Category Archives: From the Chief Steward

News from your Chief Steward.

From the Chief Steward, From the President, Important, Interesting, Members

Meeting with the City Manager: Telecommuting Due to COVID-19

Hollywood AFSCME Local 2432 has been working with the City to address concerns and guide its members regarding safety in the workplace due to COVID-19. Some of these concerns have been related to telecommuting to accommodate greater physical distancing in the workplace.
On July 7, 2020, Local 2432 representatives had a phone meeting with the City Manager to discuss our concerns regarding the status of the existing protocol for telecommuting and any possible updates to it due to the apparent increase in the spread of the COVID-19 in the South Florida area.

Per the meeting discussion, requests for telecommuting are still being accepted. AFSCME agreed to help get the word out to its members that employees who would like to telecommute, whether they telecommuted or were previously denied, may re-apply in writing for the City Manager’s approval. The City Manager advised that granting the requests will be made on a case-by-case basis.

In Solidarity,

AFSCME Local 2432
From the Chief Steward, From the President, Important, Members

City’s Offer for Free Antibody Testing – Union Concerns

Brothers and sisters of Local 2432,

Yesterday an all employee email was sent out offering a day off plus a $25.00 gift card to participate in an antibody testing program. The Union leadership was not notified or involved in the development of this program. The Union is now reviewing the City’s offer for free antibody testing for employees.

The Union has many concerns.

We are asking that you please hold off on signing up for this program. The Union attorney has drafted a letter (below) outlining our concerns and are waiting for a response from the City. We will keep you posted.

Local 2432 Letter to Director Hechler re COVID-19 Testing

In Solidarity,

AFSCME Local 2432

Events, From the Chief Steward, From the President, Important, Members

City Manager’s Response to AFSCME / May Member Meeting Cancelled

Brothers and Sister of AFSCME Local 2432,

 

In response to AFSCME Local 2432’s letter of March 31, 2020 voicing members’ concerns regarding protections from exposure to COVID at the workplace, the City provided its response, which you will find below.

CM Response to AFSCME – April 20_ 2020

Please know that we had multiple discussions with the City to address the allegations that implied employee theft of safety supplies. It appears that those statements were simply a result of a misunderstanding and a series of miscommunications. Rather than dwell on that unfortunate comment, we will chalk that up to the chaos and confusion that everyone finds themselves in these days, and move forward together with the City.

 

Local 2432 would like to take this moment to commend all of its hard-working members for continuing to provide essential services to the public during these uncertain times, thereby keeping the City of Hollywood functioning for our first responders and for the community as a whole.

 

As your AFSCME Executive Board, we urge each and every one of you to diligently adhere to the City-mandated protective measures in order to protect yourselves and others, using all available protective equipment, and continuing to follow all safety guidelines. If you have not already been provided protective equipment, please report this to your managers and directors. If it is not promptly addressed and resolved, then contact HR and Local 2432. We want you to know that the City is considering the implementation of alternating shifts, as an additional safety precaution for our membership, and to ensure the ongoing provision of our essential services.

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From the Chief Steward, From the President, Important, Members, News

AFSCME April General Meeting is Cancelled

General Meeting for April 2020

The regular monthly AFSCME General Meeting for Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. is cancelled due to the COVID-19 Virus.

Letter to the City Manager Regarding the COVID-19 Virus

On March 31, 2020, AFSCME President Chris Cassidy sent a letter to the City of Hollywood’s City Manager Dr. Wazir Ismael to express employee concerns regarding workplace safety due to the potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus while performing their duties. AFSCME is waiting for the City Manager to respond. Click on the letter or the link below to read the letter. Your health and safety is paramount, so we will keep you posted on a response.

Stay tuned for information on the next scheduled General Meeting.
Elections, Entertainment, Events, From the Chief Steward, From the President, Members

Vacant Union Officer Positions & Holiday Party Pictures

Vacant Trustee and Treasurer Positions

The election of Trustee John Berak to the Vice-President position on the Executive Board created a vacancy in the Trustee position. Also, Treasurer Rafael Quintero’s retirement created a vacancy in the Treasurer position. Per the Union Constitution, the Union Executive Board nominates and elects members to fill vacancies for these positions during unexpired terms.

At the January 7th E-Board meeting, Sister Barbara Armand was nominated and elected to fill the vacant Treasurer position. Also, the members below were nominated to fill the vacant Trustee position:

  • Ameer Khan
  • Travis Morancie
  • David Blum

The Executive Board elected Travis Morancie to fill the vacant Trustee position. Congrats to Barbara and Travis and thanks to all who were considered.

Holiday Party 2019 – Pictures
The Holiday Party 2019 Pictures  have been posted.  We had a great time and thanks to all who helped to make another great AFSCME event!
Elections, From the Chief Steward, From the President, Important, Members

Nomination Results!

The following members were nominated and elected or re-elected (ran unopposed) at the November 12, 2019 Special Meeting for Nominations:

  • Vice-President – 2 year term – John Berak
  • Secretary – 2 year term – Siana Thompson (*Brother Travis Morancie was nominated but withdrew)
  • Executive Board Professional – 2 year term – Glen Superville
  • Executive Board General – 2 year term – Tim Foard
  • Trustee – 3 year term – Bogdan Corsovic
The installation of these officers will be held at the AFSCME Holiday Party on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Email rsvp@local2432.com to reserve your seat for the party. Congratulations to all of the re-elected/new officers and thank you for your service.
Elections, From the Chief Steward, From the President, Important, Members

Union Officer Nomination and Elections Tomorrow / Holiday Party RSVP

Reminder – Nominations for Union Officer positions will take place at a Special Meeting tomorrow, November 12, 2019 at 6:30 PM at the Union Hall. Nominations will close promptly at 8:00 PM.  Elections will be held on December 3, 2019 (see flyer). Any member with more than one (1) year of active membership is eligible to be nominated.  Member election notices are being sent in the mail.

The Member Holiday Party will be held on Saturday, December 14th from 7:00 – 11:00 PM at Tropical Acres.  Seating is limited, so RSVP is first come first serve.  Limit one (1) guest per member.  Email your full name and guest info to rsvp@local2432.com by Friday, December 6th to be added to the guest list which will be checked at the door.  Non-member employees are prohibited. No exceptions!

 

Elections, From the Chief Steward, From the President, Members, Negotiations

Contract Ratification Vote – Results!

The vote to ratify all three AFSCME contracts passed overwhelmingly and is headed to the City Commission for a vote on next Wednesday, June 19th. Thanks to all who’ve worked hard during this process and to everyone who came out for the vote today.

We need our members to turnout for next Wednesday’s Commission meeting at 2:00 PM in your AFSCME green. Thanks again to our members for your continued support and see you next week at the Commission meeting!
Elections, From the Chief Steward, From the President, Members, Negotiations

TWO VOTES THIS WEEK: Pension and Contract

Pension Restoration Vote – Pension Plan Election
The next step for Pension Restoration begins today with early voting for the negotiated pension changes. Early voting will be held from Monday, June 10, 2019 through Friday, June 14, 2019, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM in the Employees’ Retirement Fund Office on the 2nd floor of the City Hall Annex building (door next to ATM).


Election day will be June 17, 2019, 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM, in the 1st floor lobby of City Hall (east side). Full time employees who contribute to the pension plan are eligible to vote.



AFSCME Contract Ratification Vote
The contract ratification vote which includes Pension Restoration will be held on Thursday, June 13th from 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM at the Union Hall – 2734 Hollywood Boulevard. All full time and part employees in AFSCME covered positions are eligible to vote.


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