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2822 A New Voice
A Website for the Members of AFSCME Local 2822
January/February 2003

copyright Jim Evans and wildlandfire.com

Dignity and Respect

by Lynn Stetler


During our last contract negotiations, we tried unsuccessfully to get dignity and respect language added to our contract. While we didn't get the language added, the union and the employer did agree to meet and confer on this issue. Along with representatives from Locals 34, 552, 2864 and our 3 business agents, President Malecki, Jennifer McNair and I, from our local, met with Bill Peters from Labor Relations on December 9, 2002.

Both sides agreed that there is a problem. Mr. Peters heard from almost everyone in the room about specific instances of abusive behavior and lack of dignity and respect on their job sites. The next step is how to approach improving the situation. A survey of staff has been completed at HCMC on this issue and they have called in an independent consultant to help them. We are considering this same person to help us. We did agree to schedule another meeting in January 2003. We will keep you posted on further developments.


Last revised 01/17/03. Some images courtesy of AFSCME from the Webmasters Corner at AFSCME.org. The flag image above is courtesy of wildlandfire.com. Please visit their site - the image is to honor and remember the firefighters who lost their lives in the tragedies of September 11, 2001. Send comments and suggestions to the webmaster: Sheryl Johnson