Officer Lost Mco Mourns Loss at Alger Max

KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED JANUARY 14, 2004

OFFICER LOST MCO MOURNS LOSS AT ALGER MAX

Ty Brently Bernson, 29, hindered the recovery tions totaling $1,000, with of Gladstone, Michigan process. A portable a goal of twice that left behind a pregnant heating tent was set up amount, to give to his wife and an 18 month-old and a third team of widow and young family. child on Friday, January 9, divers brought in. 2004. If you are interested Bernson had been a in making a donation to Bernson, who was Corrections Officer at the Bernson family, sim- supposed to meet a friend Alger Max since August ply contact Sacha to go ice fishing at 6:30 2001. Crowley via e-mail at that morning, was found [email protected] or submerged in 20 feet of MCO will be making by phone at (800) 451- water approximately 300 a donation to Bernson’s 4878 for more informa- feet offshore, near Buck- family from the MCO tion. eye Beach. Crisis Fund in addition to presenting a memorial A Gladstone Public bible. Safety dive-team recov- ered the body after a five- The staff of Alger MICHIGAN CORRECTIONS ORGANIZATION hour search. Difficulties Max have already col- SEIU LOCAL 526M 421 W. KALAMAZOO with freezing equipment lected individual dona- LANSING, MI 48933 (517) 485-3310 1 (800) 451-4878 WWW.MCO-SEIU.ORG FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT KARY L. SOWELS, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED JANUARY 21, 2004

FINALISTS SELECTED! UPCOMING EVENTS In a meeting on January 14, 2004, Kirsten Scheidler of five finalists were selected for Michi- Camp Branch Executive Council Meeting and gan Corrections Officer of the Year. Finalists were selected from 46 Training to be scheduled in The finalists are: nominations submitted from facilities February Pablo Olvera of Saginaw across the state. Correctional Personal interviews on January Diana Stimpson of Southern 29th, 2004, will complete the selec- HELLO! Michigan tion process. As some of you may have no- Grant Sage of Bellamy Creek ticed, the December 21st KYI had Steven Larsen of Congratulations to our final five a slightly different look to it...well, Mid-Michigan for all their hard work and that’s because there is a slightly dif- commitment! ferent look to the MCO staff! OFFICERS HELPING OFFICERS I’m Sacha, and I joined the staff as the new Communication Spe- Each year some among us en- all of their own leave and who cialist on December 15th. counter a hardship either due to a meet the criteria as stated in the I’m originally from Ohio, but I personal illness or injury or that of MCO contract under Article 28, claim Michigan as my “home” a spouse, child or parent. Section L, may then use the An- state. While I still bleed “scarlet January 12, 2004, through Feb- nual Leave Bank to assist them in and grey,” I can accept that I am ruary 12, 2004, has been set aside their time of need. outnumbered and remain quiet! for officers to donate annual leave To make a donation, simply There will be some changes to to the “Central Annual Leave use the DMB-16-OSE “Central the KYI and upcoming MCO Re- Bank.” Donations must be in Annual Leave Donation Bank - port, however I promise to provide whole hour increments and must be Donation Form.” available on the you with the same quality of infor- for a minimum of eight (8) hours, Office of the State Employer mation and service you came to not to exceed forty (40) per em- hompage at: expect from Molly...I hear I have ployee annually. These donations http:/intranet.dmb.state.mi.us/ some big shoes to fill! are irrevocable. dmb/ose Please be patient as the holidays Employees who have exhausted made for a difficult start and threw off the normal schedule! I prom- MID MICHIGAN PHP RETAINS HOSPITAL ise to have things back in swing as Despite extensive negotiations to the uncertainty of the hospital’s soon as possible! with Memorial Healthcare Center continued participation in the That being said, let’s have a (Owosso Memorial) Physician’s plan, please feel free to contact great year! Health Plan of Mid-Michigan was Larry Smith, PHP’s Labor Rela- set to lose a hospital. tions, at (517) 364-2757. MICHIGAN CORRECTIONS ORGANIZATION Last minute negotiations netted Your benefits were not affected SEIU LOCAL 526M a deal in which Owosso Memorial during the negotiations and you 421 W. KALAMAZOO will remain a “participating pro- may continue to use Owosso Me- LANSING, MI 48933 vider” in PHP’s Mid-Michigan net- morial as a covered health care (517) 485-3310 work. provider. 1 (800) 451-4878 If you were inconvenienced due WWW.MCO-SEIU.ORG FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT KARY L. SOWELS, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio MCO GOT BEST DEAL

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 layoff’s, with non-preferred brand name drugs proration of beneifts 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 L OCAL 6000 NO FURLOUGH TIME 36 hours of unpaid furlough time BLT Plan NO LAYOFFS 1 paid furlough day 24 hours of unpaid O RESCRIPTION N P 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 2 day layoff, with proration of MSPTA Employee Education, Training, accumulated benefits such as and Development fund for sick-leave, annual leave, etc. Contract expired Sept. 2002, union workers for 2 years and members didn’t get raises The reduction in work schedule Oct. 1, 2002, or in 2003. In Addition, the State takes with 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

FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT KARY L. SOWELS, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio JANUARY 28, 2004 NOTICE! MCO FIGHTS STATE IN COURT

MCO went to court on Monday, Janu- “Paperless Pay-Stub” program. data from all employees, not just DCH, ary 26, 2004, to obtain a Temporary Re- regarding the implementation of this straining Order (TRO) against the State. The mandatory “Paperless Pay-Stub” program. If granted, the TRO would stop the State system goes into effect this pay period, from switching to a mandatory January 29, 2004. Under this plan, you Union officers will be distributing “Paperless Pay-Stub” system later this use a self-service account and password questionnaires to all Security Unit em- week and allow MCO members to con- to access the information previously ployees in the Dept. of Community tinue to receive their paper pay stubs. contained on your pay stub, such as pay Health facilities and MDOC employees rate, leave balances, etc. through a com- at several facilities. If you work in one MCO has already filed an “Unfair puter. of these facilities, please try to use the Labor Practice” suit against the State and computer to obtain your earnings record a formal grievance regarding this unilat- MCO objects to this mandatory and fill out the questionnaire. Even if eral mandate. switch for several reasons, including in- you are not familiar with computers, sufficient computer access for members, please try the system so we can report As a result of MCO’s challenge, the concern for employee’s privacy, and the the problems to the Court. Office of the State Employer (OSE) time spent by employees to obtain such agreed to postpone the “Paperless Pay- information either on break, lunch, or Try to access your pay information Stub” in the Dept. of Corrections for one after shift, etc. at work. Let us know how this pay pe- pay period. In light of that, the judge riod goes. Did you have access to a com- denied the request for a TRO. FOR THOSE EMPLOYEES IN CORREC- puter? was there a line? how long did it TIONAL FACILITIES...if you are set up for take? when did you access your ac- According to the OSE, due to com- Direct Deposit, you will receive your count... on lunch? break? do you need puter and program issues it could not “void” check in the mail. If you receive training on how to operate the computer halt the program for the Department of a paper check in the mail, you will con- system? were you concerned about pri- Community Health members at the Fo- tinue to do so for this pay period. vacy while accessing your records? rensic and Huron Valley Centers. FOR THOSE EMPLOYEES AT HURON Please work with union officers over The judge, wishing to hear more, has VALLEY CENTER AND THE FORENSIC the next week as they try to gather this scheduled a show cause hearing for Feb- CENTER... it is our understanding that information. The Judge has asked for ruary 5, 2004, at which point MCO will you will be paid as you normally are, “real world experience” in how the sys- further argue its position. The judge will the difference being that you will not tem works, so your input is very impor- then make a decision regarding whether receive a paper pay stub detailing your tant. It is critical that we know what the “Paperless Pay-Stub” program should pay rate, leave balances, and such. happens and how you feel! proceed, be changed, or the status quo maintained, among other possibilities. WE NEED YOUR HELP! MICHIGAN CORRECTIONS ORGANIZATION SEIU LOCAL 526M The Judge has indicated the members During this test period we need to 421 W. KALAMAZOO at HVC and the Forensic Center will be hear from you how the “Paperless Pay- LANSING, MI 48933 used as a “test” to see which issues arise Stub” program works. We need to have (517) 485-3310 with the implementation of the 1 (800) 451-4878 WWW.MCO-SEIU.ORG FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT KARY L. SOWELS, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio February 3, 2004 MCO WINS PAY STUB ISSUE!

In a meeting with the to go into effect January 29, MCO argued that the OSE today, MCO officials 2004, but was postponed program would lead to pri- came out with a win for their one pay period for further dis- vacy concerns for members members. as they ac- cessed their Discussions records in began last week public places, culminating in a “MCO BROUGHT TO OUR excess time meeting with spent waiting The Office of ATTENTION THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE in line to ob- the State Em- IMPACT OF “PAPERLESS EARNINGS tain this infor- ployer earlier to- mation either day. In the STATEMENTS” FOR SECURITY UNIT on lunch or meeting, the break times, OSE agreed to EMPLOYEES. and the fact settle the matter FTER HEARING S CONCERNS that there was out of court A MCO’ , insufficient concluding that WE AGREED TO CONTINUE MAILING computer ac- the “Paperless cess in the fa- Earnings State- EARNINGS STATEMENTS TO ALL cilities for ment” system members’ use. was not appro- SECURITY UNIT EMPLOYEES WHO priate for Secu- DO NOT HAVE THEIR OWN rity Unit employees due to DEDICATED PC AT WORK.” their unique work environment. -DAVID FINK, DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF THE STATE EMPLOYER

A show cussions. At the hearing, cause hearing had been MCO was also to provide scheduled in Lansing for Feb. “real life” data on how the 5, 2004, where we were to ar- “Paperless Earnings State- gue our objections to the ments” program worked at mandatory “Paperless Earn- the DCH facilities where it ings Statement” program. could not be postponed last The program was scheduled week. sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED FEBRUARY 20, 2004

NO OFFICERS TO AFSCME LOCAL 25 “TIME FOR A LOSE JOBS WORKERS CHANGE” FACE LAYOFFS The Department of Corrections At the Executive informed MCO late last week that the AFSCME workers who rejected Council meeting on Huron Valley Mens Facility and the their Concessions package by 12 votes Thursday, Feb. 19th, Western Wayne County Correctional now face action by the State to recover Facility will be closed as part of the 2004- the $6.2 million through other means. President Kary Sowels 2005 State budget proposal. The State announced that announced that he will The prisoners from Huron Valley employees would likely receive their 15 not be running for office. Center will be moved into Huron Valley day notice of layoffs soon, with their Mens, and the prisoners from Western contract allowing for up to 20 He expressed the senti- Wayne will be transferred to Huron consecutive days of temporary layoffs. ment, “It’s time for a Valley Center. The State is also moving to hire change.” The closure of Western Wayne, an temporary employees in certain areas to older facility located on the grounds of save overtime costs. the former Detroit House of Corrections, In addition, the Family MICHIGAN C/O will save the state $22.7 million a year. Independence Agency will be The Huron Valley Center, a newer and eliminating 90 “Youth Specialist 10” OF THE YEAR larger facility, is less costly to operate and positions and creating a “Youth currently operating at less than full Specialist 9” position in its place. SELECTED! capacity. Workers who go to the lower After intense personal interviews on Also at issue is the fact that Western classification to retain their jobs will January 29, 2004, Pablo Olvera, from Wayne was built on the site of a former earn about $1.50 an hour less. Saginaw Correctional was selected as dump and methane gas has been AFSCME and the State have met the Michigan Correctional Officer of the seeping up through the soil. to discuss the situation. As of Year! MCO has been in talks with the Wednesday, February 18, AFCSME will Officers are selected based on their Office of the State Employer regarding be sending a new Concessions Package work ethic, MDOC policy compliance, the closures and its effects on MCO out to its membership for yet another communication skills and professional- members. vote. ism. Members who would like to move Olvera , a C/O for 8 years, is a out of the region will be given that member of the Emergency Response opportunity and MCO will work to Team, and is responsible for organizing establish a small “bumping” area so that CHANGES FOR IMAX fund raisers to help the families of members can avoid uprooting their AND OAKS fellow C/O’s who were lost this year. families. The scheduled date for completion is The Department of Corrections has MICHIGAN CORRECTIONS ORGANIZATION October 1, 2004, however there are announced plans to change the Imax SEIU LOCAL 526M many issues that need to be addressed Facility from a Level VI to a Level V, 421 W. KALAMAZOO LANSING, MI 48933 before any changes can occur. Chapter and the Oaks Facility from a Level V to (517) 485-3310 meetings will be scheduled as details a Level IV. 1 (800) 451-4878 develop. MCO is challenging these decisions. WWW.MCO-SEIU.ORG FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT KARY L. SOWELS, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED MARCH 5, 2004

I-MAX C/O’S TESTIFY BEFORE THE NEW MCO OFFICERS SENATE WESTERN WAYNE PRESIDENT CHIEF STEWARD Mel Grieshaber, MCO’s prisoner movement. PHYLLIS WHITE GREGORY CROUCH State Vice President, I-MAX Following their testimony, the STEWARDS President Thomas Teft, 2nd Vice officers were questioned by SCOTT SCHISLER President Joe Wohlfert and Chief Senator Prusi from the UP, KENNETH HEARD Steward Steven Karber testified Senator Cropsey, and Senator PHYLLIS WHITE before the Senate Judiciary and Brown. BROOKS CORRECTIONAL Corrections Committee Tuesday The DOC also testified PRESIDENT afternoon in Lansing. regarding these issues. They MATT POHL Officers testified to their faced heavy questioning from the concerns regarding the scheduled Senate panel, in particular from “OFFICERS” CAUGHT! change of the I-MAX facility from Senator Prusi who conveyed his MCO almost gained two new a Level VI to a Level V, and the concerns regarding the safety of “officers” last Saturday, when two decision by the DOC to review the C/O’s in Michigan’s convicts attempted to pass as staffing gun towers on a limited Corrections system. He C/O’s and walk out of the basis. commended C/O’s for the work St. Louis Facility at the 3 p.m. shift Grieshaber argued Level VI they do, for being willing to do a change. has helped protect officers and job most people wouldn’t, and for The convicts apparently staff across the state from assaults making it safer for the rest of us. painted their clothing with shoe by prisoners because it provided The panel requested data from polish and crafted “patches” out a lock up for the “worst of the the DOC regarding the rate of of rubber to duplicate the look worst.” In addition, he protested assaults in past years for further of a C/O uniform. According any DOC consideration of analysis. to Chief Steward Lou Duma, they closing towers citing safety for The DOC stated that the Level did a “passable job.” those working on the inside, and change is to allow the Oaks What caught them up? Alert stating the towers are the “last line facility to go to a Level IV double staff recognized the fake of defense” in protecting the bunk, thus providing additional uniforms, and acted quickly to community on the outside. beds needed to handle the prevent the escape. I-MAX chapter leaders each backlog of prisoners. They are Good Job St. Louis! addressed specific areas of planning to use technology to concern within the facility, replace some of the manned MICHIGAN CORRECTIONS ORGANIZATION SEIU LOCAL 526M including the costs associated with hours in the gun towers, but have 421 W. KALAMAZOO the changes, training issues, and not addressed their plans for how LANSING, MI 48933 dangers presented by lowering they will handle the positions they (517) 485-3310 1 (800) 451-4878 classification and increased wish to eliminate. WWW.MCO-SEIU.ORG FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT KARY L. SOWELS, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED MARCH 23, 2004 MCO CENTRAL COMMITTE LOOKS TO THE FUTURE...BUILDING A STRONGER UNION

In a historical and ambitious dropped, and what kind of Central Committee and members move, the MCO Central Commit- future they would like to “create” themselves will be able to offer tee met last week to start the were shared and prioritized. MCO’s new leadership, to be process of building a stronger and elected this May, an agenda for better future for MCO members. While the planning process the future. required dealing with certain Recognizing these are deficiencies in MCO’s operation, challenging times, with more many delegates commented they MCO WEB UPDATE felt MCO was a strong union with challenges ahead, the delegates “New Year, New Faces, New took the first step towards a new a rich history and many successes. Challenges.” This was the theme future for MCO. Hal Stack, One delegate commented, “…we of the January/February MCO Director of Labor Studies at know we have some problems, Report and it continues as MCO’s Wayne State University, facilitated but the idea here is renewal—we website gets a facelift! the day-long strategic planning need to rejuvenate this union!” Launched last week, the changes are part of a continued exercise. The desire to build a union effort to improve communication with members. MCO acknowledges the that is better connected to its The website, located at frustration many members feel. members through active www.mco-seiu.org, offers a fresh The Central Committee, com- participation was evident. Many look along with additional posed of representatives from all expressed the need for members sources of information including Chapters, is determined to make to contribute their ideas and the MCO Report, MCO Bylaws, energy in order to strengthen the and MCO Scholarship forms to this a better union. name a few. future of MCO. A variety of Check it out, look around, and Delegates were given the means to generate that discussion watch for futher updates as we opportunity to evaluate the are being developed and may plan to make additions on a current status of MCO objectively, include surveys, meetings and regular basis! and began to build a framework other two-way communication. for improvements that will MICHIGAN CORRECTIONS ORGANIZATION strengthen unity within the The next few months will be SEIU LOCAL 526M membership. Details such as the a challenging, yet exciting time for 421 W. KALAMAZOO facets of MCO they wished to MCO members. It is a great LANSING, MI 48933 (517) 485-3310 keep and/or improve, the things opportunity to give input and 1 (800) 451-4878 that should be changed or become involved. The MCO WWW.MCO-SEIU.ORG FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT KARY L. SOWELS, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED APRIL 1, 2004

ROPOSED UDGET UTS MICHIGAN CORRECTIONS ORGANIZATION P MDOC B C SEIU LOCAL 526M 421 W. KALAMAZOO The Michigan Senate Appro- infected prisoners in Michigan LANSING, MI 48933 priations Judiciary and Corrections facilities is scheduled to be (517) 485-3310 sub-committee reported out the released. 1 (800) 451-4878 WWW.MCO-SEIU.ORG corrections budget. The cuts help Hepatitis C is a blood-borne reduce the Governor’s recommen- virus, transmitted through dations by another $20 million: contaminated drug needles, AFSCME COUNCIL 25 unprotected sex, and improperly ACCEPTS CONCESSIONS ✘ $5.9 million designated for sterilized hygiene items, that In an overwhelming majority, Hepatitis C testing and causes severe liver damage. It is state employees from AFSCME treatment projected that by 2010, there will Council 25 voted 1,514 to 570 to ✘ $5.3 million scheduled for be more deaths in the United approve a concessions package. substance abuse testing States from this disease than from This vote avoids pending layoffs, and treatment AIDS, and it is the leading cause workschedule adjustments, and ✘ $5 million earmarked for of adult liver transplants today. the hiring of temporary educational and vocational The high levels of infected employees by the state. programs prisoners who are left untreated Employees rejected a similar ✘ $2 million related to trans pose an occupational hazard for package in January by just 12 portation efficiencies health care and corrections votes. ✘ $1.5 million for computer officers statewide, and for the systems general public once the prisoner Details of agreement include: ✘ $386,000 in administrative is released. ✘ BLT Plan savings Democratic Senators Mike ✘ Drug Coverage: $7 ✘ $300,000 in health care Prusi of Marquette and Michael generic, $15 preferred, Switalski of Macomb voted $30 non-preferred. The cuts to Hepatitis C against sending the budget to full ✘ State use of funds set testing and treatment comes just committee, hoping that the aside for training and before the results of a three month money would be restored. severance study to determine the level of

WANT A BETTER RETIREMENT PLAN? HB 4459, which would allow State Employees hired since April 1997 to choose either the Defined Benefit or the Defined Contribution Retirement Plan is stuck in committee. Call Rep. Marc Shulman at (517) 373-1799 or e-mail him today at [email protected] and ask that HB 4459 be scheduled for a hearing!

FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT KARY L. SOWELS, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED APRIL 13, 2004

CORRECTION UNIT OF SEIU 517M VOTES YET AGAIN Marc Shulman’s name in last week’s KYI was incorrectly The Human Services Support about 230 workers on Dec. 26 spelled Mark Schulman. To Unit of SEIU Local 517M is set to and Jan. 2 to obtain some of the contact him regarding HB 4459, vote for a third time on a Conces- needed savings. his correct e-mail is sions agreement with the state. [email protected] If the new deal is approved, Out of 57,000 state employees, which includes the BLT plan, the CIVIL SERVICE the 900 members of this Unit are state would also expand the use the only ones who have not agreed of flexible lunch hours, a current CHANGE? to a Concessions package. program that allows some Currently, Civil Service Rule workers to take half-hour lunches. The membership first voted 6-7.5 requires the State Personnel If it is turned down, however, all down an agreement in November, Director to communicate workers will be required to take a 242-205. After it was discovered annually with all exclusively- full one-hour lunch and additional that some workers did not receive represented employees regarding layoffs are likely. their ballots, they voted a second their collective bargaining rights time, but the issue was again The ballots will be sent out and obligations. There is no rule defeated, this time 254-199. on April 9th, and counted on requiring communications with April 23, 2004. NERE’s. The state employer and As a result, the state laid off several unions have requested this RADIO FREE MICHIGAN...THE TRUTH rule be repealed. The new proposal is an AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH! Amendment to Rule 1-4 in which An exciting new radio network ...listen live Monday through a general, periodic, communica- in now on the air in Michigan. This Friday, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on tion requirement that includes all network is committed to doing these stations, with more classified employees, NERE’s and something new in talk radio, tell coming soon. union members is established. the truth! The Tony Trupiano WXDX 1310 AM, Detroit The Director would not be Show premiered on Radio Free WBCH 1220 AM, Hastings expected to communicate to Michigan recently as its flagship WIAN 1240 AM, Ishpeming union members on issues that are program. WDMJ 1320 AM, Marquette covered under their agreement, If you... WMMI 830 AM, Mt. Pleasant but may on prohibited subjects ❑✓support the rights of WJML 1110 AM, Petoskey of bargaining that are subject to workers to form a union WWKK 750 AM, Petoskey the Commissions’s rules. If Rule ✓ ❑ value the preservation of WHAK 960 AM, Rogers City 1-4 is amended, Rule 6-7.5 be- our civil rights WLDR 1210 AM, Traverse City comes redundant and is repealed. ❑✓want to protect American You can also listen on the web at The next Civil Service jobs. www.radiopower.org/talkradio meeting is April 29, 2004. FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT KARY L. SOWELS, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED APRIL 21, 2004 MCO MEETS WITH STATE EMPLOYER CO’S THREATEN At an initial meeting between Departments include the closing MCO, the Office of the State of Western Wayne—moving the TO BOYCOTT Employer, MDOC and DCH, the female prisoners to the current The City of St. Louis is Administration confirmed its HVC site. HVC patients (prison- looking to put a city income tax target date for closing of Western ers) would be moved to the on the Nov. 2 ballot, and area Wayne and the ripple effect of its Huron Valley Mens facility. Corrections Officers are not move to the current Huron Valley Current prisoners at HVM will be happy. Center is October 1, 2004. It was moved to other facilities; More than 900 CO’s, who indicated the MDOC and DCH however, the RPT units at HVM work at three area prisons, live in were still discussing the move of would remain. the area, however few reside HVC to HVM and how the facili- MCO was informed the inside the city limits. The ties would operate. Marriott food contract would end proposal is a 1 percent income tax MCO indicated its interest by July and meals would be for city residents, and 0.5 mil levy that the changes cause the least prepared from that point on by for non-residents. The levy would possible impact on bargaining unit female prisoners for both Huron cost the average prison employee members and emphasized that no facilities as well as the Forensic about $200 a year. one can be laid-off under the BLT Center. Elimination of the food Art Harter, a Steward at Agreement. MCO requested contract was a suggestion by Mid-Michigan, is leading a staffing numbers at each facility. MCO and will save the state petition drive to protest the tax, Preliminary plans by the money. which he hopes to complete by this Friday, April 23. He then BLT AND WORKERS’ COMPENSATION plans to present the signed When you go on Workers’ If, however, you supplement petitions at the next City Council Compensation, the highest 39 of your workers’ compensation with meeting next month. Harter the last 52 weeks of earnings prior leave credits, then the BLT is hopes to have about 200 fellow to the date of disability is prorated based on the amount employees attend the meeting calculated to obtain your worker’s of leave credits you use. with him. comp average weekly wage. This is also the case if you Corrections Officers are The implementation of the return to work less than full time. planning a boycott of any BLT plan does not effect this The BLT will be prorated for the businesses in the city of St. Louis calculation if you are receiving time worked. if the income tax is placed on the straight workers’ compensation. If you have any questions ballot. Harter plans to visit local If you are receiving a Civil regarding these calculations, business to talk to them directly Service or Statutory supplement, please contact your personnel about why union members are then there is also no BLT office. threatening the boycott. calculation. FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT KARY L. SOWELS, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED APRIL 28, 2004 YOUR CANDIDATES RESIDENT REASURER RANDY BURROW, ARF/ATF P T PRESIDENT SCOTT FISCHER, MRF-PRESIDENT BILL HENDERSON, MCO-MEMBER- GARY KOTT, KCF-PRESIDENT AT-LARGE (989) 695-2718 GARY WHITMAN, TCF-PRESIDENT [email protected] (906) 297-5586 (810) 653-1644 [email protected] KATHLEEN HALLADAY, ECF-CHIEF [email protected] JAMES SIMS, ACF-PRESIDENT STEWARD TOM TYLUTKI, MCO-TREASURER (517) 279-9165, Ext. 1518 (517) 902-4492 [email protected] [email protected] MEMBER-AT-LARGE MIKE TAYLOR, MBP-CHIEF STEWARD (906) 228-8876 CHARLES WRIGHT, HVM-PRESIDENT LARRY HENLEY, LMF-PRESIDENT [email protected] (734) 482-2834 (906) 458-0705 [email protected] [email protected] STEVE KARBER, ICF-CHIEF STEWARD (616) 642-0784 JIM PRINCE, STF-PRESIDENT [email protected] (989) 205-0733 VICE PRESIDENT [email protected] TOM TEFFT, ICF-PRESIDENT EL RIESHABER MCO-VICE M G , SCOTT FISCHER, MRF-PRESIDENT ANDY POTTER, MTU-CHIEF PRESIDENT STEWARD (616) 374-0982 GARY WHITMAN, TCF-PRESIDENT (810) 653-1644 [email protected] [email protected] RECORDING AL WEST, MCO-MEMBER-AT-LARGE BONNIE JOHNSON, MCO-SECRETARY SECRETARY KATHLEEN HALLADAY, ECF-CHIEF BONNIE LEWIS, MCO-MEMBER-AT- STEWARD SCOTT FISCHER, MRF-PRESIDENT LARGE ROBERT DAVIS, SMF-PRESIDENT ONNIE OHNSON MCO-SECRETARY B J , ADAM DOUGLAS, NRF-PRESIDENT (989) 837-1522 BONNIE LEWIS, MCO-MEMBER-AT- (313) 354-1998 MATTHEW POHL, LRF-PRESIDENT LARGE RAY SHOLTZ, SLF-PRESIDENT IM OHNSON KCF-VICE PRESIDENT J J , PAUL HOWE, TCF-VICE PRESIDENT (906) 495-2928 (810) 577-7452 [email protected] [email protected] MICHIGAN CORRECTIONS ORGANIZATION TEVE AMMOND JCF-1ST VICE SEIU LOCAL 526M S H , JOHN OST, MCO-MEMBER-AT-LARGE 421 W. KALAMAZOO PRESIDENT (517) 541-0431 LANSING, MI 48933 [email protected] MARK NELSON, MCO-MEMBER-AT- (517) 485-3310 LARGE 1 (800) 451-4878 KEITH PELKY, MPF-CHIEF STEWARD WWW.MCO-SEIU.ORG FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT KARY L. SOWELS, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED MAY 6, 2004 NEW LEADERS ELECTED!

PRESIDENT

TOM TYLUTKI VICE PRESIDENT HURON VALLEY CENTER TREASURER

MEL GRIESHABER BILL HENDERSON FORENSIC CENTER SAGINAW RECORDING SECRETARY

JIM JOHNSON KINROSS

MEMBERS - AT - LARGE

ADAM DOUGLAS JOHN OST SCOTT FISCHER MOUND CENTERS MACOMB

ANDY POTTER RAY SHOLTZ MIKE TAYLOR MI TRAINING UNIT ST. LOUIS MARQUETTE

FROM THE OFFICE OF TOM TYLUTKI, MCO PRESIDENT, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED MAY 13, 2004 GAS MASK FORM ADDRESSED RETIREMENT In the past few months, 3. When the Employer STATEMENTS FOR MCO Central Office has received receives all the envelopes from a number of calls regarding the employees required to fill out the DEFINED BENEFIT confidentiality of information form, the HRO will send the Starting this May, active state requested on the gas mask sealed information to Biocare. employees enrolled in the defined evaluation form by the 4. The Employer will then benefit retirement plans will Department of Corrections. After access a list of those officers that begin to receive an annual several meetings and subsequent can or cannot use the gas mask. “Member Statement”. discussions with Deputy Director 5. No information will be The statement will cover Dennis Straub the DOC has shared with the Employer as to employee’s wages during the last agreed to the following: the reasons some may not be able fiscal year, total service credit, any 1. When an officer is required to qualify with the mask. employee contributions, pension to fill out a medical evaluation The HROs at the facilities qualifications and information form, their HRO will also give the should have received this infor- regarding opportunities to member an envelope. mation and procedure by now. purchase service credits. 2. After the employee fills out Additionally, some members are the evaluation, the member will now getting the questionnaires In addition, all defined place the form in the envelope, seal directly from Biocare with a benefit members will also receive it, print their name on the return envelope. If you are a Beneficiary Nomination form envelope, and turn it in to the having any problems, please with this statement. HRO at their facility. contact Central Office. The statements will contain specific information on “covered E-MAIL LOST! CORRECTION service” and supplemental During the transition of To order MCO Apparel by pension provisions for each offices and computers last week, phone, please call: individual in the Security Bargain- Tom Tylutki lost a group of e-mails ing Unit. Custom Embroidery Plus that he received on May 6th & 7th. Statements will be mailed (989) 227-9338 Tom has been trying to early May. contact those individuals that he and not the number printed in remembered, but it was a large April’s MCO Report. MICHIGAN CORRECTIONS ORGANIZATION SEIU LOCAL 526M number and surely some have been 421 W. KALAMAZOO missed. You can also order on-line LANSING, MI 48933 If you e-mailed him and through the link on our website (517) 485-3310 haven’t heard a response, please at www.mco-seiu.org! 1 (800) 451-4878 WWW.MCO-SEIU.ORG contact him again! FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT TOM TYLUTKI, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED MAY 20, 2004

QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR RETIREMENT MICHIGAN CORRECTIONS ORGANIZATION SEIU LOCAL 526M TATEMENT 421 W. KALAMAZOO S ? LANSING, MI 48933 If you are enrolled in the (517) 485-3310 is that the system reported 79 1 (800) 451-4878 defined benefit retirement plan you hours worked during the pay WWW.MCO-SEIU.ORG should have recently or soon will period in which the change to receive a statement regarding your daylight savings occurred. This account. happened only to those who SENIORITY BASED elected not to use an hour of If any information contained annual leave to reach 80. TRANSFER in the statement is incorrect or if Employees are not to suffer any you have questions about any of losses to their fringe benefits if WINDOW TO END the recorded data, please call the their work schedules were Retirement Bureau at 1-800-381- shortened by the time change. Looking to transfer to 5111 and request a review. The another facility? Seniority Based Bureau has a special team dedicated This problem has already Transfers are available to employ- to resolving any problems. been acknowledged. However, it ees who meet the conditions as is necessary for affected employ- laid out in Article 15, Part D, For example, the statements ees to call the Bureau and report Section A, #2, page 79 in your for some officers on third shift this problem as well as any other Contract. showed a service credit of .9995 anomalies. instead of 1.0. The reason for this The window period to apply for a Seniority Based Transfer is ECISION ON NNUAL EAVE ONATIONS May 1st. through May 31st. for a D A L D transfer that will occur between The Office of the State donate their Annual Leave to July 1st. and December 31st. Employer and the MDOC recently help. decided that Annual Leave The Seniority Based donations will only be utilized for This is an example of some- Transfer list expires at the end of serious illness while an employee is thing that we can bring up at the each window period. Thus, if you on a medical leave. bargaining table in order to applied for a Seniority Based improve the language of our Transfer last year but then did not This means for instance, that contract. transfer, your name was removed if an employee’s spouse was ill and from the list. If you are again the employee was out of the six Keep things like this in interested, you need to reapply. month leave and FMLA, fellow mind while filling out your employees would be unable to Bargaining Surveys! FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT TOM TYLUTKI, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED MAY 26, 2004

SPECIAL OPEN ENROLLMENT WINDOW MICHIGAN CORRECTIONS ORGANIZATION SEIU LOCAL 526M FOR LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE 421 W. KALAMAZOO LANSING, MI 48933 The State of Michigan is where to receive your care- (517) 485-3310 now offering a second chance to nursing facility and/or home care 1 (800) 451-4878 enroll in the Long-Term Care setting. WWW.MCO-SEIU.ORG Insurance Plan. This benefit is Does not require a stay in a offered by MetLife, a leader in hospital or nursing facility to be JUNE 7-LANSING group long-term care. eligible for benefits Michigan Library & Historical Center Forum You can continue the WHAT IS LONG-TERM CARE? 702 W. Kalamazoo Street coverage, as well as the group rate, Long-Term Care refers to Lansing, MI 48915 on leaving or retiring from the 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. services and assistance you could State of Michigan. 4:00 p.m. need due to illness, an accident, or as a result of the aging process, ENROLLMENT WINDOW: JUNE 8-LANSING which have made you unable to The Enrollment Period started 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. take care of yourself. May 3, 2004, and ends June 30, 2004. During this period only, JUNE 9-LANSING WHY DO I NEED LONG-TERM active employees will not be 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. CARE INSURANCE? 1:00 p.m. required to submit proof of good Currently, the cost for nursing health to qualify for coverage. JUNE 10-LANSING home care averages $58,000 per Visit MetLife’s web site, http:/ 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. year. The cost for having some- 1:00 p.m. /stateofmichigan.metlife.com one come to your home to bathe, to obtain plan information and JUNE 14-DETROIT feed and dress you can run over rates. Cadillac Place $23,000 per year. Room L150 INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS ON 3044 W. Grand Boulevard HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LONG-TERM LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE Detroit, MI 48202 CARE INSURANCE PLAN: 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. Your premium is based on MAY 27- JACKSON Jackson State Office Building First floor JUNE 15-DETROIT your age at your coverage 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. effective date and will not increase 301 E. Louis Glick Jackson, MI 49201 1:00 p.m. just because you get older. 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. JUNE 16-TRAVERSE CITY Affordable group premium Traverse Area District Library rates with convenient payroll MAY 27-FLINT Flint State Office Building 610 Woodmere Avenue deduction Sixth Floor Training Room Traverse City, MI 49686 You select your level of cover- 125 E. Union Street 1:00 p.m. age - there are three benefit levels. Flint, MI 48503 Enables you to choose 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT TOM TYLUTKI, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED JUNE 4, 2004 On June 2, 2004, MCO received a fax from the Labor Relations Bureau informing the union that security levels for St. Louis, Bellamy Creek and Riverside would be lowered, resulting in the elimination of high-security retention pay for these officers. In an emergency high-level meeting on June 3, 2004, with DOC Director Caruso, MCO strenuously opposed these changes and the manner in which the union was notified. As a result, the DOC agreed to stop the planned changes giving MCO time to argue the issue. Security levels are a state function and MCO does not have any bargaining rights regarding them, however we can participate in the discussions and voice our concerns. MCO also used this opportunity to re-visit the issue of Gun Tower staffing. We believe that cuts would be dangerous and will continue our public awareness campaign, including informational pickets at various facilities around the state.

EFFICIENCY ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS MADE The Efficiency Advisory Committee Director of the Department of Correc- State Treasurer. Henderson also served is established through our contract to tions, and one representative appointed 2 terms as Chief Steward at Egler. Bill facilitate the exchange of information and by the Director of the Office of the is working hard to expand the MCO views between MCO, the MDOC and the State Employer. member rewards program and to build unity within MCO. OSE on certain issues, including current MCO has appointed Labor and proposed staffing levels, mix of Relations Representative Randy Eicher Our representatives to this various custody and security classifica- and MCO State Treasurer, Bill Committee cannot do their job tions and levels, and the distribution of Henderson, to serve on the Efficiency effectively without help from the tasks and responsibilities among positions Committee. membership. Please send your sugges- and/or groups of positions. It’s purpose tions to either Randy Eicher at: Randy Eicher worked as a CO in is to identify situations in which staff [email protected] or Bill Henderson Jackson’s Central Complex from 1979- functions and levels might be redeployed at: [email protected] to maximize the safe and efficient 1993, joining the staff at MCO Central delivery of state services within the as a Labor Rep in 1994. From 1987- Backed by your input they can Department of Corrections. Under the 1993, he held the position of MCO raise specific issues from around the concessions agreement, the committee’s Chief Steward and/or Chapter state and work to make some changes. scope has been expanded to include President. In 1993 Mr. Eicher Without this input, the improvements review of all types of potential graduated Cum Laude from Cooley Law may not be in our best interest. Departmental cost savings. The role of School and was admitted to the Michigan State Bar. Randy currently the committee was expanded because MICHIGAN CORRECTIONS ORGANIZATION MCO insisted there are other areas the represents the Jackson, Adrian and SEIU LOCAL 526M Dept. could save costs and the Coldwater facilities, and handles ULP’s 421 W. KALAMAZOO committee gave an avenue for input. and Drug Testing. LANSING, MI 48933 (517) 485-3310 Bill Henderson is a RUO at The Committee is comprised of two 1 (800) 451-4878 Saginaw where he has served 3 terms representatives appointed by MCO, two WWW.MCO-SEIU.ORG representatives appointed by the as Chapter President and is our new FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT TOM TYLUTKI, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED JUNE 10, 2004 HOUSE SIGNS OFF ON CORRECTIONS BUDGET FOR FY2004-5 In a marathon session on education. The House approved recommendation, lowering it Wednesday, June 9, the House cuts totaling $9.27 million from from $5.9 million to $2.3 million. approved several spending plans prisoner education last month. The House’s approved for the upcoming Fiscal Year According to House Corrections Budget increased 2004-5. Included were the Speaker Rick Johnson, R-LeRoy, funding for Hepatitis C testing budgets for School Aid, some versions of the prior and treatment, allowing Community Colleges, Education approved cuts will be in the final $1,150,000. This is half of what Department and the Corrections drafts of the department the Governor proposed, but Department budgets, which will be returned significantly more than the All of the budgets approved to the lawmakers for a final vote Senate proposal of $100. It will by the House must return to the before their summer recess. now be up to the Senate to Senate. The Senate will then vote As you may recall, when the accept or reject the changes made on the changes made by the House. Senate approved the Corrections by the House, if accepted, it will While the House last month Budget and moved it on to the go to the Governor. approved $266.6 million in cuts House, they cut the funds for For complete details on the from next years budget, some of Hepatitis C testing and treatment current proposal, simply visit: these cuts were not included from $5.9 million to $100. in the specific department After the results of the www.michiganlegislature.gov spending plans approved survey on the level of Hepatitis yesterday. For example, the $1.8 infection within Michigan’s and then enter “1064” in the billion Corrections Dept. budget prisons (lower then expected) Legislative Bill Search Box. included $29.2 million for prisoner the Governor revised her

FFICERS SSAULTED AT ACOMB Check out great deals on O A M Cedar Point Tickets and Two Correctional Officers One CO underwent surgery Summer Activities! from the Macomb Correctional on June 10th for a broken cheek/ Click on the “Event Tickets” Facility sustained injures from an orbital bone. button on MCO’s website at assault by a prisoner on June 9th. MCO is making inquiries as www.mco-seiu.org The inmate, who was being to why this prisoner was recently reviewed for a major misconduct, released from segregation. He is attacked the officers using a crutch a Level 5 prisoner with 194 MICHIGAN CORRECTIONS ORGANIZATION SEIU LOCAL 526M he walks with to strike one officer tickets including assault on staff. 421 W. KALAMAZOO in the head multiple times. Another It is our opinion that these inju- LANSING, MI 48933 Officer also sustained injuries to her ries would have been averted had (517) 485-3310 1 (800) 451-4878 back and/or her knee while trying he remained in segregation or WWW.MCO-SEIU.ORG to restrain the prisoner. moved to a higher level. FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT TOM TYLUTKI, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED JUNE 24, 2004 ASSAULT AT OAKS HIGHLIGHTS STAFFING OFFICER SAVES ISSUES AS LEVEL CHANGE OCCURS LIFE OF INMATE The Oaks facility, which has with their injuries at this time. On June 15, 2004, a CO at recently been taken down from a Muskegon observed an inmate Level V to a Level IV, suffered its MCO is in an ongoing who appeared to be choking. first assault since the conversion. discussion with the DOC Acting quickly, the officer regarding the staffing issues, performed the Heimlich On June 16, 2004, while Unit including the Level change at the maneuver 7 or 8 times before 7 was in transit to chow, a Oaks. finally dislodging what turned prisoner struck a CO in the head out to be a piece of hard candy. causing extensive damage to his This incident will no doubt ear drum. Another CO who play a roll in these discussions, DCH NOTES... intervened and took the prisoner reinforcing our position. In a turn of events last to the ground sustained injuries to week, MCO cancelled a meeting It is unfortunate that it takes his elbow and both officers were scheduled with the Director of events like this to demonstrate transported by ambulance to the the DCH after learning that they the issues we’ve been fighting for hospital. They remain off work intended to exclude Chapter Presidents from attending the meeting. MUSIC DISCOUNT CLUB AND MORE! Also of issue is that the DCH has failed to provide, after Many major artists - from discounts at places like Goodyear numerous requests, the position Aerosmith to Yo-Yo Ma are union Gemini Auto Service Centers, numbers in regard to the closure/ members. Now, as fellow union Cingular Wireless, and Powell’s reorganization. We will continue members, you can buy their music Bookstore online. to press the DCH for the needed at special prices! Check them out and take figures. Get your CDs for only $9.99 advantage of special savings for each with no shipping fees. Buy union members, while supporting MCO has already received two CDs and get the third one at union businesses. numbers from the MDOC, and no cost. For a complete listing, visit is presently negotiating them.

Check the program out at: www.unionplus.org, or follow the MICHIGAN CORRECTIONS ORGANIZATION www.unionplus.org/music-cd- link through our website at SEIU LOCAL 526M club.cfm www.mco-seiu.org. Simply click 421 W. KALAMAZOO LANSING, MI 48933 Starts July 1st! on the “Benefits” button, scroll (517) 485-3310 to the bottom, and follow the link 1 (800) 451-4878 Also, UnionPlus offers great to Union Plus. WWW.MCO-SEIU.ORG

FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT TOM TYLUTKI, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED JULY 1, 2004 MCO PREVAILS IN THREAT BY OTHER UNIONS

THE DEADLINE FOR OTHER UNIONS ATTEMPTING TO RAID THE MCO BARGAINING UNIT PASSED YESTERDAY, WITHOUT INCIDENT. THERE WERE NO CARDS SUBMITTED TO THE CIVIL SERVICE DURING THE REQUIRED WINDOW PERIOD.

WHILE AN OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF MEMBERS HAVE SHOWN SUPPORT FOR THEIR CURRENT REPRESENTATION, WE RECOGNIZE THAT MCO MUST CONTINUE BUILDING STRENGTH AND UNITY WITHIN THE MEMBERSHIP.

IT IS OUR PROMISE TO CONTINUE THE IMPROVEMENTS AND CHANGES YOU HAVE SEEN OVER THE LAST TWO MONTHS. THE EXECUTIVE BOARD IS EAGER TO EXPAND SUPPORT AND RESPECT FOR THIS UNION. MICHIGAN CORRECTIONS ORGANIZATION SEIU LOCAL 526M 421 W. KALAMAZOO BY WORKING TOGETHER, WE CAN ACHIEVE LANSING, MI 48933 (517) 485-3310 THIS GOAL! 1 (800) 451-4878 WWW.MCO-SEIU.ORG

FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT TOM TYLUTKI, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED JULY 9, 2004 CRITICAL INCIDENT AT CARSON CITY HIGHLIGHTS GUN TOWER ISSUE A warning shot fired at kicking the restrained individual NFORMATIONAL Carson City succeeded in in the head. Additional officers I re-gaining control in the appeared on the scene but it took PICKETS ON “Big Yard” when a fight broke out a shot fired from the Tower to between four inmates. gain control of all four of the GUN TOWERS A conflict between cellmates offenders. spread over several days culminated In instances like this, it is in a disagreement in the yard on clear to us the need for an officer SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY, June 13, 2004. Yard officers in the Gun Tower. Now we need AUGUST 4, 2004, AT A LGER MAX intervened, called a “Code Blue,” your help in convincing the AND MARQUETTE, AND FOR and restrained one prisoner when public. MONDAY, AUGUST 9, 2004, AT the other three inmates began I-MAX.

LEVEL CHANGES LEAD TO CRITICAL TIMES YET TO BE DETERMINED. On June 16, 2004, 22 Level VI removed clips from their waist OTHERS WILL BE SCHEDULED. inmates from I-Max were being chains. transported together to Alger Max These 22 inmates had 6, 279 as Level VI had been eliminated combined Major Misconducts and they were now Level V’s. and 16 Felony Convictions for In the middle of the Mackinac Assault on Staff. They never Bridge, CO’s noticed that one should have been transported prisoner had freed his left hand, together, and this event demon- had slipped out of his chains and strates the effect the Level was holding his black box in his Changes can have. CORRECTION right hand. The bus pulled over in Thankfully our officers In the June 24 KYI it was reported that St. Ignace and requested back-up handled the situation and came an officer at Macomb saved the life of by the State Police, Sheriff and City out without injury. a prisoner who was choking. The Police. Another inmate destroyed Tom and Mel will be attend- location of the incident was Huron a seat, removing metal, and other ing the Critique on July 15th. Valley Center. prisoners were found to have MICHIGAN CORRECTIONS ORGANIZATION SEIU LOCAL 526M TWO OFFICERS EXPOSED 421 W. KALAMAZOO Two officers were exposed The inmates used a lock tied LANSING, MI 48933 to blood after inmates broke out up in a sock during the assault. (517) 485-3310 into a fight in the gym at Carson One officer remains off work, the 1 (800) 451-4878 WWW.MCO-SEIU.ORG City on June 26th. other returned after four days. FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT TOM TYLUTKI, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED JULY 22, 2004

ASSAULT AT MTU LEAVES 9 STAFF INJURED On Sunday, July 19, 2004, ing machine (unsuccessfully). GRANHOLM’S NEW ZERO what started out as one prisoner A squad from Bellamy Creek TOLERANCE POLICY caught with contraband, ended up was brought over to assist in as a group assault on officers and escorting inmates to segregation Governor Granholm an- damage to the day room. and dispersion of inmates from nounced last week a new “Zero A prisoner at MTU was the day room. Nine staff Tolerance Policy for Parolees and found to have dangerous contra- members needed medical Probationers involved with band and when CO’s approached attention at the hospital. Guns.” him to put him in restraints for The injuries are not life What this means is that the trip to segregation the prisoner threatening, however a Lieuten- effective immediately, there will be failed to cooperate. Officers tried ant obtained a broken nose a new “gun continuance” policy to move the prisoner away from a requiring a specialist and plastic that applies to the 17,000 staircase and the day room as it surgery, and a CO sustained a prisoners on parole in the state was filled with approximately 75 cranial fracture and is still under- of Michigan. If the parolee is inmates at the time. The prisoner going tests. found in possession of a gun or instead began to punch first one, Five prisoners received found associating with an and then another CO in the face misconducts and another five are individual who possess a gun and neck area. suspects in the assault. (even legally), the individual will Three prisoners at first, and Tom Tylutki toured MTU on be returned to prison to continue then up to 20, joined in and July 20th, and spoke with four of their sentence for five years, or began punching the CO’s while the injured officers, who were still for the remainder of their they were restraining the original off of work. They commended maximum sentence, whichever is prisoner. the Supervisors for literally taking less. They will also be referred to The inmates in the day room hits on their behalf. It was the county prosecutor or U.S. damaged the door trying to break professionalism and level heads Attorney for prosecution. out to participate, and also used that stopped this incident from For the 57,000 felons on the time to break into the vend- escalating further. probation, this means that their probation agents will recommend C.T.O CLASS AND TRANSPORTATION ISSUE MEETING the maximum penalty allowed by A meeting will be held at the We need to have all Regional law to the courts. MCO Office in Lansing at 10 a.m. Transportation Cadres and all In order accommodate this on August 11, 2004, to discuss Facilities with Hubs to appoint a policy and the increased supervi- issues specific to the C.T.O. class, representative to attend this sion it will require, the DOC history on how the class was meeting. has filled 33 positions and is obtained, and a review of all of Representatives need to establishing 41 new parole/ the recent changes in transporta- contact Cindy Sanderson to probation agent positions tion. obtain Admin Leave ASAP. statewide. FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT TOM TYLUTKI, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED JULY 30, 2004

STATE’S CONTRIBUTION TO MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM TO INCLUDE AUTO’S, RETIREMENT CHANGES GOLF, CEDAR POINT, AND MORE! Recently, some members If you haven’t checked out rentals at 62 courses statewide have contacted MCO Central MCO’s website recently, maybe F Cedar Point Tickets for regarding the apparent drop in the it’s time you did! And, if you members at the low price of only expressed dollar value of the don’t have Internet access, just $34.50 (that’s a savings of nearly state’s contribution to the give us a call and we’ll fill you in! $10 each!) retirement accounts of Defined Bill Henderson, Treasurer, F Geauga Lake tickets are also Benefit enrollees. has been working very hard to $10 less for MCO Members, First and foremost, be expand the benefits available to F and it’s a $5 discount for assured that this reduction does MCO members. Some of his Soak City. NOT mean a reduction in your achievements include: “Bill has really jumped in and pension benefits. F Auto discount program - in is working hard to implement the The reduction was done as most cases 1% less than invoice, Member Rewards program,” part of a recommendation by the plus any rebates at select Ford, states Tom Tylutki, MCO Presi- state’s actuary, Segal Co., who Chevy and Dodge dealerships dent. “He gets very excited about conducted a 5-year study of the around the state (with more saving money, and being able to account. The recommendation is added daily) offer these exclusive deals for our that the employer contribution F Golf Pass Program - offer- members is very rewarding.” rate for FY 2004 be reduced by ing 50% off green fees and cart So, check out the website for .98% per pay period for the fiscal all the details and start taking year. In order to achieve this by REMINDER! advantage of these great deals October, the rate has been Informational Pickets on right away! If you have any reduced by 3.63% in the final Gun Towers will be held the questions, please feel free to quarter. following days, 11a.m.-4 p.m. contact MCO Central and we’ll be WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4TH happy to help you out. CENTER CLOSURES Baraga Max And, make a point of check- MCO recently received notice Alger Max ing out the website at least once that the Kalamazoo Center, the Marquette Branch each week as it changes that fast! Woodward Center and Gilman MONDAY, AUGUST 9TH TRV would all be closed by I-Max MICHIGAN CORRECTIONS ORGANIZATION September 25, 2004. These TUESDAY, AUGUST 31ST SEIU LOCAL 526M closures will affect nearly 45 Jackson 421 W. KALAMAZOO officers. A meeting is scheduled Full Page Ads have been LANSING, MI 48933 for next week to discuss seniority (517) 485-3310 placed in the papers in those 1 (800) 451-4878 and vacancies available for those areas to coincide. WWW.MCO-SEIU.ORG involved. FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT TOM TYLUTKI, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED AUGUST 12, 2004

OFFICER STABBED AT AMNESTY PERIOD FOR OPEN ENROLLMENT ALGER MAX Dept. of Civil Service, Employee Benefits Division On Monday, August 9, an This year’s Open Enrollment Service or by contacting the MI officer at Alger Max was attacked Period will also include the oppor- HR Service Center. and stabbed three times by an tunity to remove ex-spouses and If ineligible dependents are inmate. ineligible dependents from your not removed during this amnesty The incident occurred when insurance coverage during a period, appropriate corrective the officer was feeding the special “amnesty period” which action will be taken. In addition, prisoner and opened the slot to will run from August 16 through beginning October 1, 2004, the hand him a tray. The officer August 31, 2004. State will begin a statewide audit sustained two puncture wounds to Dependent Eligibility Guide- of dependent coverage. Letters the abdomen, and one scrape to lines are provided on page 4 of will be sent to employees request- the forearm. He underwent your Open Enrollment Docu- ing documentation verifying immediate surgery at Marquette ments. Questions concerning eligibility for dependent cover- General. eligibility of any of your depen- ages. As of Tuesday, he was recov- dents should be directed to the For more information about ering well and had been released MI HR Service Center at (877) this amnesty period and depen- from the hospital. 766-6447. dent eligibility, visit the Employee Preliminary indications are Ineligible dependents should Benefits web site at: that the weapons may have been be removed through MI HR Self- www.michigan.gov/mdcs. made from the seg yard fencing. WORKERS’ INCOME MTU BRAWLS A GAIN Just weeks after a brawl of FELL... UPCOMING PICKETS 20+ inmates that resulted in 9 staff For the first time in modern injured, another incident occurred history, American’s overall income Tuesday, August 31 at MTU on August 6. fell for two consecutive years, Jackson This incident again involved according to an analysis of nearly 20 individuals, jumping on Internal Revenue Service statis- All pickets are 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. 4 inmates. Several officers were tics by the “New York Times.” injured, with one needing medical When the figures are attention at the hospital. adjusted for population growth The state’s current method of and inflation, the average MICHIGAN CORRECTIONS ORGANIZATION SEIU LOCAL 526M reducing a prisoner classification individual income fell 9.2 % 421 W. KALAMAZOO from a Level V to a Level II in between 2000 and 2002. LANSING, MI 48933 such a short time period, which In comparison, the median (517) 485-3310 may have played a role in this inci- compensation for a CEO in the 1 (800) 451-4878 WWW.MCO-SEIU.ORG dent, is an issue MCO is pushing. US increased by 15% last year! FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT TOM TYLUTKI, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED AUGUST 19, 2004

CONTRACT TALKS BEGIN WITH STATE

MCO and the Office of the MCO president, Tom Tylutki, he agreement is reached, the State Employer sat down on said officers are doing more with contract will be sent to all Tuesday to start the process of less. Grieshaber went on to say, members for a ratification vote. bargaining a new contract. it’s becoming more dangerous in It would then go to the civil State Vice President, Mel the institutions, staffing levels are service commission for approval. Grieshaber leads the MCO down, morale is suffering and If the bargaining team does not bargaining team this year. In his that officers deserve better. reach an agreement with the opening remarks, Grieshaber The MCO bargaining team State, it would go before the stated “MCO members have done is composed of the Executive Impasse Panel. After hearings, more than their share” in helping Board and staff. OSE staff lead the panel would then impose a the state address its budget short- the states team of departmental decision with approval by the civil falls. He expressed frustration with staff. Bargaining is tentatively service required. No vote of the concessions and said correctional scheduled to occur two days a membership would be allowed if and forensic officers have week and will probably take we go to impasse. contributed enough. Quoting several weeks to finish. If ATTACK AT MOUND ANNUAL SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT IN DANGER! Another in a series of incidents around the state Due to reorganization, the tournament in or around Lansing occurred at Mound in June. A Annual Corrections Officer softball to make it a little more central. Level IV inmate, who had been tournament will not be taking place Also a new organizer is being released from segregation 30 this year. The last few sought to arrange minutes earlier, approached the years the turnout has teams and take care Officers’ desk, when being been low. Some of this of details. Anyone released for chow, and began can be attributed to interested in taking punching the officer in the face the timing of the over the tourney with and head. The officer sustained tournament which has a new approach and extensive bruising and required traditionally been held fresh ideas to bring the stitches. It was later determined the third week of tournament back to its that the prisoner had also August, and conflicts with state past glory of twenty plus teams incurred a Major Misconduct qualifier softball tournaments and would be greatly appreciated. earlier in the day while still in family vacations. Another factor Questions and concerns can be segregation.... may be location. sent to: These events are increasing... We are trying to relocate the [email protected]. BE ALERT! FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT TOM TYLUTKI, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED SEPTEMBER 2, 2004 MUSKEGON PRISONERS’ ESCAPE PLAN FAILS On August 3, 2004, officers The two individuals involved “last line of defense” was certain discovered an attempt by were written up and convicted of to be the towers. two prisoners at Muskegon Major Misconducts for Posses- This event will play a Correctional Facility to escape. sion of Dangerous Contraband prominent role in the media In their rooms officers found and Attempted Escape. communications with the supplies to construct a ladder, Fortunately, the plot was upcoming picket scheduled for materials to protect them when discovered before they could the Muskegon Correctional going over the razor wire, and the execute their plan. Facility on September 27, 2004! screws had been removed from If they had made an their window frame for mainte- attempt, however, it is almost STANDISH MAX CRITICAL nance the day before. certain that the Gun Towers While in the Bay Med on The prisoners had just been would have played an important August 1, 2004, a prisoner bunked together that day, at the role in preventing their escape. became combative, verbally request of one of the inmates, and They had the necessary supplies abusive, tried to remove his officers found similar materials in to make it over the fence restraints, tear out his IV’s and the vacated room as well. without serious injury...thus the attempted to obtain one officers BARGAINING CONTINUES weapon. MCO continues to meet The prisoner was given with the OSE for Contract GUN TOWER INFORMATIONAL warnings to cease or chemical talks...however at this point they PICKET agents would be used. The are still discussing the language of prisoner refused and was gassed. the contract. MUSKEGON CORRECTIONAL CRITICAL AT MARQUETTE Issues such as health care FACILITY On August 25, 2004, a fight benefits, pay raises, etc. will not be SEPTEMBER 27, 2004 broke out between two inmates. addressed until near the end of the 11 A.M. TO 4 P.M. process, which could be several In the scuffle, the officer who responded to break it up ended more weeks. IF WE WANT TO KEEP OUR up at the hospital with a broken MCO has requested an TOWERS, AND WE WANT THE wrist. economic forecast presentation, MEDIA AND PUBLIC ON OUR which the Dept. of Management SIDE ... MICHIGAN CORRECTIONS ORGANIZATION and Budget will present next week. SEIU LOCAL 526M To avoid an Unfair Labor YOU HAVE TO COME OUT AND 421 W. KALAMAZOO LANSING, MI 48933 Practice, each side must limit LET THEM KNOW HOW YOU (517) 485-3310 publicizing exact details; except for FEEL! 1 (800) 451-4878 expressing the discussions in WWW.MCO-SEIU.ORG “broad terms.” FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT TOM TYLUTKI, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED SEPTEMBER 10, 2004 OFFICER STABBED AT THE OAKS As many of you may have Alger Max but due to level help from responding officers the heard in the news or on the radio classification changes was moved inmate was restrained. this week, an officer was stabbed to the Oaks. He has now been MCO issued a press release in the eye at the Oaks on Monday. sent to I-Max. (available on our website) on The incident occurred in the This is the second time in these incidents to build awareness yard shack, where the prisoner two weeks officers at the Oaks of the increased number of stabbed the officer in the eye with have faced an inmate with a critical incidents around the state. an ink pen. Medical evaluation later weapon. In light of the budget cuts to revealed that the pen also In the other instance an Gun Tower posts, safety is now penetrated his brain. inmate was spotted trying to an ever-greater concern. We are The officer underwent imme- remove something from the Unit doing more with less...less staff, diate surgery and is recovering. At Laundry Cart. When asked to less protection from the towers, this time it is uncertain if he will drop it he revealed a shank and etc. retain use of his eye, or the extent ran through the day room and ECONOMIC FORECAST of any injury to the brain. out onto the Basketball Court. The prisoner, serving time for There, he turned and advanced NOT PROMISING Murder in the 2nd degree, Crimi- on the pursuing officer. A brief MCO played host on nal Sexual Conduct, and Armed fistfight with the still-armed Tuesday, September 7th, to an Robbery, had previously been at prisoner then broke out, but with Economic Forecast presentation by the Dept. of Management and BUDGET A PPROVED...CUTS TO TOWERS IMMINENT Budget. Nearly 90 representatives The Michigan Legislature regard to staffing shortages, and from state employee unions voted to approve a budget on now we will be “doing more with gathered to hear the presentation Thursday that includes a cut of less Gun Towers.” by Dave Fink, Director, Office of $18 Million to the DOC. The Let’s work together to keep the State Employer, Nancy DOC indicated to a Legislative this issue alive and each other Duncan, Deputy State Budget Budget Conference Committee on safe. MCO has been in regular Director, and Jeff Guilfoyle, Tuesday that it intended to save contact with the media and did Manager, Forecasting, Michigan $12 Million by closing all gun receive significant coverage of Department of Treasury. The towers on 3rd shift across the state. our recent pickets and concerns presentation was requested by MCO continues to fight about this budget cut through- MCO as part of the bargaining this issue and raise the public’s out the last week. process. awareness of the dangerous Watch for more public It was no surprise that the environment in which we work. awareness campaigns by MCO forecast for FY 2005-06 shows We have been saying that we in the near future! little improvement. are “doing more with less,” in FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT TOM TYLUTKI, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED SEPTEMBER 17, 2004

OFFICER A TTACKED OFFICER REVIVES INMATE WESTERN WAYNE UPDATE DURING SEARCH Also on August 29th, but on Western Wayne’s closure has During visitation at Florence the other end of the state in been delayed due to the Crane on August 29th, officers Marquette, an officer saved the conversion of Huron Valley noticed that a visitor had taken her life of an inmate. Center. The remodeling hair out of a bun, replaced it, and While conducting rounds the necessary to convert the DCH then moved over to have her officer discovered the prisoner on facility into a womens DOC photo taken with the prisoner. the floor having an epileptic facility is taking longer than The prisoner was then observed seizure. The officer immediately expected and has thus delayed with his hand inside his pants. called for medical assistance but the transfer of prisoners. Officers, with “probable cause,” by the time the officer and RN At this time, the facility will took the prisoner for a search. got to the prisoner both his remain open until December. They found a packet containing an breathing and heart had stopped. The officer and RN unknown substance in his under- FSA’S TO DOC UPDATE wear. The prisoner then turned performed CPR and were able to The legislation, HB 6085, and attacked the officer to retrieve resuscitate him successfully for that will allow FSA’s to convert the contraband. He was able to transportation to Marquette to DOC employees was approved flush it during the scuffle, which General. The prisoner is by a Government Operations resulted in abrasions and cuts to expected to make a full recovery. Committee on Wednesday. the officer’s jaw, back, chest, face, Prisoner or not, saving a life makes Both the DOC and MCO and shoulders. you a hero! testified before the committee recommending this legislation be CRISIS FUND POKER TOURNEY! approved. It is now waiting for NO LIMIT TEXAS HOLD’EM WHAT’S THE TAKE? further approval by the full House. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD, 2004 WESTSIDE LOUNGE IONIA, MI CORRECTION: The prisoner that attacked a CO at the 6 P.M. TWO (2) TICKETS Oaks last week had previously been at $40 BUY-IN ETROIT IONS D L Baraga, not Alger as reported. CASH BAR AND MENU AVAILABLE VS. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES MICHIGAN CORRECTIONS ORGANIZATION 100% OF ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT FORD FIELD SEIU LOCAL 526M 421 W. KALAMAZOO THE MCO CRISIS FUND SUNDAY, SEPT. 26TH, 2004 LANSING, MI 48933 (A $250 VALUE) (517) 485-3310 WINNER TAKES ALL! CONTACT CO RON TRACHET AT 1 (800) 451-4878 WORK: MTU (616) 527-3100 WWW.MCO-SEIU.ORG

FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT TOM TYLUTKI, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED OCTOBER 1, 2004

OAKS SCUFFLE An RUO at the Oaks was assaulted on September 10th, when a prisoner objected to a strip search. The inmate rushed the officer, taking him to the ground, and punching his face. The officer sustained abrasions and contusions to his back, both elbows, face, head, and leg.

MARQUETTE CRITICAL As you may have heard, MCO has put up over 20 billboards On September 16th, an around the state like the one you see above. officer at Marquette was sliced For a complete list of locations, visit the website at across the nose and face (just www.mco-seiu.org. missing the eye) while picking up food inserts from a prisoner. The assault happened through the bars with an unknown weapon, CLOSER TO HOME BARAGA BRAWL but nothing was found on the The Closer to Home Transfer During the lunch meal on prisoner during shake down. window is open from October September 12th, two prisoners at 1-31st. To apply during that time, Baraga broke into a fight. Two LEGISLATIVE UPDATE e-mail or write John Bowers at officers immediately intervened The Governor has signed the MCO Central with your request. to separate the inmates. It took DOC and DCH budgets. Please indicate name, address, two more officers to subdue and DOC—Fiscal Year 04/05 phone, current and desired facility. restrain the inmates. (starting Oct 1st): $1.71 Billion; In order to be eligible for a Two of the four officers 6% higher than current year. Closer to Home Transfer, the were sent to Baraga Memorial DCH—FY 04/05: $2.56 following must apply: Hospital for possible exposure Billion; 2% less in general funds ✓ You cannot have any current and another officer was treated than current year. discipline. for a sore knee. A Razor blade ✓ You cannot be a probationary and handle were later found MICHIGAN CORRECTIONS ORGANIZATION employee. SEIU LOCAL 526M under the table where the fight ✓ Your desired facility must be 421 W. KALAMAZOO within a 40 mile radius of your home. took place. It is unknown who LANSING, MI 48933 ✓ And, you cannot have transferred had the weapon. Michigan State (517) 485-3310 voluntarily in the 12 months prior to Police investigated the crime 1 (800) 451-4878 WWW.MCO-SEIU.ORG your application date. scene. FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT TOM TYLUTKI, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED OCTOBER 5, 2004 BARGAINING UPDATE Contract negotiations continue with the State. Progress has been slow. MCO and the OSE have been methodically working our way through the contract. Although some of the less controversial articles have been concluded, the parties still have major differences on certain important items. MCO’s theme throughout has been the danger and stress of the job we do every day, and that corrections and forensic officers have already done their share. The state is citing overtime costs, and budget restraints. Unfortunately, in any bargaining process much of the discussion that takes place must “remain at the table.” However, in general, it’s no secret the State is aggressively trying to eliminate the prohibition of crossing worksite lines. MCO is aggressively fighting back. In the economic area, the state has basically offered no guaranteed wage increases and has proposed some increases in health care costs to the employee. MCO has proposed increases in compensation and keeping the status quo on health care with only a few minor enhancements. On October 1st, MCO and OSE filed for Impasse Assistance. Negotiations will continue over the next few weeks. If a voluntary agreement cannot be made, notice to the Impasse Panel of that situation will be given and hearings will be held. Officers Attacked at MTU MCO & OSE Meet to As some of you may have The ERT team then Discuss DCH Issues seen on WOOD TV8 out of appeared in full gear and secured MCO and the Office of the State Grand Rapids yesterday, three the situation. Employer met today to identify officers from MTU were attacked All three officers required and address issues related to the with “lock in a socks” on Sunday medical attention with one receiv- events of the HVC move. evening. ing nearly 60 stitches and staples It was determined that The CO had written a ticket to his head. Bargaining Unit Seniority will be for a 24 hr. top lock on a prisoner. WOOD TV8 came to utilized in all FSA placement. Later, when the officer responded Lansing and interviewed Tom Final details of the process to commotion in the area he was and later interviewed one of the will soon be concluded. An MCO attacked and pinned to the floor. COs involved. To view the news informational meeting will be held Another prisoner then joined in coverage, simply visit: when a facility is secured. and beat the CO with his fists and http://www.woodtv.com/ a “lock in a sock.” Two officers Then, if you scroll down to MICHIGAN CORRECTIONS ORGANIZATION responded and were subsequently “Today’s Top News Videos” you SEIU LOCAL 526M attacked as well. The prisoners can watch the 6 pm newscast of 421 W. KALAMAZOO then ran down to the day room the incident. LANSING, MI 48933 to try to roust up other inmates Thankfully no one was (517) 485-3310 1 (800) 451-4878 however officers were able to permanently injured and our WWW.MCO-SEIU.ORG secure the room. plight was brought to the public. FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT TOM TYLUTKI, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED OCTOBER 20, 2004 BARGAINING UPDATE MCO and the OSE have not bargained since last week. Although many non-controversial articles have been settled, there is major disagreement on several others. MCO is fighting the OSE’s proposal to allow the Department to assign officers across worksite lines. Another controversial OSE proposal would not count sick leave as a workday. Under the proposal, if an employee uses sick time, any overtime worked within the pay period would not be paid at the overtime rate until the employee worked enough hours to cover the sick time use. After meeting that threshold, the employee would be paid at the usual overtime rate. The state has offered a minimal wage proposal and health care continues to be an area of conten- tion. MCO is arguing that correctional and forensic officers have already taken enough “hits” over the last 12 years and have contributed enough. The MCO bargaining team is also emphasizing danger and stress of the job. The state impasse panel has extended the deadline to Monday, October 25, for the first set of documents, which would include articles of disagreement. Additional documentation is due the following week. After that, an actual impasse panel hearing date would be set. It is possible bargaining could continue during this time frame, but not necessarily guaranteed. At the time of print, no other unions have come to a voluntary agreement with the state. Most unions are scheduled to continue negotiations this week. MCO is tentatively scheduled to return to the table on Friday, October 22nd. Attempted Escape at Officer named to CO Closer To Home Chippewa Training Council Reminder Formal count at 2100 hours Andy Potter, a CO at the The Closer to Home on October 5th, revealed a Handlon Training Unit and Transfer window is open from prisoner missing. Exterior rounds currently a MCO Executive October 1-31st. located the prisoner attempting to Board Member-At-Large, has To apply during that time, hide in the trees near the fence in been appointed to represent state e-mail or write John Bowers at a restricted area. The prisoner had corrections officers on the MCO Central with your request. numerous layers of clothing, Correctional Officers’ Training Please indicate name, address, supplies, phone numbers, and Council. phone, current and desired other items that would have Potter will serve a term facility. assisted him if he had been expiring March 30, 2007. He MICHIGAN CORRECTIONS ORGANIZATION successful. succeeds Dennis L. Sommers, SEIU LOCAL 526M Earlier that day the fence had whose term recently expired. 421 W. KALAMAZOO been alarming regularly due to high Thanks to Denny Sommers LANSING, MI 48933 winds. A second perimeter vehicle for his service and congratula- (517) 485-3310 1 (800) 451-4878 had been added several hours tions to Andy Potter! WWW.MCO-SEIU.ORG before the incident. FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT TOM TYLUTKI, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio CONTRACT AGREEMENT REACHED!

KEEPING YOU INFORMED OCTOBER 29, 2004 A tentative agreement was reached between MCO and the State at 5:40 a.m. Friday, October 29th. Complete terms of the agreement will be mailed out with the ratification ballot to all members in the near future. Basic elements of the package are being communicated to MCO chapter leaders at this time. Bargaining took several months and the bargaining team fought hard to retain benefits and to secure wage increases during hard economic times. Highlights of the agreement follow:

Base wage increases totally 10% over the term of the contract. (Actually compounds to 10.4%) October 2005 - 1% April 2006 - 1% April 2007 - 2% April 2008 - 2% October 2006 - 2% October 2007 - 2% BLT Banked Leave Time program starting in January to October, 2005 at four hours per pay period. Current BLT expires on November 6th, so member will experience increase in pay check for a few months before returning to BLT in January. Guarantees...... that no permanent or temporary layoffs will occur during term of BLT ...no reduction in hours (meal period issue) during the term of the whole agreement ...will not be a 3rd year of BLT during the life of the contract. Also...... the right for member to take an annual day off, even if the vacation book is full, during the pay period in which the employee’s birthday is used, during calendar year 2005. ...in the year 2006, 22 hours will be added to the formula to help increase vacation slots. Increase in uniform allowance Insurance: Premium split remains at 95/5% Current deductibles will be maintained. Current dental and vision maintained. Certain improvements include increases in allowable amount for preventative services. Some medical enhancements obtained. Prescription Plan Prescription plan does change to the 3 tier system where it is possible some members would be required to pay $30 for certain prescriptions. However, in most cases, another brand name drug, or generic drug is available. In those cases the current $15 for name brand and $7 for generic charge will be maintained. LTD LTD changes include a limitation to 2 years for any mental-nervous disability and age limit will be reduced from 70 to 65 years of age.

CLARIFICATION On October 1, 2005, the entry-level pay step for new hires will be lowered somewhat. No current employees will be affected by this provision. This was one way to find money to increase wages in the higher pay steps. It was recognized that we do not represent people who have not yet been hired (they can choose whether to accept the job or not) and the Union thought it best to get higher percentage increases for current employees because every employee (include the new hires) will end up with those increases in their base wage and enjoy it for the rest of their careers. All employee unions accepted this provision.

FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT TOM TYLUTKI, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio BOARD TOURS IN ADVANCE OF CENTRAL OCTOBER 18, 2004 MARQUETTE October 25, 2004 6-2 & 2-10 Adam Douglas/Ray Sholtz

NEWBERRY October 26, 20042-10 Jim Johnson/Bill Henderson 10-6 Adam Douglas/Ray Sholtz

CHIPPEWA October 24, 2004 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Scott Fischer/Andy Potter October 26, 2004 6-2 & 2-10 Adam Douglas/Mike Taylor

ALGER MAX October 25, 2004 6 p.m. - 2 a.m. Scott Fischer/Andy Potter October 26, 2004 6-2 Jim Johnson/Bill Henderson

KINROSS October 25, 2004 6-2 & 2-10 Ray Sholtz/Jim Johnson/ Bill Henderson

OJIBWAY October 24 & 25, 2004 varying times Tom Tylutki/John Ost

BARAGA October 26, 2004 varying times Tom Tylutki/John Ost

HIAWATHA October 26, 2004 8 - 11 a.m. & 8 p.m. - 2 a.m. Scott Fischer/Andy Potter

STRAITS October 26, 2004 12 noon - 6 p.m. Scott Fischer/Andy Potter

CAMP KOEHLER October 25, 2004 5 a.m. - 8 a.m. Scott Fischer/Andy Potter CAMP CUSINO October 25, 2004 12 noon - 3 p.m. Scott Fischer/Andy Potter FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT TOM TYLUTKI, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED NOVEMBER 4, 2004

MCO STOPS GUN TOWER CLOSURES...FOR NOW Wednesday, November 3, 2004, MCO went to court in attempt to gain a Temporary Restraining Order to stop closures of the gun towers. To avoid a TRO, the Attorney General’s office agreed to stop closures until a preliminary injunction hearing could be held. That hearing has been scheduled for Friday, November 19, 2004.

The fight continues....

Contract Updates and Executive Director MCO loses an officer mailings announces retirement and a friend The most up-to-date informa- MCO Executive Director, MCO mourns the loss of tion about the Contract can be Fred Parks, has announced his HVC-Nursing Chapter President, found on the website, which is retirement after serving MCO for Lana Stewart. Lana passed away updated almost daily. Accompa- 27 years. Fred was honored at unexpectedly on Saturday, nying this KYI is a separate flyer Central Committee last week for October 30th. She will be greatly to be posted with the most recent his dedication to MCO and its missed by all. details. members throughout the years. Want a Ballot? Update We have convened an your address! E-Council meeting for next Tuesday, November 9, where we In a related story... If you have moved and not will provide the Chapter Presidents There is an opening for the notified the Union of your new with more information to dissemi- position of Executive Director address you may have difficulties nate to members. at MCO! receiving the contract package We have begun the applica- and ballot. Please contact MCO A packet will be sent out to all tion process. If you are Central at (517) 485-3310 or (800) members detailing every aspect of interested in applying, the job 451-4878 to update your address the contract within the next few posting is listed on the MCO as soon as possible. The mailing weeks, depending on printer/ website. lists will be going to the mailers mailer Please e-mail your application next week! schedules. as soon as possible to: These pack- [email protected] MICHIGAN CORRECTIONS ORGANIZATION SEIU LOCAL 526M ets will also or 421 W. KALAMAZOO contain your fax to: (517) 485-3319 LANSING, MI 48933 ballots and Interviews with the Search (517) 485-3310 voting 1 (800) 451-4878 Committee will begin shortly. WWW.MCO-SEIU.ORG instructions. FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT TOM TYLUTKI, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED NOVEMBER 23, 2004 MCO Stops Gun Tower Closures Court Grants Preliminary Injunction On Friday, November 19, MCO won a preliminary injunction against the DOC. The injunction maintains the status quo for current Gun Tower staffing. If there are any closures of Gun Towers for any reason please call Tangee Laza at MCO Central immediately.

This injunction is in effect pending the outcome of a Civil Service Hearing which will occur later next month. The fight continues.... Contract Summary and WCF Transfer Forms in Have a Happy Ballot mail date... the Mail A contract summary and The letters and forms for Thanksgiving ballot package will be in the mail transfers from the WCF closure no later than Friday, November have been mailed. These forms 26th. Please watch your mail over need to be turned in to the Enjoy the family! the holiday weekend. If you do Personnel Office at WCF by not receive a package by Decem- 4:00 p.m. Monday, November Enjoy the food! ber 3rd., please contact Stephanie 29th. BY ALL MCO MEMBERS at MCO Central and she will send at the facility (even if you are a replacement. going to go to the new women’s Reminder: ballots must be facility). received by December 13, 2004. Similar letters will go out to the Please do not make any stray marks affected FSA’s at CFP and HVC on the ballot, and do not obscure as soon as the WCF forms have your name and address on the been processed. Business Reply Envelope. This UAWLocal 6000 address is what allows us to verify membership is valid. The exterior ratifies contract In a vote of 5,666 to 959, MICHIGAN CORRECTIONS ORGANIZATION envelope with the address is SEIU LOCAL 526M the UAW Local 6000 overwhelm- separated from the interior 421 W. KALAMAZOO “Ballot Enclosed” envelope before ingly ratified its contract last week. LANSING, MI 48933 (517) 485-3310 it is opened so confidentiality is They are the first of the five unions to do so. 1 (800) 451-4878 maintained. WWW.MCO-SEIU.ORG

FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT TOM TYLUTKI, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED DECEMBER 14, 2004 MCO Ratifies Contract!

With 40% of the Membership voting... the 2005-2007 Contract overwhelmingly passed with:

3134 Yes votes 471 No votes

...for an 87% passage rate!

All state employee union contracts will go before the Civil Service Wednesday, December 15, 2004, for final approval.

FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT TOM TYLUTKI, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio KYI KEEPING YOU INFORMED DECEMBER 17, 2004 MCO Ratifies Contract! With 40% of the Membership voting... the 2005-2007 Contract overwhelmingly passed with: 3134 Yes votes 471 No votes ...for an 87% passage rate!

The contract was officially approved by the Civil Service Wednesday, December 15, 2004.

MCO Board Votes to New Executive Director Exchange Transfer List Appeal... Named to Clear for New Year MCO recently lost the On Wednesday, December 15, It is almost the start of a New Gender based lawsuit in the U.S. 2004, the Executive Board, after Year, and thus it’s time to 6th Circuit Court. MCO was fight- conducting second interviews of do some housecleaning. The ing to keep male officers in the the finalists, announced that Mel Exchange Transfers list which female facilities, and had won at Grieshaber, MCO Vice President appears on the last page of the the U.S. District Court level. and Legislative Director will MCO Report is long, and often However, the state appealed the become the new Executive outdated because employees case to the 6th Circuit Court of Director of MCO. don’t alert us when they’ve made Appeals where that decision was Mr. Grieshaber served as a their move! overturned. Forensic Officer for 12 years at So, the list will effectively be This past week the Board the Forensic Center, and as Vice cleared for the January issue. If met to discuss the future of the President/Legislative Director for you would like your name to Gender lawsuit and decided to MCO in Lansing for the past 17 remain on the list, or are appeal, requesting the entire Court years. interested in adding your of the 6th Circuit to hear the case. The Executive Director name, please send an e-mail, or The fight continues... Search Committee reviewed over mail the following information 50 applications before selecting 6 ASAP to Sacha at Central ALL MCO MEMBERS ARE INVITED to interview. Three were then ([email protected]): TO A RETIREMENT RECEPTION FOR chosen for a second interview FRED PARKS before the full Executive Board. Name FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2005 Mel will assume his duties as Rank. (E-9, E-10, etc.) 4 P.M. - 7 P.M. Executive Director effective Current Facility AT THE MCO CENTRAL OFFICE IN LANSING January 1, 2005. Desired Facility MORE INFORMATION TO COME! Phone # of Current Facility

FROM THE OFFICE OF MCO PRESIDENT TOM TYLUTKI, SEIU LOCAL 526M, AFL-CIO sc:opeiu459aflcio