Minutes and Financial Report

Minutes from the last general meeting were read and appear on the website for viewing, http://ysuapas.ohea.us. Mary Ellen Munroe reported that APAS has a fund balance of $37,208.20. HR has not put the new dues levels in the payroll program. There has been a slight increase in the dues, and the difference will show in the next paycheck.

Announcements

Sally introduced the officers and building reps. She announced that the union is looking for a member to take the vacancy in the Election Committee. Anyone who is interested in this position should contact Sally. Terry Fullum gave a brief report on the duties of the University Safety Committee, where she and Rick Mahan are the APAS reps.

The University is offering all eligible APAS members the opportunity to retire two years early. Sally said that at this time, PERS has not been notified of the impending ERIP. No forms have as yet been developed. Two points under discussion are the opportunity to reemploy and a mutually agreed upon 6 month notification of retirement.

Grievance Chair Report

Jody reported that APAS lost the arbitration for D. Adams. APAS filed two Unfair Labor Practices against the University: 1.) for the revised sick leave form in use during the OEA/ACE strike, and 2.)for an APAS position in Communications whose job duties were given to an OEA member. Both ULPs have been rescinded at this time. The CIS position has been reinstated, however, the member who was in that position must vie for the position through an open search.

MOU Changes

Sally announced that she signed two MOU changes to the contract: 1.) lifting the salary cap for Distinguished Service Award winners, and 2.) for those members whose vacation time is maxing out due to BANNER meetings. The time limit in which to use vacation days or lose them has been extended to 6 months beyond the normal time.

Strike Issues

A labor panel is being assembled by President Sweet to investigate the causes for the breakdown of communication during the negotiations by OEA and ACE. Sally was asked for comments and will be providing testimony to the panel. Members are encouraged to voice their opinions and give their comments. The panel hopes to conclude their research by December in time for the APAS negotiations.

There will be an ALL-UNION reception in the DeBartolo Club on Friday, November 18th from 4-7 pm. There is no cost to APAS members, Sally said, but the union may donate something.

2006 Negotiations

Forms for members seeking a place on the 2006 negotiation team were distributed. These forms must have 5 signatures from current APAS members and must be returned to Barb Jones in Tod Hall before November 14th. The vote will take place on December 5th.

Members were encouraged to review the contract for possible changes and to complete a form outlining those changes. Forms should be given to Sally as soon as possible.

Possible Mergings

In Gary’s absence, Sally gave a short presentation on the research currently being done by OEA lawyers regarding the possible merging of ACE, YSU-OEA and APAS. She said that the two other unions were in favor of the merge, and their leadership has been meeting with her. Sally said that there were a number of possible scenarios regarding strengthening APAS under a merge but that nothing but research is currently being done. One scenario would involve separating APAS members’ positions into ACE and YSU-OEA categorized positions and dissolving APAS; another scenario would keep APAS in tact but would reconfigure the contract negotiation date to that of the current ACE/YSU-OEA date. Other possibilities are also being considered, but she stated emphatically that no change would take place without the entire unit’s knowledge and consent. Do not look for any change prior to 2006 negotiations. More information will be available at a later meeting.

The Meeting was adjourned at 12:50.

Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Mika