One good swipe deserves another

If you get the UHW Report you'll notice they never write about their election losses, until now. The quote below is from their report dated January 28, 2010. What strikes me as odd is they look down on the workers who chose NUHW by a cumulative ratio of 6:1. Specifically they state that "NUHW has put these workers at grave risk for their own purposes". Nevermind that the Zombies have already done this!

Small Kaiser Group Votes to Take Risk with NUHW

Ballots counted Tuesday, January 26 in an election among 2,300 Kaiser professionals, psych-social workers, and RNs show that those workers voted to leave SEIU-UHW to join NUHW. The election only affects this small group in Southern California and not the nearly 50,000 other SEIU-UHW members at Kaiser who are launching the biggest and most active statewide contract campaign in history.

NUHW has put these workers at grave risk for their own purposes. These workers had their raises and benefits locked in for almost two years. Now, they will have to re-bargain their contract on their own in this economic crisis--at the same time Kaiser is cutting healthcare and other costs among management and non-union workers.

Over the past year, 53,464 SEIU members have chosen to stay united in SEIU-UHW for better wages, healthcare, and other benefits. Only 2,600, including the recent Kaiser workers, have chosen NUHW, which still has no members under contract and few resources to fight for workers

Funny how they spin a staggering defeat into a sour grapes-ish look at those poor unfortunate souls! I wonder what they'll say when the next defeat is handed to them by the members they so boldly claim to "represent". Faithful readers of the Report will notice not one word was written when they lost the Memorial election.

Broadening my scope; further reading

When I created this blog I had a strict focus on NUHW efforts for representation of Sonoma county healthcare workers. My intent was to unite all healthcare workers by informing fellow workers of what was going all across the county and the industry in the county. Since then I have posted entries having to do with state politics that affect homecare workers. I keep up on what is happening elsewhere in the state including the landslide victory for Kaiser workers in southern California. There is too much amazing stuff (victories, mostly) going on and too much to share to keep a lid on this very exciting workers'/members' revolt. So without duplicating what is already covered on ¡Adiós, Andy!, Stern Burger with Fries, I am going to expand my focus to the occasional entry about what is going on outside of Sonoma county but is NUHW related and always quite exciting. Here's a taste of what else is going in the wonderful world of NUHW and other progressive causes in the labor movement. I feel the best defense against the Zombie war & propaganda machine in information from multiple
sources. So read up: it's quite entertaining.

I read and am inspired by Tasty Burger's Stern Burger with Fries blog as well as Sierra Spartan's always impressive ¡Adiós, Andy! Both have a year of trusteeship in review shown here (Tasty's) as well as here (Sierra's). So go forth and y'all, there is whole world of Zombie stupidity which is very well documented.

Community support for Memorial continues... (part 1)

As predicted (and even a month after the election), community and political support for Memorial workers hasn't wavered one bit. Shown below are letters from U.S. Representative Lynn Woolsey, Monsignor John Brenkle and JoAnn Consiglieri, Co-Chairs of the Fair Election Oversight Committee, and 3rd District Supervisor Shirlee Zane who will be featured in a subsequent blog entry.

First off is Woolsey's letter. I think getting a letter from a U.S. Representative would be startling; perhaps it will be the kickstart Memorial management so sorely needs.

(click image above to Super Size)

Next is a letter from Monsignor John Brenkle and JoAnn Consiglieri Co-Chair's of the Fair Election Oversight Committee.

(click image above to Super Size)

A bit more to the point than Woolsey's letter, but I think this is because they are much more involved in the struggle and don't have to fear backlash from voters. Clearly they are unafraid to call it as they see it: a stalling tactic

However the crown jewel in this outpouring of support for the Memorial workers is from our very own County Supervisor, Shirlee Zane. For her letter and a comparison to the Shirlee Zane of September 2009 see my next blog entry due out sometime before Monday morning.

Yeah Memorial workers, you're one step closer

Once again Internet newshound Andria Callas scoops all the bloggers be sending me the link to the article shown below. Turns out the NLRB has officially confirmed the 12 of the 17 contested ballots at the recent landslide election for union representation for 675 workers at Memorial were ineligible and therefore will have no effect on the election. Now, on to these lame objections filed by the hospital itself.

Bring on the stupid

As you may have heard a hundred times from Zombie robots roaming the streets we'll all lose our health insurance if we change unions, a claim that has been proven to be false in court. Even so the Zombies hired Fred Feinstein a lawyer/university professor to write a propaganda piece which has landed him in hot water and drawn his primary employer the University of Maryland into the NUHW/SEIU battle. Way to go Fred: voicing a union financed piece using university letterhead on something which you know nothing about! Just another way the Zombie's plan for world domination has back fired on them.

Supplementary reading

Though not centered in Sonoma County here are a few links for healthcare related issues covered in the press .

IHSS providers say DSS not so supportive (Capitol Weekly)

California Counties Blast State for Roll Out of New IHSS Program Changes (California Healthline)

4th District Canidate Mike McGuire

I met Mike at the NUHW fundraiser last year and found a pleasant guy who really listened to the plight of SEIU prisoners in general and specifically homecare members. He's now running for 4th District County supervisor. Though this blog entry is a not an endorsement, I thought I'd publicize his effort nonetheless.

Below is the text of his email inviting folks to his meet and greet. I'll be there so maybe you can join me in bending his ear and letting him know healthcare workers deserve better consideration than his predecessor. His stated goals are good but healthcare is conspicuously absent. Let's plant the seeds of knowledge now so he's familiar with our needs if he become supervisor.

It's my birthday so I'll be hoisting a pint or two!

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You're Invited!

Dear Neighbor,

My name is Mike McGuire and I am running for Sonoma County Supervisor.

I am running to represent every resident of Sonoma County, but I want you to know I have a personal relationship with Cloverdale.

My mom lives in town and my grandparents were residents of Clover Springs for more than a decade. In addition, I have already knocked on hundreds of doors throughout the community.

That’s why I hope you will be able to join us at a special event filled with live music, great food and wonderful Sonoma County ales hosted by Cloverdale Councilmember Mary Ann Brigham, Healdsburg Mayor and Cloverdale dentist Jim Wood and Cloverdale attorney Jim DeMartini:

WHAT: Celebrate Cloverdale and Meet-Up with Mike McGuire!

WHEN: Thursday, January 21, 5:30 – 7:00 PM

WHERE: Ruth McGowan's Brewpub, 131 East St., Cloverdale (map)

HOSTED BY: Cloverdale Councilmember Mary Ann Brigham, Healdsburg Mayor and Cloverdale dentist Jim Wood and Cloverdale attorney Jim DeMartini

RSVP: Click here or contact Mike at (707) 838-3279 or Events@MikeForSupervisor.com
Please be sure to let us know how many people are coming!

I’m running for supervisor because I believe a better Sonoma County starts with taking bold steps to improve our economy, restore excellence to our schools, protect our environment and preserve our strong agricultural heritage.

I look forward to listening to what you have to say about the issues that are important to your family. Together, we’ll make Cloverdale’s prosperity a priority!

I hope to see you on the 21st in Cloverdale!

Mike McGuire

Anna Burger reaches out...

... with a survey that is in ALL CAPS! In the online world writing in ALL CAPS comes across as yelling. As annoying as this is, it seems appropriate since they are losing their grip with members, politicians, other unions, etc. Here's her invite for a "brief survery". Are they ever brief? Should you click on the image below you can read the survey. I feel apathetic about filling out the survey, since I don't know what the Zombies will do with the answers, but it's interesting to read the Obama related questions and substitute Stern. Now that would be a survey worth taking! Note to Zombies: if you have to ask you really are clueless, but thanks for the dues financed feel good survey just the same!

About face, SEIU style (part 2)

Perhaps the UHW is member led once again. Or maybe it's the tail wagging the dog? Either way it seems Karen Timmons' about face was a preview of things to come at the House of Zombies. The Zombies have long relied on filing charges with the NLRB to slow down the pace of elections. Since the landslide victory against them at Memorial, they have been looking for a way to eck out a win, no matter how dumb the method makes them look. Fear not readers, they've found a way to do just that: beg the NLRB to rescind the blocking charges they filed! Turns out they have had a change in their black hearts and now want elections to happen as soon as possible. One wonders why the Zombies have decided to have the election for these 4000 workers go forth after trying so hard to keep them for voting. I suggest reading Sierra Spartan's poignant write up and the comments that follow.

Shown below is the Zombies lame press release. It's worth noting that this press release is really a members' dues financed ad for UHW; nobody anywhere is willing to write about their false-truths and backwards accomplishments. What does this tell us about the Zombies standing in the world?

Strident opponent to homecare will not seek relection

Yippee yeah! Paul Kelley has "accomplished" his goals and will not seek re-election to the 4th District (North Sonoma County). Looks like this roadblock to homecare advancement has taken himself out of the ring. Whew! 1 down 4 to go. You may remember the Board's unanimous decision to break the law and force us into poverty with lower wages. They were defeated in court, but still, their effort to break us will not soon be forgotten. And then there was the whole we'd-really-like-to-help-but-we-made-our-decision nonsense from last year.We have some tough nuts to crack here, folks.

About face, SEIU style (part 1)

It's ironic how a Sonoma homecare worker's mysterious switch to Zombie UHW foreshadowed the Zombie's about face. The switch is obvious and quite telling of the character of Karen Timmons a one time NUHW proponent turned Zombie drone. The first bit shown below is her op-ed piece (replete with spelling mistakes and junior-high quality writing) shown on Op Ed News. Spirited writing indeed but with a few factual mistakes which will be corrected. Below that is her about face with many opportunities for correction. The reversal is available at the West County Gazette Volume 6, Number 3, March 12 - April 16, 2009

It’s All About The Money: Greed and Fascism in the Service Employees International Union

March 6, 2009

By Karen Timmons

There’s a new kid in town and we are NUHW, National Union of Health Care Workers. And Andy Stern, Fuhrer of SEIU, is pissed. He came to the Warsaw Ghetto and is getting his ass kicked, deservedly so. When SEIU (Service Employees International Union) illegally took away the right of United Health Care Workers West (UHW) to vote on breaking away from SEIU, I became angry. Let’s call it righteous indignation. Contacting the ACLU about what I considered an infringement of my civil liberties I was told that I had none. I was told that once I belong to a union I’ve given away my rights as an individual. “Well,” I thought, “that means I’m chattel.” Doesn’t Andy Stern know that Lincoln freed the slaves? And what’s with the bean counter mentality of the ACLU? Last week Stern went to the NLRB (National Labor Relations Board) and said, “They can’t form a new union, they are members of SEIU UHW, and are my property.” Geez, I had a husband like that years ago and divorced him, and UHW did the same to Stern. So why were we UHW’s so upset that we need to desertify from SEIU and Stern? There are two reasons. First, we are a bottom up democratic organization: members vote on issues and elect officials. Stern’s organization is a top down organization: He gives the orders and they are carried out. Our executive board is elected, his is appointed by him. Second, Stern would have us all in one health care union whence he’d broker sweetheart deals with employers and reduce us to minimum wage, thereby creating a workforce of drones. Or in his words, “They are my property.”A domino effect would ensue and, piece by piece, workers in home health care, hospitals, and nursing homes, would be subjected to SEIU acting as our employer, not our representative. As of this writing 60,000 health care workers have desertified (legally petitioned Washington to leave) from SEIU. As of this writing SEIU as shrunk from 150,000 members in California alone to 90,000 and the numbers are growing. It is a movement of workers across the US saying, “Hell, no, we won’t go gently into the good night.” All of Denver, Colorado, Kaiser, has petitioned Washington to leave SEIU As of this writing, Andy Stern just lost a $30,000,000 yearly income from health care workers in California. And, if others go the route of Colorado. .  .well, you do the math. I am begging all those health care workers who live amongst us to sign the petition to desertify. Democracy requires education and action. Please sign before you wake up to the fact that you belong to Andy Stern with no bargaining rights and minimum wage.

Except for spelling mistakes (namely "desertify" and its conjugates) and some unsupported sentences this piece was a fairly well written summary of the hostile takeover of UHW. Even so, and for the benefit of the reader, I'd like to correct her statement. Since homecare workers are quasi-public employees we are in the jurisdiction of the California Public Employees Relations Board (PERB), not the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), so petitioning an entity in Washington be it SEIU or NLRB, would have no effect. Karen if you are reading this (as you have before), please write to tell me how many of the iron-clad truths you've listed below you know from your own research and still believe to be true. Also, the next time the librarian let's you near a computer with a word processor pay attention to the red squiggly line beneath words. This line beneath a word means it is misspelled! You'd know this if you weren't using Notepad.

You'll notice the adolescent nature of her writing: mild profanity, threats of violence, etc. She was ripe for the picking by the Zombies when bargaining time came around. This bargaining team refused to share the details of the bargaining process with the rest of the homecare workers subject to the contract. This was in clear contrast to the way contracts have been bargained before UHW was hijacked.

A Win for Workers

By Karen Timmons

I was a member of the bargaining team for the new contract between our union (SEIU-UHW) which represents IHSS homecare workers and the Public Authority, the administrators of In Home Support Services. Well, from the beginning of bargaining in early August to the end September 29th, when the Supervisors accepted our contract, the experience could be called advance training in manipulation and skullduggery. Despite a campaign of misrepresentation and harassment that our members endured, hundreds of members came to vote throughout Sonoma County and approved our contract with 90% support. Our contract was up September 30th and without a legal contract we workers would have been open to 2 events: 1. the county could lower our wages because we would then not legally be protected by a contract; and 2. the .split off organization NUHW would have the right to an election to take over our union. For months this organization has called our members to tell them that they are the new union and in a new contract their wages would be reduced $2 an hour and they’d have no health care benefits. Many members, including myself for a short time, listened to their rhetoric and became confused as to who was telling the truth. They are cheerleaders for their leader, Sal Rosselli; I am not a cheerleader for Andy Stern, head of SEIU, or any other leader who doesn’t have term limits. In any large organization there is power, money, ego, and greed. Just look at any legislative body.

Our process was democratic. We surveyed members and asked what their top priorities were they wanted bargained for. The top priority was A Win for Workers keep our wages the same: $11.50/hr. Not much, but better than the $7/hr. we were paid before SEIU started UHW (Service Employees International Union/United Healthcare Workers) came here 9 years ago. We were supposed to be up to $15/hr. by now but Gray Davis messed up and Arnie has tried to destroy us completely since he got into office. We bargained and kept our wages in a 2-year contract and, if the economy improves next year, we can open negotiations for a raise. If Kaiser raises its rates, we will query our members to find out if they can afford the rate change. If not, we’ll find more acceptable health care. Of course, the Public Option would win hands down. Several NUHW (National United Health Care Workers—not national and not a union) members went to the County Supervisors the day after Labor Day and told them that our process of bargaining was not democratic and that our voting would not be democratic. They accused us of what they themselves were doing — lying. They asked the Supervisors to extend the time for accepting our contract until after September 30th. All was set for the Supervisors to approve our contract on September 29th when the same group of NUHW workers went to them that morning and again asked to not accept our contract. Fortunately, our County Supervisors did accept our contract.

It is a win win situation for IHSS and for us, the homecare workers. The State Legislature, pressured by Schwatznegger, cut 57% of IHSS funds (ouch) and we kept our wages.

When will the children, disabled, and elderly be put first and not last? We can only work toward this future.

Karen makes several good points. The first and most important was her claim to having an "advance training in manipulation and skullduggery". What she isn't saying is that she was part of the manipulation and skullduggery. Even more startling is her steadfast belief that without a contract the county can slash wages and benefits. This is completely false, the Zombies know it, and they use it everywhere they can especially in Fresno. I know this because it has already been settled by the NLRB.

Karen's is right in stating that hundreds of workers voted, not thousands as is usually the case. Karen used a classic bit of SEIU strategy: the half truth. What she failed to mention, possibly because she wasn't told by anyone in SEIU, was what the typical voter turn out was and how voting is usually done. Thousands vote via mail, instead of a couple hundred in person, with a misleading "consultation" before the vote. Why? Informed voters will vote no and force SEIU back to the bargaining table. Unfortunately this didn't happen and we now have the worst contract ever (3 different write ups...check them out)!

I can only speak for myself, but as for the threat of wage reduction and benefit elimination, why would NUHW use the same threats the Zombies are using against their own members?!

Karen speaks of "telling the truth", but I wonder if she took the time to verify on her own any of the Zombies claims? Not likely since a few of her statements are identical to those of her union dues financed "friends". Nothing released by NUHW contains a lie; whereas the Zombies rely on lies.

The democratic process she speaks of seems to reflect the closed group of Zombie-picked members who can be easily persuaded to do the unions bidding and will never question the motivations of their masters. I have yet to speak to a fellow homecare worker who was aware of the bargaining process much less was asked to be part of the bargaining team. The Zombies pick the members and then the members elect themselves as bargaining team members, stewards, e-board members, what ever gap needs filling with the pick of the litter when it comes to malleable minds.

At no time were we paid $7 an hour: It was $6.75 which was the state's new minimum wage and then $8.50 --  the wage bargained by Local 250, the predecessor to UHW.

"[I]f the economy improves next year, we can open negotiations for a raise." This statement is as optimistic as it is unrealistic. The economy won't pick up enough if at all by that time so to make this statement shows what kind of grip on reality Karen has. We aren't getting a raise, period. We'll be lucky to keep what we have but Section 7.2B (shown below) pretty much allows for a reduction in wages should the Public Authority run short on cash.

If, during the term of this Agreement, either State or Federal participation levels are reduced or, either the State or Federal sharing formula is modified in any manner, relative to the baseline numbers described below, that would result in an increased cost to the County and/or the Public Authority to maintain the wage level described in this MOU, wages will be reduced by an amount necessary to keep the total cost to the County and/or the Public Authority the same as such cost existed on the day prior to the effective date of such reduction or modification.

So there have it: if their costs go up our wages go down, period. The past practice of lobbying at the capital is pointless.

As for our benefits, members outside of the elite 8 bargaining team members were never allowed to see the proposed coverage from the potential replacement to Kaiser. When she called me to explain this to me she said any paperwork describing the couldn't be mailed to me since they didn't have enough time before a decision would be made. Thanks Karen and fellow Zombies for sitting on the information we asked for repeatedly.

Karne: who told you NUHW isn't a union? Perhaps it's time to consider why your Zombie overlords told you this.

The county supervisors knew they were getting a deal so of course they accepted it. Once they were made aware of the Zombies super secrecy and coercion, 3 of the 5 supervisors objected to the Zombie's heavy-handed tactics against it's own members --  including lying, they saw the SEIU for what it really is. Karen, what evidence of NUHW supporters lying do you have to defend your argument?

Finally Karen asks: "When will the children, disabled, and elderly be put first and not last?" I wonder when will she, and by extension the Zombies, put dues paying members, irrespective of union affiliation and the people we care for first?

"You lie so much you believe yourself!"*

I can't believe the way the Zombies highlight their progress disasters in bargaining. Grab a seat, get a drink and get ready to laugh. Shown below is Zombie UHW Trustee Dave Regan* preparing for a meeting with disgruntled members. If I spent the last year selling out the futures of 150,000+ members held against their will in the crumbling, former flagship local of SEIU I might huff paint thinner too! Clearly the Zombies think numbers are the only measure of success they can share with the world.

2009: A Year of Progress for SEIU-UHW Members

On December 31, 2009 6:31 PM

Oakland, CA - For the members of the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers-West (SEIU-UHW), a look back at 2009 reveals a successful year of reengaging members, settling contracts, and improving jobs, wages, and healthcare in spite of the economic crisis.

"This past year demonstrated the power of 150,000 members to make a significant impact on the lives of workers and the people for whom they care. SEIU-UHW members continued to make strides on many fronts, despite a terrible economy, a hostile Governor, and the need to repair damage done by previous leadership," said Dave Regan, trustee of SEIU-UHW.

SEIU-UHW 2009 By the Numbers

Settled Contracts Covering Workers at:

21 Hospital facilities

42 Nursing homes

5 Clinics

Home Care Providers in 2 Counties

1 Strike at Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center resulting in strong, new contract

Notice the lack of information about how the contracts were settled. Back room deals? Giveaways? Secretive bargaining committees? Member intimidation? All this and more; this is just another day of work at Zombie UHW.

Protecting Wages in a Bad Economy

4.3% - Average wage increase for SEIU-UHW-represented hospital workers for the first year of a contract settled in 2009

2.3% - National average wage increase for the first year of a contract settled in 2009

2 - Home care contracts that protect providers' wages and
maintain healthcare benefits despite the economy and the attempts by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to slash wages $2 per hour

4.3%: do they have provision to keep those wages increasing once the initial contracts expire and they are stuck in Hotel California?

2.3%: Who cares about the national average wage increase, we all live in California. What I'd like to know is the average wage increase for first contracts in California. Thought I'm sure it would be made up I'd still like to know what number the Zombies pull out of the air.

As for the homecare contracts the folks in Fresno lost $1.25 an hour courtesy of the Zombies and here in Sonoma county we're looking at an almost guaranteed $2.00 an hour drop in wages when the second year of our horrible 2-year contract goes into effect. Spin that Zombies!

Reengaging SEIU-UHW Members

1,700 - Members participated in the October SEIU-UHW Leadership Assembly
300 - Member-leaders participating in the Union Wide Organizing Committee - four times the size of the old executive board and representative of all local members by occupation, geography, and division

3 - Meetings of newly formed Union Wide Organizing Committee, engaging member-leaders in planning the future of the union, including ongoing discussion of new bylaws and governance structures to bring the local out of trusteeship

More than $2 billion - Federal funds to CA hospitals as a result of the hospital fee legislation SEIU-UHW members helped pass

Oh my, Zombies are quite engaged...in breaking free of your death-grip. Remember when Zombie Trustee Dave Regan said everything would be back to normal way back in May? Look a what has been accomplished as of May 1. Since then it's only become worse.

Saving Jobs

2 Preliminary injunctions halting Governor Schwarzenegger's efforts to dismantle home care by cutting hours and reducing wages $2 an hour

21 Informational pickets at Kaiser facilities across the state
after Kaiser management proposed position eliminations

0 SEIU-UHW members who have lost a job as a result of Kaiser position elimination notices

Injunctions are temporary by nature and as for Sonoma county homecare workers the $2 an hour wage reduction is a practically a done deal. Before the Zombies messed everything up when wages were threatened we lobbied the legislators, now we have an iron clad contract that virtually precludes any chance of maintaining or increasing our wages. More than anything else this is why I am motivated to write this blog: no one else can be subjected to this kind of treachery.

Demonstrating Strength in Unity

68 Facilities with contracts settled in 2009
0 Members lost in 2009, despite attempts by management and an organization formed by former local officials to decertify SEIU-UHW members

Wow! 68 bargaining units all shackled to the Zombies. I wonder how many still believe the Zombies have their best interests in mind. 68 hollow victories is nothing to be proud of.

Finally as for the "0 members lost" we aren't willing residents of Hotel California.

(Quote in the title is from Metallica's Holier Than Thou.)

* Apologies to Mike Judge, creater of the above character, Beavis.

Homecare alert: Upcoming CD-CAN tele-meetings Tue, Jan 12 & Wed, Jan 13

Lifted right out of the CD-CAN email newsletter.

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TOWNHALL TELEMEETINGS WITH STATE OFFICIALS

FOCUS ON GOVERNOR’S BUDGET PROPOSALS

Jan 12th - IHSS & Other Social Service Programs

Jan 13th - Regional Centers & Developmental Centers

Free CDCAN Townhall Telemeetings Accessible By Any Phone Line – People With Disabilities, Mental Health Needs, the Blind, Seniors, Families, Community Providers & Workers Who Provide Supports and Services Can Participate & Ask Questions

Two free public forums, called “CDCAN Townhall Telemeetings” are scheduled for January 12th (Tuesday) and January 13th (Wednesday) that bring together – via toll free phone lines – senior Schwarzenegger Administration officials and hundreds of people with disabilities, mental health needs, the blind, seniors, their families, community organizations, facilities and workers who provide supports and services, and other advocates, to hear and ask questions on the Governor’s latest budget proposals.

The focus of the January 12th townhall telemeeting is on the Governor’s proposal dealing with In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), and other services under the Department of Social Services.  The focus of the January 13th telemeeting is on budget proposals impacting developmental services including community based services funded through the 21 non-profit regional centers, and services provided by the state owned and operated developmental centers and 2 smaller facilities.

Governor Expected to Propose Major New Spending Cuts on Friday

The Governor is expected to propose major new spending reductions that impact health and human services when he releases his proposed State budget for 2010-2011 on Friday (January 8th).

In addition, the Governor is also expected to propose major mid-year spending cuts in order to address the shortfall growing in the current State budget for 2009-2010 (the current State budget year ends June 30, 2010).

Telemeetings Open To Everyone

CDCAN Townhall Telemeetings are open to everyone and meant to bring public policymaking to those who have historically been shut out and others across the state, including people in nursing or other facilities, group homes, or in day or other site based programs.   Thousands have participated in these free townhalls since early 2003.

All townhalls are recorded and the recordings are usually available within 24 hours or less for downloading on the CDCAN website at www.cdcan.us

Persons who cannot participate in this townhall telemeeting but would like a question asked to the director (or other department official) can send their question (via email) to Marty Omoto at martyomoto@rcip.com   Your question will be asked for you – and you can hear the audio recording of the townhall telemeeting later in the day at the CDCAN website.

Additional Telemeetings To Be Scheduled On Medi-Cal & Other Issues

Additional telemeetings, depending on resources and funding, will be scheduled on an on-going basis as they have since early 2003, and will include a focus on Medi-Cal, special education, accessible housing and transportation, mental health, and other issues critical to people with disabilities, mental health needs, the blind, people with traumatic brain and other injuries, people with MS, Alzheimer’s and other disorders, seniors, their families, community organizations, facilities and workers who provide supports and services across the State.

CDCAN TOWNHALL TELEMEETING SCHEDULED (TO DATE)

General format of CDCAN townhall telemeetings opens with introduction of speakers, followed by updates from the speaker. The townhall telemeeting is then opened up to questions from the hundreds of people who call in across the State.

JANUARY 12, 2010 – TUESDAY

1:00 to 2:30 PM

FEATURING:

· John Wagner, Director, California Department of Social Services

· Eva Lopez, Deputy Director – Adult Programs Division

FOCUS:

Governor’s budget proposals impacting In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), SSI/SSP (Supplemental Security Income/State Supplemental Payment grant program), community care licensing, and also updates on impact to adoption assistance/foster care programs and CalWORKS, the state’s “welfare to work” program  (all three programs impact many families with children and parents with special needs and disabilities)

JANUARY 13, 2010 – WEDNESDAY

1:00 to 2:45 PM

FEATURING:

· Terri Delgadillo, Director – Department of Developmental Services
· Mark Hutchinson, Chief Deputy Director
· Julia Mullen, Deputy Director
· Rita Walker, Deputy Director

FOCUS:

Governor’s budget proposals (and status of previous budget proposals enacted) impacting regional centers who coordinate community-based funded services and supports to over 240,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities, including thousands of infants and toddlers in the California Early Start program (California’s early intervention program).  Officials will also provide updates on Governor’s proposals impacting the 4 remaining state owned and operated developmental centers and 2 smaller health facilities (one of which is scheduled for closure February 2010).

HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN BOTH TOWNHALLS:

The instructions to participate in either CDCAN Townhall Telemeeting is the same below:

STEP 1: Dial toll-free number:  877-551-8082  (there is no passcode)

STEP 2: Wait for operator – who will ask for your name and the city you are from

Note: to protect people’s privacy, only the first name and the city location will be announced on the townhall for anyone wanting to ask a question

STEP 3: Anyone can ask a question (or make brief comment) – wait for instructions that will be announced during the townhall telemeeting.

Please Note:

· Absolute zero tolerance for anyone who is rude or disrespectful (the audience or speakers)

· People Should Speak Simply - With a large and diverse audience of hundreds  of people, including those with all types of physical and developmental disabilities, language and cultural backgrounds, persons (both speakers and people asking questions) should speak simply and not use insider government or program terms or abbreviations.  This is important because of people’s backgrounds, experience and disabilities, but also because CDCAN is working to provide  real time language translations.  

· Pending Lawsuits - Officials from either department (or any state, federal or county government agency) cannot comment on specific issues subject to a pending lawsuit.  Officials may be able to provide general status information on those specific cases where the State has already released information on how it is implementing a court order – meaning a previously or soon to be released All County Letter, Notice or other instructions sent out to the public.  However they will not be able to comment or provide details beyond what has already been publicly released.

Poll is closed: "Servicing Employers Instead of Us" wins

So who wants to write their own anti-SEIU/Memorial management/etc blog entry? Any reader rant will fit in just with what I've written. Below is some inspiration for you.

More drivel from Debra Miller

I don't think anyone really cares or believes in what Memorial VP of Worker Obfuscation (previously known as Human Resources) has to say about the letter to the editor published Wednesday, but here it is in case you're stuck at work with nothing better to do. Notice the lack of any attack on SEIU. Hmmm I wonder why that is?

Support for Memorial workers is unwavering

Lisa Maldonado, Executive Director of the North Bay Labor Council and champion of the working woman and man, sums up the obvious 2-faced nature of Memorial management. It's good to see the labor community is still fiercely devoted to the vote for Memorial workers.

Memorial management to workers: We honor your choice...

..so long as you don't choose NUHW. So much for their commitment to honor the choice of the workers.
 
As you can see below Memorial management as taken on the duty of continuing the disturbing trend started by the Zombies: blame everyone else for your own failings. Courtesy of a fearless employee I have received a copy of the complaint from the hospital to the NLRB. We all know Memorial management has a long and varied history of union-busting; even so, this weak listing of complaints disgusts me and I wonder how long it will take for "NUHW and it agents and/or third parties" to put management in its place.

First off is management's opening volley. Everybody it's time to find an alibi because we're all implicated is this very wide casting of the net for the blame game.

In the matter of the Petition of National Union of Healthcare Workers (Petitioner), Service Employees International Union, United Healthcare Workers--West (Intervenor) and Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital (Employer)

Case No. 20-RC-18241

Employer's Objections to Conduct Affecting the Election

Pursuant to Section 102.69 of the Board's Rules and Regulations, Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital (the "Employer" or the "the Hospital") hereby files its objections to the Election held in the above captioned matter and requests that the Regional Director set aside the election because of conduct by the National Union of Healthcare Workers ("NUHW") and its agents and/or third parties, and because of conduct by Board agents which affected the election and prevented the maintenance of the laboratory conditions necessary to allow employees to vote in an atmosphere free from coercion and intimidation.

NUHW and it agents and/or third parties engaged in conduct, made statements and published material that interfered with, intended to prevent, the free expression of the employees choice, thus preventing employees from exercising their choice free of coercion and intimidation. In addition conduct by Board agents interfered with, intended to prevent, the free expression of the employees choice.

You'll notice not one word is mentioned about SEIU which was management's favored union. This seems odd given the reign of terror and rich history of very public screw-ups the Zombies have displayed statewide since the trusteeship.

1. NUHW and it agents and/or third parties repeatedly engaged in electioneering at or near the polling place on election days and during periods when the polls were open. In addition, such conduct breached an agreement entered into by the parties governing election day conduct.

Well this is an election and electioneering is allowed so long as nothing new is brought up in the 24 hours preceding the election. Can management offer any evidence the Zombies weren't allowed to electioneer at the hospital? Sure it may be hard to hold back 400+ staffers all at once but I'm sure they are easy to spot given their hideously-colored shirts.

2. NUHW and it agents and/or third parties engaged in campaign speeches within the period commencing twenty four hours before the opening of the polls.

Oh yeah, where? If not at the hospital and, again, if nothing new is brought up then this complaint has no merit!

3. NUHW and it agents and/or third parties engaged in surveillance and interrogation of employees attempting to exercise their Section 7 rights, including, among other things, videotaping employees attempting to attend employer-sponsored meetings, and videotaping employees attending such meetings, thereby creating a general atmosphere of confusion and fear of reprisal among voting employees.

I wonder what evidence they have about "NUHW and it agents and/or third parties" videotaping employees. Aren't video cameras using DVDs or memory cards by now. Way to proofread your own complaints!

4. NUHW and it agents and/or third parties restrained and/or prevented employees from exercising their Section 7 rights by massing outside hospital meeting rooms where the employer was attempting to hold voluntary meeting to inform employees on issues presented by the election and/or obstructing entrance to and exit from such meetings.

I can't speak to how NUHW behaved outside the meeting room but given their smaller numbers and generally polite demeanor as a group and individually I can't imagine they wanted to cause "confusion and coercion" in the minds of the very folks they have tried to help build a strong unified voice. Again, I wonder what evidence they have to offer.

5. NUHW and it agents and/or third parties issued statements and published videos creating a general atmosphere of confusion and fear of reprisal among voting employees.

I reviewed the videos on the NUHW website and found nothing even remotely coercing, intimidating or confusing. I can't know and therefore can't review every third part video recording, but if their complaint is about published videos on Empire Report (scroll down) then I stand by the comment I made in the previous sentence.

6. NUHW and it agents and/or third parties made statements and published videos which improperly suggested to voting employees that an organization entitled the "Fair Election Oversight Commission" (The "Commission") had right and standing to monitor pre-election conduct, and that, prior to polling, the Employer and Service Employees International Union, United Healthcare Workers-West ("SEIU") had each violated rules governing NLRB elections. By this conduct NUHW and its agents improperly assumed the role of the NLRB and gave voting employees the false impression that the NLRB favored one of the three parties.

Perhaps the suggestion about the Commission's right and standing seem improper to you, but is it illegal? Or immoral to have third party supervision? Outside of Memorial management does anyone think management really cares about what is the morally or legally right thing to do? These are the same folks that laid off 200 of their workers and then hired a few of them back at bargain wages with no benefits! Yeah, it's hard to convince someone you have their best interests at heart when you have on hand on their throat and the other hand rooting around in their wallet/purse.

7. NUHW and it agents and/or third parties made statements and published video which gave to voting employees the impression that the Commission was a neutral organization formed to monitor election conduct conduct by all parties, and that, prior to the polling, the Employer and SEIU had each engaged in improper conduct whereas the Commission was not, and is not, a neutral organization but at all times has favored and advocated for one of the parties, namely NUHW and/or the Commission created an atmosphere of confusion and coercion and interfered with the employees' rights.

They are neutral insofar as they have nothing to gain or lose based on the outcome of the election. As for confusion and coercion, do they really think anyone is going to buy into the idea that academics, politicians and faith leaders created an atmosphere of coercion and confusion in the week between the Commission's creation and the end of the election? Clearly confusion and coercion are the jobs of the Zombies and Memorial management.

I'm tiring of this "NUHW and it agents and/or third parties" dragnet. Why is NUHW being lumped in with their supporters? Why isn't anyone else listed by name? Is this their way of blaming the supporters of the organizing drive: BeyondChron, Empire Report, ¡Adiós, Andy!, In These Times, L.A.Times, Labor Notes, Daily Kos, and of course The Red Revolt?

8. Board agents failed to monitor and prevent improper conduct by NUHW, its agents, by employees in the voting area.

So, bite the hand that feeds you, huh? This should work out well. And how is the NLRB supposed to prevent improper conduct by employees in the voting area?

9. The Board created a ballot that displayed the employees' choices in different fonts and font styles thereby confusing voters and/or creating the impression that the NLRB disfavored the employer and considered a vote for "Neither" was not on equal terms and was of lesser significance to a vote for either union.

I can't believe I have to ask this again, but: just how dumb do they think their employees are? Do they really think if there were variations in the "fonts or font styles" employees would some how mess up voting? This isn't Florida: we aren't talking about hanging chads here!

10. By the above and other conduct, NUHW, and its agents and/or third parties, and by the above and other conduct, Board Agents, interfered with, coerced, and restrained employees in exercise of their Section 7 rights and interfered with their ability to exercise a free and reasoned choice in the election.

Clearly they have almost nothing worth investigating and certainly nothing worth holding up an election. Simply put, this is just a delaying tactic. We're all waiting and working for the day an NLRB spokesperson says "And the winner is NUHW!" In the mean time the workers and community will continue to build pressure and expose management for what it really is: a bunch of democracy hating, employee crushing individuals with only their own bottom lines.