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2007 News Archive

2007 News Archive

Posted July 5, 2007

Highlights from the 2007 NSO RA

The 2007 NSO RA convened in Scottsdale, Arizona on June 8, 2007. Click here for highlights of the Assembly.

Posted June 9, 2007

NEA votes to change pension plan

With an unanimous vote, the NEA Executive Committee voted to move the NEA Pension Plan from a single to a multi-employer status. This is an aggressive move by NEA and the coalition made up of NSO, NEASO, AFSE, NEARO and affected state affiliates will be meeting to decide their next course of action. The issue will be discussed at the NSO RA this week.

Posted June 8, 2007

NEA says "no" to NSO coalition

At a May 29 meeting NEA rejected the proposal from NEARO, AFSE, NEASO and NSO regarding changes to NEA's Retirement Plan.
 
"We had a frank exchange of views but NEA's message was clear, 'We will take such actions as we think best, so trust us,'" said NEARO president Edna Frady.
 
It was obvious in a meeting with Reg Weaver, John Wilson and Donna Healy from NEA HR that NEA wasn't interested in the coalition's proposal to guarantee funding of the multi-employer status. NEA representatives
refused to explain their objections to the proposals and to put anything in writing.
 
Frady said, "How many NEA and affiliate staff leaders have heard these sentiments from school boards and superintendents?"
 
NEA attributes its stance to their fiduciary responsibility to the Retirement Plan, seeming to ignore its fiduciary responsibility to Plan members.
 
To add insult to injury, the coalition was chastised for its efforts to persuade Retirement Board members to do what's right for retirees.
 
NEA management refuses to allow the coalition to meet with the Executive Committee at its June 4 meeting, In its next step, NEA management will present a motion to the Executive Committee that the Retirement Plan
be converted to multi-employer status and  that NEA commit itself to fully funding all benefits in the Plan as recommended by the Plan's actuary and approved by the Executive Committee.
 
"The motion is the minimum required to meet the obligations of a multi-employer plan under the law. Under NEA's planned action you get no guarantees of anything other than what the law states," warned Frady.
 
We have until June 4 to contact NEA Executive Committee members. Please take up the cause!

Posted June 7, 2007

A Call to Action!

The NEA Executive Committee needs to hear from you now before they meet on June 4-5 to decide whether or not to change their pension plan status. A plan change spells disaster for participants—both for current employees and retired colleagues. NEA is also standing firm on the notion that if they do change the plan, current retirees have no legal standing to challenge any of the changes. We can’t let this happen.

Please read the information piece attached. It provides details on the issue. Then send your message to the NEA Executive Committee immediately! Our future retirement depends on your action.

NSO coalition blocks changes to NEA pension plan status

Posted April 11, 2007

2007 NSO Representative Assembly

Hotel Reservations:  The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa room rates are $155 single/double occupancy (plus applicable taxes) and are available June 4 through June 12, 2007 for NSO affiliates.  Please be sure to have a credit card available to guarantee your room(s).  Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations can be made anytime via the internet by logging onto www.nationalstaff.org for the Westin Kierland link or by calling 1-800-354-5892 and asking for the National Staff Organization Room Block.  The cut off date for making room reservations is May 7, 2007. Click here to make your hotel reservation.

Westin Kierland Resort and Spa
6902 E. Greenway Parkway
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
800-354-5892

For our convenience, a checklist for determining whether an affiliate is ‘in good standing’ is enclosed.  Also enclosed is a Membership/Dues Transmittal Statement showing the dues status of each affiliate as of March 29, 2007.  If you have any questions regarding your status, please call NSO Financial Adviser Vera Stafford at 269/521-4341.

2007 RA Delegate Handbook:  The 2007 Delegate Handbook is being finalized for printing and will be sent in bulk to affiliate presidents, by mid-May.  Please be sure to pass the Handbooks along to your delegates immediately upon receipt.

Posted March 1, 2007

NSO Leadership Academy to be held April 13-14
Registration Information Now Available

TO:         NSO Affiliate Presidents
FROM:     Lynn Adler, NSO VP-Program
RE:         NSO 2007 Leadership Academy, April 13-14

On April 13-14, 2007, NSO will be offering its first Leadership Academy at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis, Missouri. The Academy is designed for Presidents and emerging leaders to develop and/or enhance union advocacy skills and to network with other NSO advocates from across the country. We hope you will take advantage of this event. Come and bring along an emerging leader from your affiliate. We'll be focused on unionism, leadership skills such as relationship building and effective communications, and the nuts and bolts of basic leadership. And, of course, there will be opportunities for networking and fun!  Use this link to review the president's letter, agenda, and tentative schedule.  To register, click here!

Posted December 1, 2006

2007 Winter Advocacy Retreat Goes West

For the first time in 19 years, the annual NSO Winter Advocacy Retreat will be held on the west coast.  The 2007 retreat will be held January 12-13 at the Hyatt Regency Orange County in Anaheim, CA.  Participants can choose from a variety of training opportunities, share 'WAR' stories and build unity at the annual Solidarity reception.

NSO and its Affiliates are experiencing so much change—demographics and issues are shifting rapidly.  We are living in a “whitewater world” and, together we can create our future if we dream and work in unity:

Fantasyland…let’s dream BIG of what we want the future to look like, what our goals are—a National union?...A national strategy?...National Goals and Standards?

Adventureland…let the adventure of getting there begin!  How will we do it?

Tomorrowland…the future of the NSO, its Affiliates and all of our members; Fantasyland come true!

2007 marks the beginning of a new way to register for the NSO Winter Advocacy Retreat. Registration forms are only available on the NSO Website.  Click here to register.

Posted October 11, 2006

Posted January 18, 2006

NSO Organizing for Power Adds Another Cog

An important milestone in the ongoing efforts to create a culture of organizing in NSO state affiliates was reached during the 2006 NSO Winter Advocacy Retreat when 25 NSO members met in preparation for training opportunities to be offered at the state level. Handpicked to participate, the group brought a broad background in established organizing techniques giving the effort a solid foundation from which to grow.   

Trainers Bob Lindquist (CA), Jeff Wahlquist (WA) and Mike Horner (WA) guided the newly formed Constant Organizer’s Group or COG through a variety of situations geared toward tapping the group’s already effective training and organizing strategies. 

According to Lindquist, the sessions were vital to meeting the goals set by NSO.  

“Our goal is to offer techniques that will enable every NSO state affiliate the ability to create a culture of organizing for power and in turn build organizational capacity.”

The in depth program resulted from the NSO’s Merger and Organizing committee’s frustration with the lack of organizing training available through traditional training avenues. Coupled with NSO President Chuck Agerstrand’s commitment to providing such training for NSO members, the project moved forward. “When the NEA organizing institute was eliminated it directly impacted the type of training NSO members needed to be successful not only in their jobs but as NSO affiliates,” said committee member Bonnie LePage (MA). “NSO’s active pursuit of better training and the push for all staff to be trained will be beneficial to us all.”

During the week of January 16, NSO offered the first Organizing for Power training to state in cooperation with NEA affiliates. As part of the ongoing partnership with NEA, NSO members from Michigan, North Carolina, Illinois and Ohio participated in the training designed by NSO.

If you are interested in the project please contact your NSO regional director.

Posted November 30, 2006

2007 Winter Advocacy Retreat
January 12-13

Fantasyland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland...

NSO and its Affiliates are experiencing so much change—demographics and issues are shifting rapidly.  We are living in a “whitewater world” and, together we can create our future if we dream and work in unity:

Fantasyland…let’s dream BIG of what we want the future to look like, what our goals are—a National union?...A national strategy?...National Goals and Standards?

Adventureland…let the adventure of getting there begin!  How will we do it?

Tomorrowland…the future of the NSO, its Affiliates and all of our members; Fantasyland come true!

The 2007 NSO Winter Advocacy Retreat is your opportunity to prepare with your colleagues from around the country.  Here, at the Retreat, NSO members can gain the skills and knowledge to face the future together and succeed.  Please join us for this experience where you’ll have the opportunity to network, learn, experience and have fun doing it.  We are the future, come be part of it.

 WAR College-At-A-Glance 

Advocacy Retreat Registration

Each attendee is required to complete a registration form for the 2007 Winter Advocacy Retreat.  Materials and Retreat arrangements will be based on this pre-registration.

Registration deadline is November 15, 2006.  To email, complete the online form, save to your computer, then send as an attachment to your email.  To fax or mail, complete the online form and print a hard copy. Click here for the registration form.  Email, mail or fax completed forms to:

Mary A. Henson
National Staff Organization
1216 Kendale Blvd., PO Box 2573
East Lansing MI  48226-2573
mhenson@mea.org or EsthersBaby@msn.com
517/622-1892 (NSO FAX)

From time to time your first choice may not be available, please assist us by providing a second session choice.  Click here for a complete list of session descriptions.

Hyatt Regency Orange County Hotel Information

For the first time in nineteen years, the NSO Winter Advocacy Retreat will be held on the west coast; specifically, at the Hyatt Regency Orange County.

Hyatt Regency Orange County
11999 Harbor Blvd.
Garden Grove, CA  92840
714/750-1234
Fax:  714/971-1721

Participants will be required to make their own reservations directly with the hotel by going to www.passkey.com.   Hotel reservations can be made on-line using this link no later than December 15, 2006.  A credit card will be required. 

Room rates for the Winter Advocacy Retreat are as follows:

Single Occupancy:        $149.00 + tax
Double Occupancy:       $149.00 + tax
Triple Occupancy:         $189.00 + tax
One-Bedroom Suite:      $149.00 + $30.00 + tax
Two-Bedroom Suite:      $149.00 + $40.00 + tax

Check in time at the Hyatt Regency OC is 3:00 p.m.  Room assignments prior to that time are based on availability.  The hotel offers guaranteed early check-in between the hours of 8:00 a.m.  and 1:00 p.m. at a charge of $20.00.  Any guest who departs earlier than the departure date confirmed at check-in, will be assessed an early departure fee of $50.00.

Affiliates will not be able to acquire lodging elsewhere other than at the Hyatt Regency OC due to a large convention. Therefore, no overflow hotel is available.

NSO/Frank Morrissey Memorial Golf Tournament

It is with regret that the NSO Frank Morrissey Memorial Golf Tournament will not be offered this year.  However, participants are encouraged to enjoy other activities in Orange County, such as Disneyland. 

Airport Shuttle

NSO members traveling into LAX (Los Angeles) or John Wayne Airports can download a discount coupon from Super Shuttle.  Go to http://www.supershuttle.com/Coupons/LAX/NatlStaffOrg.pdf to print your coupon. 

Orange County Activities

To find out about events and activities in Orange County, go to http://www.anaheimoc.org/.

Solidarity and Networking Reception

A solidarity and networking reception will be held on Friday, January 12th. Beverages and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be available for your enjoyment.  Further details will be available at the NSO registration desk.

Winter Advocacy Retreat 2007 Session Descriptions

NSO is proud, once again, to offer the 2007 Winter Advocacy Retreat.  As always, there are new sessions as well as repeat session offerings—the ones that our members want the most.  Click here to review this year's sessions at-a-glance.

Click here for a printable version of the session descriptions listed below.

Bargaining:

Advanced Contract Writing for Staff—All Day, One Day Session—[Session #305-405]—This session will look at writing clear, precise and timely language.  Items covered will include general “shoulds” and “should nots”, what current important language areas should be considered, and how language is understood and interpreted by members, employers and arbitrators. 

Trainers:  Barbara Bouknight (MI), Debra Roberts (MI)

Bargaining around Salary—[Sessions #203, #304]—This session will give you the knowledge and the tools needed to analyze your salary guide/schedule, create comparisons with other states and plan your next negotiations around salary issues.  In this session, we’ll discuss the basics of salary guide/schedule construction from start to finish.  We’ll look at the issues of average salary, minimums and maximums, guide length, increment costs and settlements.  Bring a copy of your salary scheduled and a calculator for some “hands-on” analysis, and be prepared for some interesting discussions! Participation limited to 35 attendees. 

Trainers:  Steve Swetsky (NJ), Bob Willoughby (NJ)

Modified Positional Bargaining—A Whole New World—[Session #102]—Would you like to bargain a contract in three to four days?  This session is designed for participants who are interested in a cooperative bargaining style that achieves success in three to four days versus MONTHS!  This session will explain the bargaining model and the three effective tools used to achieve positive results.  You will learn the impact of developing your ground rules that are crucial in promoting success.  There will be discussions, activities and hand-outs! Participation limited to 25 attendees. 

Trainers:  Kim Lane (OH), Denny Peltola (OH)

New Bargainers—How to Write Contract Language—All Day, One Day Session—[Session #106-206]—This session is for those how are new to the bargaining process.  It will include how to begin writing contract language; what information is needed before starting bargaining; when to begin preparing for bargaining; discussing the information NSO can provide; reviewing management/union history and the intent of previous language; ramifications to the unit if current language is changed; and basic items such as the difference in terms such as may/will. 

Trainers:  Jackie Rhodes (MI), Dave Stafford (MI)

So…What’s This Thing Called IBB?—[Session #310]—This session will give you an overview of what Interest Based Strategies are all about and how they can be used in many areas.  One of the uses of the Interest Based Strategies is in bargaining.  This session will highlight how the interest based process works and what teams need to do to prepare for interest based bargaining.  Interest based bargaining is not meant for everyone, but where it does work, IT WORKS! 

Trainers:  Lynn Adler (IL), Tom Greene (MI)

Ten Proven Ways to Improve Your Bargaining—All Day, One Day Session [Session #105-205]—How do you improve your bargaining?  By assessing your bargaining, learning from your successes and the successes of others, and then making appropriate changes.  This session will cover 10 ways you can improve your bargaining, including but not limited to changing the relationship with the other side.  The goal of this session is to better represent your members and make it easier for your negotiators to be successful.  The focus is on excellence, as better negotiations can help produce a healthier working environment. 

Trainers:  Lane Hotchkiss (MI) and Elva Vertrees (MI)

Benefits:

Bargaining Health Insurance—[Sessions #208, #404]—This session will review different aspects of employer-provided health insurance; plan design, prescription drugs, disability insurance, vision, and dental.  We will focus on the new “consumer driven” health plans health care savings accounts and healthcare reimbursement accounts).  Trends and research is provided to help bargainers have the appropriate amount of information at the bargaining table. 

Trainers:  Guy Kendall-Freas (NEASO-MB), Douglas Terwilliger (NEASO-MB)

Defined Benefit Retirement Plans—[Session #101]— Interactive discussion of Section 415 caps on early retirement, COLA, vesting, life expectancy by gender and race, purchase of prior credit, conversion to Defined Contribution Retirement Plan, plan termination, GATT and simulates costs of funding a Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (as time permits). A discussion on pre-retirement planning strategies, if time permitted.

Trainers:  Michael Coleman (AR), Dan Saling (NSO-Retired) 

Medicare D—Another Look—[Session #207, #413]—In this session, there will be an overview of the Medicare D program and demonstrate, by analysis, how participants fare.  We will then make a case for reallocating theses dollars and speak briefly about Health Savings Accounts. Also, a review will be held regarding some important aspects of eligibility and survivorship issues, i.e., COBRA and beyond that should be reviewed in any health care plan.  This session should be of interest to staff bargainers or anyone beginning to consider their own retirement and health insurance into retirement.

Trainers:  Eugene Dunk (WI), Jill Gefke (WI)

Reality 501:  Bargaining Post-Retirement Health Care—[Session #201]—One of the two big issues driving your bargaining for the foreseeable future is health care.  How will you handle an employer attack on your benefits?  Attend and we’ll cover how to make comparisons using NSO research, costing proposals, the impact of health plan design changes, internal organizational issues, and review important documents (employer budget, plan documents, etc.). 

Trainers:  Dennis Eisenberg (WI), Mary Ann Jandoli (NJ), Liz Tokar (CA)

Reality 501:  Bargaining Retirement—[Session #302] — One of the two big issues driving your bargaining for the foreseeable future is pensions.  How will you handle an employer attack on your benefits?  Attend and we’ll cover how to make comparisons using NSO research, costing proposals, the impact of pension plan design changes, internal organizational issues, review important documents (employer budget, plan documents, etc.), discuss the FASB pension rules and receive updates on new or proposed rules governing pension plans.  Bring a copy of your contract, and FASB funding data.  

Trainers:  Dennis Eisenberg (WI), Mary Ann Jandoli (NJ), Liz Tokar (CA)

Understanding Pension-land:  Your Guide to Defined Contribution, 401K plans and Choosing a Financial Advisor—[Session #211]—What are the ingredients of a good Defined contribution or 401K Plan?  How does your plan compare with a model plan?   Do you have the background knowledge, know-how, or the will to choose where that money should be invested, now or in retirement?  Are you receiving an inheritance or a large sum of money or going through a life changing event (divorce, remarriage, college bills, etc.?  If so, do you need and how does one select a competent financial planner or advisor?  This session offers the answers to these questions and more. 

Trainers:  Don Frattini (NSO-Retired), Jan Galbreath (MO), Ron Goldenstein (NE)

What Matters Most:  Retirement, Investments and Education—[Sessions #108, #409]—Can you retire early?  Do your NSO affiliate contract investment options meet best practice standards?  Take the interactive Judge Judy Investment test to find out.  Learn how to become an NSO Margarita Millionaire!  Don’t be overwhelmed investing your personal, 401(k), or retirement assets.  You’ll review strategies to help you invest like a pension pro.  This session is designed for the basic or intermediate investor to help sharpen your investment knowledge.  Bring a copy of your last investment statements and your contract. Participation limited to 35 attendees.

Trainers: Dennis Eisenberg (WI), Barry Tusin (IL) 

Communications:

All Member Canvass—[Sessions #214, #406]—Do you want to increase member involvement in your NSO affiliate?  Recruit new leaders?  Prepare for bargaining effectively?  Strengthen your affiliate in dealing with management and governance?  The All Member Canvass is an organization –building technique based on individual conversations among members.  It enables your union to identify the issues and concerns that are most important.  Information gathered from one-on-one conversations becomes the basis for a broader discussion within your union.  It builds solidarity and strengthens your affiliates. 

Trainer:  Tom Suhrbur (IL)

Assertiveness and Bargaining…A Powerful Combination—[Session #112]—Assertive behavior is how you achieve the right balance between your needs and those of others.  Assertive behavior is standing up for your own rights in a way that does not violate the rights of someone else.  A negotiating style profile will also be completed in this session.  Based on the model described in Ury and Fisher’s Getting to Yes, this profile offers a simple framework for thinking about one’s negotiating style and the likely effect of that style in negotiating situations.  Participants will identify preferences for one of five negotiating styles.  The impact of each style on the negotiating process will be discussed.  Understanding how assertive behavior and one’s negotiating style preference works together for the purpose of bargaining will also be discussed. It is strongly suggested that bargaining teams attend this session together.  

Trainers:  Tom Greene (MI), Bob Thomas (MI)

Communications for Bargaining and Beyond—[Sessions #113, #311]—Do your members know what goes on in your union?  How do you share information with governance?  This session is designed to help our local develop its message and the means to disseminate that message effectively.  Teams from each staff union are encouraged to attend.  Participants will develop a message and a communications plan.  Participation limited to 25 attendees. 

Trainers:  Peggy Chavez (OH), Ed Helvey (OH)

Dysfunction in the Workplace—[Sessions #213, #412]—Do you work in a dysfunctional environment?  Learn to identify the indicators, learn coping strategies and find out how to overcome workplace problems.  We will concentrate on staff-to-staff conflicts:  what causes them, how to work through them, how to identify when outside help is needed.  Real-life situations and role-playing will be used to illustrate skills and techniques. 

Trainers:  Nancy Benson (MN), Stephanie Wolkin (MN)

How the Internet Puts More Power into the Hands of the Union Advocate—All Day, One Day Session—[Session #308-408]—This session will involve the use of the computer in the day to day activities of union employees.  The focus will be on websites that will provide useful information to assist the union advocate. An extensive list of websites will be provided and a “live” online access of selected sites will be demonstrated as part of the presentation. The internet has made it possible to better represent your members by providing you with the most up-to-date labor decisions, laws, sample contract language, effective bargaining tools and resources available.  This session is designed for all levels of computer users.  Walk away with a step-by-step manual that will enable you to start using the Internet today! 

Trainers:  Glenn Johnson (NJ), Howard Parish (NJ), and Donette Ramey (MI)

Quality Newsletters/E-Newsletter—[Sessions #212, #411]— This session will provide an insider’s look and strategies on how to handle the communication process, offer helpful tips for writing attention grabbing content, and discuss programs that can be used to design your staff union newsletters. 

Trainers:  Christi Broadway (NC), Lynette Lee (NC)

Sometimes You’re the Bug…Sometimes You’re the Windshield—All Day, One Day Session—[Session #104-204]—The need for unions continues to come under fire in the public and in the media.  It’s more important than ever that union leaders and members are able to clearly and concisely develop and send a “union” message.  This session provides skills training and template presentations to train any members to ‘talk like a leader’ in any given situation.  The emphasis is on message development, interaction with news media and media relations.  This session is meant to be an interactive training, including mock interviews using real situations faced by union members.  Participation limited to 30 attendees.

Trainers:  Rosemary Carey (MI), Cynthia Menzel (KS) 

Contract Administration:

Arbitration Preparation—It’s Not Rocket Science—[Sessions #209, #407]—This session is designed for new advocates or those with little or no arbitration experience.  It will provide a practical basic introduction to the arbitration process with emphasis upon how we develop our case.  Key concepts include:  Why we arbitrate; avoiding common errors in arbitration; witness selection and preparation; opening statements; direct and cross examination and closing statements.  Participation limited to 30 attendees. 

Trainers:  Don Tarr (NJ), Lois Tarr (NJ)

Intermediate Grievance Processing—[Session #307]—This session is designed for participants who are knowledgeable about the basics in identification and filing of grievance issues.  This session will discuss and identify what needs to be accomplished at each step of the grievance procedure beyond the initial filing and investigation.  This will also include an in-depth analysis of each step of each participant’s grievance procedure and an evaluation of the step’s value in the procedure as it prepares us for a possible arbitration of the issues.  Please bring a copy of your staff contract.  Participation limited to 30 attendees. 

Trainers:  Joseph DiVincenzo (NY), Phyllis Rugnetta (MA)

Introduction to Grievance Processing—[Session #107]—For first-timers and those who need a refresher; determining if there is a grievance; Investigating the grievance; framing the issue/how to write a grievance; determining appropriate relief/remedy; presentation at initial stages of grievance; an opportunity to practice advocacy skills.  Please bring a copy of your staff contract. Participation limited to 30 attendees. 

Trainers:  Joseph DiVincenzo (NY), Phyllis Rugnetta (MA)

Principles of Contract Interpretation—[Sessions #109, #306]—Understanding how to interpret contract language is critical to grievance reps, negotiators and officers who have to decide the merits of a grievance.  This session will examine the principles of contract interpretation and offer insights as to how arbitrators interpret contract language. 

Trainer:  David Moracco (MN)

Leadership Development:

Basic Unionism—[Session #210]—Have fun while examining the history, economics and values of unions.  Learn how the NSO is the same as other unions and how it is different.  Learn how to use the information to build and strengthen YOUR state and local union. This interactive session will include information on resource materials, prizes and chocolate. 

Trainers:  Dave Rathke (IL), Louise Uphoff (IL)

Connecting the Dots…The Value of Union Membership—[Sessions #110, #309]—The primary focus of this session will be on strengthening the connection of union members with their local unions and NSO.  There will also be a component to strengthen the bond between different affiliates in each state.  Emphasis will be placed on the use of a series of prepared message suitable for e-mail and printed newsletters that highlight the value of union membership.  Participants will be provided with a CD and binder of materials for use in their local affiliates. 

Trainers:  Catherine Fichtner (MA), Jo Ann Fitzgerald (MA), and Cheryl Singleton (MA)

Group Decision-Making Dynamics—[Sessions #315-415]—Every union faces the challenges of group decision making.  Bargaining teams, executive committees, grievance committees and labor/management groups all engage in important decision-making activities.  However, not every decision made by a well-meaning group is unfailing.  This session will explore the dynamics of group decision-making and will help groups engaged in traditional or interest-based bargaining as well as labor/management discussion groups learn how to avoid false consensus or “groupthink”.  This session is a must for anyone who is looking for a way to help their union involve every committee or group member in the decision making process and help improve the quality of decision making. 

Trainers:  William Gist (IN), Casey Patterson (IN)

Leading Successful Meetings—[Sessions #316, #402]—An overview of parliamentary procedure and how to use it to achieve the outcomes which you need to result from a meeting.  Emphasis is placed upon how to establish rapport with the meeting participants and its importance in reaching your goals.  Opportunity will be provided for questions and answers. 

Trainer:  John Reilly (NSO-Retired)

Practical Tips for Presidents—[Sessions #111, #216]—This session will include a facilitated discussion of the practical aspects of being President, including (but not limited to):  transitions from one president to another; Constitutions, Bylaws and Executive Committee policies; Communications (internal and external); NSO events (WAR College, RA, CBC); dealing with “rum” groups; time management; stress management and much more! 

Trainer:  Wanda Van Pelt (IL)

Life is Easier with NSO Research—[Session #115]—This session will provide a practical look at what is available from NSO Research (and NEA Research such as the Huttleston Report, if available).  The focus will be on how to understand and use the data, how to generate exhibits to support your positions, and what to use and not use. 

Trainers:  Robert Blackwell—NSO At-Large A Director, Ruth Ivory—NSO At-Large B Director, Peggy Nabors—FL/NSO Research Committee

Treasurers’ Workshop—[Session #116]—Filing of Labor Department (LM-2, 3 or 4) reports; IRS 990s; financial and Labor Department auditing will be addressed in this session.  Also learn how to develop an appropriate investment strategy for union assets and what it means for your affiliate to be ‘in good standing’ with NSO. 

Trainers: Ron Goldenstein—NSO Treasurer, Vera Stafford—NSO Financial Adviser

Organizing/Membership:

Organizing Around Possibilities—[Sessions #103, #401]—This session is on organizing around possibilities that is applicable to complex organizational challenges ranging from bargaining to dispute resolution to organizational change.  This session will examine how to move the organizational dynamic from “What ifs…” and “If it weren’t for…” to “What we can see together…” and “How this can become our reality…”  Session participants will have the opportunity to work with real life issues and learn to move the organizing tensions from “negative tension” to “creative tension.”  The session will also assist participants in realizing the desired future through the merger of the individual and the collective. 

Trainer:  Armin Blaufuss (WI)

Power Organizing for a Powerful Staff Bargaining—All Day, One Day Session—[Session #314-414]—This session will help NSO bargainers and organizing chairs prepare the membership for powerful, successful bargain with management.  Using the concepts of Constant Organizing Goals (COG) and timeline planning, the session begins with a discussion of organizing power and the development of that power from a period of 18 months prior to the staff bargain and on through the conclusion of the bargain right up through a potential crisis.  The session will help prepare participants in the areas of strategy and tactics in organizing and in organizing and bargaining communications that support those activities.  This class will be particularly useful to newer attended to the WAR College who may not have experienced the situation of a tough staff bargain.  It is intended to help them prepare in a systematic, powerful way to win.

Trainers:  Kathy Hill (CA), Jeff Wahlquist (WA)

Powerful Union Representation:  The Organizing Alternatives—All Day, One Day Session—[Session #303-403]—Several approaches to union representation and organizing have been advanced by the labor movement, civil rights movement, community organizations and other advocacy and social change groups.  This session identifies, describes, and assesses the most popular of these approaches.  Initially, the session contrasts the Organizing Model of union representation with the Advocacy model and the service model of union representation.  After assessing comparative advantages and disadvantages of the Organizing Model of union representation, this session examines and distinguishes the most popular and common approaches to organizing. 

Trainers:  Bob Lindquist (CA), David Oshige (CA), and Debra Oshige (CA)

So, You’re a Staff Union Member, Now What?—[Session #301]—It’s inevitable.  New staff is hired to replace the veteran staff and the baton must be passed forward.  The union stays the same – or does it?  Means to address the constantly voiced and unvoiced questions of “What can the union do for me?” and “Do you know what my needs are?” will be the topic of this session.  Emphasis will be placed on organized one-on-one conversations designed to discover and establish goals and objectives for long-term unity and preparedness for bargaining.  The aim is to answer the two questions above by improving union effectiveness for both the rank and file membership and the leadership.  There will be involved discussion and take-home hand outs (including a CD-ROM). 

Trainers:  Kim Lane (OH), Denny Peltola (OH)

Rights Issues:

Bargaining Legal Issues—[Session #215]—This session will deal with frequently encountered conflicts when the employer or the employer’s attorney quotes the “law” as reason to deny employee proposals.  Suggestions will be made on how to maximize and enhance members’ rights through bargaining certain aspects of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), USERRA, COBRA and others. 

Trainer:  Bob Thomas (MI)

Employee Rights in the Workplace—[Sessions #114, #312]—This session involves examination and discussion of Federal statutes including Sec. 504, ADA, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Sex discrimination), Equal Pay Act, ADEA, NLRA and others.  The session will focus on lecture and discussions, question/answer related to the basic tenets of the respective Federal law, and analysis of governing court and agency decisions. 

Trainers:  Jeff Rosenberg (CT), Mark Sheehan (CT)

Just Because You’re Paranoid Doesn’t Mean That They Aren’t Out To Get You:  Addressing Workplace Privacy—[Sessions #313, #416]—Could your boss be spying on you?  The answer is increasingly a resounding “yes!”  Many of the basic rights we all take for granted are not protected when we go to work.  The use of new information and communication technologies at the workplace has exploded in recent years.  This session will focus on the techniques your boss may be using to spy on you, what your employer can legally do and how you can use collective bargaining to bargain contractual language to further protect you and your colleagues.  This session is limited to 40 participants.

Trainers:  Jina Jonen (WI), Gregory Spring (WI)

Subcontracting, Confidential Employees and Bargaining Unit Work in the Private Sector—[Sessions #202]—This workshop will address the growing problem of intrusions upon bargaining unit work by subcontracting and the use of non-bargaining unit employees doing bargaining unit work. The problem of alleged non-unit confidential employees being created by employers, how management erodes the bargaining unit work and what limitations can be placed upon the work they perform will be discussed.

Trainers:  Rob Day (NSO Attorney), Jack Schamel (NSO-Retired)

Contact the NSO  webmaster at DonetteRamey@yahoo.com. Contact Rosemary Carey, NSO Communications Director, at rcarey@mea.org
Copyright © 2006 National Staff Organization
Last modified: 06/29/2008
Pictured in header left to right:  Tyrone Melton, North Carolina Staff Organization, Bob Paskowski, Pennsylvania Staff Organization, Deb Stevens, Delaware Staff Organization, Chuck Agerstrand, NSO President, Dawn Basurto, California Associate Staff, Kevin Scarrow, Kansas Staff Organization, Allison Herndon, Virginia EA/OSS 

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