MICHIGAN AFSCME NEWSNews

We Make America Happen America Make We Spring 2019 SPRING 2019 Message from AFSCME Council 25 President Lawrence A. Roehrig

Electing Pro-Worker Candidates Is A Great Start; Now We Must Hold Them Accountable

ToMessage say last year’s electionfrom was AFSCME a huge win for workingCouncil families would25 be an understatement. AFSCME members and voters across Michigan turnedPresident out at historic rates Lawrence to elect candidates A.that shareRoehrig our values and understand the kitchen table issues that are woven into the daily fabric of ourThe lives. Meaning of AFSCME Strong

We aren’t afforded the luxury of staying out of politics like some folks. Through the constant assaults by self-serving politicians on our ability to Whether it’s a school board member, city or county commission, state organize and build power in the workplace, AFSCME Council 25 remains one legislature, board of trustees, governor, or dog catcher, these are the of the largest unions in Michigan and one of the largest forces for delivering people that set budgets and dictate the collective bargaining process political and economic power to working families. We can’t forget that, for tens of thousands of AFSCME members across the state. especially when we vote!

Now that we’ve turned so many of these candidates into elected officials, we must hold them When it comes to politics, or anything really, we all have our disagreements with one another. No matter accountable at every level. We recognize that there are still many institutional hurdles to climb what your views are on certain social issues or foreign policies, there are things we HAVE to agree on, and and messes made by previous administrations to be cleaned, but we can still make sure our that is protecting our jobs and paychecks, maintaining safety in the workplace, and fighting for secure elected officials continue to uphold the values of the hardworking women and men of AFSCME retirements. that keep Michigan running.

To fight for these things, and the financial security of our families, we have to show up. We have to show With the news about the Caro Psychiatric Hospital rebuild plans getting put on pause, we’re up to vote, we have to show up to volunteer, and we have to make sure everyone knows where we already getting to work. Our legislative team immediately contacted the Governor’s office to stand on these issues that matter most to us. We don’t have the luxury in Michigan of getting something make sure our voices are heard, and our values are upheld. We continue to express EXTREME for nothing anymore. We have to stick together on these issues, or else we’re all going to end up with opposition to any plans that would put AFSCME members’ livelihoods in jeopardy. Sometimes the nothin’. most valuable assets we have are a seat at the table and enough loud voices to fill a room. They have assured us that NO final decision has been made. Don’t be afraid to talk about the issues that matter to people close to you. Your co-workers, your friends, your families, your neighbors all need to know what’s at stake and how important this election is for We’re going to continue to work on every front to make sure the same politicians we put into working people. office use that office for the good of the folks that get up and go to work every day to make our communities a better place. AFSCME showed our strength in the election, but we must keep our No politician or singular policy is going to radically change our world and make everything better for us in NEVER QUIT attitude at full strength to hold everyone accountable on our issues. every facet of our lives, but good politicians that have our issues at the forefront of their minds can do a whole lot to protect our jobs and provide for a more secure livelihood for our children, grandchildren, and the generations that follow us.

When we put aside the issues that divide us, it’s not hard to realize how much we care about the issues that connect us and unify us. When we can work together like that, that’s when we make a real difference in our lives and in our communities and show everyone what being AFSCME Strong is all about!!

AFSCME Council 25 MEMBERS IN ACTION MEMBERS IN ACTION MEMBERS IN ACTION

PresidentPresident Roehrig Roehrig stops stops in in to to visit City City of of Detroit Detroit retirees retirees at the at President Roehrig stops in to visit City of Detroit retirees at the Subchapterthe Subchapter 98 Holiday 98 Party Holiday in December Party in December Subchapter 98 Holiday Party in December

LocalLocal 345 345 President President Keith Keith January January and andLocalCouncil Council 345 President 25 25President President Keith RoehrigJanuary Roehrig andgreeted and Council 25 President Roehrig greeted and greetedsigned and up newsigned AFSCME up new members AFSCME ahead memberssigned up new ahead AFSCME of their members orientations ahead of their orientations before their first day beforeof their theirorientations first daybefore on theirthe jobfirst dayat Detroiton onthe the job Public jobat Detroit at Schools, Detroit Public Public putting Schools, Schools, the Strongputtingputting thein AFSCME theStrong Strong in AFSCMEStrong! in AFSCME Strong! Strong!

We Make America Happen 3 Huge Turnout Turnout at AFSCME’sat AFSCME’s 45th Annual 45th Annual Rev. Rev.HugeDr. Dr. TurnoutMartin Martin Lutherat AFSCME’s Luther King 45KingJr.th Dinner Annual Jr. DinnerRev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner Huge Turnout at AFSCME’s 45th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner

Hundreds of AFSCME members, community HundredsHundreds of AFSCME of AFSCME members, members, community community leaders, leaders, leaders, and allies gathered to honor and and alliesand gathered allies gathered to honor to andhonor celebrate and celebrate the legacythe legacy celebrateof Rev. the Dr. Martinlegacy Luther of Rev. King Jr.Dr. Martin Luther of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. King Jr.

“NoHundreds other event of comparesAFSCME members, to this very community special evening leaders, “No otherwhich event showcases compares what to thisAFSCME very and special the civil evening rights “No otherand event allies gatheredcompares to honor to this and celebratevery special the legacy which showcasesmovement what mean AFSCME to all workers and the and civil our familiesrights evening ofwhich Rev. Dr. showcases Martin Luther what King Jr.AFSCME and movementthroughout mean to theall workersworld” said and President our families Lawrence the civil rights movement mean to all workers and throughoutRoehrig the“No world” .other The event event said highlighted comparesPresident tothe Lawrence this intricate very special link evening our families throughout the world” said President Roehrig. Thebetweenwhich event the showcases highlighted struggles what of thethe AFSCME laborintricate movement and link the civil and rights the civil rights movement.. The event highlighted the betweenLawrence the movementstruggles Roehrig meanof the to labor all workers movement and our and families intricate link between the struggles of the labor the civil rightsthroughout movement. the world” said President Lawrence movementRoehrig and. theThe eventcivil rightshighlighted movement. the intricateRandy link Wimbley of the FOX2 News team served as Master

between the struggles of the labor movementof Ceremonies and alongside MLK Dinner Chairperson June the civil rights movement. RandyClark Wimbley, a 25-year of member the FOX2 of AFSCMENews team Local served214. The as special Master of CeremonieskeynoteRandy speaker alongside Wimbley this year MLK was of Dinner Lieutenantthe FOX2 Chairperson Governor News GarlinteamJune served ClarkGilchrist, aRandy 25as- year whoMaster Wimbley gavemember ofan of impassioned Ceremoniesthe of FOX2AFSCME News speech Local teamalongside about 214. served theThe asMLK need specialMaster Dinner keynoteto doof Chairperson speakereverything Ceremonies this in alongsideouryear June power was MLK ClarkLieutenantto create Dinner, a the Chairperson 25-yearGovernor space and member JuneGarlin of opportunity for others to make history. GilchristClarkAFSCME who, a gave 25-year anLocal memberimpassioned 214. of TheAFSCME speech special Local about 214.keynote Thethe specialneed speaker

to do everythingkeynotethis year speaker in was our this Lieutenantpower year wasto create Lieutenant Governor the spaceGovernor Garlin and SeveralGilchrist awards who were gave presented an impassioned to distinguished speech about AFSCME the need opportunitywho for gave others an toimpassioned make history. speech about the need membersto do everythingthat have gone in our above power and to beyondcreate the to fightspace for and to do everything in our power to create the space fairnesopportunitys and equity for inothers the workplace to make history. and in their Severalcommunities. awardsand opportunity were presented for others to distinguished to make history. AFSCME membersSeveral that awardshave gone were abovepresented and to beyond distinguished to fight AFSCME for fairnessmembers Severaland equity that awards in have the gone workplace were above presented and and beyond in their to to fightdistinguished for communities.fairnesAFSCMEs and equity members in the workplace that have and ingone their above and communities.beyond to fight for fairness and equity in the workplace and in their communities.

4 AFSCME Council 25

The DistinguishedThe Distinguished Union Service Union Award Service went to Award Donald went The Distinguished Union Service Award went to went Donald to BrownThe ofto Local DistinguishedDonald 542. DonaldBrown Union has of Servicealways Local stoodAward 542. for Donald the Donald has Brown of Local 542. Donald has always stood for the Union Brownfirstalways no ofmatter stoodLocal how 542.for the bigDonald theUnion adversities has first always no were stoodmatter that for how the big Union first no matter how big the adversities were that politiciansUnionthe brought adversities first no forth matter wereto attack how that big our politicians the Union. adversities He brought has were been forth that politicians brought forth to attack our Union. He has been a part ofpoliticiansto many attack big brought our fights Union. across forth He tothe attackhas state been ourincluding Union.a part Right Heof hasmany- been a part of many big fights across the state including Right- To-Worka bigpart and fights of the many Flint across big Water fights the Crisis stateacross that including the continues state includingRight-To-Work to this Right - To-Work and the that continues to this day. DonaldToand-Work isthe not and Flint only the Watera Flint hero, Water Crisisbut a Crisis statue that that continuesof allcontinues fighters to to this this day. Donald is not only a hero, but a statue of all fighters and duesday.day. payers. Donald Donald is notis not only only a hero, a hero, but a but statue a statue of all fighters of all and dues payers. andfighters dues payers. and dues payers.

The Gloria C. Cobbin PEOPLE Award went to TheLaura Gloria WilliamsThe C. Gloria Cobbin from C. CobbinPEOPLE Local 214. PEOPLE Award She haswentAward been to went a to The Gloria C. Cobbin PEOPLE Award went Lauramember WilliamsLaura since Williams from2001 Localand from has 214. Local served She 214. has as She been has a been a to Laura Williams from Local 214. She has membermember since 2001 since and 2001 has and served has asserved as Recordingbeen Secretary a member for thesince local 2001 since and 2011. has served as RecordingRecording Secretary Secretary for the localfor the since local 2011. since 2011. Laura Recordingcan often be Secretary found uplifting for thelocal local since 2011. Laura canLaura often can be often found be uplifting found uplifting local local membersLaura and can keeping often thembe found abreast uplifting on local members membersmembers and keeping and keeping them abreast them abreast on on AFSCMEand rallies, keeping urging them calls abreast to legislators, on AFSCME and rallies, AFSCMEAFSCME rallies, urgingrallies, callsurging to callslegislators, to legislators, and and sharingurging pertinent calls AFSCME to legislators, information. and sharingShe is pertinent sharing sharingpertinent pertinent AFSCME AFSCME information. information. She is She is a PEOPLEAFSCME contributor information. and has volunteered She is ona PEOPLE a PEOPLEa PEOPLE contributor contributor and has and volunteered has volunteered on on many contributorpolitical campaig andns andhas gatheredvolunteered on many many politicalmany political campaig campaigns and gatheredns and gathered signatures to stop Emergency Manager laws in Michigan. Laura ispolitical a mother campaigns of two daughters and gathered and loves signatures to signaturessignatures to stop toEmergency stop Emergency Manager Manager laws in Michigan.laws in Michigan. Laura is Laura a mother is a mother of two daughtersof two daughters and loves and loves spendingstop time Emergency with her family. Manager laws in Michigan. Laura is a mother of two daughters and loves spending spending spending time with time her with family. her family. time with her family. The Community Services Award went to TheFrancis CommunityThe TheSmellie Community Community ofServices Local Services 3309. Award Services In wentAward his 29 Award to yearswent wentofto to Francisemployment FrancisSmellieFrancis with Smellie of SmellieLocal the ofThird 3309. Local of Circuit InLocal 3309. his Court,29 3309.In years his he 29In of yearshis 29 of employmenthas beenemploymentyears an withactive of employmentthe member with Third the Circuit ofThird withLocal Court,Circuit the 3309. Third he Court, He Circuit he hashas been servedhasCourt, an been inactive almost hean member activehas every beenmember capacityof Local an of 3309.withactive Local the He 3309.member He haslocal served ashas ofSteward, inservedLocal almost Committeein3309. everyalmost He capacity every hasPerson, capacityserved with Executive the within almost the localBoard as localmember,Steward,every as Steward,capacity ViceCommittee President, Committeewith Person, the and local Person, President.Executive as Steward, Executive BoardNo matter member,BoardCommittee what member, Vice position President,Person, Vice he President, has and held,Executive President. heand has President. Board Nonever matter wNomember,avered. matterwhat position He whatVice is loyal, position hePresident, hasstands held,he uphas andhe for held, has hisPresident. he has neverconvictions, wneveravered.No matter isw avered.willing He is what loyal, to He listen, positionis stands loyal, and upstands henever for has his up backs held,for his he convictions,down orconvictions,has quits. is never willing He speaksiswavered. towilling listen, his to mind, Heand listen, is never tellsloyal, and youbacks neverstands backs up downwhen or you’vedown forquits. his or gone He convictions,quits. speaks too He far, hisspeaks but mind,is iswilling his always tells mind, toyou there listen,tells you and whento catch you’vewhennever you goneyou’vewhen backs too you gone downfar, fall. toobut Heor far,is isquits. always abut true isHe therealwaysforce speaks to there his tobe catch reckonedto youmind, catch when with. tells you you Joe whenyou fall.is whenan you He advisor, fall.is you’ve a trueHe leader, is force gonea true to too force far, to besupport reckonedbebut system, reckoned iswith. always protector Joe with. is there an Joe advisor,of to ishonor, ancatch advisor, leader, and you a leader,when you supportconscience.support system,fall. InHe hissystem, protectoris mind, a true protector he’s offorce honor, always toof andbe honor,just reckoned a doing and what a with. must Joe be isdone, an advisor,but to others leader, he alwayssupport goes system, above protector of conscience.and beyond.conscience.honor, In his and mind, In a his conscience. he’s mind, always he’s justalways In hisdoing justmind, what doing he’s must what always be must done, justbe but done, doing to others but what to heothers must always hebe goes alwaysdone, above goesbut toabove others he and beyond.andalways beyond. goes above and beyond.

We Make America Happen 5

This year’s Young Orator Award went to three fantastic individuals. Ilana Spencer is a 4.0 student at the University High School in Ferndale where she aspires to be a lawyer. She appeared on The Ellen Show with her choir, was on the Jr. Honor Society and Captain of the Safety Patrol. She was voted to have the Thisbest year’s smile andYoung best Oratordressed Awardin her class went and to loves three helping fantastic young individuals. children learn. Ilana Spencer is a 4.0is This year’s Young Orator Award went to three fantastic individuals. Ilana Spencer Marcellusis a 4.0 student Edwards at the student at the University High School in Ferndale where she aspires to be a lawyer. She appeared University the son ofHigh Local School 3309 in President Ferndale Malene’where she Edwards aspires and to be is aa 2016lawyer. graduate She appeared of Cass onTech The High Ellen School Show and on The Ellen Show with her choir, was on the Jr. withThis her year’s choir, Young was on Orator the Jr. Award Honor went Society to three and Captain fantasticattends of Oaklandindividuals. the Safety Community Patrol. Ilana S Shepencer College was is voted awhere 4.0 tostudent hehave is theat the Honorpursuing Society an Associates and Captain in Business of theManagement. Safety Patrol. Since bestUniversity smile and High best School dressed in Ferndalein her class where and sheloves aspires helping to youngbe a lawyer. children She learn. appeared Marcellus on The Edwards Ellen Show is She was voted to have the best smile and best thewith son her of Local choir, 3309 was Presidenton the Jr. HonorMalene’ Society Edwards and and middleCaptain is a school2016 of the graduate he Safety has helpedPatrol. of Cass hisShe Tech family was High voted volunteer School to have and at nonthe - dressed in her class and loves helping young best smile and best dressed in her class and lovesattendsprofits helping Oakland and young was Community an children Honor learn.Caddy College Marcellus at wherethe Country he Edwards is Club is of children learn. Marcellus Edwards is the son of the son of Local 3309 President Malene’ EdwardspursuingDetroit and is an anda Associates2016 has graduatebeen in active Bu ofsiness Cassat Local Management.Tech 409 High and School 3309 Since and Local 3309 President Malene’ Edwards and is middleattendsevents. school Finally,Oakland he hasGeorge Community helped Talley his College familyIII is a soon volunteerwhere to hebe at isgraduate non- a 2016 graduate of Cass Tech High School and profitspursuingof Center and wasan Line Associates an High Honor School inCaddy Bu wheresiness at the he Management. Countryis on the Club honor Since of roll attends Oakland Community College where he is Detroitmiddleand a and 3 -schoolyear has starter been he has active on helped Varsity at Local his Football, family 409 and volunteer Wrestling, 3309 at and non - pursuingTrack. He willan Associatescontinue his in football Business career Management. at Sienna events.profits Finally, and was George an Honor Talley Caddy III is aat soon the Countryto be graduate Club of Since middle school he has helped his family of DetroitHeightsCenter L andafterine hasHigh receiving been School active both where atathletic Local he is 409andon the andacademic honor 3309 roll volunteer at non-profits and was an Honor Caddy andevents.scholarships. a 3-year Finally, starter George on Varsity Talley Football, III is a soon Wrestling, to be graduate and at the Country Club of Detroit and has been active Track.of Center He will Line continue High School his football where career he is on at theSienna honor roll at Local 409 and 3309 events. Finally, George Talley III is a soon to be graduate of Center Line Heightsand a after3-yearCouncil receiving starter 25 onboth President Varsity athletic Football, Lawrence and academic Wrestling, Roehrig and High School where he is on the honor roll and a 3-year starter on Varsity Football, Wrestling, scholarships.Track. He willhonored continue Nick his Ciaramitaro football career with atthe Sienna and Track. He will continue his football career at Sienna Heights after receiving both athletic Nickand Heights afterPresident’s receiving Special both athletic Never andQuit academic Award. academic scholarships. scholarships.Councilspent 25 15 President years as AFSCME Lawrence Council Roehrig 25’s legislative director, where he was honored Nick Ciaramitaro with the instrumental in maintaining and pursuing CouncilPresident’s 25Council President 25 Special President Lawrence Never Lawrence Quit Roehrig Award. Roehrig honored Nick AFSCME interests at the Capitol. Nick led the Nick Ciaramitarospenthonored 15 years Nick with as Ciaramitaro AFSCMEthe President’s Council with the25’s Special charge against some of the worst attacks on Never legislativeQuitPresident’s Award director, Special. Nick where Neverspent he Quit was 15 Award. years Nick as AFSCMEinstrumental spentpublicCouncil 15employees years25’s in maintaining aslegislative AFSCMEand union and Councildirector, members pursuing 25’s where across he wasAFSCME instrumentallegislativeMichigan interests and director, in displayed atmaintaining the where Capitol. an he exemplary andwas Nick pursuing led “Never the Quit” attitude throughout his entire career. AFSCMEcharge instrumentalinterests against at some in themaintaining of Capitol. the worst and Nick attacks pursuing led on the charge publicagainstAFSCME employees some interests of theand at worstunion the Capitol. attacksmembers Nick on across publicled the employeesMichiganchargeFinally, and agaiandtheunion nstPosthumousdisplayed memberssome of an the exemplaryAward across worst was attacksMichigan “Never given on in honor of former Council 25 President and displayedQuit”public attitude an employees exemplary throughout and “Never union his entire members Quit” career. attitudeFlora across at this year’s dinner. Flora worked as a typist for the City of Detroit in the 1960s, where she Walker throughout Michigan his entire and career. displayed an exemplary “Never Finally,Quit” the attitude Posthumous throughout Award his wasentire given career. in honor of former Council 25 President Flora Walker at this year’s dinner. Flora worked as a typist for the CityFinally, of Detroit the Posthumous in the 1960s, Award where was she given in honor of former Council 25 President Flora Walker at this year’s dinner. Flora worked as a typist for the City of Detroit in the 1960s, where she

6 AFSCME Council 25 organized 1,200 municipal workers to join AFSCME for better working conditions. She became the first African-American female Staff Representative in 1966.

Finally, the Posthumous Award was given in honor of former Long before the 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling, and at a Council 25 President Flora Walker at this year’s dinner. Flora point in history when women leaders were extremely worked as a typist for the City of Detroit in the 1960s, where she uncommon and unwelcome, Flora’s dedication, tenacity, organized 1,200 municipal workers to join AFSCME for better intellect, perseverance and passion enabled her to break working conditions. She became the first African-American through many barriers. Ultimately, she became a highly female Staff Representative in 1966. regarded labor and Democratic Party leader whose persistence and unabashed ability to speak truth to power enabled her to Long before the 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling, and at a join the ranks of the male labor leaders as an equal and to earn point in history when women leaders were extremely uncommon their respect and admiration. and unwelcome, Flora’s dedication, tenacity, intellect,

perseverance and passion enabled her to break through many From 1992 to 1998, Flora served as the first female President of barriers. Ultimately, she became a highly regarded labor and Michigan AFSCME. Flunking retirement, she happily rejoined her Democratic Party leader whose persistence and unabashed AFSCME family in 2003 and led 17 states until again retiring in ability to speak truth to power enabled her to join the ranks of 2013. She also served as a senior adviser to AFSCME the male labor leaders as an equal and to earn their respect International President Gerald McEntee and Lee Saunders. and admiration.

In Flora’s retirement farewell message on January 29, 1999, she wrote, “Our Union is all of us, and it is From 1992 to 1998, Flora served as the first female President of Michigan AFSCME. Flunking far greater and more important than any one or any group of us. We need to continue forward, united, retirement, she happily rejoined her AFSCME family in 2003 and led 17 states until again retiring in with a single agenda. I wish to say to all of you who have supported me and been with me that I love you 2013. She also served as a senior adviser to AFSCME International President Gerald McEntee and and care about you. I thank you. I love you, and God bless you.” Lee Saunders.

Congratulations to all AFSCME award winners on embodying the spirit of Dr. King in your commitment In Flora’s retirement farewell message on January 29, 1999, she wrote, “Our Union is all of us, and to good jobs, strong communities, and a fair and just society for all. it is far greater and more important than any one or any group of us. We need to continue forward, united, with a single agenda. I wish to say to all of you who have supported me and been with me that I love you and care about you. I thank you. I love you, and God bless you.”

Congratulations to all AFSCME award winners on embodying the spirit of Dr. King in your commitment to good jobs, strong communities, and a fair and just society for all.

We Make America Happen 7 ARBITRATION VICTORIES

Defending the Rights of Our Members in the Workplace

Local 140: Union Wins Enhanced Benefits for Full Time, Part Time, and Contingent Employees This was a contractual dispute over whether the CBA required the Employer to make part- time employees regularly working more than 30 hours/week eligible for full-time benefits, and contingent employees regularly working more than 20 hours/week eligible for part-time benefits. The Employer is a private company which entered into a contract with a Hospital to provide housekeeping services, work which was already represented by AFSCME. When negotiating the first CBA between the Union and the private company, the format of the CBA between the Union and the hospital was followed. The Arbitrator noted his role was to interpret the contract and give it its plain and ordinary meaning and that appropriate weight must be given to all relevant circumstances, including surrounding language and the bargaining history of the parties. Another Arbitrator had previously interpreted the same language in the CBA between the Union and the Hospital and held that such benefits be extended to part-time and contingent employees who regularly worked the required hours. The new Arbitrator felt the previous Arbitrator’s award was thorough and reasonable and should be followed; he held the Employer was liable for benefit payments provided in the CBA to part-time and contingent employees who satisfied the regular hours of work requirements. Local 369: Union Fights and Wins Against Discharge Without Proof The Grievant was a 21-year employee with no active discipline who was discharged for multiple instances of alleged idling and sleeping in a City truck, and an incident of allegedly sleeping on a bench in the City garage. In fact, the Grievant was one of several employees issued disciplines ranging from suspension to discharge for similar infractions. The Arbitrator had previously upheld a 10-day suspension for one of the employees involved, and a different Arbitrator had previously reduced the discharge of the Grievant’s fellow crew member to a 10-day suspension. Both Arbitrators, found the allegations of idling in the City truck were proven, but the allegation of sleeping in the truck was not. However, the Arbitrator found the additional allegation of sleeping on a bench in the City garage required further analysis. After reviewing the record, the Arbitrator found the allegation was not proven, but that the Grievant had still sat on a bench performing no work for almost an hour while on overtime and receiving time and one half pay; this called for more severe discipline than that issued to the other employees. Ultimately, the Arbitrator reduced the discharge to a 70-working day suspension and required the City to make the Grievant whole, less the suspension. Local 2449: Union Stands Up for Victim of Workplace Attack The Grievance worked in a psychiatric hospital and was assigned to a 1:1 patient (meaning the Staff’s only patient). The patient, who was known for being unruly and dangerous, was much

8 AFSCME Council 25 younger and larger than the Grievant, who is in her late 50s and had just returned to work from a surgery two months before. The patient requested to go to his locker and then his room so he could go to bed, but when the Grievant denied the request, the patient punched the Grievant in the face. The patient continued the assault, and the Grievant defended herself to the best of her ability while calling for help. She ended up on the ground with the patient towering over her and threating to “stomp her skull in.” No staff were able to reach her quickly, and another patient intervened to assist. When the Grievant was able to regain her feet, she followed the aggressive patient down the hall, but there was no further incident. The Grievant was discharged for alleged abuse class II. The Arbitrator noted the Grievant was a 25-year employee with no active discipline and no prior discipline for patient abuse; he also noted the patient’s violent history, the substantial size and age difference, that the Grievant reacted in self-defense, and that an assessment of the patient after the altercation revealed no injury or pain, thus the incident lacked the non-serious physical harm as defined by the regulations. The Arbitrator also found the Employer had a history of issuing lesser disciplines in other patient abuse cases. The Arbitrator reduced the discharge to a 3-day suspension and permitted the Grievant to request to be made whole. Local 140: Union Defends Against Discharge for Family Emergency The Grievant was a housekeeper for a hospital. In the middle of a shift, he was informed via telephone that his grandmother’s health had become dire, and he spent nearly two hours out of his work area, on the phone with his father discussing the situation. At some point, a co-worker complained he was not performing his duties, and a search for him ensued. When he was found, the supervisor involved understood the dire nature of the communication, and simply admonished him for not letting anyone know what was going on. Later in the day, the Grievant and the co- worker who had reported him had a verbal confrontation. The Grievant was discharged for using abusive or profane language based upon allegations he had referred to the co-worker as a “snitch” “rat” and “bum”. Two of the individuals who provided statements detailing the allegations did not testify at arbitration (one had been discharged for allegedly refusing a drug test, but the other was still employed) and the testimony of the third witness was contradicted by video evidence of the incident. On this basis, the Arbitrator found there was no credible evidence the Grievant engaged in or threatened violence or physical harm toward the co-worker. The Arbitrator also found convincing examples of other employees issued lesser disciplines for similar infractions. Ultimately, the discharge was set aside and the Grievant reinstated and made whole. Local 214: Union Stands Up For 31-Year Employee Facing Unjust Discharge The Grievant was a Senior Service Guard employed by the City’s Department of Transportation. The Grievant became engaged in a confrontation with an officer of the Transit Police, the genesis of which was that the Transit officer, while investigating a domestic violence complaint, had permitted the alleged complainant into a secured area without authorization. When the Grievant entered the situation, he apparently felt the Police were transgressing into the jurisdiction of the Security Guards and used loud and profane language. The Grievant refused to provide a statement and he was discharged. The Arbitrator found that the Grievant, a 31-year employee, had clearly overreacted and had interfered with the police investigation. However, he also found that the City had overreacted by discharging him, when a counseling or even a suspension would have been enough to correct the Grievant’s behavior. The Grievant was reinstated and made whole.

We Make America Happen 9 Message from Council 25 Secretary-TreasurerMessage from Council 25 SecretaryRobyn C.-Treasurer Price Honoring Women’sRobyn History C. Price and Black History What Doin My the DuesLabor Pay Movement For? It’s You! With both Black History Month in February and Women’s History Month in March coming to a close, we must recognize the bond that racial, economic, and social justice form in the labor movement.

Forty-one years ago, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr traveled to Memphis to support AFSCME Local 1733 sanitation workers on strike. There, he delivered his famous “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech a day before being tragically gunned down outside his room at the Lorraine Hotel. While Dr. King is most known for his platform of racial justice, his commitment to the rights of working men and women cannot be undersold and was a cause in which he gave his life for.

As far back as 1844, women working in textile mills in Massachusetts Member Services formed labor associations to combat the dangerous• Meetand theinhumane needs of unemployed workers and • Field Staff assure that services are delivered to working conditions in the garment industry. They soughttheir the families. same freedoms and justice that their local unions such as research, bargaining, • male counterparts fought and died for throughout our Coordin nation’sates benefitshistory withand AFLwere-CIO united labor under the training, and action liaisons statewide banner of equal treatment for ALL. • Process and handle MERC and NLRB charges • Assists members with food and utility • Assists Union members to organize for action payments Today, it’s hard to say that Dr. King’s dream, or the dreams of all the early women labor organizers, • Handle Unit Clarification petitions and Unfair Member Outreach have beenLabor fully Practice realized. charges. According to a Pew research study, on average, women still only make • Maintains membership database for • Provide Educational opportunities on subjects 83% of what men make, and black workers bring homeinformational about 75% mailingsof what andtheir contact white counterparts ranging from Steward and Officer training earn. However, there is one great equalizer: Unions• Provides. Joining information together to members,in a union news democratizes to the most current issues. the workplace and ensures EVERYONE has a levelmedia, playing and fieldPublic on without special problems the fear and of rampant discrimination.Legal and Arbitration Services issues affecting workers • Handle all legal actions brought by or against • Publishes Michigan AFSCME News, maintains MembersAFSCME across our union get involved every day becausethe website, we know www.miafscme.org how easy it is for, and management to disregard• Arbitration our Department individual that concerns, schedules and and how effectivelyAFSCME we can Council make 25 sociala real media difference such as when our presents arbitration cases statewide voices are unified as one to combat all forms of discrimination.Facebook and Twitter • Advice and Counsel to local unions, Staff, and • Manages email program to disseminate Officers on legal matters important information to members quickly CommunityNever forget Services how far we’ve come, Legislativebut always Protection/Advocacy keep fighting for a • Acquaintsbrighter members future with the where social services everyone in can• Works join with thetogether state and local in gova union. to promote the community measures in public workers’ interests

10 AFSCME Council 25 CITY OF DETROIT

CITY OFBANKRUPTCY DETROIT BANKRUPTCY UPDATE UPDATE OnOn July July 18, 18, 2013, 2013, the the City City of Detroit of Detroit filed filedfor for Chapter Chapter9 bankruptcy 9 bankruptcy protection. protection. This This filing, filing, among other CITY OF DETROITamongthings, BANKRUPTCY other put athings, hold puton alla hold grievances on UPDATEall grievances and other court and other court filings that existed between AFSCMEfilings thatand theOnexisted July City 18, of 2013, betweenDetroit. the City However, AFSCME of Detroit we filed and for the City continueof Detroit. to fight ChapterHowever, for our9 bankruptcy memberswe continue protection. by filing to claimsThis fight filing, for our inmembers the bankruptcy byamong filing court. other claims things, in put the a hold bankruptcy on all grievances court. and other court filings that existed between AFSCME and the City of Detroit. However, we AsAs the the City City of continueDetroit of Detroit putto fight tog foretherput our togetheritsmembers plan of by itsfiling plan claims of reorganization, it put all its debts into different reorganization, it put all its debts into different classes as prescribedin the bankruptcy by federal court. law. Our (AFSCME’s) classes as prescribed by federal law. Our (AFSCME’s) claims were placed into Class 14, along with many claimsother unsecured were placed creditors. into We Class immediately 14, along went with to work many to fight other forAs unsecured the the rightsCity of ofDetroit ourcreditors. members.put together We its immediately plan of wentUltimately, to work we reachedto fight a forsettlement the rights with ofthe our City ofmembers. Detroit that Ultimately, resultedreorganization, in wea stipulatedreached it put all settlementitsa debtssettlement into in different with the Citythe amount of Detroit of $95,380,410.00. thatclasses resulted as prescribed However,in a stipulated by federalunder law.the settlement Ourterms (AFSCME’s) of the in theplan, claims amount we were will placed not of $95,380,410.00.receive into Class all 14,of whatalong withis However, many other unsecured creditors. We immediately went to work to fight for the rights of our members. underowed. the terms ofUltimately, the plan, we reachedwe will a notsettlement receive with all the of City what of Detroit is owed. that resulted in a stipulated settlement in the amount of $95,380,410.00. However, under the terms of the plan, we will not receive all of what is Under the terms of the plan, AFSCME members will receive a share of $20,000,000 that has been set Under the terms owed.of the plan, AFSCME members will receive a share of $20,000,000 that has aside for Class 14 claims. The exact amount of AFSCME’s payout will not be known until all the claims beenhave been set asideresolved for Underand Class a thedollar 14 terms claims.amount of the plahaveThen, AFSCME beenexact placed membersamount on theirwill of AFSCME’sreceive value. a Thisshare is payoutof wh $20,000,000at has will held not that up be has known been set until allpayment the claims on our havesettlementaside been for Classfor resolved so 14 long. claims. and The exacta dollar amount amount of AFSCME’s have payout been will placed not be known on their until allvalue. the claims This is what has held uphave payment been resolved on our and settlement a dollar amount for have so beenlong. placed on their value. This is what has held up payment on our settlement for so long. Originally, approximately 3,900 claims

Originally,were filed within approximately ClassOriginally, 14. The approximately number3,900 claims 3,900 claims were of unresolved claims fell to filed within Classwere 14. filedThe within number Class 14of. Theunresolved number approximately 100 asof ofunresolved November claims 2018 fell to claimsand has fellsince to fallen approximately approximatelyto approximately 100 100 as 50. of of November November 2018 2018This include and s hasseveral sinceand sizable has fallensince claims fallen toby toapproximately approximately 50. 50.the UnitedThis Statesincludes Government.This several includes severalIt sizableis sizable claims claims by by the United States Government. It is unclear how these claims will ultimately the United Statesunclear Government. how these claims It willis ultimatelyunclear be resolved. Currently, the deadline to how these claimsbe resolved.will ultimately Currently , thebe deadlineresolved. to resolve all claims hasresolve been allset claims by the has been set by the Currently,Court at June the 7, 2019.deadlineCourt However, at toJune resolve 7,the 2019. City allHowever, claims the has City beenhas indicated set by thethat Courttheyhas indicatedwill at beJune filing that 7, athey 2019. will beHowever, filing a themotion City to hasextend indicated themotion deadline tothat extend to they December the willdeadline be 7, 2019.tofiling December The a C ity7, 2019. hopes The to C resolveity hopes all to remaining resolve all remaining claims claims within that 6-month extension, but they cannot guarantee that will occur. Some of these claims are motionwithin that to 6extend-month extension,the deadline but they to Decembercannot guarantee 7, 2019. that will The occur. City Some hopes of these to resolve claims are all remaining involved in active litigation,involved inputting active litigation,resolution putting in the resolution hands of in a the judge hands and/or of a judge jury. and/or jury. claims within that 6-month extension, but they cannot guarantee that will occur. Some of these

claims are involvedIf the in C activeity is successful litigation, in resolving putting these resolution claims during in the the next hands extension, of a the judge city anticipates and/or thatjury. If the City is successfuldistribution in resolving of funds these will claims begin around during the the end next of 2019.extension, At that the time, city we anticipates will know how that much of our distribution of fundsclaim will beginwill be aroundpaid. However, the end the of method 2019. Atand that timing time, of those we will payments know howwill still much need of to our be resolved. Ifclaim the willCity be is paid. successful However,The Plan of inthe Adjustment resolving method andcurrently these timing anticipates claims of those during paying payments these the claimswillnext still overextension, need the courseto be resolved. theof 30 city years. anticipates Once we thatThe Plandistribution of Adjustment ofhave funds currently a better will sense beginanticipates of the around size paying of thethe these distribution, end claims of 2019. we over will Attheenter that course discussions time, of 30 we with years. will the Once Cityknow of we Detroit how much have a better sense regardingof the size the of method the distribution, and timing of we the will distribution. enter discussions It appears withthat an the end City is finally of Detroit in sight , and the of our claim will beNEVER paid. QUIT However, attitude from the City method of Detroit and members timing and of retirees those will payments finally pay off! will still need to be resolved.regarding the The method Plan andof Adjustment timing of the currently distribution. anticipates It appears thatpaying an end these is finally claims in sight over, and the the course of 30 NEVER QUIT attitude from City of Detroit members and retirees will finally pay off! years. Once we have a better sense of the size of the distribution, we will enter discussions with the City of Detroit regarding the method and timing of the distribution. It appears that an end is finally in sight, and theNEVER QUIT attitude from City of Detroit members and retirees will finally pay off!

We Make America Happen 11 LEGISLATIVELEGISLATIVE UPDATEUPDATE MINIMUM WAGE WAGE AND PAID ANDSICK TIME PAID UPDATE SICK TIME UPDATE

Last year,year, activists activists collected collected the the required required number number of signaturesof signatures on on two votervoter initiativesinitiatives toto bringbring themthem beforebefore thethe legislature:legislature: an increase inin thethe state’sstate’s minimum minimum wage wage and and a requirementa requirement for foremployers employers to to provide earned paid sick time. Under the Michigan constitution, the provide earned paid sick time. Under the Michigan constitution, the legislature can either enact a voter initiative into law or allow it to go legislature can either enact a voter initiative into law or allow it to on the ballot. If a voter initiative goes on the ballot and is passed by gothe on voters, the ballot. it cannot If a bevoter changed initiative by thegoes legislature on the ballot without and ais ¾ passed bysupermajority the voters, voteit cannot in both be the changed house andby the senate. legislature In contrast, without if the a ¾ supermajoritylegislature enacts vote a voterin both initiative the house into and law, senate. it can later In contrast, change the if the legislaturelaw with a simpleenacts majority a voter voteinitiative in the into house law, and it can senate. later change the law with a simple majority vote in the house and senate. In September 2018, the legislature enacted both the minimum wage and paid sick time initiatives into Inlaw. September The Republicans 2018, werethe legislature willing to do enacted so to allow both them the tominimum later amend wage the and laws paid by simplesick time majority initiatives intovote, law. thereby The weakeningRepublicans them were and willingwatering to themdo so down. to allow In December them to later2018, amend the Republican the laws majorities by simple majoritydid exactly vote, that, thereby and Governor weakening Snyder them signed and thewatering amendments them down. into law. In December 2018, the Republican majorities did exactly that, and Governor Snyder signed the amendments into law. The Republican amendment on the minimum wage measure has the effect of delaying the increase in the wage to $12/hour from 2022 to 2030 (about the time it would have gotten there under the cost-of- The Republican amendment on the minimum wage measure has the effect of delaying the increase living increases already provided for in the state’s previously existing minimum wage law). Moreover, in the wage to $12/hour from 2022 to 2030 (about the time it would have gotten there under the the Republican amendment means that the minimum wage for tipped workers will remain only 38% of cost-of-livingthe regular minimum increases wage already (increasing provided from for$3.52 in /hourthe state’s now to previously only $4.58/hour existing by minimum 2030), instead wage of law). Moreover,becoming 100% the Republican of the regular amendment minimum wagemeans by that 2024 the (a minimummore than wage threefold for tipped increase workers to more will than remain only$12/hour 38% byof the2024). regular minimum wage (increasing from $3.52/hour now to only $4.58/hour by 2030), instead of becoming 100% of the regular minimum wage by 2024 (a more than threefold increase to moreThe Republican than $12/hour amendment by 2024). on the paid sick time measure has the effect of exempting hundreds of thousands of workers in Michigan from its provisions. Moreover, the Republican amendment reduces Thethe amount Republican of paid amendment sick time that on canthe bepaid accrued sick time and measure makes it harderhas the to effect use the of accruedexempting time. hundreds of thousands of workers in Michigan from its provisions. Moreover, the Republican amendment reduces theEFFORTS amount TO of FULLY paid sick RESTORE time that PRISON can be FOOD accrued SERVICE and makes it harder to use the accrued time.

Last year, the Snyder administration relented after nearly four years of his failed experiment of EFFORTSprivatizing prison TO food serviceFULLY (and theRESTORE security breaches, PRISON food losses, FOOD and prisoner SERVICE riots it caused) and agreed to in-source prison food service. Last year, the Snyder administration relented after nearly four years of his failed experiment of

privatizing prison food service (and the security breaches, food losses, and prisoner riots it caused) However, the Snyder administration was only willing to go half-way to restoring the previous, successful and agreed to in-source prison food service. arrangement. Specifically, the administration was only willing to reinstate AFSCME positions to the status of “cooks,” instead of “food service supervisors.” That means the AFSCME positions will receive However, the Snyder administration was only willing to go half-way to restoring the previous, lower pay and less security training than under the previous arrangement. successful arrangement. Specifically, the administration was only willing to reinstate AFSCME

positions to the status of “cooks,” instead of “food service supervisors.” That means the AFSCME We will continue to work towards full restoration of the “food service supervisor” positions. We now positions will receive lower pay and less security training than under the previous arrangement. have a more sympathetic ear with the new administration of Governor Whitmer. We will continue to work towards full restoration of the “food service supervisor” positions. We now

have a more sympathetic ear with the new administration of Governor Whitmer.

12 AFSCME Council 25 LGBT PROTECTIONS FROM THE CIVIL RIGHTSLGBT COMMISSION PROTECTIONS FROM THE CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION

In May of last year, the Michigan Civil Rights In May of last year, the Michigan Civil Rights Commission voted to expand its interpretation Commission voted to expand its interpretation of the state’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to of the state’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act extend protections against discrimination to extend protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender based on sexual orientation and gender identity identity in employment, education, housing, in employment, education, housing, and public and public accommodation. In response, the accommodation. In response, the Republican Republican House Speaker and Senate House Speaker and Senate Majority Leader Majority Leader asked then-Attorney General Bill Schuette for an official opinion on whether the Elliott-asked then-Attorney General Bill Schuette for Larsen Civil Rights Act prohibits such discrimination. Unsurprisingly, Schuette issued a written attorney an official opinion on whether the Elliott-Larsen general opinion in July stating that the civil rightsCivil law doesRights not Act prohibit prohibits discrimination such discrimination. based on sexual Unsurprisingly, Schuette issued a written attorney orientation and gender identity and that the Civilgeneral Rights Commission’s opinion in July interpretation stating that was the legally civil rights law does not prohibit discrimination based on incorrect. sexual orientation and gender identity and that the Civil Rights Commission’s interpretation was legally incorrect. On February 1, the Michigan Civil Rights Commission met to consider whether to request a new opinion from recently-elected Attorney General ,On February who has been 1, the a longtimeMichigan champion Civil Rights of LGBT Commission met to consider whether to request a new equality. AFSCME Council 25 testified at the hearingopinion in support from recently-electedof the Commission Attorney requesting General a new Dana Nessel, who has been a longtime champion opinion from Nessel, who welcomed the opportunityof LGBT to provide equality. a written AFSCME attorney Council general 25 opinion testified on at the hearing in support of the Commission the matter. Later that day, the Commission votedrequesting to request a new opinion fromfrom AttorneyNessel, whoGeneral welcomed the opportunity to provide a written attorney Nessel, who will likely issue it this month or next.general opinion on the matter. Later that day, the Commission voted to request a new opinion from Attorney General Nessel, who will likely issue it this month or next. GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER & REPUBLICAN DISAPPROVAL GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER & REPUBLICAN On February 4, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2019-2, creating the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. The executiveDISAPPROVAL order renamed the former Department of Environmental Quality and reorganized its structure.On FebruaryMost importantly, 4, Governor it eliminated Whitmer three signed business Executive- Order 2019-2, creating the Department of dominated entities that the Republican legislatureEnvironment, and governor Greatestablished Lakes, last and year: Energy. the The executive order renamed the former Department environmental rules review committee, the environmentalof Environmental permit review Quality commission, and reorganized and the its structure. Most importantly, it eliminated three environmental science advisory board. These commissionsbusiness-dominated were established entities with that the thegoal Republican of allowing legislature and governor established last year: outside groups, especially business special intereststhe to environmental block environmental rules review regulations committee, that they the environmental permit review commission, and the disagree with. environmental science advisory board. These commissions were established with the goal of allowing outside groups, especially business special interests to block environmental regulations Not surprisingly, the Michigan Chamber of Commercethat they and itsdisagree Republican with. allies in the legislature were not pleased with the elimination of their special-interest fiefdoms. Under the state constitution, the legislature can void an executive order if both theNot House surprisingly, and the S enatethe Michigan pass a resolution Chamber disapproving of Commerce and its Republican allies in the legislature of the executive order. On February 6, they introducedwere House not pleased Concurrent with Resolution the elimination (HCR) 1 and of passed their special-interest fiefdoms. Under the state it out of the House on the very same day, along strictconstitution, party lines. the The legislature following can week, void the an Senate executive also order if both the House and the Senate pass a passed HCR 1 along strict party lines, thereby blockingresolution the Governor’s disapproving restructuring of the executive of the Department order. On February 6, they introduced House Concurrent of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. AFSCMEResolution Council 25 (HCR) testified 1 befandore passed the House it out Government of the House on the very same day, along strict party lines. Operations Committee and the Senate Oversight TheCommittee following against week, HCR the 1 Senateand in support also passed of protecting HCR 1 along strict party lines, thereby blocking the our state’s clean air and water. Governor’s restructuring of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. AFSCME Council 25 testified before the House Government Operations Committee and the Senate Oversight Committee against HCR 1 and in support of protecting our state’s clean air and water.

We Make America Happen 13 GOVERNOR WHITMER’S STATE GOVERNOROF THE STATE WHITMER’S ADDRESS STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS

Governor ’s state-of-the-state address focused on five main priorities: Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s state-of-the-state address focused on five main priorities: 1. Fixing the Damn Roads – the Governor (1) Fixing the Damn Roads – the Governoremphasized the emphasized importance of enacting the importance of enacting long-termlong-term fixes fixes to to deterioratingdeteriorating roads and bridges and pointed out that roads and bridges and pointeddelaying out that action delaying will only increase action the will only increase the rate of decay.rate of decay. (2) Investing in Education – the2. GovernorInvesting in Educationemphasized – the Governor that emphasized that the state needs to the state needs to support thesupport great the work great work of educators, of educators, instead of demonizing educators,instead and of demonizing she was educators, clear that and she was clear that increased increased investments in educationinvestments are in desperatelyeducation are needed. desperately needed. (3) Protecting Clean Water – the3. ProtectingGovernor Clean emphasiz Water – theed Governor that emphasized that addressing PFAS addressing PFAS contaminationcontamination in parts inof parts the of state the state is is every bit as important as addressingevery bit as the important water as contaminationaddressing the in Flint. water contamination in Flint. (4) Ensuring LGBT Equality – the Governor called on the legislature to amend the state’s Elliott- Larsen Civil Rights Act to pr4.ohibit Ensuring discrimination LGBT Equality – thebased Governor on calledsexual on theorientation legislature to andamend gender the state’s identity Elliott- Larsen Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in housing, education, public accommodation,in housing, education, public and, accommodation, especially, and,the especially, workplace. the workplace.

(5) Increasing Government Transparency5. Increasing Government – the Governor Transparency called – the onGovernor the legislaturecalled on the legislature to expand to expand the the state’s Freedom of Informationstate’s Act Freedom to the of governor’s Information Act office to the governor’s and to officeenact and a tosimilar enact a governmentsimilar government transparency law for the legislature. transparency law for the legislature. AFSCME Council 25 strongly supports all five goals. AFSCME Council 25 strongly supports all five goals. GOVERNOR WHITMER’S PROPOSED BUDGET

AFSCME Council 25 supports the Governor’s proposed 3% increases in funding for K-12 education, GOVERNOR WHITMER’S PROPOSED3% increases BUDGET in funding for higher education at colleges and universities, and 3% increases in funding for local revenue sharing for cities, townships, and counties. These investments would be a big step toward restoring funding that was decimated by the decisions of Governor Rick Snyder. AFSCME Council 25 supports the Governor’s proposed 3% increases in funding for K-12 education, 3% increases in funding for higher education at colleges and universities, and 3% increases in funding for local revenue sharing for cities, townships, and counties. These investments would be a big step toward restoring funding that was decimated by the decisions of Governor Rick Snyder.

14 AFSCME Council 25

LONGTIME COUNCIL 25 LEGISLATIVE LONGTIME COUNCIL 25 LEGISLATIVE DIRECTORDIRECTOR NICK NICK CIARAMITARO CIARAMITARO RETIRES RETIRES On January 15th, longtime Council 25 Legislative Director and lobbyist Nick Ciaramitaro officially “quasi” On January 15th, longtime Council 25 Legislative Director and lobbyist Nick retired from his position with AFSCME. Ciaramitaro officially “quasi” retired from his position with AFSCME. LONGTIME COUNCIL 25 LEGISLATIVE “Working“Working men men and and women women in bothin both the thepublic public and privateand private sector sector deserve dignitydeserve as welldignity as theas wageswell as and the bene wagesfits necessary and benefits to live necessaryand raise a to DIRECTORfamily NICK,” said CIARAMITAROCiaramitaro. “I am not resigning RETIRES my commitment to that On January 15th, longtime Councillive 25and Legislative raise Directora family,” and lobbyistsaid Ciaramitaro. Nick Ciaramitaro “I officially am not “quasi” resigning my retired from his position withprinciple.commitment AFSCME. I intend to that to continue principle. to I fightintend for to justice continue for workers to fight asfor a justice memberfor workers of the as Coalition a member for Secureof the RetirementCoalition for as Securewell as forRetirement people “Working men and women in both the public and private sector deserve withas well disabilities as for andpeople the workerswith disabilities who care and for themthe workers as a member who ofcare the Macombdignity as County well as the Community wages and bene Mentalfits necessary Health to Board, live and a raise board a member of forfamily them,” said as Ciaramitaroa member. “I amof thenot resigning Macomb my commitmentCounty Community to that Mental PartnersHealthprinciple. Board,in I intendCrisis atoand boardcontinue on the member to Boardfight for ofjusticeof Directors Partners for workers of in the as Crisis a Mental and Health on the AssociationBoardmember of of Directors thein Michigan.” Coalition of for the Secure Mental Retirement Health as well Association as for people in Michigan.” with disabilities and the workers who care for them as a member of the PriorMacomb to joining County AFSCME Community in Mental 2003, Health Nick Board,served a boardfor ten member terms of in the PriorPartners to joining in Crisis andAFSCME on the Board in 2003,of Directors Nick of theserved Mental for Health ten terms in the MichiganMichiganAssociation House House in Michigan.” of Representativesof Representatives representing representing Roseville Roseville and part and of Warren.part of Warren.Prior to that, Prior he to served that, he as Cityserved Clerk as in City Roseville Clerk where in Roseville his first labor endorsement was AFSCME’s PriorRoseville to joining Scho AFSCMEol Employees in 2003, Nick Union. served forHe ten also terms served in the as a law clerk for where his first labor endorsementMichigan was HouseAFSCME’s of Representatives Roseville representing School RosevilleEmployees and part Union.of He also the then General Counsel for AFSCME Council 23. served as a law clerk for the then Warren.General Prior Counsel to that, he for served AFSCME as City Clerk Council in Roseville 23. where his first labor endorsement was AFSCME’s Roseville School Employees Union. He also served as a law clerk for “Nick“Nick has has beenthe been then an General unbelievableunbelievable Counsel for asset AFSCME asset and Council and the strongest23.the strongest ally that ally AFSCME that AFSCME could have could asked have for. Heasked has played a vital role in pursuing legislation that gives working families a fair shake in Michigan and has for. He has“Nick played has been a vitalan unbelievable role in pursuingasset and the legislation strongest ally thatthat AFSCME gives couldworking have askedfamilies for. He a has fair shake in Michiganstood up and playedagainst has a vital some stood role of in up puthe rsuingagainst legislature’s legislation some that toughest of gives the working legislature’sattacks. families His acommitment fairtoughest shake in Michiganattacks. to the and laborHis has commitment movement is to unmatchedthe laborstood movement and up heagainst will some isbe unmatched sorely of the legislature’smissed,” and saidtoughest he Presidentwill attacks. be sorely HisLawrence commitment missed,” A. Roehrig to saidthe labor President. “We movement wish Lawrence Nickis all the A. best unmatched and he will be sorely missed,” said President Lawrence A. Roehrig. “We wish Nick all the best Roehrig.in a much “We deserved wish Nick and allhard the-earned best in retirement.” a much deserved and hard-earned retirement.” in a much deserved and hard-earned retirement.”

NickNick has has beenbeenNick has replacedreplaced been replaced by by term byterm-limited term-limited-limited State State State RepresentativeRepresentative Representative Tim Tim TimGreimel. Greimel. GreimelGreimel. Greimel Greimel comes comes comes to AFSCME to toAFSCME AFSCME after after serving serving after in in theserving the state state legislature in legislature the since 2012, with four of those years as Minority Leader and top statesince legislature 2012, with since four of2012, those with years four as ofMinority those yearsLeader as and Minority top DemocratDemocrat in the House. in the House. Prior Prior to joiningto joining the the legislature, he heserved served on the on the Leader andOakland top CountyDemocrat Commission in the and asHouse. an attorney Prior with tothe joiningMiller Cohen the legislature,Oakland Countylaw he firm served handlingCommission on labor the and andOakland employment as an Countyattorney cases. HeCommission with worked the closely Miller withand Cohen aslaw an firm attorney handlingAFSCME with througho labor the utand Miller the employment challenges Cohen to the law cases. emergency firm He worked managerhandling closelylaw. labor with

andAFSCME employment througho utcases. the challenges He worked to the closely emergency with manager AFSCME law. “Nick Ciaramitaro is leaving some big shoes to fill, but we were throughoutrelentlessly the challenges committed to to the finding emergency the best person manager for the job. law. We “Nick Ciaramitaroundoubtedly is haveleaving that insome Tim Greimel,” big shoes said to AFSCME fill, but Council we were25 “Nickrelentlessly CiaramitaroPresident committed Lawis leavingrence to A. finding Roehrig. some the “Tim big best bringsshoes person decades to fill, for of knowledgethebut job.we Weandwere undoubtedlyexperience have asthat a leader in Tim working Greimel,” with the said legislature AFSCME and standingCouncil up 25 for relentlesslyMichigan’s committed working to familiesfinding and the children. best Heperson will be afor tremendous the job. asset We President Lawrence A. Roehrig. “Tim brings decades of knowledge and undoubtedlyfor haveour members that inand Tim the entire Greimel,” labor movement.” said AFSCME Council 25experience President as Lawrence a leader working A. Roehrig. with the “Tim legislature brings and decades standing of up for knowledgeMichigan’s and working experience families as and a leaderchildren. working He will with be a thetremendous legislature asset and standing up for Michigan’s workingfor our families members and and children. the entire He labor will bemovement.” a tremendous asset for our members and the entire labor movement.”

We Make America Happen 15 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: LAURA KNIGHT OF WARREN CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: LAURA KNIGHT OF ELECTEDWARREN TOCONSOL SERVEIDATED AS SCHOOLSNEW SECRETARY- ELECTED TREASURERTO SERVEMEMBER AS NEW SPOTLIGHT:OF METRO SECRETARY LAURA DETROIT-TREASURER KNIGHT OFAFL-CIO OF The MetroWARREN DetroitMETRO CONSOL AFL CIODETROITIDATED has a SCHOOLSnew AFL slate-CIO ELECTED of elected officers,The MetroTO Detroit SERVEand AFL CIOsome hasAS a new NEW of slate them of SECRETARY elected officers,wear andAFSCME some-TREASURER of them green wear AFSCME! OF green!

Laura Knight, President of AFSCMEMETRO Local 1815 DETROIT representing the AFL hardworking-CIO women and men of Warren LauraConsolidated Knight, Schools,President will of serve AFSCME as the new Local Secretary 1815 -representingTreasurer of the the area hardworking labor council. women and men of WarrenCouncil ConsolidatedThe 25 MetroPresident Detroit Lawrence Schools, AFL CIO hasA. will Roehriga new serve slate will as of serve electedthe newas officers, a trusteeSecretary-Treasurer and o somef the oflabor them council wear of AFSCME thewith area Laura, green! labor along council. Councilwith board 25 President members at Lawrence large from A.AFSCME Roehrig including will serve Carlos asCross, a trustee Lorna Davison, of the Felicialabor councilHicks, and with Laura, Laura Knight, President of AFSCME Local 1815 representing the hardworking women and men of Warren Robyn C. Price. along withConsolidated board members Schools, will at serve large as the from new AFSCMESecretary-Treasurer including of the Carlos area labor Cross, council. Lorna Davison, Felicia Hicks, andCouncil Robyn 25 President C. Price. Lawrence A. Roehrig will(Left) serve From as a lefttrustee to right: of the Secretary labor council-Treasurer with Laura, Laura along Knight with board members at large from AFSCME(AFSCME), including Carlos Executive Cross, ViceLorna President Davison, Felicia Jeanett Hicks,e Bradshaw and Robyn C. Price. (IBEW),Left) From President left Darrylto right: Newman Secretary-Treasurer (AFT) Laura (Left)Knight From (AFSCME), left to right: SecretaryExecutive-Treasurer Vice President Laura Knight

(AFSCME),Jeanette ExecutiveBradshaw Vice (IBEW), President President Jeanette Bradshaw Darryl (IBEW),Newman President (AFT) Darryl Newman (AFT)

(Right)(Right) New New Secretary-Treasurer Secretary-Treasurer Laura KnightKnight (fourth (Right)(fourth fromNew from Secretary left) left) and and-Treasurer CouncilCouncil Laura 25 25 President/MetroPresident/MetroKnight (fourth Detroit Detroit from AFL-CIO left)AFL -andCIO Council Trustee Trustee 25 LawrenceLawrencePresident/Metro A. A. Roehrig Roehrig (fifth(fifth Detroit fromfrom AFL right) -CIOright) Trustee Lawrence A. Roehrig (fifth from right) FOLLOFOLLOWW AFSCME AFSCME ONON FACEBOOKFACEBOOK For up to date Michigan AFSCME News, follow our Facebook page “AFSCME Council 25” at For up to date Michigan AFSCME News, follow our Facebook page “AFSCME Council 25” at www.facebook.com/MIAFSCMEFOLLOWwww.facebook.com/MIAFSCME AFSCME ON FACEBOOK

ForCheck up toCheckout date our out updated Michiganour updated website AFSCME website at atwww.miafscme.com www.miafscme.comNews, follow our as asFacebook well.well. You You can canpage find find all“AFSCME ourall ournewsletters, newsletters, Council 25” at www.facebook.com/MIAFSCMEe-newsletters,e-newsletters, and pressand press releases releases under under the the “Newsroom” “Newsroom” tab.tab. For For upcoming upcoming events events near near you, you, check outcheck our out regularly our regularly updated updated “Calendar “Calendar of of Events”. Events”. Check out our updated website at www.miafscme.com as well. You can find all our newsletters, e-newsletters, and press releases under the “Newsroom” tab. For upcoming events near you, check out our regularly updated “Calendar of Events”.

16 AFSCME Council 25 2018 ELECTION RECAP AFSCME Members Win Big at the Ballot Box

2018 ELECTIONELECTED a pro-worker RECAP Governor in AFSCME MembersGretchen Win WhitmerBig at the Ballot Box

RE-ELECTED a pro-worker Senator in • • 55%55% VOTER VOTER TURNOUT- TURNOUT - thethe highest highest Michigan Michigan has has had in a midterm election ELECTED Dana Nessel as Attorney had in a midterm since 1992 General, as election since 1992 Secretary of State, and Megan • 2019 will be the first time Cavanagh to the Supreme Court • Democrats2019 will heldbe theall three first who defeated a Snyder appointee. statewidetime Democrats offices since held the all 1980s three statewide offices FLIPPED TWO CONGRESSIONAL SEATS AND ELECTED PRO-LABOR • 2018since was the the 1980s first time one WOMEN TO CONGRESS WITH party flipped all statewide offices (Governor, Attorney AND ELISSA • 2018 was the first time SLOTKIN General, and Secretary of State)one party in one flippedelection sinceall 1938statewide offices PICKED UP a net gain of five State (Governor, Attorney House seats with pro-worker • All eight candidates General, and Secretary candidates endorsed by the Labor Caucusof State) for Statein one Board election of Educationsince 1938 and University Boards at Michigan, AFSCME WON 118 OUT OF Michigan State, and 174 RACES WE ENDORSED IN, • WayneAll eight State candidates won their plus PASSED THREE BALLOT elections. A perfect 8-0! INITIATIVES that are pro-worker and endorsed by the Labor AFSCME WONpro-democracy 118 OUT OF 174 RACES WE Caucus for State Board of ENDORSED IN, plus PASSED THREE BALLOT Education and University INITIATIVES that are pro-worker and pro- Boards at Michigan, democracy Michigan State, and Wayne State won their elections. A perfect 8-0! We Make America Happen 17

MEMBERS IN ACTION MEMBERSLast fall, IN now ACTION Governor MEMBERSWhitmer IN joinedACTION President MEMBERSMEMBERS IN LastINLast ACTION ACTION fall, fall, now now Governor Governor MEMBERSRoehrig IN atACTION the Subchapter 38 Wayne CountyLastWhitmerWhitmerLast fall, fall, nowretireesjoined now joined Governor Governor President President LastWhitmerRoehrigRoehrigWhitmer fall, now at joined atthejoined Governor the Subchapter President PresidentSubchapter 38 meeting.Whitmer Pictured joined here President is the RoehrigWayne38Roehrig Wayne County at at the theCounty Subchapterretirees Subchapter retirees 38 38 SubchapterRoehrigWaynemeeting.Wayne 38 at County executive CountythePictured Subchapter retirees retirees here is 38the meeting. Pictured here is the board.Wayne meeting.Subchaptermeeting. County Pictured Pictured 38 retirees executive here here is isthe the meeting.Subchapterboard.SubchapterSubchapter Pictured 38 38 executive38 executivehere executive is the board. Subchapterboard.board. 38 executive board.

Rallying for Whitmer before her Detroit debate RallyingRallying for for Whitmer Whitmer before before her her Detroit Detroit debate debate RallyingRallying for forWhitmer Whitmer before before her Detroit debate Rallying for Whitmerher before Detroit her debate Detroit debate

18 AFSCME Council 25 LAME DUCK RECAP LAME DUCK RECAP Labor OrganizesLabor Organizes to to Fight Fight Off Off the the Worst Worst of the ofAttacks the Attacks

AFSCME members and leaders were proud to stand 699 AFSCMEAFSCME member emailsmember to legislators emails AFSCMEalongside hundredsmembers of otherand leadersunion members were duringproud our Worker’s Lobby Day at the Capitol where we urged about decertification to stand alongside hundreds of other union 699 to legislators about legislators to vote NO on SB 1260 (decertification bill) and members during our Worker’s Lobby Day at the decertification HB 6474 (ban on public sector union release time). 614 AFSCME member emails to legislators Capitol where we urged legislators to vote NO on Only because of YOUR efforts, we were able to shoot down about release time SB 1260 (decertification bill) and HB 6474 (ban the most harmful bills that were trying to kill our Union.

AFSCME member emails on public sector union release time). Because of YOUR efforts in making thousands of phone calls Totalto union legislators member emails about to 1977614 and sending thousands of emails, sending joint letters from Only because of YOUR efforts, we were able to legislatorsrelease about time decertification Members and Employers, and of course direct lobbying at shootthe Capitol down and the in mostdistricts, harmful we successfully bills that coordinated were trying toyour kill effortsour Union. and stood up for Working Families. Friendly 1802 Total union member emails to Total union member Becauselegislators of heard YOUR our voicesefforts loud in andmaking clear andthousands even some legislators about release time not so friendly legislators were impressed and held 1977 emails to legislators about ofaccoun phonetable calls because and theysending had to thousands answer to YOU! of decertification emails, sending joint letters from Members Total phone calls to legislators about 3520 andBecause Employers, of YOU, everybody and of course learned directthat here lobbying in Michigan decertification AFSCME WILL NEVER QUIT! at the Capitol and in districts, we successfully Total union member coordinated yourIn Solidarity, efforts and stood up for Working Total phone calls to legislators about 18025700+ emails to legislators about Families. FriendlyLawrence legislators A. Roehrig heard our voices release time President, AFSCME Council 25 release time loud and clear and even some not so friendly legislators were impressed and held accountable Total phone calls because they had to answer to YOU! to legislators about 3520 Because of YOU, everybody learned that here in decertification Michigan AFSCME WILL NEVER QUIT!

Total phone calls to In Solidarity, legislators about Lawrence A. Roehrig 5700+ President, AFSCME Council 25 release time

We Make America Happen 19 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: AMANDA GRIGGS OF THE DICKINSON COUNTY LIBRARY LOCAL 1176 APPEARS ON MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: AMANDA GRIGGS OF THE DICKINSONJEOPARDY COUNTY LIBRARY LOCAL 1176 APPEARS ON JEOPARDY Nobody everNobody accused ever accused Michigan Michigan AFSCMEAFSCME members of membersnot going of not above going above and and beyond.... beyond.... how about going as far as competing on how about goingJeopardy? as far as competing on Jeopardy? Amanda Griggs has been a Cataloger/Technical Services Specialist at the Dickinson County Amanda GriggsLibrary andhas AFSCME been member a forCataloger/ the past ten Technical Servicesyears with Specialist Local 1176. "Working at the inDickinson the library County Librarydefinitely and helpedAFSCME prepare member me for the show,for the by giving me a better access to books about all past ten yearssorts with of topics Local and keeping 1176. my “Working mind sharp and in the library definitelynimble. Also, helped all those preparehours of searching me for online the show, by givingfor patrons me a probably better kept access my buzzer to finger books at the ready. Plus, I was able to get the time off to about all sortsaudition of topics in Minneapolis and keeping and film in myLos Angelesmind sharp and nimble.because of Also, the paid alltime thoseoff I receive hours due to ofmy searching onlineunion forcontract." patrons probably kept my

buzzer finger"The at mostthe rewardingready. parPlus,ts of Iworking was inable the to get the time offlibrary to areaudition the exposure in Minneapolis to amazing literature and film in Los Angelesfrom all genres, because age ranges, of etc.the that paid I get timeto experience in cataloging, and the interaction off I receive duewith patrons.to my Thereunion is nothing contract.” more gratifying than a smile on a patron’s face or a look of “The most rewardingexcitement because parts you of found working them their in newthe favorite book. It’s so much fun." library are the exposure to amazing literature from all genres,Congratulations age ranges, Amanda etc. and thankthat youI get for allto experience inyour cataloging, hard work!! and the interaction with patrons. There is nothing more gratifying than a

smile on a patron’s face or a look of excitement because you found them their new favorite book. It’s so much fun.”

Congratulations Amanda and thank you for all your hard work!!

20 AFSCME Council 25 MEMBERSMEMBERS IN ACTION ACTION MEMBERS IN ACTION MEMBERS IN ACTION

MemberMember leaders leaders leaders gather gathergather in inin SouthfieldMemberSouthfield leaders for for forone onegather oneof a ofseriesof inaa seriesseries of AFSCME Strong town halls ofSouthfieldof AFSCME AFSCME for Strong Strongone of atown series hhalls alls across the state. acrossofacross AFSCME the the Strong state.state. town halls across the state.

School employees were fired up in Frankenmuth for the School employees were fired School2019School Schools employees employees Coordinating werewere fired fired up in Frankenmuth for the upCommitteeup in in Frankenmuth Frankenmuth conference. for for the the 2019 Schools Coordinating 20192019 Schools Schools Coordinating Coordinating Committee conference. CommitteeCommittee conference. conference.

We Make America Happen 21 PresidentPresidentPresidentPresident Roehrig RoehrigRoehrigRoehrig kicksPresident off the Roehrig 2019 kicks offkickskicks the off off2019 thethe 2019 Schoolskicks off Coordinating the 2019 SchoolsSchoolsSchools Coordinating CoordinatingCoordinating CommitteeSchools Coordinating CommitteeCommitteeCommittee conference.conference.Committee conference. conference.conference.conference.

Secretary-Treasurer Price Secretary-Treasurer Price speaking to member leaders at SecretarySecretary-speakingTreasurerSecretary-Treasurer-Treasurer to Price member Price leaders Price at the Region 1-4 Steward Training speakingthespeaking Region to member 1to-4 member Steward leaders leadersTraining at speaking toin member March. leaders at the Regionthe inRegion 1 March.-4at Steward the 1 - 4Region Steward Training 1-4 Training Steward Training in March. in March.in March.

22 AFSCME Council 25 PresidentPresident Roehrig, Roehrig, Michigan Michigan AFL- AFL-CIO PresidentCIO Roehrig,President President Michigan Roehrig,Ron Ron Bieber, AFLBieber, Michigan- CIOand Metroand AFL --CIO PresidentPresidentMetro-Detroit RonPresidentDetroit Roehrig, Bieber, AFL AFL-CIORonandMichigan-CIO Bieber,Metro President PresidentAFL- and-CIO DarrylMetro - President Ron Bieber, and Metro- Detroit AFLDarryl-CIODetroitNewman Newman President AFL kicking-CIO Darrylkicking President off the off 2019 Darryl the United Detroit AFL-CIO President Darryl Newman2019 kicking UnitedNewmanWay -offLabor Way-Labor the kicking planning 2019 off United theplanningmeeting. 2019 United WayNewman-Labor planningWayPresident kicking-Labor offmeeting. Roehrig planningthe 2019 shared Unitedmeeting. his story Way-Labormeeting. planning President meeting. Roehrig President RoehrigPresidentabout sharedhow Roehrig the h isUnited story shared Way his supported story Presidentshared Roehrig his story shared about his story how the about how theabouthim United early how inWay the life, United supported and the Way importance supported aboutUnited how Way the United supported Way supported him early him early in himoflife, all earlyand workers the in life, importance helping and the the importance less him earlyinfortunate life, in life, and and inthe thetheir importance importance communities. of of all workersof helping all workers the lesshelping the less of all workersall workers helping helping the less the less fortunate in fortunatetheir communities. in their communities. fortunatefortunate in their in communities.their communities.

Legislative Director Tim Greimel giving LegislativeLegislativean update Director ofDirector what’s Tim Tim happening Greimel Greimel in giving LegislativeLegislative Director Director Tim Tim Greimel Greimel giving giving Legislative DirectoranLansinggiving update Timtoan ofa update Greimelgroup what’s of ofhappeninggiving members what’s atin the an updatean update of what’s of what’s happening happening in in happeningLansingCollege in andto Lansing a Universitygroup ofto membersa Coordinating group at the LansingLansing to a to group a group of members of members at atthe the CollegeCommitteeof members and conference University at the College Coordinatingin Gaylord. CollegeCollege and and University University Coordinating Coordinating andCommittee University conference Coordinating in Gaylord. CommitteeCommittee conference conference in Gaylord. in Gaylord. Committee conference in Gaylord.

We Make America Happen 23 NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID FENTON, MI PERMIT NO. 1776 AFSCME Council 25 1034 North Washington Ave. Lansing, MI 48906

Your Council 25 Leadership Team President Lawrence A. Roehrig Secretary-Treasurer Robyn C. Price AFSCMEExecutive COUNCIL Board 25Members EXECUTIVE BOARD David Baker – R10 William McGlynn – R3 AFSCME Local 1327 AFSCME Local 1346

David Brandt – R9 Phyllis McMillon – R1 AFSCME Local 1855 AFSCME Local 542

Tracy Carlton – R6 Dennis Moore – R7 AFSCME Local 496 AFSCME Local 1668

Donna Cangemi – R3 Sam Muma – R6 AFSCME Local 411 AFSCME Local 1600

Lorna Davison – R2 Lois Murray – R3 AFSCME Local 1659 AFSCME Local 2172

Dwayne Dolby – R11 Tammy Porter – R8 AFSCME Local 885 AFSCME Local 261

Caryette Fenner – R4 Ronald Rook – R4 AFSCME Local 2733 AFSCME Local 1583

Brent Hershberger – R6 Cindy Spurlock – R2 AFSCME Local 1421 AFSCME Local 2568

Keith Hunter – R2 Christopher Wayne – R5 AFSCME Local 1786 AFSCME Local 1585

Milando Hunter – R6 Janae Wouldfolk – R1 AFSCME Local 1918 AFSCME Local 140 We Make America Happen America Make We Shawn Kitto – R11 AFSCME Local 992.7 24