The Meeting Was Called to Order at 10:07 A.M. and Tina Swift Called the Roll

SEIU 888 Executive Board Meeting, March 24, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.

52 Roland Street, Charlestown, MA

The meeting was called to order at 10:07 a.m. and Tina Swift called the roll:

Present: Mark DelloRusso, Rosalie Gillis, Michael Krasinkiewski, William Murray, David Reno, Brenda Rodrigues, Lynda Scolamiero, Fred Simmons, Tina Swift, Mike Kelly (Trustee), Mary Beth Phillips (Trustee), President Bruce Boccardy, and Treasurer Tony Koumantzellis. Excused: Gerald Durkin, Michelle Durand.

Also Present: Patrick McCabe, Eldin Villafane, Antonio Nunes.

There were no minutes to approve.

Presentation on Women in Leadership Development (WILD) by Emily Hart. Ms. Hart left brochures and announced that the next conference would be from June 24th to June 26th at Bentley College.

President Boccardy testified before the Senate last week regarding GIC. He told them that most working people cannot pay increased health premiums. In fact some would be put close to the federal poverty level if their health premiums are increased with an acceptance of GIC. The City of Boston is proposing a decent health proposal. President Boccardy left at 10:29 a.m. for another meeting.

Eldin made a presentation saying he will be bringing a letter to the General Court (attached). There will be a rally in Boston on April 4, 2011 and flyers will be going out regarding that rally.

Ms. Swift observed that most members are working during the day and suggested that members try to meet with legislators in the evening. Mr. McCabe said he liked the idea of an area evening “house party” at night for meetings with legislators.

Evergreen: Pro union legislators are trying to attach the Evergreen amendment to the budget. Hopefully, this would be retroactive; otherwise the grievances will clog the Mass. Board of Labor. See: fact sheet attached.

Bernie Sanders, Vermont US Senator (a socialist) will be here April 8 (52 Roland Street).

April 30 meeting in Worcester in Worcester: A call to arms of our member leaders. Discussion of health care and other issues. Chuck Collins, Lesley Frane (SEIU) or Arlene Carlin (SEIU VP) will speak. There will be other speakers as well.

11:00 a.m. Eldin left.

The next SEIU 888 International convention will be in September 2012 in Denver, Colorado.

Dues Equity: Mark DelloRusso asked Patrick McCabe for a briefing on the Shared Services Organization (SSO) situation before the dues equity discussion.

Before the SSO -- Budget: $185,000 for dues collection

Salaries (2) $110,000 plus benefits $55,000; Software: $20,000

After SSO: $125,000/year. Can track at the member level. (Could not before.)

International will no longer underwrite the Shared Services Organization. The administration is considering three options (out of seven), including sending the work to Florida or Pennsylvania.

Dues Equity Discussion, led by Mark DelloRusso: The group asked for a summary of dues equity to go to the membership along with a vote.

Motion: (Moved and seconded) To accept * Create a fair dues structure for every member*Increase resources to support good contracts, job security, and health benefits now and into the future*Help hold politicians accountable by engaging more members in political action and building support for high q2ualityh public services* Increase strength in the workplace*Improve communications *Offer more resources to members as background for the ballot asking members to accept 1.6% as the dues standard.

Discussion: Extensive. The question was called by Tina Swift and she was told that does not work with Rosenberg’s Rules. Vote: None taken.

Discussion continued on the format and content of the ballot. Dues increases must be approved by a secret ballot vote. Lunch was at 12:15 p.m., followed by more dues equity discussion.

Do not use the previous bullets (above). The ballot will include:

WE NEED YOUR VOTE! (drafted by Regina Capone) Under the current dues structure, Local SEIU888 members pay different dues amounts.

Our goal is to make it fair and equitable for all.

The plan will phase in – over three years – a new structure so that all members pay 1.6% of their pay (capped at $16/week for base pay only). This change will take place as of September 1, 2011.

Do you agree? Yes or Noß with group modifications added.

See: Dues Equity Committee Meeting, February 10, 2011

Mr. Nunes said it’s the responsibility of his department to inform the members of the dues rates and implications of the percentage.

Ms. Rodrigues summarized saying that the EBoard agreed to educate the membership on the dues equity plan and she pointed out that the ballot is separate from the informational sheet.

The group applauded Mark DelloRusso and the Dues Equity Committee’s extensive work.

Motion: To appoint Tina Swift Recording Secretary. Motion by Mark DelloRusso and seconded. Discussion: $15,600 has been budgeted for EBoard meetings. Vote: All ayes with Ms. Swift abstaining.

Motion: To pay Recording Secretary $300/meeting. Vote: 11 Ayes, 1 Nay, 1 abstention (Ms. Swift)

Motion: To remove Marilyn Basset and Steve Tenaglia for missing three or more consecutive meetings of the Executive Board. Motion brought for President Boccardy by Patrick McCabe, and seconded.

Vote: Unanimous.

Next meetings: April 28, 10a.m to 2 p.m. and June 23, 2011 at 10 a.m. (all at 52 Roland St., Charlestown).

Agenda for 4/28/11 : Dues Equity Draft; New Business: Assoc. of Railroad Passengers, David Reno and Funeral Consumers Alliance; report on political class taught by Reno; update on EMLAC (Membership and Leadership Conf. in LA); update on Fight for a Fair Economy.

The meeting adjourned at 2:01 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tina Swift

Recording Secretary