Minutes and Financial Report

Minutes from the last general meeting were read and accepted. No financial report was given.

Announcements

A labor panel was formed consisting of the president of the University, the provost, Ron Chordas and the presidents of the unions. They have met once. The council will have an open agenda and meet once a month.

More research is being done on merging the three unions into two unions. A lot is riding on our negotiations as the union is looking to strengthen its position. In order for the merger to take place the two other unions would have to reopen their contract; neither is willing to do that at this time, so the first opportunity to merge would come in two years when ACE and OEA negotiate. The University can reject the merger, but the state employee retirement board has the final say.

The following people were honored with the distinguished service award: T. Fullum, L. Haug, C. Hawthorne, R. Hoff, S. Miller and J. Sharrow.

By-Law Changes

Sharon Mika reviewed the proposed changes in the APAS by-laws using a PowerPoint presentation. The changes will be voted on at the May election.

Report on Negotiations

Todd Pilipovich reported on negotiations. The main focus is on compensation, health care issues, job security and vacation. Only 27 responses were received from members regarding possible negotiable issues. It is hoped that the negotiations will be completed by the end of May. There is a tentative agreement on 7 articles with 15 more to be discussed. Todd said that the University appears to be negotiating very fairly.

Gary Carlile gave a quick synopsis of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

There will be open forum sessions for members on the 3rd and 17th from 11-2 in room 2036. A third date, the 31st, is TBA.

Article 5.2 is being changed to reflect same-sex domestic partner language.

Nominations

Nominations for the 2006-2008 service years were taken from the floor. The following people were nominated:

President: Todd Pilipovich
Vice-president: Joy Byers, Sue Miller
Secretary: JoAnn Gallagher
Treasurer: Matt Merone
Building Reps and Organization reps: Karen Henning, Jean Engle, Julie felix, Mike Glonek, Jody Patrick, Monica Mastron-Czoper, Brandy Fagnano, Dena Clark, Bob Tupaj, Crystal Hawthorne, Maggie McClendon, Barb Jones and Jain Savage.

Miscellaneous

Sally gave a short report on the Social Security Reduction Act. Members are encouraged to visit www.nea.org to see the legislative action. Sample letters to congressmen are on the site.

The Meeting was adjourned at 12:45.

Respectfully submitted,

Sharon Mika