Labor Management Meeting

April 12, 2000

Gilchrist 209

Members:

X Susie Baker A Roger Kueter

X Nick Bambach A Marilyn Mercado

X Charlotte Brock X Walt Sanders

X Bob Hartman X Dean Shoars

X Beccy Hurley A Deanna Tovar

A Dan Johnson X June Watkins

Also present was Cindy Houlson.

The meeting was called to order by Nick Bambach at 1:30 p.m.

Minutes

The March 8, 2000 meeting minutes were read. Corrections are to be made on the second page, first paragraph, first and second sentences, to read, "Dan Johnson brought forth a request that merit staff be represented on an existing or new safety committee. Dan proposed that one representative from the Department of Residence Food Service, Custodial and Maintenance staff serve on this safety committee." Dean Shoars moved to approve the changes, Susie Baker seconded. Motion carried. Walt Sanders moved to approve the minutes as amended, Charlotte Brock seconded. Motion carried.

Added Agenda Item

Because Deanna Tovar is no longer employed at UNI, there was discussion concerning the replacement of her position on the Labor Management Committee. Tammy Sheeley has been recommended to train for this position on the committee. Susie Baker and Nick Bambach will check into training opportunities for this position replacement. Bob Hartman and Susie Baker will contact Tammy Sheeley’s supervisor.

AFSCME office space

A draft of the Space Advisory Committee letter was distributed and read. Nick and Susie will make a few changes to the letter and distribute the revised version to all committee members.

Physical Plant Safety and Health Committee

Dean Shoars introduced Cindy Houlson, Physical Plant Safety and Training Coordinator. Cindy distributed the following handouts to the committee:

  • Physical Plant Safety and Health Program Assessment Survey
  • Fact sheet on the Physical Plant Safety and Health Committee Program
  • Physical Plant Safety and Health Committee March 2000meeting minutes

Cindy shared with the committee the role and function of the Physical Plant Safety and Health Committee. She has been pleased that the safety committee members have volunteered to serve and that this has become a popular committee to be involved with. Members of the committee are rotated every two years. This helps to expand the knowledge base among staff. The committee’s web site is http://www.uni.edu/phyplant/Safety/safe_committee.html

A spreadsheet is kept on all concerns and issues that are brought to Cindy so that none are overlooked. Cindy tracks lost time and the number of injuries. With this information, the committee is able to plan and have a more proactive than reactive focus.

At the present time, the safety process isn’t linked with other UNI departments. There has been confusion about whether the University Health and Safety Committee is the same as the Physical Plant Safety and Health Committee. Although they are two separate committees, future plans are to pull together all safety committees on campus to collaborate and share information.

Ambiguous Contract Language

There was discussion regarding contract language and Dean noted that at least 50% of grievances are initiated because of ambiguous contract language. Arbitration then becomes the means of interpretation on unresolved issues. Every incident is unique and all those involved in a grievance need to be heard. Bob believes that a more informal (preventative) approach should be encouraged to settle grievances.

Nick commented that if there are issues or concerns that come up repeatedly, suggestions for improvements in language could be recommended to IDOP.

Agenda for May 10, 2000

Facilitator Charlotte Brock

  1. AFSCME office space update
  2. Update on DOR Safety Committee
  3. Air Quality in Rod Library
  4. Review of Contract Language

(Jury duty for ten-hour employees who work 2nd or 3rd shift)

Beccy Hurley made the motion to adjourn, Charlotte Brock seconded, motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:45 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Sandy Law