collision on US-131, about a mile attempts to remove the second substantial injures but did survive south of M-113. The heroic acts passenger, only to have the vehicle the accident. that followed can be told best by become engulfed in flames. Miller Of particular note is how the the officers involved, yet they continued his rescue efforts, receiv- officers took care of business prefer to consider what happened ing burns to his right hand, but was without concern for their personal nothing out of the ordinary. eventually pushed back by intense safety. CO Tenunis commented One car, containing two flames and smoke. The passenger that they all took on different roles passengers, was flipped onto its ultimately perished in the fire. without direction or hesitation, a roof. The other vehicle, while What made the failed rescue direct reflection on the type of staff upright, was unrecognizable. particularly difficult was the employed at MPF and throughout CO Crisp immediately climbed discovery that the rescued driver the department.

IN MEMORIUM

Ty Brently Bernson, 29, of after a five-hour search. After $1,500 to date, to assist his Gladstone, Michigan left difficulties with freezing young family. behind a pregnant wife and an equipment, a portable heating 18 month-old child on Friday, tent was set up and a third team January 9, 2004. of divers brought in. Bernson, who was Bernson had been a supposed to meet a friend to Corrections Officer at Alger go ice fishing at 6:30 that Max since August 2001. morning, was found submerged in 20 feet of MCO will be making a water approximately 300 feet donation to Bernson’s family offshore, near Buckeye Beach. from the MCO Crisis Fund. A Gladstone Public Safety In addition, local officers dive-team recovered the body and staff have raised over

3 MCO REPORT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2004

TWO PLANS...TWO WAYS TO SAVE

THE MICHIGAN EDUCATION TRUST... INVEST TODAY FOR A BRIGHTER LETS YOU PAY FORTOMORROW’S TOMORROW TUITION AT TODAY’S PRICES With three options under the The Michigan Education MET program, parents, Savings Plan is a 529 College grandparents, and others can Savings Plan. This means that purchase tuition for children as MESP accounts can be used to pay soon as they are born! for qualified higher education Under the Full Benefits Plan, expenses at thousands of eligible MET will provide in-state tuition colleges, universities, vocational and mandatory fees at Michigan schools, or other postsecondary public universities or in-district or institutions in the state of Michigan out-of-district tuition and manda- or anywhere in the country. tory fees at Michigan public With just a $25 deposit to open community colleges up to the the account, you can be on your way number of credit hours required for to saving for your child’s education. a standard four-year undergraduate Contributions to the MESP grow degree. free from federal and state income In addition to paying for tax until withdrawal. In addition, tomorrow’s education in today’s the earnings portion of withdraw- dollars, contributions to the MET als will be free of both federal and are deductible on a purchaser’s Michigan income tax.* Michigan income tax form in the Contributors can deduct up to year they are made. In addition, $10,000 for joint filers and $5,000 purchasers and students will not pay for singles filers from their state or federal income tax on Michigan income tax each year for earnings when the benefits are used contributions made by December for qualified higher education 31st of that year. expenses.* In addition, the beneficiary may Limited Benefit and Community be eligible for a matching grant of College plans are also available. $1 for each $3 contributed up to Tuition can be purchased with $200 if the beneficiary resides in a lump sum deposits, or by monthy household earning $80,000 or less. installments. For a complete This is only available during the first description of the MET plans, year of enrollment. costs, and application forms, visit For more information or to www.met4kid.com. apply, simply visit www.misaves.com *this tax exemption is scheduled to end in *this tax exemption is scheduled to end in 2010 2010

4 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS FOR OVER 25 YEARS

UNIONS: DEDICATED TO EDUCATING OUR WORKFORCE

Now that the excitement of the All applicants for SEIU scholar- offers a scholarship program. holidays is over, it’s time to get back ships must read “Stronger Funded through MCO’s general to the hum drum of life. For many Together,” a booklet about fund. Twenty entering or of you, that may mean it’s time to SEIU, and complete all of the returning students are selected each start filling out paperwork to send questions year to receive a $500 scholarship. your senior to college next year. As To be eligible, a student must be you sort through applications, loan a graduate from a High School or forms, letters of recommenda- G.E.D. program by August 2004, tion and essays, look no be enrolled as a college further than SEIU and MCO. freshman by the fall se- With a number of scholarship mester 2004, or be re- programs providing a total of nearly turning as a sophomore, $85,000 in annual assistance, we can junior or senior as of the fall help make it all a little easier. semester 2004. Eligibility is for a The SEIU Scholarship Program child, stepchild, adopted child of awards 48 scholarships each year, an MCO member in good including fifteen $1,000 scholar- standing for three continuous years ships which are renewable for up as of January 1, 2004. to four years, and thirty-three To apply, simply complete the $1,500 one time scholarships. Scholarship Application, submit SEIU also offers the SEIU verification of ACT/SAT test Moe Foner Scholarship on the application form scores, as well as a 500 word essay program for Visual and Perform- to qualify. Additional essays or describing your general knowledge ing Arts. This scholarship is a one portfolio materials may be required of MCO and its importance to the time $5,000 award to a student for specific scholarships. members. pursuing a degree or training in the Completed application forms are The MCO Scholarship applica- visual and performing arts and who then entered into a lottery drawing tion materials will be available in believes that the arts are an impor- selection process. mid-February, as well as included in tant vehicle for promoting cultural Application materials, including the March MCO Report. You may identity and social change. the “Stronger Together” booklet, also obtain applications by contact- In addition, there is also the can be obtained by visiting ing Sacha Crowley via e-mail at SEIU Jesse Jackson Scholarship www.seiu.org/resources/scholar- [email protected], by phone at program. This is a $5,000 annual ship on-line, or by contacting Sacha 800.451.4878 or on-line through scholarship, which can be renewed Crowley via e-mail at sacha@mco- our website at www.mco-seiu.org. up to a maximum of four years, seiu.org. Spanish application The deadline for MCO Scolarship given to a student whose work and materials are also available upon Applications is June 1, 2004. aspirations for economic and social request. The application deadline justice reflect the values and for SEIU Scholarships is March 1, accomplishments of the 2004. Rev. Jesse Jackson. Started in 2000, MCO also

5 MCO REPORT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2004

CHIEF STEWARD’S TRAINING JANUARY 8, 2004

LABOR REP. CHERELYN DUNLAP

LABOR REPRESENTATIVES CHERELYN DUNLAP AND RON PARKINSON SPENT THE DAY DISCUSSING THE GRIEVANCE PROCESS AND LABOR/MANAGEMENT RELATIONS AND THE CHIEF STEWARD’S HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE SITUATIONS AND EXPERIENCES THEY’VE ENCOUNTERED AT THEIR FACILITIES.

LABOR REP. RON PARKINSON

6 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS FOR OVER 25 YEARS

OJT RECEPTION JANUARY 8, 2004

MCO PRESIDENT, KARY SOWELS, SPEAKING TO THE RICHARD E. JOHNSON CLASS

MEMBERS OF THE JANUARY 2004 GRADUATING CLASS GATHER TO SHARE PIZZA, AND QUESTIONS, WITH UNION OFFICIALS.

7 MCO REPORT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2004

THE UNION BEAT MCO IN COURT ON TWO FRONTS PAPERLESS EARNINGS STATEMENTS

To stop the “Paperless Earnings The OSE agreed to settle the has now been reversed so no Statement” program, MCO filed a matter concluding the “Paperless” security bargaining unit members grievance, an unfair labor practice system was not appropriate for will be included in the “paperless” against the state, and pursued an Security Unit employees due to their program unless they have their own, injunction in court. Ultimately, the unique work environment. individual computer at work. state was forced to sit down with Attempts by OSE to continue the

MCO and discuss the ramifications system for MCO members in DCH “MCO BROUGHT TO OUR ATTENTION of the program. failed. THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE IMPACT OF “PAPERLESS EARNINGS STATEMENTS” In a meeting with the Office of A “show cause” hearing was FOR SECURITY UNIT EMPLOYEES. the State Employer, MCO argued scheduled for February 5th, where AFTER HEARING MCO’S CONCERNS, WE AGREED TO CONTINUE MAILING EARNINGS the program caused privacy MCO was to argue objections to STATEMENTS TO ALL SECURITY UNIT concerns for members, excess time this unilateral mandate and EMPLOYEES WHO DO NOT HAVE THEIR OWN spent waiting in line to obtain their provide “real life” data on how the DEDICATED PC AT WORK.” information, whether on break, or program worked at the DCH their own time, and the fact there facilities. The program went into -DAVID FINK, DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF THE STATE EMPLOYER was insufficient computer access in effect for DCH members on the facilities. January 29th. That implementation

GENDER BASED LAWSUIT HEARD BY US COURT OF APPEALS On February 4th, the 6th Circuit MCO had successfully stopped civil rights. The Court could take Court of Appeals in Cincinnati the legislature from mandating that up to six months to decide the case. heard the Everson v Department of only female officers work in the Corrections lawsuit. housing units. Losing there, the MCO spent approximately a half MDOC decided to unilaterally million dollars to fight the case. The suit, funded by MCO, was change its policy. MCO quickly After winning in District Court, the won by the union in U.S. District decided to expend the necessary state was forced to reimburse MCO Court. MCO fought the Depart- resources to fight the department. for all costs, since this was a civil ment on a variety of levels, when rights case. When the state appealed the MDOC attempted to remove all After losing in District Court, the decision, it was required the male officers from female housing Governor Engler decided to appeal money be placed in an escrow units. MCO viewed the action as the decision. The Court of Appeals account. If MCO continues to win, discriminatory and a violation of heard MCO lawyers argue the states the money will be completely turned federal law. actions violated correctional officer over to MCO.

8 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS FOR OVER 25 YEARS

COMPARE THE FACTS...

MSEA AFSCME COUNCIL 25 NERE Without Union Representation, BLT Plan No agreement made...members the Civil Service adopted most voted against concessions of the Office of the State 40 hours of unpaid furlough time agreement Employer’s recommendations

Prescription drug co-pays The State is now preparing for BLT Plan increase to $30 from $15 for unit wide temporary layoffs, with non-preferred brand name drugs proration of benefits to balance Dec. 26th a paid day off the budget Jan. 2nd an unpaid day off SEIU 517M Workers will have to take 32 SCIENTIFIC/ENGINEERING UNIT MCO additional hours of unpaid BLT Plan leave during the year A maximum of 36 hours of BLT Plan Prescription drug co-pays unpaid furlough time increase to $30 from $15 for Compensatory time for 1 paid furlough day non-preferred brand name drugs pre-shift lineup

TECHNICAL UNIT BLT Plan UAW LOCAL 6000 NO FURLOUGH TIME 36 hours of unpaid furlough time BLT Plan O LAYOFFS 1 paid furlough day N 24 hours of unpaid NO PRESCRIPTION furlough time HUMAN SERVICES SUPPORT UNIT CO-PAY INCREASES No agreement made...members 1 paid furlough day voted against concessions agreement State stops paying into Joint MSPTA Employee Education, Training, 2 day layoff, with proration of and Development fund for accumulated benefits such as Contract expired Sept. 2002, union workers for 2 years sick-leave, annual leave, etc. and members didn’t get raises The reduction in work schedule Oct. 1, 2002, or in 2003. In Addition, the State takes will affect overtime Union has filed for mediation $3.5 million in existing funds from the account to help Likely additional layoffs from State proposes to obtain savings balance the State budget. State to balance budget from new contract

9 MCO REPORT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2004

A YEAR OF SOLIDARITY Revenues Amount Membership Dues $2,304,853 SEIU is pround to announce that the new Non-Member Fees 24,638 social justice calendar, “We Make the Road By Interest and Dividends 19,039 Walking,” for 2004 has Insurance Proceeds 3,755 arrived! Total Revenues 2,352,285 Each month honors original artwork designed Expenses to portray a social justice Administrative Leave 68,021 quote...one that goes to the Annual Leave 684 heart of SEIU’s mission. Arbitration 18,205 Calendars include important dates in labor CTIVITIES Books, Dues and Subscriptions 6,806 history in addition to its Computer 17,225 Consulting 8,120

themes of solidarity, activism A Continuing Education 5,576 and justice. 30, 2003) Contributions 55,685 Depreciation 50,493 ORDERING INFORMATION OF UNE Calendar for 2004: Insurance 90,920 J $12.95 plus s/h Leased Property 5,036 Union Member Discount: Legal and Accounting 82,308 $7.00 plus s/h MCO Report 24,168 Make checks payable to Meetings and Conferences 138,046

ENDED Member Crisis (net) 4,634 Bread and Roses and mail to: Office and Administrative 21,648 1199/SEIU’s Bread and Organizational Unity Materials 8,530 Roses Cultural Project Pension Contribution 70,035 330 W. 42nd Street, 7th floor Political (net) 63,859 Postage 23,614 New York, NY 10036 MONTHS Professional Organization Membership Fees 27,467 TATEMENT

To order on-line, contact Terry Sullivan: IX Athletic Team, Social Activity, Advertising, News Release and Related Expenses 6,310 [email protected]. (S Repairs and Maintenance 14,599 Salaries 469,060 Taxes - Payroll 39,881 Taxes - Per Capita 656,417 Telephone 21,503 Utilities 13,834 MCO S Total Expenses 2,012,684

Increase in Unrestricted Net Assets $339,601

10 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS FOR OVER 25 YEARS

EXCHANGE TRANSFERS If you are interested in placing your name on the Exchange Transfers list, (Article 15, Part D, Section A-6) please send the following information: your name, your home phone number, classification (E-9, E-10), etc.), current institution, desired institution and your facility’s phone number. Please mail to: Sacha Crowley, c/o MCO Report, 421 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48933, or send via e- mail to [email protected]. If you would like your “ad” in the next issue, you must submit your information no later than the first of the prior month. Please note all transfer requests must be submitted in writing and must be approved by both institutions’ wardens. Please contact us as well if you need to remove your name from the list.

NAME CURRENT FACILITY DESIRED FACILITY FACILITY Phone Bernard Lavia, E-10 Michigan Training Unit, Ionia Pugsley, Oaks 616-527-3100 Charles Helzer, Jr., E-9 Ionia Maximum Camp Manistique/Newberry 616-527-6331 Brian Crothers, E-9 Alger Max Marquette 906-387-5000 Greg Bennett, E-9 Ojibway Marquette 906-787-2217 Michael Thomas, E-10 Standish Saginaw 989-846-7000 R. Towers Oaks Any facility in Jackson or Ionia 231-723-8272 Mitchell L. Ross Chippewa Thumb or Saginaw 906-495-2275 Chet Dums, E-9 Ojibway Marquette or Alger Max 906-787-2217 Brian Maddox, E-9 Huron Valley Men’s Mound 734-572-9900 Michele Sivrais, E-10 Camp Lehman Standish Max 989-348-8101 Don Peer, E-9 Standish Max Camp Lehman 989-846-7000 Malcolm L. Davis, E-9 Parr Highway Ypsilanti TRV Center 517-263-3500 Wes Frizzle, CTO-10 Pugsley Macomb or Thumb 231-263-5253 Kelly Russell, E-10 Oaks St. Louis or Carson City 231-723-8272 Bryan Friend, E-9 Camp Lehman Mid-Michigan or Pine River 989-348-8101 Troy A. Crow, E-10 SAI Egeler-RG&C 734-475-1368 Monty R. Chriswell, E-10 Standish Max Saginaw or Thumb 989-846-7000 Biran Lierman, E-10 West Shoreline Grand Rapids Center 231-773-2097 David Dean, E-9 Huron Valley Men’s Parr Highway, Cotton, Parnall 734-572-9900

MCO Memorial Bible Program If you lose a loved one and would like a bible in his or her memory, please fill out the request form and submit it one of the MCO MEMORIAL BIBLE REQUEST following three ways: MCO Member Deceased's Name 1. Submit it to your chapter president to mail

2. Mail it to Sacha Crowley, c/o MCO, 421 Relationship to Deceased Deceased's Date of Death W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48933

3. E-mail your request to sacha@mco- Chapter, Chapter President Religious Preference seiu.org

11 Non-Profit Michigan Corrections Organization Organization 421 W. Kalamazoo Street U.S. POSTAGE Lansing, MI 48933 PAID Lansing, Michigan Permit No. 664 Address Service Requested

MCO STATE EXECUTIVE BOARD Kary Sowels, President Mel Grieshaber, Vice President Mark Nelson, Member at Large Tom Tylutki, Financial Secretary Bill Henderson, Member at Large MCO’S 24-HOUR Bonnie Johnson, Recording Secretary Al West, Member at Large John Ost, Member at Large Rich Wickstrom, Member at Large ANSWERING SERVICE Denny Craycraft, Member at Large Bonnie Lewis, Member at Large When a critical incident occurs at your facility, contact MCO’s 24-Hour Answering MCO CHAPTER PRESIDENTS Service by dialing 1-800-451- Larry Henley, Alger Maximum Scott Fischer, Macomb 4878 or 517-485-3310 ext. 29. Rick VanAlstine, Baraga Maximum Jerry Pope, Marquette Sheryl Shreve, Bellamy Creek Dennis Beecham, Michigan Training Unit Bryon King, Boyer Road James Prince, Mid-Michigan The MCO REPORT is an Phillip Earley, Brooks Correctional Adam Douglas, Mound Correctional award-winning publication Mark Nelson, Camps Vice President, Region I Julie Cabana, Muskegon Rod Denley, Camps Vice President, Region II Gary VanSickle, Newberry of the Michigan Corrections Kip Smith, Camps Vice President, Region III Paul Golembiewski, Oaks Correctional Organization, Service Em- Bruce Waldron, Carson City Ronald Niemi, Ojibway Correctional ployees Union Local 526 M, Cecil Pedrin, Chippewa Stuart Bridgewater, Parnall Correctional AFL-CIO. The editor re- John Ost, Corrections Centers Randy Burrow, Parr Highway serves the right to refuse any Bonnie Love, Cotton Facility Edward Cooley, Jr., Pine River incoming articles that are Garry Brickley, Sr., Deerfield Marcus Polychuk, Pugsley Correctional detrimental to MCO, SEIU Sam Allen, Egeler Michael Wohlscheid, Riverside Local 526M and its policies James Sims, Florence Crane Alfred West, Ryan Correctional and the policies of the SEIU. John Fetters, Forensic Center Bill Henderson, Saginaw Correctional Randy Burrow, Gus Harrison Timothy Ryder, SAI Program All articles or letters must be Michael Feighner, Hiawatha Stennis George, Scott Facility submitted by the first of the Lana Stewart, Huron Valley Center; Nursing Brent Kowitz, Southern MI month prior to the next issue. Daryl Moore, Huron Valley Center; Security Robert Davis, Standish Maximum Charles Wright, Huron Valley Corrections Facility Ray Sholtz, St. Louis Thomas Tefft, Ionia Maximum Jake Campbell, Straits MCO does not accept paid Thomas Hackel, Jackson Cooper Street Gary Whitman, Thumb Correctional advertising in the MCO Gary Kott, Kinross Robert Sikkenga, West Shoreline Report. No one is authorized Kamal Cariuty, Jr., Lakeland Phyllis White, Western Wayne to solicit advertising for the MCO Report in the name of MCO or SEIU Local 526M. MCO CENTRAL STAFF Fred Parks, Executive Director Mel Grieshaber, Political Director Ron Parkinson, Labor Relations Representative To send e-mail to an MCO Dave VanKoevering, Labor Relations Coordinator Cherelyn Dunlap, Labor Relations Representative staff member, type his or her Cynthia Beal, Labor Relations Representative Cindy Sanderson, Administrative Assistant first name followed by: John Bowers, Labor Relations Representative Sacha Crowley, Communication Specialist @mco-seiu.org. Randy Eicher, Labor Relations Representative Cindy Kogut, Bookkeeper Tangee Laza, Labor Relations Representative Lori Iding, Grievance Coordinator Karen Mazzolini, Labor Relations Representative Stephanie Short, Receptionist/Secretary If you have changed your address or phone number, please inform MCO immediately at 1-800-451-4878 “Were it not for the labor press, the labor movement would not (phone), 1-800-327-5266 (fax), be what it is today, and any man who tries to injure a labor or send an email by following paper is a traitor to the cause.” --Samuel Gompers the directions listed above.

Editor - Sacha Crowley MARCH 2004 MCO REPORT 2004 MICHIGAN CORRECTIONAL OFFICER OF THE YEAR

PABLO OLVERA, SAGINAW CORRECTIONAL FACILITY

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E Page 2-3 Union Voices Heard Page 11-12 Bargaining Survey Page 4 Profiles: MCOY Finalists Page 13 Johnson Class Graduation Page 5 Legal Watch Page 14 Statement of Activities/Fees Page 6 Want a Better Contract? Page 15 Exchange and Transfers List Page 7-10 2004 MCO Scholarship Page 16 Union Contacts MCO REPORT MARCH 2004

UNION VOICES YOUR ATTITUDE...YOUR CHOICES...YOUR UNION We have all heard lately about a happen, they complain that the union union should be more effective then it growing movement in the ranks to try didn’t get the job done. MCO is only as is now, get involved and do your part to to replace MCO. The rumors of the effective as the membership is dedicated make it more effective. Don’t wait for F.O.P. (Fraternal Order of Police) or to the union cause. To keep this same change to happen, make change P.O.A.M. (Police Officers Association attitude with new representation will happen. Get involved. of Michigan) representing us abound. only put a new face on the same I support MCO and plan on I have only been a member of this problem. staying active in the union process, union for little more than 3 years. In this To have a strong union, we must whatever the membership chooses. I time I have made some observations show strength in unity. This can only challenge all other members to do the about MCO. Our agreement with the be achieved through a dedicated same. A dedicated membership makes state employer is pretty good. All membership. Not by new representation. a stronger union. A strong union complaining aside, we are in the top 3 Do you really want to start from square membership presence at bargaining corrections departments nationwide for one again after all these years of gain? time, results in a more satisfactorily wages, training and benefits. MCO is the We all know that we have been negotiated agreement. This is my reason we have achieved this status. losing ground at the bargaining table for opinion, not necessarily that of anybody The more senior officers can tell awhile. This is partially due to the lack else. you of a day when a Corrections Officer of membership support of MCO. To in this state only made $15,000 a year reject MCO and vote in a new Richard Benson or less and had few benefits. You may representative union would mean Straits Correctional Facility say, “That was a long time ago.” You’re throwing out the existing employee right on the money. MCO was there way agreement and starting from scratch. back when we didn’t have an employee The F.O.P. or P.O.A.M. organizations agreement like we have now. Through have never had to negotiate an the years of representation by MCO agreement on a scale like the one we most of what we have now has been have now. In these fiscally challenging SOWELS ANNOUNCES achieved. times, do you think we will gain back HE WILL NOT RUN In the early eighties when MCO what we already have now? A new was just voted in, the membership was representative union with no large scale “It’s time for change” stated really fired up about the new negotiating experience would have a President Kary Sowels at the representation they now had. They hard time. This could have a negative Executive Council meeting held at attended meetings, walked picket lines effect on our employment conditions MCO Central Office on February and took part in the union. This made and benefits. 19, 2004. MCO stronger. When you make your choices Speaking to Chapter Presidents The membership of MCO has lost about your union, make an informed and the Executive Board, Sowels the dedication that makes this union decision. The choices you will make will lead off the day with his work. It seems that a lot of members have a lasting effect, positively or announcement that he will not run expect the union to make things happen negatively, on our employment future as for office in the upcoming elections. for them with no effort on their part in Corrections officers. the union process. When it doesn’t If the membership thinks that our

2 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS AFOR OVER 25 YEARS

UNION VOICES SPEND YOUR TIME WELL... As you are aware I recently went non-union state and can tell you that Thank you again for your donation through one of the most difficult times those organizations would not have done and expressions of support. in my life... The loss of my daughter anything so caring. and granddaughter on the same day. We never expect to have to bury a Sincerely, My daughter would have been 22 child let along a grandchild. If I have years old in March and my granddaugh- learned anything from this experience it Donald Zimmerman ter turned 6 in November of last year. is that family is a priority over employ- Camp Sauble My daughter left behind another daugh- ment. For those of the membership that ter that will be 2 this coming August. work massive amounts of overtime I intend to use the check from the chasing the dream of having lots of MCO Crisis fund to start a college fund money, know this, take time for your for my remaining grandchild. family as they are more important than WESTERN WAYNE I have had great support from my any amount of money. union brothers and sisters at Camp Hopefully none of you will ever ELECTIONS Sauble and now have received the check find yourself in my situation where you from the membership as a whole. can only visit your children in your In times like these it makes me dreams. Please take the time to be with, PRESIDENT feel fortunate to belong to such a fine experience and love your family HYLLIS HITE organization. I worked in the members because you never know what P W corrections field for 16 years in a tomorrow may bring. CHIEF STEWARD GREGORY CROUCH IN MEMORIUM

MCO mourned the wife, three sons, two STEWARDS unexpected passing of daughters, two stepchildren SCOTT SCHISLER Richard C. Hyland on and seven grandchildren. KENNETH HEARD January 22, 2004, at his home Hyland was employed by in Manistique. the Michigan Department of PHYLLIS WHITE He was a member of the Corrections as a Corrections V.F.W., the D.A.V. and the Officer at the Marquette ONGRATULATIONS American Legion. Hyland Prison, Camp Cusino in C served in the U.S. Marine Shingleton and at the Alger ON YOUR Corps from 1958-1964. Max facility in Munising, Richard leaves behind his retiring in 1997. NEW POSITIONS!

3 MCO REPORT MARCH 2004

PROFILES PROUDLY REPRESENTING US

ONE TOUGH CROWD! instructor for PA-415 training. His his attentiveness, resulting in many The Corrections Officers who record demonstrates his ability to confiscated weapons, and has served made it to the finals of the Michigan maintain control of difficult situations, as a member of the Ionia Max ERT. Corrections Officer of the Year including a commendation for coming Sage is active in MCO and is very selection for 2004 represent the to the aid of a prisoner being stabbed. involved in his community, serving as ideals we strive for in our profession. Kirsten Scheidler, a Resident Unit coach of the 7th grade football team Officers are nominated from Officer at Camp Branch, is an active at Belding Junior High. each institution and are judged on the member in the Parole Violator Diana Stimpson, a Corrections basis of their work ethic, MDOC Diversion Program. While monitoring Officer from Southern Michigan policy compliance, communication more than 150 graduates of the PVDP Correctional Facility, has spent skills and professionalism. Each of program, she recognized challenges and nineteen years working to serve the the five finalists were subjected to made suggestions for improvements. needs of prisoners, their families, and personal interviews on January 29, Her four and a half years of service have fellow co-workers, including the 2004, by a committee of former been busy as she balances her unique issues to being a female officer officers of the year, an MCO correctional duties with her housing unit in a male institution. Stimpson representative, a custody supervisor and is credited with helping to make the developed a children’s reading center and a training representative. PVDP an effective cost savings in the visitor’s room, received a The winner, Pablo Olvera of the program. Citizenship award for coming to the Saginaw Correctional Facility has been Resident Unit Officer Grant Sage aid of victims and another officer in a credited with intervening in an has served the DOC for 14 years. His fatal car accident, and provides PA. altercation between two prisoners, accomplishments include training 415 training to name a few. taking a shank to the shoulder to block co-workers on the use of new computer- To all our nominees....MCO is an attack by one prisoner on the other. driven technology used in conjunction proud of the hard work you do and Olvera also played a critical role with the opening of the Bellamy Creek the example you set by acting beyond in the reporting of a hijacked sheriff’s Correctional Facility. Sage is known for “the job.” van parked in front of the Administration Building at the Mound Correctional Facility. FINALISTS, FROM LEFT: In addition to his eight years of service, Olvera has actively worked to raise money for the families of two RUO GRANT SAGE, Corrections Officers who passed away RUO STEVEN LARSEN, this year. C/O DIANA STIMPSON, We must also recognize the tough RUO KIRSTEN competition Olvera faced in this SCHEIDLER, year’s selection process. Steven Larsen, a RUO at Mid- AND Michigan Correctional Facility is a RUO PABLO OLVERA primary weapons instructor and an

4 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS AFOR OVER 25 YEARS

THE LEGAL WATCH DO I NEED A WILL? BY: ATTORNEY DANIEL A. PAWLUK If you die without a will, included in the state’s intestate to name an agent to assist in your Michigan Statutes will dictate the successive scheme under the Estates financial matters if you should become distribution of your assets. By executing and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC). incapacitated. A DPA can allow an a will, you can elect the individuals, In addition, you can also specify in a will individual to have unlimited power to charities and/or organizations to receive which individuals you intend not to sell, purchase, or transfer assets, pay your assets. A will is the direct receive certain assets. However, omitted bills, make gifts, to name a few. mechanism to avoid “intestacy”, the children and/or spouse are subject to Identifying a person as your DPA relieves generic term for descent and distribution certain provisions and compliance under your family members from having to of assets pursuant to Michigan Statutes. the code. For example, EPIC does not rush into court to appoint a conservator For example, the intestate share, states cover children born or adopted before to handle your financial affairs. in part, for your surviving spouse is one of the following: An equally important concern that should be addressed as you create ✑ The entire estate if none of your your will is appointing a Patient descendants (children, grand- Advocate to make medical decisions children, great-grandchildren, should you become so ill that you are etc.) or parents survive you incapacitated. Your Patient Advocate ✑ The first $150,000 plus ½ of any can then make pre-determined choices balance of your estate if all of regarding your life support issues in your surviving descendents are accordance with your wishes. also descendants of your spouse regardless of whether or not There is no best time to execute a your spouse has other the execution of the will, but rather will than NOW! Don’t let the things descendants. speaks to omitted children born or that matter least take priority over the ✑ The first $150,000 plus ¾ of any adopted after the execution of the will. things that matter most. balance of your estate if none of In other words, a person could your descendants survive you, but potentially omit certain children existing one of your parents survives you. before the execution of their will by not ✑ The first $100,000 plus ½ of any naming them in the will, subject to some balance of your estate if none of minor exceptions. Daniel A. Pawluk is a principal of your surviving descendants are descendants of your spouse. A will can also serve to identify Pawluk Law Group, P.C. and is a par- the selection and appointment of a ticipating panel attorney for the Union You may want to include certain personal representative of your estate or Plus Legal Services Plan, a division of stepchildren, children of a previous appoint a guardian for care and financial Union Privilege. His office is at 302 marriage, or other adult friends to receive protection of your minor children. In certain assets. It is best to carry out this addition, as part of your estate plan, it S. Waverly Rd., Suite 2, Lansing, MI intent through a will since certain is important to execute a Durable Power 48917, (517) 321-3211 individuals, such as stepchildren, are not of Attorney (DPA). A DPA allows you

5 MCO REPORT MARCH 2004

WANT A BETTER CONTRACT? TALK TO US...WE’RE LISTENING

As the year begins to tick tell us problem areas that have the desire to do the best for our away, it is time for us to focus on come to your attention, things membership. the upcoming contract negotia- that work, things that don’t, etc. We have been negotiating tions. The State budget deficit, We understand you are not contracts with the OSE for nearly and rising costs of health care (up happy about the recent 25 years, and as such, MCO has 39% in the last two years), Concession agreement with the established a “history.” We have make for a tough bargaining State or the process we went fought for many unique benefits environment. through to achieve it. It could and despite attempts in the past By starting now, we can come have been handled better by by the OSE to remove them, they to the bargaining table prepared MCO. remain a part of our contract due to speak confidently about our Members have told us that to this “history.” membership and your needs. we “opened up our contract,” We will not sugarcoat the To ensure that we accurately and will simply open it up fact that fiscal budget issues are a represent issues important to you, again, giving over even more big concern. The economy is the members of MCO, it is critical concessions, during contract struggling, and citizens face it that you complete the enclosed bargaining. The fact is, the State every day. Many working families survey. This is an opportunity to had the ability to do what they are paying nearly $600 a month speak out about the issues that were threatening within the for employer sponsored health affect you and your family. By contract and we were doing our insurance, and still face deductibles telling us which issues are more best to protect your interests. But and co-payments. Unfortunately, relevant than others, we can we need to do better. the world we live in is not the concentrate our efforts to secure MCO is entering the same as our parents era and times them. upcoming negotiations just like change. That being said, we are Historically, negotiations any other bargaining year, with not going to “roll-over” and give during times of tight fiscal everything up. budgets lead to great improve- Talk to us, talk to your ments in the language of a stewards, talk to your contract. Changes in language chapter presidents. Only through don’t cost money upfront, but can communication can we work lead to important changes that together to strengthen the union will impact the membership and show solidarity at the throughout the year. So, our bargaining table. challenge to you is to pick it apart,

MCO $500 Scholarship Program MCO is proud to offer the MCO Scholarship Program. MCO 2004 This program will offer 20 $500 grants per year to chil- Scholarship Application dren of MCO members who are entering college. Eligibility • Child, stepchild, adopted SECTION 1. Applicant Information child of an MCO member in Please print or type clearly good standing. Membership 1. Social Security Number ______/____/______must be for three continuous years as of January 1, 2004. 2. Name • Graduate from a high school or G.E.D. program by ______August 2004 and be enrolled Last First Middle Initial as a college freshman by the 3. Address fall semester of 2004, or • Be returning to an accred- ______ited college or university as a Street sophomore, junior or senior as of the fall semester 2004; ______or attending an accredited City State Zip Code community college as of the 4. Home Phone Number ( ) ______-______fall semester 2004. 5. Birthdate ____/____/______Application Instructions • Complete sections 1, 2, 3, 6. Results of SAT: Verbal______Math______Results of ACT______5, 6 and 7 (incomplete applications will be disqualified) • Have a school official fill PLEASE NOTE: Applicants must provide test scores from the SAT or out section 4. ACT in the space above and attach a copy of these results to this • Submit a typewritten 500- application. word essay describing your general knowledge of MCO and its importance to the members. Also include a brief Scholarship assistance from MCO will be made according to academic paragraph on your career achievement and without regard to sex, race, religion, age or disability goals. of any applicant Send this application to: 2004 MCO Scholarship 421 W. Kalamazoo Street FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Lansing, Michigan 48933

Applications must be Committee member: ______Region: ______postmarked by Date reviewed: ______Score: ______June 1, 2004 sc:opeiulocal459aflcio SECTION 2. 1. In what student activities did you participate in high MCO Membership Information school and/or college? Please list all. This section must be completed. Applications without ______correct MCO information will be disqualified. ______

1. MCO Member’s SSN# ______/_____/______

2. MCO Member’s Name ______

3. How long have you been a member of MCO, SEIU ______

Local 526M? ______4. Relationship to applicant:______5. Parent(s)’s Employer(s) ______Mother’s:______Father’s:______6. Parent(s)’s Annual Salary

Mother’s:______2. List any offices held or honors received in these Father’s:______activities.

______

SECTION 3. School Information ______List every secondary school you have attended (whether you have graduated or not), giving exact dates ______of attendance. ______

Name of High School Dates Graduation ______and/or College or University Attended Date ______

______3. List any academic honors you have received.

______

______SECTION 4. Scholastic Record SECTION 6. Area of Study This portion of the application should be completed by Please list the area you plan to study and explain why you a school official have chosen this field: (i.e., principal, teacher, advisor, etc.)

______Name of School ______Address ______City State Zip Code ______Rank in class and Grade Point Average (GPA): This student is_____ in a class of_____ and has a ______GPA of_____. ______

Make sure the following documents are attached to ______this page and please sign below: ______• Copy of applicant’s SAT or ACT results • Transcript ______• Letter of recommendation ______

______School Official’s Signature Date

______SECTION 7. Finalization Title Please review and sign this application SECTION 5. Work Experience Indicate any work experience you have had. Please include the following information: ______Name/Address of Employer; Occupation; FT or PT; Signature of Applicant Date Dates Employed

______NOTE: Some of the criteria for selecting applications will include: financial need, ______academic achievement, community ______involvement, and the content of the essay. ______ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE ______POSTMARKED BY ______June 1, 2004 ______MEMBERSHIP 2004 BARGAINING RESPONSE FORM

FACILITY______LENGTH OF SERVICE ______

PLEASE FILL OUT SURVEY, FOLD AND RETURN TO MCO

1. Please prioritize the following bargaining topics in rank order, from 1 through 14, assigning #1 to your highest concern and #14 to your least important concern.

_____ Wages _____ Shift Transfers _____ Health and Other Insurance Benefits _____ Institutional Transfers _____ Compensatory Time _____ Leaves of Absence _____ Drug Testing _____ Contagious/Communicable Diseases _____ Disciplinary Process _____ Safety Issues _____ Grievance/Arbitration Procedure _____ Uniforms _____ Overtime Equalization _____ Other (Identify)

2. Please expand on the three issues which you have identified in question #1 as being of greatest importance to you. What changes would you recommend?

3. Please prioritize the following non-mandatory bargaining topics in the same manner in which you responded to question #1, assigning #1 to your highest concern and #8 to the least important.

_____ Drugs in the Workplace _____ Staffing _____ Privatization _____ Light Duty Assignments _____ Classification Issues _____ Harassment in the Workplace _____ Workers’ Compensation/LTD _____ Other (Identify)

4. Please expand on your top selection.

5. Please complete the following: “The one area of our MCO contract I would most like to see changed is...”: (please cite Article and Section and provide replacement language)

6. How would you rate your health care coverage? What modifications would you like to see?

7. I believe that the following represents a fair wage increase for each year of a multi-year agreement: 2005-2006 _____% 2006-2007 _____% 2007-2008 _____%

8. Other comments: (please use the back of this page for additional suggestions you may have regarding the MCO contract or to complete any response.) Please tri-fold on the lines so that MCO’s return address is showing. Please apply a small piece of tape to keep tri-fold closed. Do not staple.

NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES

BUSINESS REPLY MAIL FIRST-CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO. 690 LANSING MI

POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE

MICHIGAN CORRECTIONS ORGANIZATION Local 526M Service Employees International Union AFL-CIO 421 W. KALAMAZOO ST. LANSING MI 48933-9917 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS AFOR OVER 25 YEARS

GRADUATION OF THE RICHARD E. JOHNSON TRAINING CLASS Nearly 180 graduates filed into the auditorium at the Hill Vocational Center to a standing room only audience.

After opening remarks by DOC Director, Patricia Caruso, the Richard E. Johnson class heard a moving speech from their class namesake. With nearly 40 years of work in the corrections field, Johnson shared his experiences, beliefs, and Also to speak was vision for the future. Matthew Morgan, the 2003 Michigan Corrections Officer of the Year.

JANUARY 16, 2004

13 MCO REPORT MARCH 2004

NOTICE REGARDING UNION SECURITY AGREEMENTS AND AGENCY FEES Revenues Amount As a general matter, employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement Membership Dues $3,513,356 containing a union security clause are required, as a condition of employment, Non-Member Fees 35,111 to pay an agency fee. While the wording of these clauses is not perfectly Interest and Dividends 30,135 uniform, none requires more than the payment of this agency fee to retain employment. Insurance Proceeds 3,755 Member Crisis (net) 520 Under the Michigan Corrections Organization’s agency fee procedure, employees who are not members of the Union, pursuant to a union security Total Revenues 3,582,877 clause, will pay an agency fee that is based on certain kinds of Union expenditures. Expenses Briefly stated, MCO’s agency fee procedure works as follows: Administrative Leave 105,473 Annual Leave 1,230 1. The agency fee payable by non-members will be based on MCO’s expenditures for those activities or projects normally or reasonably Arbitration 33,310 undertaken by the Union to represent the employees in the bargaining Books, Dues and Subscriptions 9,486 unit with respect to their terms and conditions of employment. Collective Bargaining 10,542 Computer 22,584

Among these “chargeable” expenditures are those going for negotiations CTIVITIES Consulting 12,180 with the employer and employing departments, enforcing collective

bargaining agreements, informal meetings with representatives of the 30, 2003) Continuing Education 10,167

employer or employing departments, discussion of work-related issues A Contributions 59,285 with employees, handling employees’ work-related problems through the Depreciation 75,818 grievance procedure, administrative agencies or informal meetings, and

OF Elections 405 union administration. In the past, approximately 85% of the Local EPTEMBER

Insurance 135,107 Union’s (MCO) expenditures have gone for such activities. Reflected in this percentage is the chargeable portion of the affiliation fees (per capita) S Leased Property 7,330 paid to SEIU International Union. The percentage of the International Legal and Accounting 127,466 Union’s expenditures on “chargeable” activities has been generally 75-80%. MCO Report 40,687 ENDED

Meetings and Conferences 185,104 Among the expenditures treated as “non-chargeable,” which non-mem- Office and Administrative 33,645 bers will not be required to support, are those going for community service, public relations activities, support of political candidates, cost of Organizational Unity Materials 11,168

affiliation with organizations (and unions) other than SEIU International MONTHS Pension Contribution 101,662

Union, recruitment of members to the Union and members-only Political (net) 65,259

benefits. In the past, approximately 15% of MCO’s expenditures have INE TATEMENT Postage 31,686

gone for such “non-chargeable” activities. The percentage of SEIU (N Professional Organization Membership Fees 40,959 International Union’s expenditures on “non-chargeable” activities has been generally between 20-25%. Athletic Team, Social Activity, Advertising, News Release and Related Expenses 10,828 2. Non-members will be given a full explanation of the basis for the fee Repairs and Maintenance 35,378 charged to them. The explanation will include a more detailed list of the Salaries 691,897 categories of expenditures deemed “chargeable” and those deemed Scholarships 10,000 “non-chargeable,” and the independent certified public accountants’ MCO S report showing the Union’s expenditures on which the fee is based. Taxes - General 39,862 Audited financial information relating to the chargeable, non-chargeable Taxes - Payroll 58,200 expenses of SEIU International Union will be provided at the same time. Taxes - Per Capita 977,756 Non-members will have the option of challenging the Union’s calculation Telephone 34,866 of the fee before an arbitrator, pursuant to the American Arbitration Utilities 21,422 Association (AAA) Rules of Impartial Determination of Union Fees. Details on the method of making such a challenge and the rights accorded to those who do so are found in MCO’s Agency Fee Procedure, a copy of Total Expenses 3,000,762 which will be provided to non-members along with the explanation of the fee calculation. Increase in Unrestricted Net Assets $582,115 EN:cs/opeiu459afl-cio

14 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS AFOR OVER 25 YEARS

2. Mail it to Sacha Crowley, c/o MCO, Relationship to Deceased Deceased's Date of Death 421 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48933

3. E-mail your request to sacha@mco- Chapter, Chapter President Religious Preference seiu.org

15 Non-Profit Michigan Corrections Organization Organization 421 W. Kalamazoo Street U.S. POSTAGE Lansing, MI 48933 PAID Lansing, Michigan Permit No. 533 Address Service Requested

MCO STATE EXECUTIVE BOARD MCO’S 24-HOUR Kary Sowels, President ANSWERING SERVICE Mel Grieshaber, Vice President Bill Henderson, Member at Large Tom Tylutki, Financial Secretary Al West, Member at Large When a critical incident Bonnie Johnson, Recording Secretary Rich Wickstrom, Member at Large occurs at your facility, contact John Ost, Member at Large Bonnie Lewis, Member at Large Mark Nelson, Member at Large MCO’s 24-Hour Answering Service by dialing 1-800-451- 4878 or 517-485-3310 ext. 29. MCO CHAPTER PRESIDENTS Larry Henley, Alger Maximum Scott Fischer, Macomb The MCO REPORT is an Rick VanAlstine, Baraga Maximum Jerry Pope, Marquette award-winning publication Sheryl Shreve, Bellamy Creek Dennis Beecham, Michigan Training Unit of the Michigan Corrections Bryon King, Boyer Road James Prince, Mid-Michigan Matthew Pohl, Brooks Correctional Adam Douglas, Mound Correctional Organization, Service Mark Nelson, Camps Vice President, Region I Julie Cabana, Muskegon Employees Union Local Rod Denley, Camps Vice President, Region II Gary VanSickle, Newberry 526M, AFL-CIO. The editor Kip Smith, Camps Vice President, Region III Paul Golembiewski, Oaks Correctional reserves the right to refuse any Bruce Waldron, Carson City Ronald Niemi, Ojibway Correctional incoming articles that are Cecil Pedrin, Chippewa Stuart Bridgewater, Parnall Correctional detrimental to MCO, SEIU John Ost, Corrections Centers Randy Burrow, Parr Highway Local 526M and its policies Bonnie Love, Cotton Facility Edward Cooley, Jr., Pine River and the policies of the SEIU. Garry Brickley, Sr., Deerfield Marcus Polychuk, Pugsley Correctional All articles or letters must be Sam Allen, Egeler Michael Wohlscheid, Riverside James Sims, Florence Crane Alfred West, Ryan Correctional submitted by the first of the John Fetters, Forensic Center Bill Henderson, Saginaw Correctional month prior to the next issue. Randy Burrow, Gus Harrison Timothy Ryder, SAI Program Michael Feighner, Hiawatha Stennis George, Scott Facility Lana Stewart, Huron Valley Center; Nursing Brent Kowitz, Southern MI MCO does not accept paid Daryl Moore, Huron Valley Center; Security Robert Davis, Standish Maximum advertising in the MCO Charles Wright, Huron Valley Corrections Facility Ray Sholtz, St. Louis Report. No one is authorized Thomas Tefft, Ionia Maximum Jake Campbell, Straits to solicit advertising for the Thomas Hackel, Jackson Cooper Street Gary Whitman, Thumb Correctional MCO Report in the name of Gary Kott, Kinross Robert Sikkenga, West Shoreline Kamal Cariuty, Jr., Lakeland Phyllis White, Western Wayne MCO or SEIU Local 526M.

ENTRAL TAFF To send e-mail to an MCO MCO C S staff member, type his or her Fred Parks, Executive Director first name followed by: Mel Grieshaber, Political Director Ron Parkinson, Labor Relations Representative @mco-seiu.org. Dave VanKoevering, Labor Relations Coordinator Cherelyn Dunlap, Labor Relations Representative Cynthia Beal, Labor Relations Representative Cindy Sanderson, Administrative Assistant John Bowers, Labor Relations Representative Sacha Crowley, Communication Specialist If you have changed your Randy Eicher, Labor Relations Representative Cindy Kogut, Bookkeeper Tangee Laza, Labor Relations Representative Lori Iding, Grievance Coordinator address or phone number, Karen Mazzolini, Labor Relations Representative Stephanie Short, Receptionist/Secretary please inform MCO immediately at 1-800-451-4878 (phone), 1-800-327-5266 (fax), or send an email by following the directions listed above. “Were it not for the labor press, the labor movement would not be what it is today, and any man who tries to injure a labor paper is a traitor to the cause.” --Samuel Gompers Editor - Sacha Crowley APRIL 2004 MCO REPORT TOGETHER, WE CAN BUILD SOMETHING GREAT

CENTRAL COMMITTEE TAKES FIRST STEP

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E Page 2-3 Union News Page 6 Officers Testify Before Senate Page 4 Central Committee Page 7 Exchange and Transfers List Page 5 Legal Watch Page 8 MCO Contacts MCO REPORT APRIL 2004

UNION NEWS CHIPPEWA REGIONAL SCORES A GOAL FOR MARCH OF DIMES

The 3rd Annual Chippewa Regional Facility Father/Son/Daughter Hockey Game was held on March 8, 2004. Children ranging in age from 4- 17 played a great game and came away with a win! After the game, participants revived themselves with pizza and pop and they all received event T-shirts. The kids also got goodie bags with Hockey cards, Hockey pucks, water bottles, Frisbees, candy and Gatorade. After expenses for icetime and food, a generous donation was made to the Thanks for a great time...for a great cause! March of Dimes Hockey tournament, held in the Soo the end of March. PLUNGE FOR FUNDS Bush’s Record Back in February, when the cold 50 percent WE NEED YOUR weather had settled upon us in brute increase in average worker’s cost for family health HELP! force, brave officers representing insurance 2000-2002, from $1,619 to $2,412/yr. Thumb Correctional took the plunge for -Kaiser Family Foundation; Health Research and Educational Trust HB 4459, the bill introduced each Special Olympics. year since 1997 to allow State C/O’s Anderson, McGough, and 8 million Employees to choose either the Capt. McCall from TCF raised $1600. Law enforcement and corrections staff workers could lose overtime pay under Bush’s Defined Benefit or Defined proposed Fair Labor Standards Act changes Contribution Retirement Plan, is raised nearly $10,500 through the event. -Economic Policy Institute stuck in committee. Representatives from Saginaw, St. Louis, Mid-Michigan, Southern 1.7 percent Call your own state Michigan, and Egeler were also among decrease in median family income, 2000-2002, Represntatives and let them the 50 participants this year who dove from $43,374 to $42,654/yr. -U.S. Census Bureau know how you feel. Or, call into frozen Haithco Lake in Saginaw. Rep. Marc Shulman at The money raised was donated 7.4 percent (517) 373-1799 or e-mail him to the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Events Committee. of federal taxes paid by corporations, 2003, today at: compares with 27.5 percent in the 1950’s. [email protected] The brave swimmers were warmed -Fiscal Year 2005 federal budget, Historical Tables, and ask that HB 4459 be up with donuts and coffee from Table 2.2 scheduled for a hearing! Tim Horton’s before the plunge, and re- fueled with lunch by Damon’s 230,000 afterwards. federal employees’ union rights up for grabs

2 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS AFOR OVER 25 YEARS

2004 MEMBERS’ COLLECTION FOR EVERY ITEM YOU PURCHASE $2 WILL BE DONATED TO THE M.C.O. CRISIS FUND To order on-line just click on the link from our website at www.mco-seiu.org! Or call Custom Embroidery (989) 227-9338 and ask for the MCO Collection!

BASEBALL CAP $10.00 w/Embroidered Logo 6 Panel Front Adjustable Fabric Strap with Brass Buckle Color: Black Size: One Size Fits All

POLO SHIRT

$23.00 W/EMBROIDERED LOGO 100% Cotton 2 Buttons T-SHIRT Jacquard Collar and Matching $12.00 w/Embroidered Logo Cuffs $10.00 Screenprinted Logo Color: Black 100% Preshrunk Cotton Size: S-4X Color: Black, Oxford, Ash or White Size: S-3X

FLEECE LINED JACKET $53.00 w/Embroidered Logo SWEATSHIRT Poly/Cotton Poplin Shell $29.00 w/Embroidered Logo Color: Black with Grey Fleece 80/20 Cotton/Poly Lining and Inside Pockets V-insert on front neckline, locker patch Knit Cuffs and Waistband at back, fullcut set-in sleeves Size: S-4X Color: Black, Oxford, Ash or White Size: S-3X

Other items available include Travel Mug($4.89), Denim shirt ($35), 50/50 Sweatshirt ($20) and 3-button Henley shirt ($23).

ICHIGAN OF THE EAR On April 28, M C/O Y the unions of ELECTED AS ATIONAL INALIST the AFL-CIO S N F observe Pablo Olvera, Michigan’s The presentation of the National Workers Correctional Officer of the Year has Correctional and Supervisor of the Year Memorial Day been selected as one of five finalists for awards launches National Correctional to remember the National Correctional Officer of the Officer Week, held the first week in May those who Year Award presented by the Interna- each year. have suffered tional Association of Correctional and died on the Officers. IACO is a professional, non-profit job and to corporation whose primary objective is renew the fight Nomination forms were sent to the professional advancement of for safe workplaces. We will fight to over 5000 institutions nationwide correctional officers at all levels. Any make workers’ issues a priority and to soliciting the best of the correctional correctional officer keep and create good jobs in this field. interested in finding country. We will fight for the freedom out more about of workers to form unions and, through Olvera will travel to Washington, IACO membership their unions, to speak out and bargain D.C. the weekend of May 1-2, 2004 to can contact them at for safe jobs, respect and a better future. be recognized for his accomplishments (517) 485-3356. We will keep fighting until the promise in a formal Awards Ceremony by IACO. of safe jobs for all workers is a reality.

3 MCO REPORT APRIL 2004

CENTRAL COMMITTEE

When the going gets tough shortly in the mail. If ...sometimes it’s hard to think beyond you want MCO to the present. Central Committee become stronger...If members attempted to do just that you want MCO to do when they met in Lansing on March better...then take the 19, 2004, for a special session. time to complete the survey. This is how Assisted by Hal Stack, the you can help shape Director of Labor Studies at Wayne the future of MCO State University, delegates discussed, and make it the union debated, and took the first step you want it to be. become better connected to the towards build- membership. This is the first step. ing a stronger, The survey better future provides you with Future opportunities for member for MCO. the means to impact will be implemented through easily tell us what meetings, surveys and a variety of In order to you need from other means. MCO leaders under- move ahead, your union. It’s stand many members are frustrated. leaders took your turn to The Central Committee, composed of a hard look take action and representatives from all Chapters, is at what the responsibility for determined to make this a better problems are, the outcome. union. Please help them to offer what improvements need to be made, MCO’s new leadership, to be elected and what facets of MCO are valuable At the meeting it was apparent the this May, an agenda for the future of and worth preserving. This process members felt the union needed to MCO. needs to include members, as well as leaders, not only identifying these issues, but finding solutions to resolve them and then setting a plan in motion to effect that change.

A lot of brainstorming by small groups, who then shared their findings with the rest of the delegates, lead to an involved and productive discussion.

A bi-product of this meeting is a survey members will be receiving

4 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS AFOR OVER 25 YEARS

THE LEGAL WATCH SO, WHAT DOES MY AUTO INSURANCE REALLY COVER? BY: ATTORNEY DANIEL A. PAWLUK We have all heard the term “No-Fault” vehicle. For example, a person who to at least $100,000. This is a must! As far when associated with auto accidents and auto unlawfully uses a motor vehicle is excluded as I know, most insurance companies won’t insurance in Michigan. The description of from coverage as an owner of an uninsured issue this coverage beyond $100,000. no-fault, however, is a misnomer. In vehicle would be. In addition, your auto Make sure you have full wage and practice, it is a generic term used to insurance company can take a position that medical coverage as opposed to coordi- determine which insurance company has the medical expenses were not “reasonably” nated benefits. This way, your auto priority to pay your claim or not. necessary for your care or not “reasonable” insurance pays directly and prevents them as in the cost of the treatment or rehabilita- from hiding behind your health care Auto insurance claims are divided into tion (i.e. acupuncture, massage, herbal provider in paying the medical first. There two priorities entitled First Party and Third remedies, etc.). are certain exceptions here. For example, if Party benefits. When you are injured in an the auto injuries occurred during the course The other priority, Third Party auto accident, your auto insurance company of performing job duties, then Worker’s benefits, engages the wrongful driver’s (first party) is responsible for paying your Compensation would take priority for your insurance company. To successfully sue the medical, wage and rehabilitation expenses, wages and medical expenses, etc. wrongful driver for injuries received in an regardless of fault, hence the term “no-fault”. Last, but not least, find out how your auto accident, you must first establish a The payment of your claim, however, may auto insurance company typically covers “threshold” injury. A threshold injury falls be subject to coordination of benefits, which, claims. Do they have a good track record? within three general areas: for example, depending on your policy, Do they have a reputation to resist or deny 1. A permanent injury; directs your health insurance carrier (i.e. Blue claims as a standard business practice? Talk 2. Serious impairment of a bodily Cross) to pay the medical expenses first for to several agents, preferably independent, function; or your auto injuries. The degree of coverage and get informed. under a First Party claim is extensive, depend- 3. Death. ing on the severity of your injuries. For ex- If you prevail, the wrongful driver’s Remember, insurance companies are ample, the benefits may include the need for insurance company pays an amount up to a business. They are not social workers or a wheelchair, ramps to your home, or even the cap of the bodily injury portion of the your best friend. They are out to make a adequate transportation, to name a few. policy (i.e. $20,000, $100,000 or $500,000). profit on your dime. There is a catch though…First Party Keep in mind the insurance company, Would you like to be sure that your benefits are provided, regardless of fault, however, is only responsible up to the cap policy coverage is sufficient? when you incur an “accidental bodily injury amount of the policy. The wrongful driver, I would be more than happy to arising out of the ownership, operation, on the other hand, remains responsible for review your auto insurance policy’s maintenance or use of a motor vehicle as a the excess amount. For example, if the jury declaration sheet (the invoice that breaks motor vehicle!” In addition, the cost must verdict awards $100,000 and the policy limit down the policy coverage categories) – on be reasonably necessary for your care, cap is for only $20,000, then the wrongful my dime. I extend this offer to the SEIU recovery, or rehabilitation, reasonable in the driver remains responsible for the $80,000 MCO brothers and sisters, and their family amount, and be actually an incurred expense. difference. The question then is whether the wrongful driver is collectible for the balance. members. Just give my office a call! What does this all mean? In short, the interpretation of First So, what can you do to tighten the scope Daniel A. Pawluk is a principal of Pawluk Law Party benefits, although liberally construed, of your own auto insurance coverage? Group, P.C. and is a participating panel attorney for does allow insurance companies a way out Increase your bodily injury coverage the Union Plus Legal Services Plan, a division of to deny your first party claim or its related of your own policy to at least $100,000 or benefits. Remember, your injury must result more (I have a $500,000 cap). Union Privilege. His office is at 302 S. Waverly Rd., from the ownership, operation, maintenance Make sure you definitely have both Suite 2, Lansing, MI 48917, (517) 321-3211 or use of a motor vehicle as a motor uninsured AND underinsured coverage

5 MCO REPORT APRIL 2004

MCO SPEAKS OUT AT STATE SENATE HEARING I-Max chapter leaders testified March 2, 2004, before the Michigan Senate Judiciary & Correc- tions Committee. Officers shared their positions regarding the scheduled change of the I-MAX facility from a Level VI to a Level V, and the decision by the DOC to review staffing gun towers on a limited basis. Each addressed I-MAX President Thomas Teft, 2nd Vice-President specific areas of concern within the facility, Joe Wohlfert and Chief Steward Steven Karber along- including the costs associated with the changes, side MCO State Vice-President Mel Grieshaber training issues, and dangers presented by appear before the Senate Judiciary and Corrections lowering classification and increased prisoner Committee. movement.

Senator Prusi (D) conveyed his concerns regarding the safety of the C/O’s in Michigan’s Corrections system. He commended C/O’s for the work they do, for being willing to do a job most people wouldn’t, and for making it safer for the rest of us.

The DOC testified that the Level change is to allow the Oaks facility to go to a Level IV double bunk, thus providing additional beds needed to handle the backlog of prisoners. They are planning to use technology to replace some of the manned hours in the gun towers, but have not addressed their plans for how they will handle the positions they wish to eliminate. MCO argued the need for gun towers at facilites across the state.

The Committee’s budget proposal passed the Senate the end of March and is now in the House Appropriations Corrections Committee. The proposal cites savings of $12,808,800 due to staffing reductions made possible by increased security technology including cameras and personal protection devices.

6 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS AFOR OVER 25 YEARS

NAME CURRENT FACILITY DESIRED FACILITY FACILITY Phone Charles Helzer, Jr., E-9 Ionia Maximum Camp Manistique/Newberry 616-527-6331 Greg Bennett, E-9 Ojibway Marquette 906-787-2217 R. Towers Oaks Any facility in Jackson or Ionia 231-723-8272 Chet Dums, E-9 Ojibway Marquette or Alger Max 906-787-2217 Brian Maddox, E-9 Huron Valley Men’s Mound 734-572-9900 Don Peer, E-9 Standish Max Camp Lehman 989-846-7000 Malcolm L. Davis, E-9 Parr Highway Ypsilanti TRV Center 517-263-3500 Wes Frizzle, CTO-10 Pugsley Macomb or Thumb 231-263-5253 Kelly Russell, E-10 Oaks St. Louis or Carson City 231-723-8272 Troy A. Crow, E-10 SAI Egeler-RG&C 734-475-1368 Biran Lierman, E-10 West Shoreline Grand Rapids Center 231-773-2097 David Dean, E-9 Huron Valley Men’s Parr Highway, Cotton, Parnall 734-572-9900 Jennifer Edwards, E-9 Western Wayne Mound 734-459-2500 Chris Bourne, E-10 Oaks Any Muskegon Facility 231-723-8272 Dominica Delagarza, E-10 Cotton Mound or Ryan 517-780-5060

2. Mail it to Sacha Crowley, c/o MCO, Relationship to Deceased Deceased's Date of Death 421 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48933

3. E-mail your request to sacha@mco- Chapter, Chapter President Religious Preference seiu.org

7 Non-Profit Michigan Corrections Organization Organization 421 W. Kalamazoo Street U.S. POSTAGE Lansing, MI 48933 PAID Lansing, Michigan Permit No. 533 Address Service Requested

MCO CHAPTER PRESIDENTS The MCO REPORT is an Larry Henley, Alger Maximum Scott Fischer, Macomb award-winning publication Rick VanAlstine, Baraga Maximum Jerry Pope, Marquette of the Michigan Corrections Sheryl Shreve, Bellamy Creek Dennis Beecham, Michigan Training Unit Organization, Service Bryon King, Boyer Road James Prince, Mid-Michigan Employees Union Local Matthew Pohl, Brooks Correctional Adam Douglas, Mound Correctional Mark Nelson, Camps Vice President, Region I Julie Cabana, Muskegon 526M, AFL-CIO. The editor Rod Denley, Camps Vice President, Region II Gary VanSickle, Newberry reserves the right to refuse any Kip Smith, Camps Vice President, Region III Paul Golembiewski, Oaks Correctional incoming articles that are Bruce Waldron, Carson City Ronald Niemi, Ojibway Correctional detrimental to MCO, SEIU Cecil Pedrin, Chippewa Stuart Bridgewater, Parnall Correctional Local 526M and its policies John Ost, Corrections Centers Randy Burrow, Parr Highway and the policies of the SEIU. Bonnie Love, Cotton Facility Edward Cooley, Jr., Pine River All articles or letters must be Garry Brickley, Sr., Deerfield Marcus Polychuk, Pugsley Correctional submitted by the first of the Sam Allen, Egeler Michael Wohlscheid, Riverside month prior to the next issue James Sims, Florence Crane Alfred West, Ryan Correctional John Fetters, Forensic Center Bill Henderson, Saginaw Correctional Randy Burrow, Gus Harrison Timothy Ryder, SAI Program MCO does not accept paid Michael Feighner, Hiawatha Stennis George, Scott Facility advertising in the MCO Lana Stewart, Huron Valley Center; Nursing Brent Kowitz, Southern MI Report. No one is authorized Daryl Moore, Huron Valley Center; Security Robert Davis, Standish Maximum to solicit advertising for the Charles Wright, Huron Valley Corrections Facility Ray Sholtz, St. Louis MCO Report in the name of Thomas Tefft, Ionia Maximum Jake Campbell, Straits MCO or SEIU Local 526M. Thomas Hackel, Jackson Cooper Street Gary Whitman, Thumb Correctional Gary Kott, Kinross Robert Sikkenga, West Shoreline To send e-mail to an MCO Kamal Cariuty, Jr., Lakeland Phyllis White, Western Wayne staff member, type his or her first name followed by: @mco-seiu.org. MCO CENTRAL STAFF Fred Parks, Executive Director If you have changed your Mel Grieshaber, Political Director Ron Parkinson, Labor Relations Representative address or phone number, Dave VanKoevering, Labor Relations Coordinator Cherelyn Dunlap, Labor Relations Representative please inform MCO Cynthia Beal, Labor Relations Representative Cindy Sanderson, Administrative Assistant immediately at 1-800-451-4878 John Bowers, Labor Relations Representative Sacha Crowley, Communication Specialist (phone), 1-800-327-5266 (fax), Randy Eicher, Labor Relations Representative Cindy Kogut, Bookkeeper or send an email by following Tangee Laza, Labor Relations Representative Lori Iding, Grievance Coordinator the directions listed above. Karen Mazzolini, Labor Relations Representative Stephanie Short, Receptionist/Secretary

Visit us on the web at: www.mco-seiu.org “Were it not for the labor press, the labor movement would not be what it is today, and any man who tries to injure a labor Editor - Sacha Crowley paper is a traitor to the cause.” --Samuel Gompers MAY 2004 MCO REPORT

ELECTION 2004

NEW EXECUTIVE BOARD

DETAILS MORE THE FOR ATCH ABOUT 6, 2004 YOUR AY OMMITTEE W C NEXT M FROM THE ENTRAL IN C LETTER ! A AND LEADERSISSUE NEW

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E Page 2-3 Union News and Views Page 6 Hepatitis - You’re at Risk Page 4 Election Results Page 7 Exchange and Transfers List Page 5 Legal Watch - Bankruptcy Page 8 MCO Contacts MCO REPORT MAY 2004

UNION VOICES TO THE EDITOR:

I am an officer at Lakeland Correctional 4. MCO has fought and will continue to the membership believes that the leadership in Facility and I am NOT in favor of disassociating fight for binding arbitration on behalf of its their union is the root of the problem, then I myself with MCO. I am NOT in favor of FOP or members. MCO expended lots of time and suggest that the membership work to resolve the POAM running my union. And this is why: money in 2002 on that effort. issues and change the leadership. Vote new leadership as needed and amend the by-laws. Stop 1. Although every three years MCO 5. POAM “raided” MCO in the 1980’s blaming everyone else for our problems. It is negotiates a new contract, FOP or POAM would but was unsuccessful. POAM also successfully time we took responsibility for our problems and have to start from scratch. All the contract raided the Conservation Officers three years ago. look to ourselves for solutions. The union is language that we have won and kept through the POAM lost a few good contract provisions that only as good as the members who belong to it. years could be gone. Holidays, overtime, annual the officers wanted (work locations, WAGES), leave, comp time, staffing, work location, safety, and Conservation Officers went back to MSEA The faction at LCF who is pushing this seniority, health care articles, max pay, physical after less than two years. At Impasse, POAM didn’t latest attempt at “union raiding” never held office fitness bonus are all at risk. All the arbitration bother to submit a wage proposal, and the or offered to learn to be a shift steward. Yet, he is agreements in the past that offer protection to Conservation Officers got nothing while MCO the first one to harass union officials, criticize the officers are at risk. There is no historical document got wage increases. contract when it doesn’t play out the way they of hard won issues to fall back on. We could lose want it to, and spread misinformation to cause work location rights, bumping rights, etc. The 6. At least 23 county sheriff dept. disharmony among the membership. This is not contract history is gone and we have an empty corrections officers have contacted MCO seeking the way to make changes or advance the issues book of blank pages. (Does anyone want to go representation. MCO has talked with them but that corrections and forensic officers face. back to $8.00 per hour?) not “raided”. FOP and POAM currently represent them. (No, I will not give out their Work to make this a better union instead 2. I do not want supervisors in my union. names.) of throwing out more than 20 years of blood, FOP top officers are Chiefs of Police, Capts., Lt’s., sweat and tears by very capable officers who have etc. That may work out well for a small sheriff ’s 7. And just what is it that FOP and POAM gone before us, had less than we do in wages, department, but not an organization as large as can get for me? More money? In this economy, I hours of annual leave, and benefits. We owe those the MDOC. CO’s cannot hold office in these sincerely doubt it. I will get a 4% raise in October. officers a debt of gratitude for what they have groups unless you are a sworn police officer. FOP FOP and POAM are going to get me 6%? No accomplished rather than trash all the work they and POAM do not have the authority to make MI way. Will they get me better insurance? Why does have done. Corrections Officers sworn police officers. MI FOP anyone believe that? Will they get me more only allows Corrections Officers to be stewards. annual leave? Better retirement? I doubt that also. We stand to lose everything we have fought We have a generous annual leave program and for. This is not the time and these are not the 3. I have been told that neither FOP nor retirement changes have to come from the organizations to take over leadership. Get on the POAM could retain binding arbitration for their legislature. Why should we believe FOP or POAM ballot at your facility, learn the contract, and get members in the county sheriff organizations. could ge us more? And, MCO is continuing to some experience and then work to make a MCO’s attorney Ted Sachs wrote the law and fight to get improved retirement for those hired difference in your union secured this for Michigan Firefighters; the police after March, 1997. jumped on board. The Sachs firm represents GET INVOLVED IN YOUR UNION firefighters, some police agencies, the AFL-CIO, To those disgruntled union members and RATHER THAN STAND ON THE OUTSIDE many legislatures and MCO. Binding arbitration fee payers who hate MCO, and to that individual OF IT AND CONTINUALLY COMPLAIN has to be a constitutional amendment. It is NOT who didn’t get his written reprimand reduced to a ABOUT WHAT OTHERS ARE TRYING TO a negotiated contract article. Any one who states, counseling, and to those who won’t work for DO. “Oh, yeah, we can get that for you” as if it is just MCO but will encourage its de-certification, I the matter of the stroke of a pen is not telling the offer this: truth. And if they haven’t been quite honest about Fraternally, this issue, what other issues are they not being Try holding union office, representing RUO K. Van Niman quite honest about? fellow officers and working from the inside. If LCF

2 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS AFOR OVER 25 YEARS

UNION NEWS FRADULENT ACTIONS BY PRISONERS...BEWARE! In recent months prisoners have under the Uniform Commercial Code The DOC is pursuing legislation increased their participation in an old (UCC). These items are to be consid- to put a halt to this fraudulent and and widespread scheme to “copyright” ered contraband since they can be used harassing activity. The Department of their names. By “copyrighting” their to facilitate criminal activity and pose a the Attorney General has agreed to names, the prisoners can file a lien for risk to the custody and security of the provide assistance to those who are the money against an officer at every facility.” subject of a fraudulent lien filed by a utterance of their name. This technique prisoner. You may contact the Office has been used to harass staff, judges, To find out if a prisoner has filed a of Audit, Internal Affairs and Litigation prosecutors, and corrections officers lien against you, visit the following web through their local litigation coordina- statewide. site. tor if such assistance is needed or if you have questions regarding a UCC claim The DOC has issued a https://mi-mall.michigan.gov/ filed against you by a prisoner. memorandum which states, “Effective webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ immediately, prisoners are no longer StoreCatalogDisplay?storeId=10251 authorized to have any books, pamphlets, forms or other material Click on Debtor Name Quick Search regarding actions that can be taken and follow the instructions.

ATTENTION CORRECTION RETIREES To order MCO Apparel by phone, please call: If you are retiring, you are entitled to a pro-rated portion of your Uniform Custom Embroidery Plus Allowance for the time worked the year you retire. (989) 227-9338 These funds are not automatically and not the number printed in April’s MCO Report. distributed, the Human Resources office at your facility has to calculate You can also order on-line through the link on our website at and issue them. www.mco-seiu.org! Don’t forget to check with your HR Dept. to make sure they are doing this for you! These funds are rightfully yours and some are mistakenly leaving them with the state!

3 MCO REPORT MAY 2004

ELECTIONS 2004

JAMES SIMS, ACF PRESIDENT TREASURER 31 VOTES

SCOTT FISCHER, MRF KATHLEEN HALLADAY, ECF MIKE TAYLOR, MBP DECLINED NOMINATION 18 VOTES 42 VOTES

GARY WHITMAN, TCF BILL HENDERSON, MCO-MEMBER- STEVE KARBER, ICF 9 VOTES AT-LARGE 118 VOTES ✓ 25 VOTES

CHARLES WRIGHT, HVM MEMBER-AT-LARGE TOM TEFFT, ICF 10 VOTES 14 VOTES LARRY HENLEY, LMF TOM TYLUTKI, MCO-TREASURER ANDY POTTER, MTU 32 VOTES ✓ 120 VOTES ✓ 90 VOTES JIM PRINCE, STF AL WEST, MCO-MEMBER-AT-LARGE VICE PRESIDENT 28 VOTES 45 VOTES MEL GRIESHABER, MCO-VICE SCOTT FISCHER, MRF KATHLEEN HALLADAY, ECF PRESIDENT UNANIMOUS ✓ 54 VOTES 9 VOTES GARY WHITMAN, TCF ECORDING ECRETARY ROBERT DAVIS, SMF R S 37 VOTES 8 VOTES SCOTT FISCHER, MRF BONNIE JOHNSON, MCO-SECRETARY DECLINED NOMINATION MATTHEW POHL, LRF 25 VOTES 17 VOTES KEITH PELKY, MPF BONNIE LEWIS, MCO-MEMBER-AT- DECLINED NOMINATION UN FF LARGE 19 VOTES R -O BONNIE LEWIS, MCO-MEMBER-AT- ADAM DOUGLAS, NRF SCOTT FISCHER, MRF LARGE 23 VOTES ✓ ✓ 75 VOTES 74 VOTES STEVE HAMMOND, JCF GARY WHITMAN, TCF RAY SHOLTZ, SLF 28 VOTES 46 VOTES 57 VOTES RAY SHOLTZ, SLF BONNIE JOHNSON, MCO-SECRETARY ✓ PAUL HOWE, TCF 81 VOTES 33 VOTES 5 VOTES JOHN OST, MCO-MEMBER-AT- ✓ JIM JOHNSON, KCF LARGE 75 VOTES JOHN OST, MCO-MEMBER-AT-LARGE 58 VOTES MARK NELSON, MCO-MEMBER-AT- 58 VOTES LARGE 50 VOTES MARK NELSON, MCO-MEMBER-AT- GARY KOTT, KCF RUN-OFF LARGE 37 VOTES 53 VOTES BONNIE JOHNSON, MCO-SECRETARY MIKE TAYLOR, MBP RANDY BURROW, ARF/ATF ✓ 39 VOTES 81 VOTES 36 VOTES AL WEST, MCO-MEMBER-AT-LARGE JIM JOHNSON, KCF GARY KOTT, KCF 57 VOTES 104 VOTES ✓ 38 VOTES

4 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS AFOR OVER 25 YEARS

THE LEGAL WATCH BANKRUPTCY – A NEW BEGINNING? BY: ATTORNEY DANIEL A. PAWLUK

If I could change any word or support $ If you will acquire property or term in the legal arena, it would be $ Fines or penalties money through an inheritance, “Bankruptcy”. Just the thought of $ Student loans, unless the debt life insurance or divorce within Bankruptcy itself causes many to bow imposes undue hardship 180 days if you were to file a their head, with feelings of financial In addition, there are certain Chapter 7. failure. But, is it really all that bad? You individuals who are not eligible for Under federal bankruptcy laws, wouldn’t think so, especially from the Chapter 7, such as persons who have: certain property is declared exempt and latest statistics showing that bankruptcy $ Been granted Chapter 7 status/ cannot be taken by creditors. filings have increased roughly 40% this relief within the last six years Generally, exempt property is retained year. $ Concealed, transferred, or by the debtor and may not be The term Bankruptcy could be destroyed property to defraud distributed by the trustee. Exempt better viewed as a new beginning. For their creditors or trustee property may include real property, some individuals, bankruptcy may not $ Concealed, destroyed, or automobiles, household furnishings, be the right solution. However, for falsified records of their clothes, musical instruments, tools, to others, who cannot seem to make ends financial conditions name few. However, those secured meet, it may be the best choice. If you creditors, such as a bank that has the really think about it, it really isn’t the loan against a home, can be reaffirmed debt that’s disturbing, but rather the as a creditor under Chapter 7. This, in creditors. For someone who is struggling turn allows the individual to keep and with debt, in reality, the creditors have continue to pay his or her mortgage. already destroyed his or her credit And as to the unsecured creditors, the rating. So, the blemish of bankruptcy court sends an order form called on your credit rating is just a small price “Discharge of Debtor” to the creditors, to pay to get back on even footing and releasing the individual from the start afresh. Typically, the average And yes, a husband and wife can discharged debts. individual files what is called a file a joint Chapter 7 petition. If fact, Remember, bankruptcy is a “Chapter 7” Bankruptcy. in most cases a married couple should personal and private choice. And for Chapter 7 is one part of the file jointly, especially if the debts are some, it is the best alternative to clean numerous federal bankruptcy laws that owed by both husband and wife. If only the slate of spiraling debt and keep the allows an individual to discharge certain one spouse files, as in this instance, then creditors at bay. debts. A chapter 7 discharge is a court the creditors can attempt to collect order releasing the debtor from certain against the non-filing spouse. debts and preventing the creditors from Here are a few thoughts on when attempting to collect. not to file Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: Daniel A. Pawluk is a principal of Pawluk Law Some debts, however, with very $ If you foresee incurring Group, P.C. and is a participating panel attorney for limited exceptions, cannot be discharged additional debts in the near the Union Plus Legal Services Plan, a division of under Chapter 7, such as debts for: future. $ Certain taxes $ If you are due to receive a tax Union Privilege. His office is at 302 S. Waverly Rd., $ Alimony, maintenance or child refund or some other asset. Suite 2, Lansing, MI 48917, (517) 321-3211

5 MCO REPORT MAY 2004

THE UNION BEAT HEPATITIS...IF YOU WORK IN A PRISON...YOU’RE AT RISK Last month the Michigan Senate IV’s, razors, etc., however it is not necessary antibodies. If you are enrolled Corrections and Judicial Sub-Committee, easily transmitted through sex. in the State Health Plan PPO and have lead by Senator Alan Cropsey (R), There may be no symptoms of a your family physician do a titre test, you recently took Governor Granholm’s Hepatitis infection. Some experience will be responsible for the costs unless proposal for $5.9 million to test and treat mild flu-like symptoms, dark urine, light you are symptomatic of Hepatitis B. In Hepatitis C infected prisoners in stools, jaundice, fatigue and fever. that case, the costs would be covered Michigan and cut the funding to a mere Treatment with Interferon is 35-45% 100% once the yearly deductible has $100. This is in the face of soon to be effective for those with Hepatitis B, and been met and the test is done at a released results of a study to determine 10-20% for those with Hepatitis C. participating lab. the level of infected prisoners The State PPO Health in Michigan, and the Insurance plan covers 100% of declaration by Governor Hepatitis C screening once a year Granholm that May is as part of your preventative Hepatitis Awareness Month. services as long as the testing is As a Corrections Officer done by an In-Network provider you are at high risk of being and the $750 annual limit hasn’t infected with hepatitis B or C; been reached. along with health care HMO enrollees would have providers, fire fighters, EMT’s, to check with their carrier for police, and those who received applicable coverage. a blood transfusion prior to To stop the spread of the 1992. insidious disease in the correc- Hepatitis B and C are tional setting, each Corrections virus’ that cause inflammation Officer and prisoner in the MDOC of the liver. The infection can should be tested. In addition, each cause liver cell damage, infected individual should be leading to cirrhosis and cancer. allowed the appropriate medical Hepatitis infections are the attention so that countless others leading cause of liver transplants in To prevent infection, avoid risky are not infected. adults today, and the disease is expected behavior, clean up blood with bleach For your health, the safety of your to pass AIDS as the leading cause of and wear protected gloves. Also, do not family, and those you come in contact death in the US by 2010. share razors or toothbrushes. with, get tested today. It won’t cost you Hepatitis B is spread through The good news is that there is a anything, and doing nothing could cost contact with infected blood, sex contact, vaccine for Hepatitis B, given in three you your life. contaminated needles, tattoo/body doses to persons of any age, and it is For more information, call the piercing and other sharp instruments. offered by the MDOC. For officers American Liver Foundation at 1-800- Infected mothers pass it along to vaccinated after 10-18-01, a titre test is 223-0179. newborns, and it can also be spread by a also required within 60 days of the In the meantime, contact your human bite. completion of the third dose of the local Senator and let them know how you Hepatitis C is spread through the vaccine. This test is done to determine feel about working in a prison with same means, including contaminated if the employee has developed the untested, untreated prisoners every day.

6 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS AFOR OVER 25 YEARS

NAME CURRENT FACILITY DESIRED FACILITY FACILITY Phone Charles Helzer, Jr., E-9 Ionia Maximum Camp Manistique/Newberry 616-527-6331 Brian Crothers, E-9 Alger Max Marquette 906-387-5000 Greg Bennett, E-9 Ojibway Marquette 906-787-2217 R. Towers Oaks Any facility in Jackson or Ionia 231-723-8272 Chet Dums, E-9 Ojibway Marquette or Alger Max 906-787-2217 Brian Maddox, E-9 Huron Valley Men’s Mound 734-572-9900 Michele Sivrais, E-10 Camp Lehman Standish Max 989-348-8101 Don Peer, E-9 Standish Max Camp Lehman 989-846-7000 Malcolm L. Davis, E-9 Parr Highway Ypsilanti TRV Center 517-263-3500 Wes Frizzle, CTO-10 Pugsley Macomb or Thumb 231-263-5253 Kelly Russell, E-10 Oaks St. Louis or Carson City 231-723-8272 Robert Mills Newberry Kinross Area 906-293-6300 Biran Lierman, E-10 West Shoreline Grand Rapids Center 231-773-2097 David Dean, E-9 Huron Valley Men’s Parr Highway, Cotton, Parnall 734-572-9900 Jennifer Edwards, E-9 Western Wayne Mound 734-459-2500 Chris Bourne, E-10 Oaks Any Muskegon Facility 231-723-8272 Chasity Boyer, E-9 Florence Crane Parnall, Egler or Copper Street 517-279-9165 Michael Payton Cotton Ionia, Huron Valley 517-780-5000 James Schiebner, E-10 Oaks Puglsey 231-723-8272

2. Mail it to Sacha Crowley, c/o MCO, Relationship to Deceased Deceased's Date of Death 421 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48933

3. E-mail your request to sacha@mco- Chapter, Chapter President Religious Preference seiu.org

7 Non-Profit Michigan Corrections Organization Organization 421 W. Kalamazoo Street U.S. POSTAGE Lansing, MI 48933 PAID Lansing, Michigan Permit No. 533 Address Service Requested

MCO STATE EXECUTIVE BOARD MCO’S 24-HOUR Tom Tylutki, President ANSWERING SERVICE Mel Grieshaber, Vice President John Ost, Member at Large Bill Henderson, Financial Secretary Ray Sholtz, Member at Large When a critical incident Jim Johnson, Recording Secretary Scott Fischer, Member at Large occurs at your facility, contact Adam Douglas, Member at Large Michael Taylor, Member at Large Andy Potter, Member at Large MCO’s 24-Hour Answering Service by dialing 1-800-451- 4878 or 517-485-3310 ext. 29.

HONORED FOR EXCELLENCE

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E Page 2-3 Union News & Views Page 8-9 CO Week Highlights Page 4 Membership Stats Page 10 Benefit Updates Page 5-6 Bargaining Survey Page 11 Exchange Transfers Page 7 Legal Watch - Trusts Page 12 MCO Contacts MCO REPORT JUNE 2004

UNION VOICES PRESIDENTIAL PONDERINGS BY: TOM T YLUTKI, MCO PRESIDENT

Since I haven’t Bellamy Creek, Western Wayne, Huron An MCO priority has always been had the chance to meet Valley Center, Forensic Center and the retirement plan for bargaining unit all 10,000 members, I’d Macomb Correctional Facilities. Under members hired since 1997. MCO is like to take this oppor- my leadership, the new State Executive committed to give all corrections and tunity to talk to you a Board will be in the field as well, forensic officers the choice between little bit about who I gathering members concerns in regard Defined Benefit and Defined Contribu- am, and what I plan to do as your new to work conditions and the direction of tion Retirement plans. We introduce this President. MCO. This includes how we can issue every year, currently House Bill improve union services and ways to 4459, which is stuck in committee. We I began my career in 1984 reconnect with the members. ask all bargaining unit members to and have been a member of MCO for contact your reps in Lansing to support the past 20 years. I have served at the A critical issue I am addressing HB 4459 and get this fixed! local level as President, Vice-President, right now is Gun Posts. On May 25th I Chief Steward and Shift Steward for 19 attended a Labor Management Meeting I recognize that this is a critical of those years. I served 6 years on the at the I-Max Correctional Facility and time for MCO, and my tenure as State Executive Board; 2 years as put the Department on notice... MCO President will be full of challenges... trustee, 1 year as Recording Secretary, opposes any reduction in Gun Post coverage! from the budget deficit and contract and 3 years as Treasurer. In addition, I In fact, MCO is educating the public on negotiations...from DOC/DCH facility have been a Board Member of the importance of Gun Posts...how they movements...and from membership the International Association of impact the security of the institution, discord. Correctional Officers and served as its protect officers inside and the Treasurer for the last two years. communities outside the walls. We will However...these are challenges we can also be holding informational pickets fight! I look forward to making changes, What some of you may not be around the state to further our message. improvements, and taking action to aware of is that my wife has been an build the strength of this union and the FSA at the Forensic Center for the last With conversion of I-MAX from a members it represents. 25 years. As a result, our family feels Level 6 to 5, Oaks from a Level 5 to 4, every pinch by the State. In turn, we and the R.T.P. units at Huron Valley are solely dependant on the benefits and Mens, MCO is in a struggle to maintain contracts this union delivers. I will do adequate staffing levels at these what is best to protect the interests of institutions. fellow corrections and forensic officers statewide and help this union to become The Western Wayne, HVC, HVM and the active, dominant force it has been CFP movement in the Southeast will before. dominate our activities this summer. MCO has already secured jobs for all ef- Since becoming President a few fected members. Now we must weeks ago, I have toured I-MAX, address bumping and transfer rights.

2 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS FOR OVER 25 YEARS

UNION NEWS

IN MEMORY

CO Daniel Richard Holloway, 32, of Lansing, died May 19, 2004, due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. He leaves behind his wife Suzanne and 3 children; Alexandria, Taylor, and Zachary. Holloway served in the Marine Corps, and had been a Corrections Officer at Ionia Max since 1998. MCO President, Tom Tylutki, delivered a Memorial Bible and a check from the Crisis Fund to the family to aid them in this difficult time.

JUNE 3, 2004

THREE DOC EMPLOYEES KILLED IN UPPER PENINSULA (PRELIMINARY DETAILS AT TIME OF PRINT)

CO Richard DeMerse, of the Marquette Branch Prison, was killed June 3, 2004, as a result of a motorcycle/bus accident on prison property. Demerse leaves behind his wife Terri, and two children; son Joel and daughter Jain.

Lt. David Wonch of the Alger Max Correctional Facility and his wife, ARUS Tricia Wonch of the Brooks Correctional Facility died June 3, 2004, as a result of an automobile accident in the eastern Upper Peninsula.

GO ELECTRONIC! Over the next few months, MCO KYI and/or the MCO Report electroni- To register for electronic will be working to make more efficient cally. communications, simply visit our and timely communications with the website at www.mco-seiu.org and membership. In addition, there may be times click on the “Go Electronic!” button, when we need to send out additional just below the KYI and MCO Report In the past, some members information where an e-mail communi- buttons. Simply provide your e-mail received the KYI electronically, cation could prove to be quicker and address and a First Name to register. however this list was incomplete and more effective. You will receive an e-mail asking you ineffective. These e-mail addresses will not be to confirm your subscription. Click on We would like to start fresh and shared with outside sources without your the link enclosed in the e-mail and you collect e-mail addresses from those of permission, and you can opt-out at any will begin to receive electronic you that are interested in receiving the time. communications in about a week!

3 MCO REPORT JUNE 2004

WHO WE ARE

JUST LOOK AT

THE STATS! SECURITY UNIT STATE AVERAGES

TOTAL FEMALES 19.7% 50.6%

TOTAL MALES 80.3% 49.4%

TOTAL BLACK EMPLOYEES 14.4% 17.7%

TOTAL WHITE EMPLOYEES 80.9% 76.8%

TOTAL HISPANIC EMPLOYEES 2.3% 2.7%

TOTAL AMERICAN INDIAN/ 2.1% 1.2% ALASKAN NATIVE EMPLOYEES

TOTAL ASIAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER <1% 1.1% EMPLOYEES

TOTAL DISABLED EMPLOYEES 2% 3.9%

AVERAGE YEARS OF SERVICE 10.1YEARS 12.4 YEARS

AVERAGE AGE 40.4 YEARS 43.8 YEARS

AVERAGE WAGE $19.26/HR. $21.28/HR.

AVERAGE SICK LEAVE USAGE 12.1 DAYS DOC 10.9 DAYS 10.9 DAYS DCH

AVERAGE ANNUAL LEAVE USAGE 19 DAYS DOC 19 DAYS 18.4 DAYS DCH

TURNOVER RATE 7.5%** DOC 16.1%** 21.7%** DCH

STATE HEALTH PLAN ENROLLED 61% 54%

HMO ENROLLED 33% 35%

STATE DENTAL PLAN ENROLLED 92% 88%

VISION PLAN ENROLLED 95% 91%

LTD PLAN ENROLLED 95% 91% Source: Twenty-Fourth Annual Work Force Report - Fiscal Year 2002-2003* * Wage information was recorded as of pay period ending 9-27-03 ** Includes early retirements

4 MEMBERSHIP 2004 BARGAINING RESPONSE FORM

FACILITY______LENGTH OF SERVICE ______

PLEASE FILL OUT SURVEY, FOLD AND RETURN TO MCO

1. Please prioritize the following bargaining topics in rank order, from 1 through 14, assigning #1 to your highest concern and #14 to your least important concern.

2. Please expand on the three issues which you have identified in question #1 as being of greatest importance to you. What changes would you recommend?

3. Please prioritize the following non-mandatory bargaining topics in the same manner in which you responded to question #1, assigning #1 to your highest concern and #8 to the least important.

4. Please expand on your top selection.

5. Please complete the following: “The one area of our MCO contract I would most like to see changed is...”: (please cite Article and Section and provide replacement language)

6. How would you rate your health care coverage? What modifications would you like to see?

7. I believe that the following represents a fair wage increase for each year of a multi-year agreement: 2005-2006 _____% 2006-2007 _____% 2007-2008 _____%

NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES

BUSINESS REPLY MAIL FIRST-CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO. 690 LANSING MI

POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE

THE LEGAL WATCH TAKING CARE OF YOUR FAMILY’S FINANCIAL FUTURE WITH REVOCABLE TRUSTS BY: ATTORNEY DANIEL A. PAWLUK

The use of Revocable Trusts has trust also takes the burden off family married, or have children, not having the been a very popular mechanism in members in having to petition the proper estate plan in place is a major estate planning. It is an ideal planning probate court for the appointment of a mistake. Don’t let things that matter device to assist a person, the grantor, conservator should the grantor become least take priority over things that with asset management should he or she incapacitated. A revocable trust is also matter most! become incapacitated. a very helpful device when minor children are involved. For example, an A Revocable Trust is also known individual can direct the trustee to make and identified as a “Revocable Living installment payments when a child Trust”, “Living Trust” (not to be reaches certain ages or to care for a confused with a Living Will), and disabled child indefinitely. “Revocable Inter Vivos Trust” (a trust created during the lifetime of the Trust property can include any grantor). The Grantor, or Settlor, is the variety of assets, including real estate, individual creating the trust. securities (i.e., stock), brokerage accounts (investment portfolio), bank A Trustee is oftentimes a financial accounts, tangible personal property, institution or another individual, such and assets that designate a beneficiary, as an accountant, selected by the such as life insurance policies, Grantor to manage and administer the retirement plans, IRAs, to name a few. trust property while the property remains And yes, you can name your trust as a in the trust. The trustee acts under a beneficiary to your life insurance policy cloak of fiduciary capacity (one held to and other retirement plans. a higher standard of responsibility, confidence and duty) and has a duty to Although the trustee can manage manage the trust property for the trust assets to your benefit when you benefit of the designated beneficiary. In become incapacitated, it is imperative a typical common variety revocable that you also execute a medical and trust, the grantor acts as the trustee and financial durable power of attorney. A the beneficiary during his or her lifetime. will is effective at death. A revocable At the grantor’s death, the selected trust only manages the property held in Daniel A. Pawluk is a principal of Pawluk trustee then acts for the other named the trust. So, a durable power of Law Group, P.C. and is a participating panel beneficiaries. attorney acts in your favor outside the attorney for the Union Plus Legal Services instruments of a will and revocable The avoidance of probate is one trust. For peace of mind and control Plan, a division of Union Privilege. His of the main advantages of a revocable over the future, take time to establish office is at 302 S. Waverly Rd., Suite 2, living trust. As important, a revocable your estate planning. If you are Lansing, MI 48917, (517) 321-3211

7 MCO REPORT JUNE 2004

MCOY 2004 PABLO OLVERA ACTIVITIES IS NATIONAL FINALSIT NATIONAL CORRECTI MAY 2-

CORRECTIONS OFFICERS HONOR THOSE WHO HAVE FALLEN IN THE LINE OF DUTY AT THE NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL IN WASHINGTON, D.C. MAY 2, 2004

MICHIGAN CORRECTIONS OFF S L G S T A R A E R A G V S N E E E T N N

8 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS FOR OVER 25 YEARS

HONORING GOVERNOR GRANHOLM AND DOC DIRECTOR IONAL OFFICER WEEK CARUSO CONGRATULATE -8, 2004 OFFICERS AT THE MICHIGAN CORRECTIONAL OFFICER OF THE YEAR BANQUET, MAY 5, 2004

FICER OF THE YEAR F INALISTS K S D S I C I T R H A I S E N M T I A P E D S N L O E N R

9 MCO REPORT JUNE 2004

BENEFITS AND SERVICES NEW MEMBER REWARDS PROGRAM ON ITS WAY Bill Henderson, MCO’s new Ferris Wheel. available at the gate for those under 48” Treasurer, has been busy in his first few tall, are just $19.95, and children 2 and Geauga Lake tickets also include weeks! One of his priorities is under are FREE! admission to Hurricane Hannah’s establishing partnerships with area Waterpark, with a 25,000 square-foot For more information about attractions and businesses to secure wave pool, Turtle Beach for little tykes, Geauga Lake including directions and special pricing for MCO Members. and waterslides that propel you up to travel times, simply visit We’re proud to announce that 30 miles an hour! www.geaugalake.com! MCO members can now get special General admission to Geauga To obtain MCO special price discount tickets to Geauga Lake, a Lake normally costs $34.95. MCO mem- tickets, simply call Cindy Kogut at family amusement park in Aurora, Ohio bers can now get in with a special price of (517) 485-3310 or e-mail her at (near Cleveland). $24.00 per person! Junior tickets, [email protected]. The park offers 10 roller coasters, a historic START THE SUMMER 1918 Marcus Illions OFF RIGHT! Carousel and the Americana

SPECIAL OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD FOR LONG-TERM CARE The State of Michigan is now can run over $23,000 per year. This ENROLLMENT WINDOW: offering a second chance to enroll in the coverage can help protect you and your The Enrollment Period started Long-Term Care Insurance Plan. This family from these high costs. May 3, 2004, and ends June 30, 2004. benefit is offered by MetLife, a leader in During this period only, active employ- group long-term care. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LONG-TERM CARE ees will not be required to submit proof INSURANCE PLAN: of good health to qualify for coverage. WHAT IS LONG-TERM CARE? Your premium is based on your age The effective date of the plan will be Long-Term Care refers to services at your coverage effective date and will August 1, 2004. If you apply for and assistance you could need due to not increase just because you get older. coverage at a later date or if you are a illness, an accident, or as a result of the Affordable group premium rates retiree, you will need to complete a full aging process, which have made you with convenient payroll deduction statement of health. unable to take care of yourself. Gener- You select your level of coverage - You may visit MetLife’s web site ally it refers to assistance with everyday there are three benefit levels. at http://stateofmichigan.metlife.com activities, but it can also include more Enables you to choose where to to obtain plan information and rates. involved services and even 24-hour care. receive your care- nursing facility and/ We encourage you to carefully or home care setting. review this information and attend one WHY DO I NEED LONG-TERM CARE Does not require a stay in a of the informational meetings that are INSURANCE? hospital or nursing facility to be eligible being held around the state throughout Currently, the cost for nursing for benefits May and June. For meeting dates, visit home care averages $58,000 per year. You can continue the coverage, as our website at www.mco-seiu.org or call The cost for having someone come to well as the group rate, on leaving or 1-800-438-6388. your home to bathe, feed and dress you retiring from the State of Michigan.

10 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS FOR OVER 25 YEARS EXCHANGE TRANSFERS If you are interested in placing your name on the Exchange Transfers list, (Article 15, Part D, Section A-6) please send the following information: your name, your home phone number, classification (E-9, E-10), etc.), current institution, desired institution and your facility’s phone number. Please mail to: Sacha Crowley, c/o MCO Report, 421 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48933, or send via e- mail to [email protected]. If you would like your “ad” in the next issue, you must submit your information no later than the first of the prior month. Please note all transfer requests must be submitted in writing and must be approved by both institutions’ wardens. Please contact us as well if you need to remove your name from the list. NAME CURRENT FACILITY DESIRED FACILITY FACILITY Phone Charles Helzer, Jr., E-9 Ionia Maximum Camp Manistique/Newberry 616-527-6331 Brian Crothers, E-9 Alger Max Marquette 906-387-5000 Greg Bennett, E-9 Ojibway Marquette 906-787-2217 R. Towers Oaks Any facility in Jackson or Ionia 231-723-8272 Chet Dums, E-9 Ojibway Marquette or Alger Max 906-787-2217 Brian Maddox, E-9 Huron Valley Men’s Mound 734-572-9900 Michele Sivrais, E-10 Camp Lehman Standish Max 989-348-8101 Don Peer, E-9 Standish Max Camp Lehman 989-846-7000 Malcolm L. Davis, E-9 Parr Highway Ypsilanti TRV Center 517-263-3500 Wes Frizzle, CTO-10 Pugsley Macomb or Thumb 231-263-5253 Kelly Russell, E-10 Oaks St. Louis or Carson City 231-723-8272 Robert Mills Newberry Kinross Area 906-293-6300 Biran Lierman, E-10 West Shoreline Grand Rapids Center 231-773-2097 David Dean, E-9 Huron Valley Men’s Parr Highway, Cotton, Parnall 734-572-9900 Jennifer Edwards, E-9 Western Wayne Mound 734-459-2500 Chris Bourne, E-10 Oaks Puglsey 231-723-8272 Chasity Boyer, E-9 Florence Crane Parnall, Egler or Copper Street 517-279-9165 Michael Payton Cotton Ionia, Huron Valley 517-780-5000 James Schiebner, E-10 Oaks Puglsey 231-723-8272 Manuel Medeiros, E-9 Gus Harrison Egeler-RG&C Annex 517-265-3900 Daniel Pinkerton, E-9 Alger Max Oaks, Camp Sauble, Puglsey 906-387-5000 Gary Miller, E-10 Thumb Saginaw 810-667-2045 Robert Mills, E-9 Newberry Kinross Area 906-293-6200 Dominica Delagarza, E-10 Cotton Mound or Ryan 517-780-5060 Randall MacDonald, E-10 Pine River Lakeland 517-278-6942 William Bock, E-10 MI Training Unit Carson City or Boyer Road 616-527-3100 MCO Memorial Bible Program If you lose a loved one and would like a bible in his or her memory, please fill out the request form and submit it one of the MCO MEMORIAL BIBLE REQUEST following three ways:

1. Submit it to your chapter president to MCO Member Deceased's Name mail

2. Mail it to Sacha Crowley, c/o MCO, Relationship to Deceased Deceased's Date of Death 421 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48933

3. E-mail your request to sacha@mco- Chapter, Chapter President Religious Preference seiu.org

11 Non-Profit Michigan Corrections Organization Organization 421 W. Kalamazoo Street U.S. POSTAGE Lansing, MI 48933 PAID Lansing, Michigan Permit No. 533 Address Service Requested

MCO STATE EXECUTIVE BOARD MCO’S 24-HOUR Tom Tylutki, President ANSWERING SERVICE Mel Grieshaber, Vice President John Ost, Member at Large Bill Henderson, Financial Secretary Ray Sholtz, Member at Large When a critical incident Jim Johnson, Recording Secretary Scott Fischer, Member at Large occurs at your facility, contact Adam Douglas, Member at Large Mike Taylor, Member at Large Andy Potter, Member at Large MCO’s 24-Hour Answering Service by dialing 1-800-451- 4878 or 517-485-3310 ext. 29.

MCO CHAPTER PRESIDENTS The MCO REPORT is an Larry Henley, Alger Maximum Scott Fischer, Macomb award-winning publication Rick VanAlstine, Baraga Maximum Jerry Pope, Marquette of the Michigan Corrections Val Corl, Bellamy Creek Dennis Beecham, Michigan Training Unit Organization, Service Bryon King, Boyer Road James Prince, Mid-Michigan Employees Union Local Matthew Pohl, Brooks Correctional Adam Douglas, Mound Correctional Mark Nelson, Camps Vice President, Region I Julie Cabana, Muskegon 526M, AFL-CIO. The editor Rod Denley, Camps Vice President, Region II Gary VanSickle, Newberry reserves the right to refuse any Kip Smith, Camps Vice President, Region III Paul Golembiewski, Oaks Correctional incoming articles that are Bruce Waldron, Carson City Ronald Niemi, Ojibway Correctional detrimental to MCO, SEIU Cecil Pedrin, Chippewa Stuart Bridgewater, Parnall Correctional Local 526M and its policies John Ost, Corrections Centers Randy Burrow, Parr Highway and the policies of the SEIU. Bonnie Love, Cotton Facility Edward Cooley, Jr., Pine River All articles or letters must be Garry Brickley, Sr., Deerfield Marcus Polychuk, Pugsley Correctional submitted by the first of the Sam Allen, Egeler Michael Wohlscheid, Riverside month prior to the next issue James Sims, Florence Crane Alfred West, Ryan Correctional John Fetters, Forensic Center Bill Henderson, Saginaw Correctional Randy Burrow, Gus Harrison Timothy Ryder, SAI Program MCO does not accept paid Michael Feighner, Hiawatha Stennis George, Scott Facility advertising in the MCO Lana Stewart, Huron Valley Center; Nursing Brent Kowitz, Southern MI Report. No one is authorized Daryl Moore, Huron Valley Center; Security Robert Davis, Standish Maximum to solicit advertising for the Charles Wright, Huron Valley Corrections Facility Ray Sholtz, St. Louis MCO Report in the name of Thomas Tefft, Ionia Maximum Jake Campbell, Straits MCO or SEIU Local 526M. Thomas Hackel, Jackson Cooper Street Gary Whitman, Thumb Correctional Gary Kott, Kinross Robert Sikkenga, West Shoreline To send e-mail to an MCO Kamal Cariuty, Jr., Lakeland Phyllis White, Western Wayne staff member, type his or her first name followed by: @mco-seiu.org. MCO CENTRAL STAFF Fred Parks, Executive Director If you have changed your Mel Grieshaber, Political Director Ron Parkinson, Labor Relations Representative address or phone number, Dave VanKoevering, Labor Relations Coordinator Cherelyn Dunlap, Labor Relations Representative please inform MCO Cynthia Beal, Labor Relations Representative Cindy Sanderson, Administrative Assistant immediately at 1-800-451-4878 John Bowers, Labor Relations Representative Sacha Crowley, Communication Specialist (phone), 1-800-327-5266 (fax), Randy Eicher, Labor Relations Representative Cindy Kogut, Bookkeeper or send an email by following Tangee Laza, Labor Relations Representative Lori Iding, Grievance Coordinator the directions listed above. Karen Mazzolini, Labor Relations Representative Stephanie Short, Receptionist/Secretary

Visit us on the web at: www.mco-seiu.org “Were it not for the labor press, the labor movement would not be what it is today, and any man who tries to injure a labor paper is a traitor to the cause.” --Samuel Gompers Editor - Sacha Crowley AUGUST 2004 MCO REPORT

SPEAKING OUT ON GUN TOWERS TO FOX 47 NEWS’ KRISTIN MOORE

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E Page 2-3 Union News and Views Page 6 Statement of Activities/“MI HR” Page 4 The Legal Watch - Custody Page 7 Exchange and Transfers List Page 5 Crisis Fund Golf Sign-up Page 8 MCO Contacts MCO REPORT AUGUST 2004

UNION VOICES P RESIDENTIAL LET OUR VOICES BE HEARD! PONDERINGS Informational Pickets have been scheduled for Wednesday, August 4, Since our last talk 2004, at Marquette and Alger Max in the Upper Peninsula, and at there have been several I-MAX on Monday, August 9, 2004, in the Lower Peninsula. important achievements. Most notably, the decertification effort was Come out and help us to raise awareness on the serious issue of defeated. I would like to thank each and Gun Towers and the attempts to close them by the DOC! every one of you who helped defeat the challenge. The Executive Board, chapter leaders, members and staff pulled together in a way that hasn’t been seen in awhile. Your CHANGES TO SERVICE BY-BACK PLAN new Executive Board is determined to reconnect with the membership. They are If you are enrolled in the defined your pension or qualify you to retire at out touring; engaging with the members benefit retirement plan and are consid- an earlier age. However, TDP agree- seeking to see how they envision MCO in ering purchasing service credit, please ments are binding and irrevocable. the future. They have impressed me be aware of a decision made by The Thus, once you have agreed to the plan, touring on R.D.O’s, Annual days, etc. Their State Employees Retirement Board at the amount of the biweekly deductions commitment is breathtaking and I’m blessed its April 22, 2004, meeting. cannot be lowered or stopped. and honored as President to have this Board. The change involves the applica- If you leave employment with the In the last month I have visited the tion of interest payments for service state, or if you die, before you are Scott, Cotton, Huron Valley Mens, Carson credit purchased under the tax-deferred vested, you will be refunded 100% of City, and Ojibway facilities. In my tours it is payment (TDP) program. In the TDP the payments you have made, including obvious the MDOC is asking the CO’s to plan, payments are deducted from your any interest. If you leave or die after do more with less. We must continue to fight to have adequate staffing in our paycheck and taxes are deferred until becoming vested, you will receive credit institutions. A meeting specifically on you receive your monthly pension check. for the years of service purchased. Ojibway has already been set. Effective October 1, 2004, any In depth information is provided by We were able to add 20 F.T.E.’s to new TDP agreements will be subject to the Office of Retirement Services and handle the double bunking and movement the 8% percent interest annually once appears in greater detail on its website at the Oaks since its conversion from a Level the agreement has been in effect for one at www.michigan.gov/ors. Various 5 to a 4. This is still not enough and I have a full fiscal year. This interest WILL NOT publications and booklets regarding follow-up meeting with Deputy Director apply to TDP agreements that were planning for one’s retirement are also Straub scheduled for July 12th to address signed prior to October 1, 2004. available at this website. concerns mainly on 3rd. shift. We will also Any service credit you purchase You may also call (800) 381-5111 be meeting with Straub on July 21st to would not be considered covered for a “billing statement.” A “billing address staffing in the R.T.P. units at HVM. I was recently interviewed by service, and is not subject to the 2% statement” just provides the type, FOX 47 News on Gun Towers which aired multiplier, which is a feature of supple- amount and cost of service credit that July 9th. We are also holding informational mental covered retirement. The state’s the individual member can purchase. It pickets and running ads in papers statewide standard multiplier of 1.5% would is just a statement, not an obligation to to educate the public on our concerns. apply to purchased time. pay. Buying service credit can increase

2 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS FOR OVER 25 YEARS

UNION NEWS COMING TO PAPERS NEAR YOU... There are many hot issues facing around the state in March and June on messages and get the public to support Corrections today...gun towers, the topic of Gun Towers. The focus in the budget expenditures that are Hepatitis C funding, staffing levels and May was Hepatitis C, to tie in to necessary to allow us to do our job right. more. It is times like these Hepatitis C awareness month and when we need to garner much“We as are50 tooutnumbered 1. We arebring by unarmed asa heightened awareness OPEN ENROLLMENT WINDOW IN community support for except for the officer on duty inof thethe hazards we gun tower. Eliminating one of our AUGUST these issues and strongest defensive measures in the face in regard make it a public name of cost cutting is extremely to this During the first week of August, short sighted and dangerous.” concern, not just a disease. Civil Service‘s Employee Benefit corrections officer We are cur- Division will mail a publication to state concern. rently working employees with information on Open At Central Committee, on more letters on Enrollment, a rate chart and directions President Training, Chief Steward and Gun Towers and then a on how to proceed. Steward Trainings we’ve been talking set regarding staffing issues for use in July. Open enrollment will be conducted about something called Earned Media. By focusing on one issue at a time, and from August 16, 2004, through Earned Media is a communications hitting it all across the state, it has a August 31, 2004. If you need to plan to get our messages in the papers, substantially greater impact. make any changes or enroll in a state- and in the public’s mind...through means With an Earned Media campaign, it sponsored group insurance plan such other than paid advertising. Purchased is not guaranteed that the letter will get as health, dental, vision, life insurance, advertising can, however, play a part in printed, but it likely will as long as it and/or long-term disability, then this is the campaign, and tends to be much follows the newspapers’ guidelines. your chance. The effective date of any more effective when done in conjunc- With each topic, there are normally changes made will be October 10, tion with an Earned Media Campaign. two different letters, submitted by 2004. MCO has been working with local different officers, to show the extent of To review, enroll, or change your chapter Presidents, Officials, and concern about these issues by the people coverages, simply go to willing members on this campaign since who are faced with them daily. www.michigan.gov/selfserv. the beginning of the year. The idea is If you are willing to help us out If you do not have Internet access, that CO’s from all around the state with this campaign, simply contact you may contact the newly expanded submit letters, developed by MCO, to either Sacha or Mel at MCO and we’ll “MI HR Service Center” at 1 (877) their local newspapers for use as an add your name to the list to receive a 766-6447 Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. Op-Ed piece or Letter to the Editor. future letter. All that we ask is that you - 6:00 p.m. This is done in a coordinated effort to sign the letter, submit it to the paper, and Your Department’s HR Office raise awareness of a particular issue at a then watch for it to be printed. If it is (Personnel) is not handling Open particular time. printed, please “I feel compelled to alert my fellow Enrollment this year. A published citizens... send a copy Turn to page 6 for more letter frequently on to Lansing so information about the new “MI HR leads to response letters from other CO’s that we can show the fruit of our efforts. Information” and “MI HR Service and the public who read it. MCO will also be purchasing some Center!” Letters have been sent to papers ad space in papers to reinforce these

3 MCO REPORT AUGUST 2004

THE LEGAL WATCH CHILD CUSTODY & YOUR RIGHTS BY: ATTORNEY DANIEL A. PAWLUK Many of us are confronted with a child stable, satisfactory environment, and the desirabil- testing. custody issue at some point during our children’s ity of maintaining continuity. It is absolutely essential to pursue and lives. Many of you who have gone through a 5. The permanence, as a family unit, of the protect your custody rights at the beginning of a separation or divorce have first hand experience existing or proposed custodial home or homes. child custody dispute because of the stringent with the often lengthy, complex and confusing 6. The moral fitness of the parties involved. evidentiary standards imposed after an established legal process used to determine child custody and 7. The mental and physical health of the parties custodial environment has been established. A parenting time. involved. custodial environment of a child is established if Michigan has two forms of custody: 8. The home, school, and community record of over an appreciable period of time the child Legal Custody and Physical Custody. the child. naturally looks to the custodian in that environ- Legal Custody is the important decision making 9. The reasonable preference of the child, if the ment for guidance, discipline, the necessities of powers concerning your child. This should be court considers the child to be of a sufficient age life and parental comfort. The age of the child, the pursued in a contested custody case as it allows a to express a preference. physical environment, and the inclination of the parent to be included in decision making respon- 10. The willingness and ability of each of the custodian and the child as to permanency of the sibilities that may have a significant impact on the parties to facilitate and encourage a close and relationship shall also be considered. Typically child as well as the parents. Many Friend of the continuing parent-child relationship between the when the parties first commence an action, no Court agencies and courts routinely grant joint le- child and the other parent or the child and the established custodial environment has been gal custody to parents during a contested custody parents. established if the child has resided with both matter unless the parents are unable to amicably 11. Domestic violence, regardless of whether the parents. If no established custodial environment communicate to further the best interests of their violence was directed against or witnessed by the exists, then in order to be awarded physical and/ child. In these rare cases, the courts may award child. or legal custody, the prevailing party must prove one parent sole legal custody and may condition 12. Any other factor considered by the court to be by a preponderance of the evidence that, based on the award on the parents attending counseling to relevant to a particular child custody dispute. the child custody factors, it is in the best interest address the issues of communicating with each Typically, a disputed custody case is first of the child to be in his or her physical and/or other. heard by a Friend of the Court Conciliator within legal custody. The preponderance standard at this Physical Custody refers to the physical location approximately two to six weeks from the stage merely means that 51% or more of the child where your child will be residing. Physical custody commencement of the divorce or custody action. custody factors are in his or her favor. is often sought by parents in contested custody The Conciliator will attempt to bring the parties When an established custodial cases. Sole physical custody occurs when the child to a consent resolution to the issues of legal and environment exists, a party seeking to change resides with one parent the majority of the time. physical custody. If the parties are unable to agree physical or legal custody must first prove that there Joint physical custody occurs when the parents the Conciliator will render a recommendation has been a material change of circumstance to share equal or near equal time with the child. based on the application of the above-referenced warrant a change of physical or legal custody, and If parents are unable to agree to a legal and child custody factors. In some counties the then must prove by clear and convincing evidence physical custody arrangement, legal and physical Conciliators’ recommendation is immediately that a change of physical or legal custody is in the custody is determined by application of the “Best adopted by the court as a temporary order. In best interests of the child. The clear and convinc- Interest” factors set forth in the Child Custody other counties the Conciliators’ recommendation ing standard requires a showing that the majority Act of1970, MCLA 722.20 et seq. These factors only becomes an order if neither party objects to of the child custody factors weigh in favor of the include: its’ entry within a specified time. A party may petitioning party. 1. The love, affection and other emotional ties contest the temporary order or Conciliator’s The attorney you choose to represent you existing between the parties involved and the recommendation by filing Objections and sched- in a custody action should have a thorough children. uling a hearing before the circuit court judge or understanding of the Child Custody Act and 2. The capacity and disposition of the parties referee assigned to the case. At this hearing the local court procedures. Further, as custody cases involved to give the child love, affection and guid- judge or referee may modify the temporary order/ can be emotionally tolling, your attorney should ance and to continue the education and raising of recommendation or decline to modify it and order be compassionate, approachable and readily the child in his or her religion or creed, if any. a formal, thorough Friend of the Court investiga- available to answer your questions. Do not settle 3. The capacity and disposition of the parties tion into the disputed issue(s). A formal eviden- for less as you are paying for quality legal repre- involved to provide the child with food, clothing, tiary hearing will then be scheduled after he or she sentation. medical care or other remedial care recognized and conducts an investigation and renders a recom- Daniel A. Pawluk is a participating panel attorney permitted under the laws of this state in place of mendation. An investigation can take several medical care, and other material needs. months and may include psychological evaluations for the Union Plus Legal Services Plan. His office 4. The length of time the child has lived in a of the parties, children, drug testing and alcohol is at 302 S. Waverly Rd., Suite 2, Lansing, MI 48917

4 MCO CRISIS FUND GOLF OUTING Helping COs and FSAs in Need

FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2004 HIGHLAND HILLS GOLF CLUB 1050 E. ALWARD ROAD DEWITT, MICHIGAN

FIRST 36 PAID TEAMS (WILL FOUR PERSON SCRAMBLE BE NOTIFIED) ARE ELIGIBLE 9 A.M. SHOTGUN START TO PARTICIPATE FOUR-PERSON TEAM*

$60 COST PER PERSON INCLUDES: TROPHIES AWARDED TO CART, 18 HOLES, BRATS AND WINNERS OF MEN'S, WOMEN'S DOGS AT THE TURN, FREE AND MIXED DIVISIONS, 50/50 DRIVING RANGE, LUNCHEON DRAWING AND DOOR PRIZES AFTERWARDS

W NE IN O A 2005 C IN ! EQUINOX HEVY HOLE SPONSOR !

ENTRY DEADLINE IS AUGUST 13, 2004 FOR MORE INFORMATION: CONTACT JOHN BOWERS OR RANDY EICHER AT: 517-485-3310 OR 800-451-4878. *SOFT SPIKES ONLY Entry Registration Captain Name: ______Phone: ______Address: ______Player 2: ______Player 3: ______Player 4: ______

Entries must be received no later than August 13, 2004. Checks or money orders should be made out to: MCO Crisis Fund, and mailed to: MCO Golf Outing, 421 W. Kalamazoo Street, Lansing, Michigan 48933. MCO REPORT AUGUST 2004

EW ROGRAMS Revenues Amount N “MI HR” P Membership Dues $4,713,590 Non-Member Fees 46,957 EXPAND “SELF SERVICE” Interest 37,264 From Affiliates 5,240 Many of you are familiar with the “Self Service” Insurance Proceeds 3,755 program currently available which allows you to update your Loss on Disposition of Fixed Assets -906 home and e-mail address, beneficiaries, and direct deposit information, as well as obtain information and forms for Total Revenues 4,805,900 Flexible Spending Accounts, Earnings Statements, Leave balances, Insurance coverages, and more. This program has Expenses now been expanded to include two new avenues for Administrative Leave 147,109

information; MI HR Service Center and CTIVITIES Annual Leave 8,458 MI HR Information. Arbitration 45,987 Books, Dues and Subscriptions 11,087 A So, in addition to the information Collective Bargaining 69,633 and abilities of MI HR Self-Service which Computer 34,041 you will use during the upcoming Open OF Consulting 16,240

Enrollment period, you can also look to 31, 2003) Continuing Education 13,320 the MI HR Service Center for help. The Contributions 62,535 MI HR Service Center is operated by a Depreciation 101,299 core of trained HR representatives whose ECEMBER Elections 1,357 job it is to assist you with any questions you might have. This D Insurance 185,648 includes completing your enrollment transactions if you do not Leased Equipment 10,756 Legal and Accounting 193,965 have internet access. ENDED

MCO Report 69,830

The MI HR Service Center will be launched Monday, TATEMENT Meetings and Conferences 317,660 August 16, 2004, for issues relating to the Open Enrollment Office and Administrative 64,710

MONTHS Organizational Unity Materials 53,524 only. Full Service will begin August 30th for DCH employees, Pension Contribution 138,448 and become available to DOC employees on October 18, 2004. INE Political 122,014 Many of the services performed by your Personnel office will (N Postage 30,986 be transferred to the MI HI Service Center on those dates. Professional Organization Membership Fees 54,432

To contact the MI HR Service Center simply call MCO S Athletic Team, Social Activity, Advertising, 1 (877) 766-6447 Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. News Release and Related Expenses 25,927 Repairs and Maintenance 54,532 Another program, MI HR Information, has also been Salaries 1,004,388 added as an on-line tool to allow employees to access HR and Scholarships 10,000 Benefit information that is tailored to them. It covers the basic Taxes - General 49,910 information on benefit, HR Taxes - Payroll 77,964 and payroll. To access Taxes - Per Capita 1,294,492 “MI HR Information” simply Telephone 53,862 click on the link from the Utilities 31,221 “MI HR Self-Service’ page at www.michigan.gov/selfserv. Total Expenses 4,355,335

Increase in Unrestricted Net Assets $450,565

6 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS FOR OVER 25 YEARS EXCHANGE TRANSFERS If you are interested in placing your name on the Exchange Transfers list, (Article 15, Part D, Section A-6) please send the following information: your name, your home phone number, classification (E-9, E-10), etc.), current institution, desired institution and your facility’s phone number. Please mail to: Sacha Crowley, c/o MCO Report, 421 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48933, or send via e- mail to [email protected]. If you would like your “ad” in the next issue, you must submit your information no later than the first of the prior month. Please note all transfer requests must be submitted in writing and must be approved by both institutions’ wardens. Please contact us as well if you need to remove your name from the list. NAME CURRENT FACILITY DESIRED FACILITY FACILITY Phone Charles Helzer, Jr., E-9 Ionia Maximum Camp Manistique/Newberry 616-527-6331 Brian Crothers, E-9 Alger Max Marquette 906-387-5000 Greg Bennett, E-9 Ojibway Marquette 906-787-2217 R. Towers Oaks Any facility in Jackson or Ionia 231-723-8272 Brian Maddox, E-9 Huron Valley Men’s Mound 734-572-9900 Michele Sivrais, E-10 Camp Lehman Standish Max 989-348-8101 Don Peer, E-9 Standish Max Camp Lehman 989-846-7000 Malcolm L. Davis, E-9 Parr Highway Ypsilanti TRV Center 517-263-3500 Wes Frizzle, CTO-10 Pugsley Macomb or Thumb 231-263-5253 Kelly Russell, E-10 Oaks St. Louis or Carson City 231-723-8272 Robert Mills Newberry Kinross Area 906-293-6300 Brian Lierman, E-10 West Shoreline Grand Rapids Center 231-773-1122 David Dean, E-9 Huron Valley Men’s Parr Highway, Cotton, Parnall 734-572-9900 Jennifer Edwards, E-9 Western Wayne Mound 734-459-2500 Chris Bourne, E-10 Oaks Puglsey 231-723-8272 Chasity Boyer, E-9 Florence Crane Parnall, Egler or Copper Street 517-279-9165 Michael Payton Cotton Ionia, Huron Valley 517-780-5000 James Schiebner, E-10 Oaks Puglsey 231-723-8272 Manuel Medeiros, E-9 Gus Harrison Egeler-RG&C Annex 517-265-3900 Daniel Pinkerton, E-9 Alger Max Oaks, Camp Sauble, Puglsey 906-387-5000 Gary Miller, E-10 Thumb Saginaw 810-667-2045 Robert Mills, E-9 Newberry Kinross Area 906-293-6200 Dominica Delagarza, E-10 Cotton Mound or Ryan 517-780-5060 Randall MacDonald, E-10 Pine River Boyer Road 517-278-6942 William Bock, E-10 MI Training Unit Carson City or Boyer Road 616-527-3100 Joe Stevenson, E-9 Standish St. Louis, Thumb, Camp Gilman/ Brighton 989-846-7000 Yvonne LaPonsie, E-9 Newberry Kinross Area 906-293-6200 Santiago Gomez, E-9 Thumb Saginaw or Standish 810-667-2045 Patrick R. Pitcher, E-9 Parnall Camp Lehman 517-780-6843 MCO Memorial Bible Program If you lose a loved one and would like a bible in his or her memory, please fill out MCO MEMORIAL BIBLE REQUEST the request form and submit it one of the following three ways: MCO Member Deceased's Name 1. Submit it to your chapter president to mail 2. Mail it to Sacha Crowley, c/o MCO, Relationship to Deceased Deceased's Date of Death 421 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48933

3. E-mail your request to sacha@mco- Chapter, Chapter President Religious Preference seiu.org

7 Non-Profit Michigan Corrections Organization Organization 421 W. Kalamazoo Street U.S. POSTAGE Lansing, MI 48933 PAID Lansing, Michigan Permit No. 533 Address Service Requested

MCO CHAPTER PRESIDENTS The MCO REPORT is an Larry Henley, Alger Maximum Scott Fischer, Macomb award-winning publication Rick VanAlstine, Baraga Maximum Jerry Pope, Marquette of the Michigan Corrections Val Corl, Bellamy Creek Dennis Beecham, Michigan Training Unit Organization, Service Bryon King, Boyer Road James Prince, Mid-Michigan Employees Union Local Matthew Pohl, Brooks Correctional Adam Douglas, Mound Correctional Mark Nelson, Camps Vice President, Region I Julie Cabana, Muskegon 526M, AFL-CIO. The editor Rod Denley, Camps Vice President, Region II Gary VanSickle, Newberry reserves the right to refuse any Kip Smith, Camps Vice President, Region III Paul Golembiewski, Oaks Correctional incoming articles that are Bruce Waldron, Carson City Ronald Niemi, Ojibway Correctional detrimental to MCO, SEIU Cecil Pedrin, Chippewa Stuart Bridgewater, Parnall Correctional Local 526M and its policies John Ost, Corrections Centers Randy Burrow, Parr Highway and the policies of the SEIU. Bonnie Love, Cotton Facility Edward Cooley, Jr., Pine River All articles or letters must be Garry Brickley, Sr., Deerfield Marcus Polychuk, Pugsley Correctional submitted by the first of the Sam Allen, Egeler Michael Wohlscheid, Riverside month prior to the next issue James Sims, Florence Crane Alfred West, Ryan Correctional John Fetters, Forensic Center Bill Henderson, Saginaw Correctional Randy Burrow, Gus Harrison Timothy Ryder, SAI Program MCO does not accept paid Michael Feighner, Hiawatha Stennis George, Scott Facility advertising in the MCO Lana Stewart, Huron Valley Center; Nursing Brent Kowitz, Southern MI Report. No one is authorized Daryl Moore, Huron Valley Center; Security Robert Davis, Standish Maximum to solicit advertising for the Charles Wright , Huron Valley Corrections Facility Ray Sholtz, St. Louis MCO Report in the name of Thomas Tefft, Ionia Maximum Jake Campbell, Straits MCO or SEIU Local 526M. Thomas Hackel, Jackson Cooper Street Gary Whitman, Thumb Correctional Gary Kott, Kinross Robert Sikkenga, West Shoreline To send e-mail to an MCO Kamal Cariuty, Jr., Lakeland Phyllis White, Western Wayne staff member, type his or her first name followed by: @mco-seiu.org. MCO CENTRAL STAFF Fred Parks, Executive Director If you have changed your Mel Grieshaber, Political Director Ron Parkinson, Labor Relations Representative address or phone number, Dave VanKoevering, Labor Relations Coordinator Cherelyn Dunlap, Labor Relations Representative please inform MCO Cynthia Beal, Labor Relations Representative Cindy Sanderson, Administrative Assistant immediately at 1-800-451-4878 John Bowers, Labor Relations Representative Sacha Crowley, Communication Specialist (phone), 1-800-327-5266 (fax), Randy Eicher, Labor Relations Representative Cindy Kogut, Bookkeeper or send an email by following Tangee Laza, Labor Relations Representative Lori Iding, Grievance Coordinator the directions listed above. Karen Mazzolini, Labor Relations Representative Stephanie Short, Receptionist/Secretary

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E Page 2-3 Union News and Views Page 6 Statement of Activities/Stress Page 4 The Legal Watch - Chapter 7 Page 7 Exchange and Transfers List Page 5 Wal-mart: We all Pay Page 8 MCO Contacts

Pictures: top left - I-Max picket, top right - Marquette line, bottom left and center - Alger Max picketers, bottom right - (left to right) State Treasurer Jim Johnson, President Tom Tylutki, Marquette CO, Vice-President Mel Grieshaber, Labor Rep Cherelyn Dunlap, and Executive Board Member Mike Taylor MCO REPORT AUGUST 2004

UNION VOICES P RESIDENTIAL RUO EDWARD COOLEY, SR. RETIRES AFTER 17 PONDERINGS YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE MDOC AND MCO

RUO Ed Cooley began his Ed is a member of the Berlin U.S. Since our last talk we have career with the MDOC in 1987. He Military Veterans Association and moved forward with our Public was an officer at the Ionia Tempo- a VFW member. Awareness and Picket campaign on rary Facility and Ionia Maximum Ed worked for Motor Wheel Gun Post closures. As we promised the membership, MCO will fight this issue to the end. On August 3, I toured Alger Facility. Ed was the first status Corporation from 1970 until 1987 Max with the Local MCO Officials and State Senator Mike officer to be employed at the and was a Shop Union Steward, Prusi. We visited a Gun Post, the Control Center, activated Mid-Michigan Correctional Facility Shop Committeeman and then the a fence alarm, toured a housing unit and watched a video of when it opened. Ed was a Chief President of the Local 182 Allied an incident that occurred there in January. In the incident, a Steward, and also Vice President Industrial Workers Union. Ed took warning shot was needed to disperse a fight between multiple inmates in the yard. of the Local Chapter for four years. courses in Labor Education at the On August 4, we held pickets with officers, citizens Ed also received a Letter of University of Wisconsin along with and retirees who walked the lines at Baraga, Alger and Commodation for preventing an several courses in the School of Marquette. I would like to thank all the officers I met when attempted escape while employed Labor Program at Michigan State I toured these facilities for their ideas and support of the at Mid-Michigan. University and pickets. We even had CO Wilson from Macomb and his son Justin stop out and show their support while Edward Cooley Lansing Commu- vacationing near Alger. and his wife Lorie have nity College. Ed On August 9, we held a picket at I-Max, and again I been married for 35 worked as a union would like to thank all the officers for their support on the years. They have organizer as well as picket line. Special thanks goes out to Steve Karber and his three sons, Edward on some political son Grayson for great food and refreshments all day long. By now most of you are aware of the incident on Cooley, Jr., who is the campaigns. July 19 at MTU. Twenty plus prisoners assaulted staff MCO Chapter Presi- MCO Chapter resulting in nine staff needing medical attention. Supervi- dent at Pine River, President James sors, Leadership and Staff professionalism stopped this Chris Cooley and Ben Prince states, “It incident from escalating further. A squad from Bellamy RUO Ed Cooley, Sr. is pictured with Cooley. Ed graduated MCO Chapter President James Prince and has been a pleasure Creek was brought in to assist in moving prisoners to Warden Paul Renico as he was presented segregation. On August 7, MTU once again had 20 inmates from Ithaca High with the MCO Years of Achievement working with Ed brawling in the dayroom resulting in one officer being sent School in 1966 and Award on July 19, 2004. over the years. He to the hospital. then served in the has been an asset to On August 9, I got a call, while on the picket line at United States Army from 1967 to the local MCO Chapter with his I-MAX, that an officer was stabbed 3 times at Alger Max. 1969; stationed in Berlin, Germany. previous knowledge. Ed is viewed At that time the officer was in route to the hospital. I talked with the hospitalized CO that evening and let him Ed was at the Spandau Prison by fellow staff members as a team know the entire MCO family is concerned about his guarding Adolf Hitler’s deputy, player and a mentor...he will be well-being. Fuher Rudolf Hess. He also deeply missed.” Major incidents are happening, frequently. Brothers guarded the American sector of the All staff at Mid-Michigan and and Sisters, stay on your toes! Keep alert! Support MCO as Berlin Wall, was a guard at Check- MCO wish Ed the best in his we fight the Gun Tower issue, inadequate staffing and the new classification system that allows inmates to drop from point Charlie and served as an retirement years! a Level V to a II in a year…all of which lead to incidents like Honor Guard member. Currently, what has happened recently at MTU.

2 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS FOR OVER 25 YEARS

UNION NEWS OFFICERS IN ACTION

Chief Steward Steve Karber from I-Max and his son Grayson tend to the grill at the picket State Executive Board Member Mike on August 9th. Grayson worked hard feeding Taylor speaks to ABC Channel 5 & the line with his dad all day! 10 at the Marquette Picket.

Marquette Chapter President, Jerry Pope was joined by his mom on the line!

Alger Max Chapter President Larry Henley, Chief Steward Frank Sulskis, and MCO President Tom Tylutki talk with Senator Prusi after a tour of the Alger Facility. I-Max picketers on the line.

Officers from the Emergency Response Team work to control the crowds and protesters during President Bush’s recent visit to Marquette.

3 MCO REPORT AUGUST 2004

THE LEGAL WATCH IS BANKRUPTSY AN OPTION FOR ME? BY: ATTORNEY DANIEL A. PAWLUK Layoffs, downsizing, pay cuts, and the Chapter 13 proceeding the creditor Order of Stay is issued by the Bankruptcy sluggish economy coupled with holiday formulates a plan to repay all or a portion Court prohibiting all creditors from taking spending has undoubtedly caused financial of their debt. Some people prefer a collection action against the debtor, includ- stress on many people. With debt increas- Chapter 13 action as they feel better about ing harassing telephone calls from debt ing seemingly by the minute, considering the paying a portion of their debt back to the collectors. Further, all garnishments and interest, late fees, over the limit fees on debts creditors. However, a drawback to this levies are stayed and eventually terminated make many people feel as if they are in form of debt relief is that the individual through a discharge. A hearing called a 341 financial quicksand with no way out. Many filing bankruptcy is involved in the Meeting of Creditors is held approximately people turn to debt relief companies who bankruptcy action until all of the payments four to six weeks after the action is filed promise to work out deals with creditors pursuant to the plan are paid, which can take where the Trustee and creditors who some- so that the debtor only has to pay pennies several years, depending on the length of times appear may ask the debtor questions on the dollar, just to find that many of these the plan. about their petition. In a Chapter 7, no other companies are not distributing the money A common misunderstanding of hearings are typically held and the debtor to the creditors that the individuals pay them bankruptcy is the fear that people who file subsequently receives notice from the bank- and otherwise fail to keep their promises. will lose all of their assets. This is simply ruptcy court that their debts have been The good news is that federal untrue. Federal law provides certain exemp- discharged, thus ending the bankruptcy bankruptcy laws provide a fairly quick and tions, otherwise known as shields that action. In a Chapter 13, after the 341 simple method of alleviating debt problems debtors use to protect their assets. The Meeting of Creditors, a Confirmation and giving people a fresh start to life exemption amounts are doubled when a Hearing is held where the proposed plan of without the constant worry of debt. The debtor files a joint bankruptcy proceeding repayment is confirmed by the Court. two most commonly filed bankruptcy with their spouse that is highly recom- Typically, no other hearings are held in a actions are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. mended if the debt is in joint names. For Chapter 13 proceeding and the debtor ❑ A Chapter 7 filing eliminates all unsecured instance, an individual may protect continues to pay the United States Trustee debt (debt where a lien is not attached to $17,425.00 of equity in their home if filing according to the duration of the particular the purchase, such as medical bills, and most individually or $34,850.00 if filing with their plan. credit card debt) but the debtor is required spouse, $2,775 of equity in a motor vehicle Most debts can be discharged in a to either keep their secured debt (debt where ($5,550.00 for a joint filing), $9,300.00 of bankruptcy proceeding, including most a lien is attached to the asset such as a car or household furnishings and clothing credit card debts, medical bills, utility bills, home) through reaffirming the debt with the ($18,600.00 for a joint filing), $1,150.00 of cellular telephone bills, student loans that creditor or surrender the secured merchan- jewelry ($2,300.00 for a joint filing) and most present an undue hardship for repayment, dise to the creditor. Many people prefer a retirement benefits. As you can see, most certain tax debt that is more than three years Chapter 7 filing because all unsecured debt assets people own are protected by the old, deficiency debts for repossessed vehicles is eliminated and the proceeding is finalized exemptions. However, if one’s assets and other unsecured loans. Debts that in a few months enabling the debtor to move exceed the exemption amount, it is still cannot be discharged include court ordered on quickly with their new debt- free life. possible to protect the asset with the fines and costs, alimony, maintenance and ❑ A Chapter 13 bankruptcy action involves consent of the Trustee assigned to the case. child support, certain taxes and student loans a repayment to your creditors of a percent- The bankruptcy process begins with that do not present an undue hardship for age of your debt based on your ability to filling out an intake sheet regarding your repayment by the debtor. pay. In order to file a Chapter 13 action, assets, liabilities and monthly budget and you must first meet two qualifications. First, providing this information to your attorney. Daniel A. Pawluk is a principal of Pawluk Law you must have a steady source of income This information is placed in the bankruptcy and second, you must have a window of petition and reviewed by the debtor before Group, P.C. and is a participating panel attorney for money left after considering your immedi- signing and filing. If a Chapter 13 proceed- the Union Plus Legal Services Plan, a division of ate living expenses to enable you to pay ing is initiated, a Chapter 13 payment plan is Union Privilege. His office is at 302 S. Waverly Rd., installment payments to your creditors over also submitted to the bankruptcy court by the life of your bankruptcy action. In a the debtor. When the action is filed an Suite 2, Lansing, MI 48917, (517) 321-3211

4 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS FOR OVER 25 YEARS

WAL-MART IS NOT JUST NON-UNION....BUT ANTI-UNION The news over the last few months has fine. This is of little concern to Wal-mart in order tackling a corporation nearly as large as their covered the historic standoff between grocery to avoid unions. membership. workers in Southern California (members of the If employees do attempt to unionize, a call Wal-Mart has begun donating large sums United Food and Commercial Workers Union) is made to the Wal-Mart headquarters and a of money to political candidates, making them and their employer. The employers were firm with “labor relations team” is dispatched, usually that 2003’s largest corporate contributor. Of those their plan to cut health care benefits and wages in same day, by private airline to the store in question donations, nearly 85% are to Republicans, who an attempt to be competitive with Wal-Mart to “handle” the matter. Wal-Mart has been found Wal-Mart feels will support them, particularly as Supercenters. guilty of violating workers rights including firing they move into more labor-friendly areas. The amazing fact is that the Wal-Mart union sympathizers. Community support is going to be critical Supercenters were not even built yet. This marks Wal-Mart stores overseas, however, have in the effort against Wal-Mart. While there has the first time that a big corporation has had a various levels of unionization, and in Japan, all been an attempt to encourage the community to direct influence on union negotiations in an area Wal-Mart workers are unionized. In the United not shop at their stores, in all reality, it is hard to where they were not yet in the market. States, only one group of 10 butchers succeeded overlook the low prices. But when people look at Unions have always asked their members the statistics, it is beginning to show that while to support other Unionized companies and they may be saving money shopping at Wal-Mart, business, and asked members to boycott those they are spending more tax dollars to support the that are not. families who work there. Some studies coming Wal-Mart, however, is not just non-union... out of Georgia and Washington State show that but actively anti-union. They are the country’s Wal-Mart employees depend on public assistance largest private employer with nearly 1.2 million for health care among others, at a far higher employees nationwide. The average wage for a percentage than those employed by other large Wal-Mart employee is around $8 an hour, and corporations. their health care coverage is so expensive and in- So, the next time you head out the door... complete that most employees do not carry it, re- think twice about the long-term cost of support- More than 200 demonstrators, led by members of ing Wal-Mart, vs. the few extra cents it may cost lying, instead, on state assistance. UFCW Local 789, surged past security guards and paraded through the aisles of the St. Paul Wal-Mart for you to shop elsewhere. During hiring, Wal-Mart eliminates any more than 15 minutes, singing union songs and chant- potential employee with a union background, and ing “Share the Wealth, Wal-Mart!” during the store’s then goes a step further using personality testing grand opening May 19. The store, a former K-mart that closed during that chain’s bankruptcy proceed- to weed out those with activist, or cause-oriented ings, is the first non-suburban Wal-Mart in the Twin tendencies. Managers are also cautioned against Cities. St. Paul Union Advocate/ILCA photo hiring employees who are overqualified; those who have made more money at some point in their in unionizing, only to have Wal-Mart close their life. department and switch to packaged meat two Some employees have even been forced to weeks later. The employees were then distributed sign a form agreeing that they would not support to different areas of the store. That case went to any effort to unionize the store. This is a clear court and Wal-Mart was found to have acted violation of federal law, however to the many low- improperly. They were forced to re-establish the income individuals seeking work, it is a better butcher department and recognize the union. choice than to be unemployed. And to Wal-Mart, Wal-Mart is currently appealing the decision. the potential consequences under the current law The United Food and Commercial for such a violation are no more than posting a Workers Union is currently the only union sign in the break room informing employees that working to unionize Wal-Mart workers. “Wal-Mart violates workers’ rights,” or paying a However at only 1.4 million members, they are

5 MCO REPORT AUGUST 2004

BEING A CO IS NOT EASY... NOR IS BALANCING WORK AND HOME Revenues Amount Membership Dues $1,094,606 LIFE. HERE’S SOME HELP! Non-Member Fees 17,080 Trying to manage work, family and your personal life can Interest 10,712 be difficult in today’s fast-paced world. However, maintaining Expense refunds 1,262 a quality work/life balance is very important in keeping stress Loss on Disposition of Fixed Assets -166 under control. Because unhealthy levels of stress can lead to a multitude Total Revenues 1,123,494 of physical and psychological problems, the Michigan Depart- ment of Corrections (MDOC) and State Government have Expenses several avenues of assistance for state employees. The Administrative Leave 26,994 Employee Services Program and the Traumatic Incident Stress Arbitration 6,216 Management (TISM) program are two of those very beneficial Books, Dues and Subscriptions 6,898 tools. Computer 3,701

MDOC decided to take these tools a step further and CTIVITIES Consulting 4,060 provide employees with one more approach to help manage and Continuing Education 4,184 31, 2004) lessen stress. So, together with the Office of State Employer A Contributions 750 and Employee Services Program, the Department established Decertification 35,234 ARCH the position of Work/Life Services Coordinator. Filling the OF Depreciation 24,699 M position is Rosanne Leland. She is a DOC employee and is Elections 34 charged with researching and developing training modules to Insurance 44,586 help corrections staff compile effective coping mechanisms to

ENDED Leased Equipment 2,294 deal with stressors. Legal and Accounting 48,109 Leland has been visiting the various MDOC facilities, and MCO Report 5,342 has had the opportunity to meet with many people. Meetings and Conferences 88,964 MONTHS “I’m excited about this new position and I would like to Office and Administrative 9,949 hear suggestions or ideas from staff as I develop programs,” Organizational Unity Materials 2,138 HREE

Leland said. TATEMENT

(T Pension Contribution 31,174 Due to the confidential nature of the job, Leland’s office is Political 50,000 located within the Employee Services Program. She can be Postage 7,761 reached at (517) 373-7630, or e-mail her at Professional Organization Membership Fees 17,491 [email protected]. Athletic Team, Social Activity, Advertising, In addition to providing information and programming, News Release and Related Expenses 1,100 Leland can be helpful as a resource for employees and family MCO S Repairs and Maintenance 7,638 members interested in learning and reading more about achiev- Salaries 193,340 ing a healthy work/life balance. The following books may be Taxes - Payroll 19,561 beneficial: Stressed Out-Strategies for Living and Working with Stress Taxes - Per Capita 348,955 in Corrections, by Gary Cornelius. This book focuses on helping Telephone 11,680 the readers identify stressors in their lives and establish a personal plan for coping with stress. I LOVE A COP: What Utilities 3,983 Police Families Need To Know, by Ellen Kirschman, Ph.D. This book encourages families to work together as a team and figure Total Expenses 1,006,835 out a healthy way to manage spillover between work and home.

6 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS FOR OVER 25 YEARS EXCHANGE TRANSFERS If you are interested in placing your name on the Exchange Transfers list, (Article 15, Part D, Section A-6) please send the following information: your name, your home phone number, classification (E-9, E-10), etc.), current institution, desired institution and your facility’s phone number. Please mail to: Sacha Crowley, c/o MCO Report, 421 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48933, or send via e-mail to [email protected]. If you would like your “ad” in the next issue, you must submit your information no later than the first of the prior month. Please note all transfer requests must be submitted in writing and must be approved by both institutions’ wardens. Please contact us as well if you need to remove your name from the list. NAME CURRENT FACILITY DESIRED FACILITY FACILITY Phone Charles Helzer, Jr., E-9 Ionia Maximum Camp Manistique/Newberry 616-527-6331 Greg Bennett, E-9 Ojibway Marquette 906-787-2217 R. Towers Oaks Any facility in Jackson or Ionia 231-723-8272 Michele Sivrais, E-10 Camp Lehman Standish Max 989-348-8101 Don Peer, E-9 Standish Max Camp Lehman 989-846-7000 Malcolm L. Davis, E-9 Parr Highway Ypsilanti TRV Center 517-263-3500 Wes Frizzle, CTO-10 Oaks Macomb or Thumb 231-263-5253 Kelly Russell, E-10 Oaks St. Louis or Carson City 231-723-8272 Robert Mills, E-9 Marquette Kinross Area 906-293-6300 Brian Lierman, E-10 West Shoreline Grand Rapids Center 231-773-1122 David Dean, E-9 Huron Valley Men’s Parr Highway, Cotton, Parnall 734-572-9900 Jennifer Edwards, E-9 Western Wayne Mound 734-459-2500 Chris Bourne, E-10 Macomb Puglsey 231-723-8272 Chasity Boyer, E-9 Florence Crane Parnall, Egler or Copper Street 517-279-9165 Michael Payton Cotton Ionia, Huron Valley 517-780-5000 James Schiebner, E-10 Oaks Puglsey 231-723-8272 Manuel Medeiros, E-9 Parr Egeler-RG&C Annex 517-265-3900 Daniel Pinkerton, E-9 Alger Max Oaks, Camp Sauble, Puglsey 906-387-5000 Dominica Delagarza, E-10 Cotton Mound or Ryan 517-780-5060 Randall MacDonald, E-10 Pine River Boyer Road 517-278-6942 William Bock, E-10 MI Training Unit Carson City or Boyer Road 616-527-3100 Joe Stevenson, E-9 Standish St. Louis, Thumb, Camp Gilman/ Brighton 989-846-7000 Yvonne LaPonsie, E-9 Newberry Kinross Area 906-293-6200 Santiago Gomez, E-9 Thumb Saginaw or Standish 810-667-2045 Patrick R. Pitcher, E-9 Parnall Camp Lehman 517-780-6843 David Thompson, E-10 St. Louis Saginaw 989-846-7000 Carla Losey, Florence Crane Egler 517-279-9165 Loren Prief, E-9 Thumb Cooper Street 810-667-2045 Dustin Richard Standish Saginaw/BV Center/St. Louis 989-846-7000 Robert McGaffigan Huron Valley Mens Brooks 734-572-9900 Jesse Payne, E-9 Gus Harrison RG&C, Egler, Cooper 517-265-3900 Michael Stellino, E-9 Brooks Grand Rapids Center/Bellamy Creek 231-733-9200 MCO Memorial Bible Program If you lose a loved one and would like a bible in his or her memory, please fill out MCO MEMORIAL BIBLE REQUEST the request form and submit it one of the following three ways: MCO Member Deceased's Name 1. Submit it to your chapter president to mail Relationship to Deceased 2. Mail it to Sacha Crowley, c/o MCO, Deceased's Date of Death 421 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48933 3. E-mail your request to sacha@mco- Chapter, Chapter President Religious Preference seiu.org

7 Non-Profit Michigan Corrections Organization Organization 421 W. Kalamazoo Street U.S. POSTAGE Lansing, MI 48933 PAID Lansing, Michigan Permit No. 533 Address Service Requested

MCO CHAPTER PRESIDENTS The MCO REPORT is an Larry Henley, Alger Maximum Clayton Sharrard, Macomb award-winning publication Rick VanAlstine, Baraga Maximum Jerry Pope, Marquette of the Michigan Corrections Val Corl, Bellamy Creek Dennis Beecham, Michigan Training Unit Organization, Service Bryon King, Boyer Road James Prince, Mid-Michigan Employees Union Local Matthew Pohl, Brooks Correctional Adam Douglas, Mound Correctional Mark Nelson, Camps Vice President, Region I Julie Cabana, Muskegon 526M, AFL-CIO. The editor Rod Denley, Camps Vice President, Region II Gary VanSickle, Newberry reserves the right to refuse any Kip Smith, Camps Vice President, Region III Paul Golembiewski, Oaks Correctional incoming articles that are Bruce Waldron, Carson City Ronald Niemi, Ojibway Correctional detrimental to MCO, SEIU Cecil Pedrin, Chippewa Stuart Bridgewater, Parnall Correctional Local 526M and its policies John Ost, Corrections Centers Randy Burrow, Parr Highway and the policies of the SEIU. Bonnie Love, Cotton Facility Edward Cooley, Jr., Pine River All articles or letters must be Garry Brickley, Sr., Deerfield Marcus Polychuk, Pugsley Correctional submitted by the first of the Sam Allen, Egeler Michael Wohlscheid, Riverside month prior to the next issue James Sims, Florence Crane Alfred West, Ryan Correctional John Fetters, Forensic Center Bill Henderson, Saginaw Correctional Randy Burrow, Gus Harrison Timothy Ryder, SAI Program MCO does not accept paid Michael Feighner, Hiawatha Stennis George, Scott Facility advertising in the MCO Lana Stewart, Huron Valley Center; Nursing Brent Kowitz, Southern MI Report. No one is authorized Daryl Moore, Huron Valley Center; Security Robert Davis, Standish Maximum to solicit advertising for the Charles Wright, Huron Valley Corrections Facility Ray Sholtz, St. Louis MCO Report in the name of Thomas Tefft, Ionia Maximum Jake Campbell, Straits MCO or SEIU Local 526M. Thomas Hackel, Jackson Cooper Street Gary Whitman, Thumb Correctional Gary Kott, Kinross Robert Sikkenga, West Shoreline To send e-mail to an MCO Kamal Cariuty, Jr., Lakeland Phyllis White, Western Wayne staff member, type his or her first name followed by: @mco-seiu.org. MCO CENTRAL STAFF Fred Parks, Executive Director If you have changed your Mel Grieshaber, Political Director Ron Parkinson, Labor Relations Representative address or phone number, Dave VanKoevering, Labor Relations Coordinator Cherelyn Dunlap, Labor Relations Representative please inform MCO Cynthia Beal, Labor Relations Representative Cindy Sanderson, Administrative Assistant immediately at 1-800-451-4878 John Bowers, Labor Relations Representative Sacha Crowley, Communication Specialist (phone), 1-800-327-5266 (fax), Randy Eicher, Labor Relations Representative Cindy Kogut, Bookkeeper or send an email by following Tangee Laza, Labor Relations Representative Lori Iding, Grievance Coordinator the directions listed above. Karen Mazzolini, Labor Relations Representative Stephanie Short, Receptionist/Secretary

NOW DO WE HAVE YOUR ATTENTION? (TURN TO PAGE 4)

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E Page 2-3 Union News and Views Page 6 College Credit/Statement of Act. Page 4 SECC/Cover Story Page 7 Exchange and Transfers List Page 5 Pre-Paid Legal Plan Page 8 MCO Contacts MCO REPORT SEPTEMBER 2004

UNION VOICES

P RESIDENTIAL OUR TRAINING PONDERINGS WORKS OFF THE JOB I’ve been busy again themselves from the razor wire. TOO... touring SAI Bootcamp, Marquette saw their critical on Riverside, Deerfield, Jackson August 25th when an officer Just a note to say that our Max, Oaks, Newberry, Alger suffered a broken wrist while training works in our private lives and Hiawatha since last month. I’d like breaking up a scuffle between two as well as at work. to thank all the officers who provided prisoners. Today, (8-5-04) I had stopped input on these tours. It is what guides On Sept. 6th a CO at the Oaks was at the Golden Coral for lunch in Fort the new direction of MCO. brutally attacked and stabbed in the eye Wayne, IN. As I was finishing my The public awareness campaign on with an ink pen while in the yard shack. lunch the man next to me suddenly the Gun Tower issue continues. We hit With the pen still lodged in his eye this stood up with his hands at his throat. the streets in Carson City on August 30th heroic officer then chased the prisoner He wasn’t able to speak and was not and Jackson on the 31st to voice our into a housing unit. The inmate had breathing. I told his wife to call 911 concerns. I appreciate all the officers been transferred from Baraga Max to the and then I stepped behind him and who took the time to come out and join Oaks...a transfer which never should told him I was going to help. us on the line. A special thanks to Mike have happened. I spoke with the CO’s I then began to use the Patrick who helped out with the food wife that night at the hospital offering abdominal thrust procedure. He and to Officer Detloff from HVM and their family any assistance they might was a large man, about 6’3” and Officer Vantatenhove from IBC for need in this time of crisis. The follow- over 300 lbs. and I was just able to taking time to drive over and support ing day I was able to speak with the get my arms around him. After these campaigns. Numerous billboards officer as well. several thrusts I felt his legs across Michigan are going up to let the On Sept. 10th, while attending an starting to not hold his weight. citizens know how their community’s Emergency Labor Management Meeting However, this gave me the safety is at risk if the MDOC moves at the Oaks, I had the opportunity to leverage I needed for the next thrust forward with this “INSANE” plan. view the tape. Make no mistake about and the blockage came out. MAJOR INCIDENTS CONTINUE! it, this CO is a hero. He began to breathe, cough The prisoners in the Carson City We will be in Muskegon on and his color came back to his face. escape plot had outside help, access to September 27th from 11 - 4. As most of I sat him down in his chair and one automatic weapons and a safe house. you are aware, the MDOC claims to be of the servers gave him a glass of Thankfully this escape attempt was able to save $12 Million by closing posts water. He thanked me and made foiled by the inspector at Carson City. across the state. The MCO State the comment “It really works”. Standish Max had a critical incident on Executive Board has committed to fighting this As I left, I asked him to go to August 1st, when a prisoner in the Bay concept to the end ! You can’t put a price the YMCA and learn to do the same Med became combative, ripped out IV’s, tag on our officers’ safety. as he may be in my seat and need to tried to remove his restraints and obtain Stand together MCO Brothers and act in the same manner. This is not an officer’s weapon. On August 3rd, Sisters as we move forward fighting Gun to “blow my own horn” but to say there was an escape plot discovered at Posts, Staffing, the New Classification thanks to the instructors that I have Muskegon where the prisoners had the system, and Contract Negotiations. had over the past five years. means to build a ladder and protect Together we will Succeed. -MCO Member BE CAREFUL.

2 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS FOR OVER 25 YEARS

UNION NEWS OFFICERS IN ACTION

CARSON CITY TAKES THEIR TURN ON AUGUST 30TH

OFFICERS IN JACKSON LINE UP FOR SAFETY ON AUGUST 31ST

ECONOMIC FORECAST MEETING HOSTED BY MCO ON SEPT. 7TH BRINGS IN MEMBERS FROM ALL STATE UNIONS.

3 MCO REPORT SEPTEMBER 2004

STATE EMPLOYEES WORK TOGETHER TO BETTER THEIR COMMUNITIES INSANE? (COVER STORY) Many of you are aware of the deduction as the preferred payment Shocked? Well, quite frankly, benefits of the United Way. Thousands method. Making equal payments over a that’s the point! MCO has purchased of organizations participate in the period of time makes charitable giving billboards that started going up around program which distributes funds to easier for you. the state the first week of September. agencies in your local communities to All billboards will be up by help seniors, children, and those with 7. Give With Confidence - All organi- September 20th and will remain for serious illness among others. zations listed in this SECC Information one month. The 2004 State Employees & Code Directory have a proven, Billboards will be placed in 20 Combined Campaign (SECC) will run documented track record. locations throughout the state, from September 20, 2004, through including... 6. $2 Per Pay Period - Provides first aid October 22. 2004. In 2003, State - 3 in Lenawee County instruction to 48 people! Employees in Michigan raised $316, 292 - 4 in Greater Jackson dollars, with just over 2,600 employees - 2 in Greater Ann Arbor 5. $10 Per Pay Period - Can send two participating. - 4 in Muskegon foster children to summer camp. When you make a donation to the - 2 in Marquette United Way you are directly helping - 1 in Sault Ste. Marie those in need in your own community. 4. $20 Per Pay Period - Can support four families with help in preventing - 1 in Manastee child abuse. - 1 in St. Louis 10 FACTS TO CONSIDER... - 1 in Freeland - 1 in Carson City 10. You Have Choices - You can choose 3. $30 Per Pay Period - Buys water monitoring equipment for local school For a more complete listing of where you want to allocate your money exact locations, simply visit our - whether it be environmental protec- children to participate in an environmental program to make water safer for website at www.mco-seiu.org and tion, medical research, health care, click on the link! hunger, homelessness, education, citizens and animals that inhabit the special programs for children, or the area. elderly and so on. 2. $40 Per Pay Period - Funds group 9. Convenient One-Stop Shopping - activities for visually-impaired seniors With the assistance of the Information for one year. & Code Directory and online pledging, 1. And the Number One Reason for your generosity to your favorite Giving to the SECC …….YOU ARE charity(ies) can be as easy as accessing HELPING SOMEONE IN NEED! MI-HR Self-Service. Just follow the instructions and choose your If you have any questions or need designation(s) using the codes listed. a pledge form, simply contact Lupe Vidal at (517) 241-8666. 8. Payroll Deduction - Payroll deduction is an easy “time-released” formula. Or, you can visit their website at: Most state employees choose payroll http://www.misecc.org/

4 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS FOR OVER 25 YEARS PRE-PAID LEGAL PROGRAM FOR MCO MEMBERS How many times would you have financially benefit the MCO Crisis Fund. future problems, and protect them when called “your lawyer” in the last year, if others violate their rights. It makes sense, someone else was paying the bill? The plan is offered through but most of us can’t justify the high costs Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc., an of lawyers. Would you want to update your international company which provides Last Will & Testament? Most people low-cost legal services for about “Pre-Paid Legal Services changes don’t, because it can cost $200 to $400 1.4-million families in the United States that. MCO members will have access to or more to have a legally correct Will and Canada. It has been endorsed as a some of the top law firms in United drafted. What if you could get your Will member program by your State States whenever they can benefit from drafted by an experienced, highly rated Executive Board. legal assistance. All they have to do is attorney for just $24? dial a toll-free “800” number to get the help.” Have you ever wanted to fight a traffic ticket, but plead “guilty” because “Yet the cost of the plan is less it cost too much to hire a lawyer? What than a cup of coffee a day.” if lawyers would assist you and all your family members anywhere in the The plan provides for comprehen- country – even representing you in court sive preventative services (solving – but wouldn’t send you a bill? problems before they happen), representation of family members in traffic court, Have you ever paid a bill you representation of families if they are thought was unfair because you didn’t sued, assistance with IRS audits, and think you had a choice? What if a major discounts on all other legal lawyer would help you, and you didn’t a services. All legal issues are covered by get a bill for the lawyer’s time? the plan, including pre-existing conditions. All of these are legal issues where good legal representation can help you. For more information on the plan, But 65% of adult Americans have never and to sign up, simply click on the Legal hired an attorney to help them with “This plan is a tremendous value,” Plan Benefit button on the MCO common, everyday legal issues. according to Walter Sorg, area website (www.mco-seiu.org). There you ..because it costs too much. coordinator for Pre-Paid Legal Services. will find additional information as well Sorg is a former assistant Executive as a link to the registration page. The As a member of MCO, you can Director of the State Bar of Michigan login name for the legal site is now get comprehensive legal assistance who has done extensive research into “mco-seiu526M”; the PIN is “mi48933”. and protection for your family for problems with Michigan’s legal system. pennies a day. You and your family can MCO has offered this program in get legal help with issues without “The wealthy have always the past with a great deal of success. We worrying about getting a bill in the mail. understood that good legal advice can are proud to bring it back as a valuable At the same time, your membership will save them money, help them avoid benefit for our members.

5 MCO REPORT SEPTEMBER 2004

OLLEGE Revenues Amount C Membership Dues $2,138,425 CREDIT FOR Non-Member Fees 35,984 Interest 17,448 ACADEMY Expense refunds 1,262 Loss on Disposition of Fixed Assets -166 TRAINING! As a result of the May Total Revenues 2,192,953 2003 assessment visit, graduates of the Michigan Expenses Department of Corrections, Office of Training and Administrative Leave 61,137 Recruitment, Training Academy will be able to apply Arbitration 7,491 their training toward college credits as part of a program Books, Dues and Subscriptions 7,389 funded by the U.S. Department of Justice to help Computer 13,562 criminal justice personnel earn baccalaureate degrees Consulting 8,120 while maintaining an often difficult work schedule. Continuing Education 4,858 The Justice Department grant funded the Excelsior CTIVITIES Contributions 4,710 College Criminal Justice Training Assessment Unit, which Decertification 35,444 assessed the Training Academy program and assigned A Depreciation 49,403 30, 2004) credit equivalencies, course titles, and course Elections 807 OF descriptions to parts of the program considered to be as UNE Grievance Settlement 7,974

J rigorous as college coursework. Insurance 105,516 Since the program went into effect, more than 50 Leased Equipment 4,609 ENDED law enforcement and corrections academies across the Legal and Accounting 76,582 nation have signed up to have their training programs MCO Report 20,701 assessed. Meetings and Conferences 183,988

Credits from approved training programs can be MONTHS Office and Administrative 27,601 used to earn a degree from Excelsior College or any other

INE Organizational Unity Materials 9,521 institution that chooses to accept them. In January 2003, TATEMENT (N Pension Contribution 68,126 Excelsior also began offering a Bachelor of Science with Political 64,000 a major in Criminal Justice. Postage 13,049 Excelsior College (www.excelsior.edu) provides Professional Organization Membership Fees 26,908 access to many different avenues for earning college credit, focusing on what students know, rather than on Athletic Team, Social Activity, Advertising, News Release and Related Expenses where or how they learned it. Undergraduate credits are 8,385 earned through a variety of accredited sources, MCO S Repairs and Maintenance 14,468 including traditional classroom courses, for-credit exams, Salaries 443,996 distance learning and online courses, thus making Taxes - Payroll 38,627 baccalaureate, and master’s degrees more accessible to Taxes - Per Capita 710,661 busy, working adults. The college is accredited by the Telephone 21,245 Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Utilities 11,398 Association of Colleges and Schools. the American Council on Education (ACE) recognizes Excelsior Total Expenses 2,050,276 College Examinations for the award of college-level credit. Increase in Unrestricted Net Assets $142,677

NAME CURRENT FACILITY DESIRED FACILITY FACILITY Phone Charles Helzer, Jr., E-9 Ionia Maximum Camp Manistique/Newberry 616-527-6331 Greg Bennett, E-9 Ojibway Marquette 906-787-2217 R. Towers Oaks Any facility in Jackson or Ionia 231-723-8272 Michele Sivrais, E-10 Camp Lehman Standish Max 989-348-8101 Don Peer, E-9 Standish Max Camp Lehman 989-846-7000 Malcolm L. Davis, E-9 Parr Highway Ypsilanti TRV Center 517-263-3500 Wes Frizzle, CTO-10 Oaks Macomb or Thumb 231-263-5253 Robert Mills, E-9 Newberry Kinross Area 906-293-6300 Brian Lierman, E-10 West Shoreline Grand Rapids Center 231-773-1122 David Dean, E-9 Huron Valley Men’s Parr Highway, Cotton, Parnall 734-572-9900 Jennifer Edwards, E-9 Western Wayne Mound 734-459-2500 Chasity Boyer, E-9 Florence Crane Parnall, Egler or Copper Street 517-279-9165 Michael Payton Cotton Ionia, Huron Valley 517-780-5000 Manuel Medeiros, E-9 Gus Harrison Egeler-RG&C Annex 517-265-3900 Daniel Pinkerton, E-9 Alger Max Oaks, Camp Sauble, Puglsey 906-387-5000 Dominica Delagarza, E-10 Cotton Mound or Ryan 517-780-5060 Randall MacDonald, E-10 Pine River Boyer Road 517-278-6942 William Bock, E-10 MI Training Unit Carson City or Boyer Road 616-527-3100 Joe Stevenson, E-9 Standish St. Louis, Thumb, Camp Gilman/ Brighton 989-846-7000 Yvonne LaPonsie, E-9 Newberry Kinross Area 906-293-6200 Santiago Gomez, E-9 Thumb Saginaw or Standish 810-667-2045 Patrick R. Pitcher, E-9 Parnall Camp Lehman,Standish,St. Louis, Puglsey 517-780-6843 David Thompson, E-10 St. Louis Saginaw 989-846-7000 Carla Losey, Florence Crane Egler 517-279-9165 Loren Prief, E-9 Thumb Cooper Street 810-667-2045 Dustin Richard Standish Saginaw/BV Center/St. Louis 989-846-7000 Robert McGaffigan Huron Valley Mens Brooks 734-572-9900 Jesse Payne, E-9 Gus Harrison RG&C, Egler, Cooper 517-265-3900 Michael Stellino, E-9 Brooks Grand Rapids Center/Bellamy Creek 231-733-9200 Wes Jackson, E-9 Cooper Street Florence Crane 517-780-6182 Gregory Bonds, E-10 Thumb Camp Tuscola 810-667-2045 Cooper Hill, E-10 Boyer Road Grand Rapids Center 989-584-3941

MCO Memorial Bible Program MCO MEMORIAL BIBLE REQUEST If you lose a loved one and would like a bible in his or her memory, please fill out the request form and submit it one of the MCO Member Deceased's Name following three ways: 1. Submit it to your chapter president to mail Relationship to Deceased Deceased's Date of Death 2. Mail it to Sacha Crowley, c/o MCO, 421 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48933 3. E-mail your request to sacha@mco- Chapter, Chapter President Religious Preference seiu.org

7 Non-Profit Michigan Corrections Organization Organization 421 W. Kalamazoo Street U.S. POSTAGE Lansing, MI 48933 PAID Lansing, Michigan Permit No. 533 Address Service Requested

MCO CHAPTER PRESIDENTS The MCO REPORT is an Larry Henley, Alger Maximum Clayton Sherrard, Macomb award-winning publication Rick VanAlstine, Baraga Maximum Jerry Pope, Marquette of the Michigan Corrections Val Corl, Bellamy Creek Dennis Beecham, Michigan Training Unit Organization, Service Bryon King, Boyer Road James Prince, Mid-Michigan Employees Union Local Matthew Pohl, Brooks Correctional Adam Douglas, Mound Correctional Mark Nelson, Camps Vice President, Region I Julie Cabana, Muskegon 526M, AFL-CIO. The editor Rod Denley, Camps Vice President, Region II Gary VanSickle, Newberry reserves the right to refuse any Kip Smith, Camps Vice President, Region III Paul Golembiewski, Oaks Correctional incoming articles that are Bruce Waldron, Carson City Ronald Niemi, Ojibway Correctional detrimental to MCO, SEIU Cecil Pedrin, Chippewa Stuart Bridgewater, Parnall Correctional Local 526M and its policies John Ost, Corrections Centers Randy Burrow, Parr Highway and the policies of the SEIU. Bonnie Love, Cotton Facility Edward Cooley, Jr., Pine River All articles or letters must be Garry Brickley, Sr., Deerfield Marcus Polychuk, Pugsley Correctional submitted by the first of the Sam Allen, Egeler Michael Wohlscheid, Riverside month prior to the next issue James Sims, Florence Crane Alfred West, Ryan Correctional John Fetters, Forensic Center Bill Henderson, Saginaw Correctional Randy Burrow, Gus Harrison Timothy Ryder, SAI Program MCO does not accept paid Michael Feighner, Hiawatha Stennis George, Scott Facility advertising in the MCO Lana Stewart, Huron Valley Center; Nursing Brent Kowitz, Southern MI Report. No one is authorized Daryl Moore, Huron Valley Center; Security Robert Davis, Standish Maximum to solicit advertising for the Charles Wright, Huron Valley Corrections Facility Ray Sholtz, St. Louis MCO Report in the name of Thomas Tefft, Ionia Maximum Jake Campbell, Straits MCO or SEIU Local 526M. Thomas Hackel, Jackson Cooper Street Gary Whitman, Thumb Correctional Gary Kott, Kinross Robert Sikkenga, West Shoreline To send e-mail to an MCO Kamal Cariuty, Jr., Lakeland Phyllis White, Western Wayne staff member, type his or her first name followed by: @mco-seiu.org. MCO CENTRAL STAFF Fred Parks, Executive Director If you have changed your Mel Grieshaber, Political Director Ron Parkinson, Labor Relations Representative address or phone number, Dave VanKoevering, Labor Relations Coordinator Cherelyn Dunlap, Labor Relations Representative please inform MCO Cynthia Beal, Labor Relations Representative Cindy Sanderson, Administrative Assistant immediately at 1-800-451-4878 John Bowers, Labor Relations Representative Sacha Crowley, Communication Specialist (phone), 1-800-327-5266 (fax), Randy Eicher, Labor Relations Representative Cindy Kogut, Bookkeeper or send an email by following Tangee Laza, Labor Relations Representative Lori Iding, Grievance Coordinator the directions listed above. Karen Mazzolini, Labor Relations Representative Stephanie Short, Receptionist/Secretary

Officer Goward’s boots appeared on the steps of the Capitol Building as part of a traveling memorial to those who have fallen during the war in Iraq. On Sept. 30th, the “Eyes Wide Open” Memorial came to Lansing, lining boots up in rows along the grass around the Capitol, with those from Michigan soldiers honored prominently on the building’s steps. Goward, a CO at St. Louis Correctional Facility, was killed April 14, 2003, while serving in Iraq with the Michigan Army National Guard.

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E Page 2-3 Union News and Views Page 6 MI HR Services for DCH & DOC Page 4 Health - MRSA and Others Page 7 Exchange and Transfers List Page 5 Children’s Picnic Page 8 MCO Contacts MCO REPORT OCTOBER 2004

UNION VOICES RESIDENTIAL P ONWARD AND UPWARD... PONDERINGS... It all started about 2:10 p.m. on Sept. 6th, 2004. I was in the seven- block guard shack putting on my equipment. Suddenly a prisoner was Well, Fellow Officers, right in front of the door. He started to say something, but I never got to another month has past and hear what it was. we all continue to face the The next thing I knew I was in the back of the guard shack because same challenge doing more he had hit me in the eye. I was still on my feet and the prisoner came into with less. the shack. He hit me again in the back and the back of the head while I was pushing my PPD and making a radio call for help. At that time I MTU had yet another major placed my hands on the back wall of the guard shack and forced the assault on October 4. Three officers prisoner out. He then picked up a chair and tried to ram me with it. I were brutally beaten with a “Lock in the was able to kick the chair away. He picked the chair up and threw it at Sock.” One receiving almost 50 me. I again kicked it away. The prisoner picked the chair up a third time stitches, another 5 and yet another 1. but suddenly put it back down and ran toward the housing unit. I I’d like to thank Board Member Andy followed him into the unit and he turned and started to come at me Potter from MTU who took time on his again. At that time yard officers entered the unit and the prisoner was RDO to go to the facility and hospital placed in restraints. during this crisis. We did receive some I was taken to the Manistee hospital and then transferred to Grand media coverage as a result of the Rapids. It wasn’t until then that I realized the prisoner had used a weapon. incident on WOOD TV8 out of Grand The surgeon was able to sew my eye all back together. I had really high Rapids, the Ionia Sentinel paper and also hopes when they first removed the eye bandage because I could distin- in the Detroit News. Hopefully this guish between light and dark with my right eye; however, that soon faded coverage helped to bring our situation with the hopes of seeing out of that eye again. I know that sounds sad, to the public’s attention. but I am very happy because I can still see out of my left eye, and I am still alive. Things could have been much worse. Major critical incidents are on the After I woke up from surgery, I knew I wasn’t dealing with this rise. Brothers and Sisters don’t get tragedy alone. Loved ones surrounded me and calls from all over the complacent...make that extra round. state came pouring in. I can’t describe in words how it made me feel that double check that door...always know so many people were all thinking about me. I got calls from some of the where your partner is. URF also had an department’s newest employees all the way up to the governor. The escape attempt since our last report. prayers, cards, and donations were a godsend to say the very lest. I honestly believe that is why I was able to remain in such high spirits. We hit the street of Muskegon on Now it is time to get on with the healing and rehabilitation process. The September 27th to protest the Gun healing will take about one year because that is the earliest the doctor Tower Closures. Thanks to all the will take the stitches out of my eye. As far as rehabilitation goes, I have officers for their support. I’ve had many to remember to make wide right turns (HA! HA!) I believe all things e-mails and calls liking the direction of happen for a reason, so it’s onward and upward from here. From the MCO on Gun Posts, Classification entire Russell family, a warm and hearty thanks to EVERYONE for system, and inadequate staffing. EVERYTHING! Together as a MCO family we will move Sincerely, Ken Russell Jr. forward. Stay Safe.

2 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS FOR OVER 25 YEARS

UNION NEWS OFFICERS IN ACTION

Officers line up in Muskegon on September 27th.

Getting the message out to the Muskegon Chronicle...

The Special Olympics drawing for the Trip Raffle was held at MCO assisted by some great athletes

Pictured is the MCO E-board along with two Special Olympic athletes who helped with the drawing of the winning ticket!

3 MCO REPORT OCTOBER 2004

THE HEALTH WATCH AND OUR AFETY MRSA Y S ! OFFICER AWARDED THE At a recent Health & Safety suggested that this is not needed as long MDOC CITIZENSHIP AWARD Committee meeting, Anti-biotic as the infected prisoner wears a gauze- Resistant Organisms (ARO’s) were covering patch on the infected area(s); discussed with prison health services Health care considers this to be a part RUO Kevin Palm from Camp and several prison administrators, due of the containment process and they Lehman was awarded the MDOC to a recent outbreak of Methicilin- also should take the last shower of the Citizenship Award on Friday, August Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus day, and properly disinfect the shower 27, 2004. “MRSA” in the Kinross prison complexes area afterwards. But we all know that this summer. we cannot rely on prisoners to properly Palm was recognized for his A MRSA outbreak is a clustering maintain a sanitary environment. volunteer activities in his local of two or more epidemiological related According to the Center for Disease community of Gaylord, where he culture-positive cases of the MRSA control (CDC), the placement of is very active assisting the local youth infection - i.e. two prisoners in the same patients who may contaminate the hockey association. He serves as complex with the same symptoms. environment or cannot be expected to coach for a team of 13 and 14 year However, it has also been determined maintain adequate hygiene or a sanitary old boys and girls who travel all over that other prisons throughout the state environment should be placed in a Michigan. Last year they even went have as many cases as the Upper private room. on to the state finals. Peninsula facilities. Here is what to look for to identify Discussion was held at the Health ARO cases that you may suspect in your Palm also sits on the St. Mary’s & Safety meting on the prevention and respective facilities: School Advisory Board, is a member isolation of prisoners with MRSA. ✙ According to the CDC prison- of the Alpinefest Organizational Through much research by Health & ers will think that they have an insect Committee and is President of his Safety Chair, Andy Potter, Chippewa bite or a sore. They may or may not local homeowners association. Correctional Facility Chapter President seek medical attention because of this. Cecil Pedrin, MCO staff person Cynthia ✙ Health Services might not swab Beal, and myself, it has been learned the infected are to test for MRSA that in other states prison systems have because of the above either dealt with this infection also. ✙ Staff should look for boil type The number one concern of MCO outbreaks that occur spontaneously and members, as always, is the housing of may evolve to include multiple lesions. infected prisoners and how to stop the At this time we cannot rely on spread to staff. It appears that the #1 prison administrators or health services way to protect staff is proper hand to inform us or even to do testing on hygiene, protective equipment, gloves, suspected cases. Your best resource is masks, and eye protection. However, member-to-member education. Please we all know that no one can walk do not hesitate to contact either Andy around for an eight-hour shift wearing Potter, Cecil Pedrin, Cynthia Beal or all these protective items. myself for more information. Pictured (L to R); ADW Rapelje, Your MCO board is pushing for Kevin Palm, RPA MacMeekin absolute isolations of the infected -Jim Johnson, MCO State Treasurer, prisoners. Health services have Kinross Correctional Facility

4 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS FOR OVER 25 YEARS

WAY TO GO - MCO (SCENES FROM SCF/MCO’S 6TH ANNUAL CHILDREN’S PICNIC)

Our “Fun Day” began with donation from MCO, throughout Celeste arriving at the park around the day we were entertained and 5ish, selecting and reserving our prime enjoyed: Ms. Celeste expert Face location, placing the signs directing Painting, Ofc. Mattox entertain- ALL to our location. Shortly thereaf- ing the children dressed as ter, MCO Chapter President, S. George “Mattie the Clown,” the arrived to begin set-up. extremely large inflated Moon Walk, Ms. Kennedy’s scrump- Once tious homemade Ice Cream, and Chappell, a variety of games for the kids Borthwell and adults too. and the Spangler RJ fried fresh fish from sun up — to Lt. Hockenhull retired Sgt. Muwakkeil family sun DOWN! The freshly smoked took time out of their busy schedules arrived to to come out and had a great time help with the set-up, all systems were too! “GO.” R. Johnson and former employee Francine Jones arrived to start As the day came to a warm, prep for their specialty dishes of breezy, beautiful close, all our kids Smoked Turkey, and Fresh Fried Fish, left with a variety of school supplies, we knew it was going to be a day of donated by our very own Michigan leisure, good eating, Corrections Organization. FUN, FUN, FUN, activities for the Turkeys were a delight to children and exciting the palate — fellowship. And as UMM...MMM--GOOD! Way To Go - MCO. always, our MCO Other tasty treats were: Union President, Tom Tylutki and Vice Hotdogs, hamburgers, corn President/Legislative Director Mel on the cob, baked beans, Grieshaber were on hand to help cook potato chips, cotton candy, and coordinate. popcorn, snow cones, water- melon, chocolate/vanilla cake, bratwurst and homemade ice cream.

All of the Food, Fun & Festivities were captured by Thanx for a the professional photogra- “Great Day.” phy of our very own ADW C. Howard. Warden Stovall and ADW R. Cole, W. - RUO E. Chapman THANKS to the generous Chapman, Lt. S. Fejes,

5 MCO REPORT OCTOBER 2004

FULL MI HR SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE TO BOTH DCH AND DOC! MI HR (pronounced My HR) is a is now available on this page. You will Employee ID number; your MI HR new delivery system designed to provide use the same user name and password Self-Service user name, web addresses, you greater access to your human you currently use to access your MI HR and the MI HR Service Center’s address, resources information and services. Self-Service account. telephone, and fax numbers. It will also MI HR builds on current Self-Service MI HR Service Center contain a brief list of services and functionality, enhances on-line HR (1-877-766-6447) whom to contact. information, and creates a new MI HR The new MI HR Service Center Your Human Resource needs are Service Center where an HR profes- will assist you with routine HR issues important. sional can be reached during extended like benefit changes, payroll deductions, MI HR is a comprehensive set of hours of operation at a toll free personal information changes, and more! tools designed to give you greater number. The MI HR Service Center is available access to HR information and services. MI HR Self-Service from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday While the MI HR Service Center will MI HR Self-Service continues to focus on routine HR services and allow you to update your personal information, your local HR offices will records such as address and home continue to assist you with strategic phone, email address, beneficiaries, issues such as recruitment, direct deposits, and family status at your classifications, labor relations, convenience. Once you’re logged in, disability management, selections, you have access to updated information and processing your payroll. and forms for insurance coverage, tax withholding, leave balances, earning SUPPORT UNIONS...SUPPORT statements, and more. You can access AMERICA’S WORKING CLASS MI HR Self-Service from the MI HR Gateway at: This Holiday Season, or any time www.michigan.gov/selfserv. you need to shop for that matter, MI HR Information make sure your gifts are Union MI HR Information is an on-line through Friday, except holidays. The Made. And there is no easier way knowledgebase that contains an Center has a staff of State of Michigan to do it than by shopping at : abundance of information about HR professionals who are there to www.ShopUnionMade.org. benefit, payroll, and human resource answer your questions, perform With a wide selection of union- information tailored to you and your transactions, or help to resolve any made gifts, products and services employment situation. MI HR Informa- problems you have related to your HR including Housewares, Lawn & tion also provides easy access to Union information. They have resources at Garden equipment and Music you Bargaining Agreements, Civil Service their fingertips to help you understand can do all your shopping in one Rules and Regulations, MI HR Self- and navigate MI HR Self-Service and can convenient place. And you’ll have Service, and useful contact information. also provide you with login and the peace of mindknowing that To access MI HR Information, go to the password support. your purchases are MI HR Gateway at www.michigan.gov/ You will receive a “MI HR not supporting selfserv, the same web page you currently Wallet Card” at your home address companies who use to access your MI HR Self-Service within the 2 weeks before your agency send their work account. An additional blue crayon will be served by the MI HR Service overseas. entitled “Log into MI HR Information” Center. This card will include your

6 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS FOR OVER 25 YEARS EXCHANGE TRANSFERS If you are interested in placing your name on the Exchange Transfers list, (Article 15, Part D, Section A-6) please send the following information: your name, your home phone number, classification (E-9, E-10), etc.), current institution, desired institution and your facility’s phone number. Please mail to: Sacha Crowley, c/o MCO Report, 421 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48933, or send via e-mail to [email protected]. If you would like your “ad” in the next issue, you must submit your information no later than the first of the prior month. Please note all transfer requests must be submitted in writing and must be approved by both institutions’ wardens. Please contact us as well if you need to remove your name from the list. NAME CURRENT FACILITY DESIRED FACILITY FACILITY Phone R. Towers Oaks Any facility in Jackson or Ionia 231-723-8272 Don Peer, E-9 Standish Max Camp Lehman 989-846-7000 Malcolm L. Davis, E-9 Parr Highway Ypsilanti TRV Center 517-263-3500 Wes Frizzle, CTO-10 Oaks Macomb or Thumb 231-263-5253 Robert Mills, E-9 Newberry Kinross Area 906-293-6300 Brian Lierman, E-10 West Shoreline Grand Rapids Center 231-773-1122 David Dean, E-9 Huron Valley Men’s Parr Highway, Cotton, Parnall 734-572-9900 Jennifer Edwards, E-9 Western Wayne Mound 734-459-2500 Chasity Boyer, E-9 Florence Crane Parnall, Egler or Copper Street 517-279-9165 Michael Payton Cotton Ionia, Huron Valley 517-780-5000 Manuel Medeiros, E-9 Gus Harrison Egeler-RG&C Annex 517-265-3900 Dominica Delagarza, E-10 Cotton Mound or Ryan 517-780-5060 William Bock, E-10 MI Training Unit Carson City or Boyer Road 616-527-3100 Yvonne LaPonsie, E-9 Newberry Kinross Area 906-293-6200 Santiago Gomez, E-9 Thumb Saginaw or Standish 810-667-2045 Patrick R. Pitcher, E-9 Parnall Camp Lehman,Standish,St. Louis, Puglsey 517-780-6843 David Thompson, E-10 St. Louis Saginaw 989-846-7000 Carla Losey, Florence Crane Egler 517-279-9165 Loren Prief, E-9 Thumb Cooper Street 810-667-2045 Dustin Richard Standish Saginaw/BV Center/St. Louis 989-846-7000 Robert McGaffigan Huron Valley Mens Brooks 734-572-9900 Jesse Payne, E-9 Gus Harrison RG&C, Egler, Cooper 517-265-3900 Michael Stellino, E-9 Brooks Grand Rapids Center/Bellamy Creek 231-733-9200 Wes Jackson, E-9 Cooper Street Florence Crane 517-780-6182 Gregory Bonds, E-10 Thumb Camp Tuscola 810-667-2045 Cooper Hill, E-10 Boyer Road Grand Rapids Center 989-584-3941 Cassandra Frazier, E-9 Western Wayne BV Center, Saginaw, St. Louis 734-459-2500 Steven Thompson, E-10 Huron Valley Mens Oaks or Standish 734-572-9900 Wendy Snow, E-9 Newberry Carson City, Boyer Road, Deerfield, Bellamy 906-293-6200 Jeffrey May, E-9 Gus Harrison Pine River 517-265-3900 Earnest Landrum, E-10 Lakeland Jackson Area 517-278-6942

7 Non-Profit Michigan Corrections Organization Organization 421 W. Kalamazoo Street U.S. POSTAGE Lansing, MI 48933 PAID Lansing, Michigan Permit No. 533 Address Service Requested

MCO CHAPTER PRESIDENTS The MCO REPORT is an Larry Henley, Alger Maximum Kamal Cariuty, Jr., Lakeland award-winning publication Rick VanAlstine, Baraga Maximum Clayton Sharrard, Macomb of the Michigan Corrections Val Corl, Bellamy Creek Jerry Pope, Marquette Organization, Service Bryon King, Boyer Road James Prince, Mid-Michigan Employees Union Local Matthew Pohl, Brooks Correctional Adam Douglas, Mound Correctional Mark Nelson, Camps Vice President, Region I Julie Cabana, Muskegon 526M, AFL-CIO. The editor Rod Denley, Camps Vice President, Region II Gary VanSickle, Newberry reserves the right to refuse any Kip Smith, Camps Vice President, Region III Paul Golembiewski, Oaks Correctional incoming articles that are Bruce Waldron, Carson City Ronald Niemi, Ojibway Correctional detrimental to MCO, SEIU Cecil Pedrin, Chippewa Stuart Bridgewater, Parnall Correctional Local 526M and its policies John Ost, Corrections Centers Randy Burrow, Parr Highway and the policies of the SEIU. Bonnie Love, Cotton Facility Edward Cooley, Jr., Pine River All articles or letters must be Garry Brickley, Sr., Deerfield Marcus Polychuk, Pugsley Correctional submitted by the first of the Sam Allen, Egeler Michael Wohlscheid, Riverside month prior to the next issue James Sims, Florence Crane Alfred West, Ryan Correctional John Fetters, Forensic Center Bill Henderson, Saginaw Correctional Randy Burrow, Gus Harrison Timothy Ryder, SAI Program MCO does not accept paid Dennis Beecham, Handlon Michigan Training Unit Stennis George, Scott Facility advertising in the MCO Michael Feighner, Hiawatha Brent Kowitz, Southern MI Report. No one is authorized Lana Stewart, Huron Valley Center; Nursing Robert Davis, Standish Maximum to solicit advertising for the Daryl Moore, Huron Valley Center; Security Ray Sholtz, St. Louis MCO Report in the name of Charles Wright, Huron Valley Corrections Facility Jake Campbell, Straits MCO or SEIU Local 526M. Thomas Tefft, Ionia Maximum Gary Whitman, Thumb Correctional Thomas Hackel, Jackson Cooper Street Robert Sikkenga, West Shoreline To send e-mail to an MCO Gary Kott, Kinross Phyllis White, Western Wayne staff member, type his or her first name followed by: @mco-seiu.org. MCO CENTRAL STAFF Fred Parks, Executive Director If you have changed your Mel Grieshaber, Political Director Ron Parkinson, Labor Relations Representative address or phone number, Dave VanKoevering, Labor Relations Coordinator Cherelyn Dunlap, Labor Relations Representative please inform MCO Cynthia Beal, Labor Relations Representative Cindy Sanderson, Administrative Assistant immediately at 1-800-451-4878 John Bowers, Labor Relations Representative Sacha Crowley, Communication Specialist (phone), 1-800-327-5266 (fax), Randy Eicher, Labor Relations Representative Cindy Kogut, Bookkeeper or send an email by following Tangee Laza, Labor Relations Representative Lori Iding, Grievance Coordinator the directions listed above. Karen Mazzolini, Labor Relations Representative Stephanie Short, Receptionist/Secretary

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E Page 2-3 Union News and Views Page 9 MCO “Show” Page 4 Arbitration Report Page 10 Liver Walk/Statement of Page 5 Gift Giving Ideas Activities Page 6-7 Central Conference Page 11 Exchange/Transfers List Page 8 Legal - HIPAA and POA Page 12 MCO Contacts MCO REPORT NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004

UNION VOICES P RESIDENTIAL IN MEMORIAL PONDERINGS... MCO faced several Lets keep in mind the challenges in November assaulted officers who and December as we have returned to work wrapped up Contract and those still off. Lets Bargaining, took the next continue to stick to- step in fighting Gun Tower gether and fight Gun Tower Closures by filing a ULP, and Coverage, inmate classifications, suffered a loss on the Gender and reduction of officers in state based lawsuit in the 6th U.S. Court prisons. We are truly doing more of Appeals. with less. The next few weeks will find I’m sure the New Year brings us counting Contract ratification many major challenges... together ballots, continuing with the ULP we can succeed divided we are in LANA STEWART and Injunction hearing process, trouble. Lets stay focused, and HVC NURSING Civil Service Commission Hear- accomplish our mission. HAPTER RESIDENT ings to approve the Contract, and C P making decisions about the future In solidarity, LANA PASSED AWAY UNEXPECT- of the gender issue. Tom EDLY ON OCTOBER 30, 2004, Just returning home from JUST DAYS AFTER THIS PICTURE touring Ojibway, Baraga Max, WAS TAKEN AT CENTRAL. HER Marquette and Alger Max, I thank DEDICATION TO HER WORK all the officers for their input and AND THE UNION WILL NOT BE suggestions on making our union FORGOTTEN. MCO stronger. Members, as another year comes to a close lets take a REMINDER: moment to reflect our thoughts. This year there were many The Exchange Transfers List will assaults. Physical assaults on our clear as of January 1, 2005. Thus, if officers by inmates, organizing you would like your name to appear in the January issue, you need to assaults by other organizations, re-submit it before the end of the year. and financial assaults by the continued budget deficit.

2 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS FOR OVER 25 YEARS

UNION NEWS

Two years ago my mother was mean the difference between life and STANDISH OFFICER diagnosed with Renal Failure and ever death. I’m presently working to get AWARDED THE MDOC since has endured Dialysis 3 times a the Legislature to draft a Bill that week. Since June of 2004 we have would make Medicaid pay just a small CITIZENSHIP AWARD been working on a transplant. Thank- portion of peoples medication or fully we are now ready medical proce- RUO Steve Bellows from to move ahead and I dures so that they Standish was awarded the MDOC will be giving her one are then covered Citizenship Award on October 14, of my kidneys on by their primary 2004. November 22nd. insurance. On May 9, 2004 (Mother’s Day), There have been If you know Officer Bellows stopped on his way many snags along the of someone who home from work to assist an elderly way. We have what is has gone through woman who was trapped in her car called a Parent-Child this, or are after a head on collision during a Crossover which means just interested in severe thunderstorm. Bellows took my mom would reject supporting this control of the situation and comforted my kidney if I gave it legislation, please the victim until she could be extracted. to her without medica- contact me so that tion. This medication can cost as we can help other families in this much as $80,000 for three treatments situation. and her insurance will not cover it, nor I’m blessed that I have a union that will Medicaid. has worked so hard to give us, the What we have discovered is that members, the things we have so that if Medicaid would pay just $1.00 in times like these we can take the time toward the medication her main insur- off work and still get paid so our ance would have to pay for the rest. families don’t suffer. God-Bless While this is an issue that doesn’t affect many people, it is one that can Michael Freeman, Pine River Pictured; Warden Birkett, Officer Bellows, his wife Judy, son Cody and daughter Hope (son Jonathan had to be in school), RPA MacMeekin POTTER TAKES THE REINS...

Andy Potter, a CO at the Handlon Training Unit and currently a MCO Executive Board Member- At-Large, has been appointed by the Governor to represent state corrections officers on the Correctional Officers’ Training Council. Potter will serve a term expiring March 30, 2007. He succeeds Dennis Somers, whose term recently expired. Thanks to Denny Somers for his service and congratulations to Andy Potter for his selection!

3 MCO REPORT NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004

RBITRATION EPORT A R By: John Bowers, Labor Relations Representative In a recent arbitration decision, the mistaken for a sprained wrist. She was tions the Grievant had with them the Union prevailed in the discharge of an off work for about two and one half night she injured her hand. The Inspec- officer at Newberry Correctional weeks. tor did not allow the two relatives to Facility. The Grievant was discharged While she was home, she received write statements but did accept the for a violation of Work Rule #47 a questionnaire regarding her injury. She other statements telling the aunt he Falsification or Altering Documents. called the Inspector and was told it was would give them to the Warden. The The premise for this charge was that the only a routine questionnaire. She filled additional statements were not allowed Grievant falsified a report for a work it out and returned it. Several weeks as part of the disciplinary packet. place injury. The Grievant was assigned after she returned to work, she was given During this time, the local to Food Service on the second shift a disciplinary packet stating she was in Chapter President and the Grievant when she was asked by another violation of the above work rule and a asked for and received letters from the employee to let her into the restroom as disciplinary conference was scheduled. two doctors the grievant had seen after the Grievant had the key. Since it was Upon seeing the packet and the injury. The letter described that this near the end of her shift, the Grievant charges, the Grievant questioned the type of injury can occur with little or decided to do her final rounds of the Inspector. He had previously stated the no discomfort at the time of injury. The area. While doing so, she tripped and hit questionnaire was routine. Apparently, Employer allowed the letters in at the her hand against the window jam. Her the Employer had reviewed the tape disciplinary conference. After the hand didn’t hurt her at that time and she from her area and surmised the Griev- Grievant was discharged, she sent the didn’t report the injury until the next day. ant did not injure her hand at work. The tape to one of her attending physicians. When the Grievant got home, she tape showed the Grievant and her He watched the tape, and wrote another described to her babysitter and mother fellow officer enter the Food Service letter to the Warden stating that the how she had been somewhat clumsy and back area and return about three Grievant could have used her hand as tripped and hit her hand that night at minutes later. The camera could not see described above without noticeable work. Her hand didn’t bother her until the area where the injury took place. pain. This letter was not sent to the next morning. She called her aunt After the injury, and when back at her Lansing. It was painfully obvious to the who was an ARUS at the facility and assignment, the Grievant could be seen Union that discharge was inevitable for was told to report the injury. An officer applying hand lotion, moving a chair, and the Grievant and a Demand for that the Grievant usually rides with reaching into her pocket. The Employer Arbitration was issued. noticed the problem the Grievant was surmised from these actions that the At the arbitration, the Inspector having with her hand when she Grievant was not being truthful about acknowledged he had discussions with attempted to open the car door. Upon her injury. the Grievant’s relatives but wouldn’t arriving at work, the grievant reported Up to this point, the Grievant did allow them to write statements. He did to her shift sergeant that she had injured not believe she had anything to defend. state that he gave the Warden the two her hand the previous evening and Upon hearing of the charges, the letters presented to him by the aunt but thought she should fill out an accident Grievant’s mother and aunt, both did not know what happened to them report. Later in her shift, the grievant employees at the facility, approached after that. The Warden acknowledged requested to go to the hospital to have the Inspector stating they had informa- receiving the letters submitted to the her wrist checked out. It was found that tion regarding this matter and wanted Inspector by the Grievant’s aunt. She she had a fracture of her Scaphoid bone to write statements. The aunt gave the stated she was unaware the Inspector in her wrist. This type of fracture most Inspector statements from the babysitter would not allow statements from the often goes unnoticed and many times is and grandmother describing conversa- Grievant’s relatives whom she believed (continued on page 10)

4 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS FOR OVER 25 YEARS GIFT GIVING IDEAS “THE SHELTER OF EACH OTHER” SEIU’S 2005 SOCIAL JUSTICE CALENDAR The bold words and images of this full color calendar envision alternatives to war, hopelessness and despair - they embody the power and beauty of everyday people coming together to change each other’s lives and give each other hope.

To order your copy of this beautiful calendar:

Make checks payable to: Bread and Roses 1199/SEIU’s Bread and Roses Cultural Project 330 West 42nd Street, 7th floor New York, NY 10036

Normal cost: $12.95 plus s/h.

Union member cost: $7.00 plus s/h.

Or, order online at: http://www.bread-and-roses.com/ 20socjuscal.html

5 MCO REPORT NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004

Fred Parks was presented with a Commemorative Clock for his dedication of 27 years to MCO. We wish you the best in retirement Fred!

CENTRAL CO OCTOBER

Handlon Michigan Training Unit won an award for the largest fundraising to benefit the MCO Crisis Fund.

6 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS FOR OVER 25 YEARS

Gary McDowell (D), who later won the election to represent the 107th district in the State House of Representatives, spoke to the delegates, and even donned an “INSANE” t-shirt!

Delegates use the opportunity to debate issues affecting MCO, ONFERENCE including the upcoming closure of HVC. 27, 2004

A multi-media show presented the union activities throughout the year.

7 MCO REPORT NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004

THE LEGAL WATCH ESTATE PLANNING DOCUMENTS AFTER THE HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY

AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT “MEDICAL PRIVACY UNDER HIPAA” By: Attorney Daniel A. Pawluk HIPAA, the Health being of an elderly family relieving them of their potential Insurance Portability and member in a nursing home. Imag- liability issues. Accountability Act, went into ine yourself, terminally ill, under In fact, to prevent disclosure effect in April of 2003 and has coma and your patient advocate of your medical information you generated a great degree of is denied obtaining your medical can also specifically, in the frustration and confusion. Can records in order to implement authorization form, name certain there be such a thing your life-support family members or other individu- as too much medical termination als you do not wish to receive such privacy? wishes. information. The focus and Spouses and The solution - strategy, in light of HIPAA, is to family members of not to be a victim provide something in writing people who receive under HIPAA - from you which clearly demon- medical care and rests on several strates your intent that disclosures treatment have been fronts. First, it is may be made. This will help to frustrated victims to imperative that convince a medical care provider the medical privacy your Estate Plan- that it is safe to disclose under regulations under ning Documents HIPAA and an authorization HIPAA. For instance, are in compliance provides them the strongest one man who left with HIPAA and protection. after visiting his wife that HIPAA re- Don’t let things that matter at the hospital, returned later and lease provisions are included. In least take priority over things that forgot his wife’s room number. particular, be sure that your Finan- matter most! After requesting his wife’s room cial and Health Care Powers of number, he was advised they could Attorney comply and include the not provide him with that infor- necessary HIPAA release provi- mation. sions. Another example was a In addition, as a means of woman who was infected by an convenience, have an executed insect and developed a reaction. HIPAA general release prepared The hospital did not contact her to authorize certain persons or family in fear of violating her family members to know your Daniel A. Pawluk is a principal of Pawluk Law medical privacy. Another situation medical status. These authoriza- Group, P.C. and is a participating panel attorney for the Union Plus Legal Services Plan, a division of involved relatives that had been tion forms can then be provided Union Privilege. His office is at 302 S. Waverly denied information on the well to your health care providers, Rd., Suite 2, Lansing, MI 48917, (517) 321-3211.

8 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS FOR OVER 25 YEARS

MCO IN MOTION

At the October Central Conference, delegates were able to view a multi-media presentation developed to highlight the activities and achievements of MCO throughout the year. This presentation, (shots of which appear below) will be available on disc soon. We are also working on making it available as a movie through the website. To order your copy, contact Sacha at MCO Central!

9 MCO REPORT NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004

Revenues Amount RBITRATIONS (CON’T FROM PG. 4) A Membership Dues $3,338,322 to be reliable. The Warden also testified she received Non-Member Fees 62,242 the latest letter from the Grievant’s doctor after he had Interest 28,292 seen the tape. The Warden still maintained that the Expense refunds 1,274 Grievant was guilty and untruthful about her injury. Loss on Disposition of Fixed Assets -166 After hearing the evidence at the arbitration and reading the brief submitted by both parties, the Arbitra- Total Revenues 3,429,964 tor ruled the “The Employer did not have clear and convincing evidence of falsification when it discharged Expenses the Grievant, did not produce such evidence in arbitra- Administrative Leave 103,785 Arbitration 10,816 tion, and did not give fair consideration to exculpatory Books, Dues and Subscriptions 9,893 evidence in its possession pre-hearing, so the discharge CTIVITIES Collective bargaining 11,261 was not for cause. The Grievant was returned to her Computer 23,066 former position and awarded all back pay and benefits. A Consulting 12,302 Continuing Education 7,755

OF Contributions 6,635 S A OU RE AT ISK FOR A CO, Y ’ R Decertification 35,444 30, 2004) HEPATITIS C & LIVER DISEASE Depreciation 75,100 Elections 807 MEMBERS WALKED TO RAISE $ FOR RESEARCH Insurance 156,452

We’d like to thank those that contributed to the EPTEMBER Leased Equipment 8,247 Grand Rapids walk for the American Liver Foundation S Legal and Accounting 120,068 in October. MCO Report 33,645 Meetings and Conferences 258,068 ENDED Office and Administrative 36,430 Many from Lakeland Correctional Facility contrib- TATEMENT uted to the walk. This walk was one of two taking Organizational Unity Materials 33,235 Pension Contribution 100,351

place in October for Liver Awareness and Research. The MONTHS Political 226,185 Grand Rapids walk raised $10,000. The Walk in Belville Postage 16,254 raised $30,000 for Research. This was the first year in INE Professional Organization Membership Fees 40,237 Grand Rapids and the 4th year for Belville. (N Athletic Team, Social Activity, Advertising, MCO S News Release and Related Expenses 52,391 The American Liver Foundation is doing a great Repairs and Maintenance 23,699 deal of work in our state for Liver Awareness and Salaries 652,800 Research. If you’d like more information about the Scholarships 10,000 American Liver foundation/Michigan chapter contact Settlement 7,974 Jennifer Dale, 1-888-MY-LIVER. Taxes - General 40,509 Taxes - Payroll 55,348 Benji and I would like to say a Taxes - Per Capita 1,060,131 BIG THANKS for your support. Your Telephone 35,121 contributions made it much easier to Utilities 18,908 walk on a cold blustery day. Total Expenses 3,282,917 Sincerely, RM & LL Benjamin Increase in Unrestricted Net Assets $147,047

10 PROUDLY REPRESENTING MICHIGAN'S CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND FORENSIC SECURITY OFFICERS FOR OVER 25 YEARS EXCHANGE TRANSFERS If you are interested in placing your name on the Exchange Transfers list, (Article 15, Part D, Section A-6) please send the following information: your name, your home phone number, classification (E-9, E-10), etc.), current institution, desired institution and your facility’s phone number. Please mail to: Sacha Crowley, c/o MCO Report, 421 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48933, or send via e-mail to [email protected]. If you would like your “ad” in the next issue, you must submit your information no later than the first of the prior month. Please note all transfer requests must be submitted in writing and must be approved by both institutions’ wardens. Please contact us as well if you need to remove your name from the list. NAME CURRENT FACILITY DESIRED FACILITY FACILITY Phone R. Towers Oaks Any facility in Jackson or Ionia 231-723-8272 Don Peer, E-9 Standish Max Camp Lehman 989-846-7000 Malcolm L. Davis, E-9 Parr Highway Ypsilanti TRV Center 517-263-3500 Wes Frizzle, CTO-10 Oaks Macomb or Thumb 231-263-5253 Robert Mills, E-9 Newberry Kinross Area 906-293-6300 Brian Lierman, E-10 West Shoreline Grand Rapids Center 231-773-1122 David Dean, E-9 Huron Valley Men’s Parr Highway, Cotton, Parnall 734-572-9900 Jennifer Edwards, E-9 Western Wayne Mound 734-459-2500 Chasity Boyer, E-9 Florence Crane Parnall, Egler or Copper Street 517-279-9165 Michael Payton Cotton Ionia, Huron Valley 517-780-5000 Dominica Delagarza, E-10 Cotton Mound or Ryan 517-780-5060 William Bock, E-10 MI Training Unit Carson City or Boyer Road 616-527-3100 Yvonne LaPonsie, E-9 Newberry Kinross Area 906-293-6200 Santiago Gomez, E-9 Thumb Saginaw or Standish 810-667-2045 Patrick R. Pitcher, E-9 Parnall Camp Lehman,Standish,St. Louis, Puglsey 517-780-6843 David Thompson, E-10 St. Louis Saginaw 989-846-7000 Carla Losey, Florence Crane Egler 517-279-9165 Loren Prief, E-9 Thumb Cooper Street 810-667-2045 Dustin Richard Standish Saginaw/BV Center/St. Louis 989-846-7000 Robert McGaffigan Huron Valley Mens Brooks 734-572-9900 Jesse Payne, E-9 Gus Harrison RG&C, Egler, Cooper 517-265-3900 Michael Stellino, E-9 Brooks Grand Rapids Center/Bellamy Creek 231-733-9200 Wes Jackson, E-9 Cooper Street Florence Crane 517-780-6182 Gregory Bonds, E-10 Thumb Camp Tuscola 810-667-2045 Cooper Hill, E-10 Boyer Road Grand Rapids Center 989-584-3941 Cassandra Frazier, E-9 Western Wayne BV Center, Saginaw, St. Louis 734-459-2500 Steven Thompson, E-10 Huron Valley Mens Oaks or Standish 734-572-9900 Wendy Snow, E-9 Newberry Carson City, Boyer Road, Deerfield, Bellamy 906-293-6200 Jeffrey May, E-9 Gus Harrison Pine River 517-265-3900 Earnest Landrum, E-10 Lakeland Jackson Area 517-278-6942 Joseph W. (JW) Smith, E-10 Egler RGC Muskegon, Brooks, West Shoreline 517-780-5847 Andrew Mills, E-9 Huron Valley Mens Cooper Street, Cotton 734-572-9000 Mark Bourdow, E-9 Mound Saginaw 313-368-8300 Gary Langmaid, E-10 Thumb Saginaw 810-667-2045 Amber Dotson, E-9 Western Wayne Mound, Ryan, Macomb 734-459-2500 MCO Memorial Bible Program MCO MEMORIAL BIBLE REQUEST If you lose a loved one and would like a bible in his or her memory, please fill out the request form and submit it one of the MCO Member Deceased's Name following three ways: 1. Submit it to your chapter president to mail Relationship to Deceased Deceased's Date of Death 2. Mail it to Sacha Crowley, c/o MCO, 421 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48933 3. E-mail your request to sacha@mco- Chapter, Chapter President Religious Preference seiu.org

11 Non-Profit Michigan Corrections Organization Organization 421 W. Kalamazoo Street U.S. POSTAGE Lansing, MI 48933 PAID Lansing, Michigan Permit No. 533 Address Service Requested

MCO CHAPTER PRESIDENTS The MCO REPORT is an Larry Henley, Alger Maximum Kamal Cariuty, Jr., Lakeland award-winning publication Rick VanAlstine, Baraga Maximum Clayton Sharrard, Macomb of the Michigan Corrections Val Corl, Bellamy Creek Jerry Pope, Marquette Organization, Service Bryon King, Boyer Road James Prince, Mid-Michigan Employees Union Local Matthew Pohl, Brooks Correctional Adam Douglas, Mound Correctional Mark Nelson, Camps Vice President, Region I Julie Cabana, Muskegon 526M, AFL-CIO. The editor Rod Denley, Camps Vice President, Region II Gary VanSickle, Newberry reserves the right to refuse any Kip Smith, Camps Vice President, Region III Paul Golembiewski, Oaks Correctional incoming articles that are Bruce Waldron, Carson City Ronald Niemi, Ojibway Correctional detrimental to MCO, SEIU Cecil Pedrin, Chippewa Stuart Bridgewater, Parnall Correctional Local 526M and its policies John Ost, Corrections Centers Randy Burrow, Parr Highway and the policies of the SEIU. Bonnie Love, Cotton Facility Edward Cooley, Jr., Pine River All articles or letters must be Garry Brickley, Sr., Deerfield Marcus Polychuk, Pugsley Correctional submitted by the first of the Dave Tobias, Egeler Michael Wohlscheid, Riverside month prior to the next issue James Sims, Florence Crane Alfred West, Ryan Correctional John Fetters, Forensic Center Bill Henderson, Saginaw Correctional Randy Burrow, Gus Harrison Timothy Ryder, SAI Program MCO does not accept paid Dennis Beecham, Handlon Michigan Training Unit Stennis George, Scott Facility advertising in the MCO Michael Feighner, Hiawatha Brent Kowitz, Southern MI Report. No one is authorized Lynette Harris, Huron Valley Center; Nursing Robert Davis, Standish Maximum to solicit advertising for the Daryl Moore, Huron Valley Center; Security Ray Sholtz, St. Louis MCO Report in the name of Charles Wright, Huron Valley Corrections Facility Jake Campbell, Straits MCO or SEIU Local 526M. Thomas Tefft, Ionia Maximum Gary Whitman, Thumb Correctional Thomas Hackel, Jackson Cooper Street Robert Sikkenga, West Shoreline To send e-mail to an MCO Gary Kott, Kinross Phyllis White, Western Wayne staff member, type his or her first name followed by: @mco-seiu.org. MCO CENTRAL STAFF Fred Parks, Executive Director If you have changed your Mel Grieshaber, Political Director Ron Parkinson, Labor Relations Representative address or phone number, Dave VanKoevering, Labor Relations Coordinator Cherelyn Dunlap, Labor Relations Representative please inform MCO Cynthia Beal, Labor Relations Representative Cindy Sanderson, Administrative Assistant immediately at 1-800-451-4878 John Bowers, Labor Relations Representative Sacha Crowley, Communication Specialist (phone), 1-800-327-5266 (fax), Randy Eicher, Labor Relations Representative Cindy Kogut, Bookkeeper or send an email by following Tangee Laza, Labor Relations Representative Lori Iding, Grievance Coordinator the directions listed above. Karen Mazzolini, Labor Relations Representative Stephanie Short, Receptionist/Secretary