MSEA-SEIU Delegates Strengthen

Our Union for 2010 and Beyond

 

At the 2009 MSEA-SEIU Convention on October 30-31, MSEA-SEIU delegates demonstrated once again that our union is member-driven and member-run by:

In his remarks to delegates, MSEA-SEIU President Bruce Hodsdon said while this has been a particularly difficult year for state worker members, many MSEA-SEIU members gained ground in the past year. He noted that in addition to the union-negotiated across-the-board step increase that took effect in January 2009 in our four Executive Branch contracts, many state workers members gained pay through arbitration decisions such as those on behalf of community care workers and family independence specialists, both within Maine HHS. In other units, such as Child Development Services, workers secured negotiated pay raises. He said our union truly is stronger together with SEIU, the largest and fastest growing union in the world with over 2 million members. SEIU provided substantial resources in our union's successful defeat of the ill-conceived TABOR II referendum question earlier this month.

In addition to hearing from President Hodsdon, Vice President Rivard and MSEA-SEIU Interim Executive Director Steve Butterfield, delegates also heard from SEIU President Andy Stern, who joined us in celebrating the 20th anniversary of our affiliation with SEIU.

"Local 1989 has grown nearly 40 percent to become the voice for workers in Maine, and SEIU has become with your help not only the largest union of state workers, but the largest union in all of North America and the fastest growing union in the world," President Stern said.

President Stern told delegates that the best way for Maine and other states to achieve fiscal stability is to secure quality, affordable health care for everyone in our nation. "There is no long-term fiscal stability for Maine unless we win health care, win Free Choice, win fair taxes and quality services, and change the country to make sure that the dreams of our children still can come true," he said. "And if not us, then who? And if not now, then when?"

In remarks to delegates, Governor John Baldacci emphasized the importance of everyone building support in our communities for the quality public services we provide. He also affirmed his administration's support for agency fee for child care providers represented by MSEA Kids First.

In a statement, Congressman Mike Michaud told delegates that he's fighting hard for meaningful health care reform, comprehensive care for our nation's veterans and the repeal of the Social Security Offsets that are penalizing thousands of Maine workers and retired workers.

In her remarks at our Convention banquet, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said she's determined to make sure that no in our nation is denied health insurance due to pre-existing conditions.

Maine Senate President Elizabeth Mitchell, Senate Majority Leader Phil Bartlett and Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Marrache all addressed delegates at our Convention banquet. MSEA-SEIU President Hodsdon and Vice President Rivard presented the Senate leadership with petitions demanding that the Maine Legislature respect the collective bargaining rights of Maine workers. Senate President Mitchell said she has submitted legislation restoring longevity pay to state workers.

 

UNION ELECTIONS

In addition to electing MSEA-SEIU President Bruce Hodsdon and Vice President Ginette Rivard to new two-year terms, MSEA-SEIU delegates also elected or re-elected members to serve on the MSEA-SEIU Board of Directors, the MSEA-SEIU Finance Committee and the Voluntary Employee Benefits Association Board.

In elections for the MSEA-SEIU Board of Directors, Delegates elected or re-elected: Area I: Incumbent Wade Colpitts and Calvin Hall. Area I Alternate: Don Crossman. Area II: Jonathan French and incumbent Ramona Welton. Area III: Incumbent Ginne Hebert and Lisa Morgan. Area III Alternate: Cal Paquet. Retirees: Incumbent John Hinkley. Retirees Alternate: Frank Kadi.

Delegates elected or re-elected the following MSEA-SEIU members to the MSEA-SEIU Finance Committee: Larry Carbonneau, Sharon Carroll and Phil Wolley. First Alternate: Rebekah Koroski. Second Alternate: Robin Upton-Sukeforth. Third Alternate: Janet Damren.

Delegates elected or re-elected the following MSEA-SEIU members to the Voluntary Employee Benefits Association Board: Area I: Irene Chandler and Tammy Denning, who will serve out Calvin Hall's term. Area I Alternate: Cheryl Cropley. Area II: Brett Hoskins. Area III: Cindy Boyd. Area III Alternate: Penny Whitney-Asdourian.

In addition, Delegates nominated the following MSEA-SEIU members to serve on our PASER Committee (Political Action by Service Employees and Retirees): Area I: Hazel Beers, George Burgoyne, Diana Coulstring and Ron Perry. Area II: Nancy Bryant, Debbie Gillis, Andrea Lapointe, Robin Upton Sukeforth and Ramona Welton. Area III: Cari Cote, Carol Gould, Melinda Whitworth and Phil Wolley. Wanita Page was nominated in Area III but declined the nomination.