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Chapter 4 Meeting a Hit

July 3, 2008

The Gaylord area chapter of state employees had their annual picnic on June 26th. Over 40 members and families were on hand for good food, games and fellowship.
Ch. 4 meeting

City of Charlotte Members Ratify New Contract

July 3, 2008

The City of Charlotte DPW and Clerical Units overwhelmingly passed the new three year contract at their meeting on July 2nd. The new contract features retroactive and prospective wage increases, maintains healthcare, HCSA/ICMA Employer match/up to $2000 per year, Call-In pay, increased vacation time and the ability to "rollover" vacation days to sick leave bank, retirement and clothing allowance increases. Thanks to the Bargaining Team : Jim Saldana, Carrie Bowerman, Todd Newman, and George Radee .

Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire Walks a Day in the Shoes of SEIU Member

As part of SEIU’s “Walk a Day in My Shoes” program to ensure that political candidates experience firsthand what life is like for working Americans, Governor Christine Gregoire spent a day with home care worker and SEIU Healthcare 775NW member Rosa Vadillo in Tacoma, WA.

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2008 SEIU 517M Golf Outing

Be part of a summer tradition. On Thursday, August 7th join your fellow union members and friends for the 2008 SEIU Local 517M Golf Outing. Spaces are going fast so get your registration in soon! Deadline is Monday, July 21st!

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State Pension Fund Losses in Bear Sterns Aftermath

Most pension funds have suffered serious losses in value as a result of the current financial crisis. The State of Michigan Retirement System is no different. Many of you have heard about the $63 million loss realized by SMRS as a result of the Bear Stearns collapse. The losses are concerning, but small in comparison to the overall size of the pension fund (approximately $60 billion). All plan participants should know that these losses do not put their plan benefits and the long-term financial health of the fund are not at risk.

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Supreme Court Allows Use of Public Funds to Support Anti-Union Speech

June 20, 2008

In a defeat for the labor movement, on June 19th the Supreme Court struck down a California law that barred publicly-funded companies from speaking out against unions. View the L.A. Times Article about the decision.

Government Reform Proposal Grabs Voter Attention

The recent news stories about a government reform proposal have gotten the attention of SEIU members. The SEIU office has received several calls seeking more information on this proposal. After analysis of the provisions, the SEIU Local 517M Executive Board feels that this proposal is in the best interest of our members and supports the proposal fully.

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2008 Labor Night at the Lugnuts

Lansing Lugnuts logo

The Greater Lansing Labor Council is sponsoring a Labor Night at the July 26th Lansing Lugnut baseball game. Deadline for registration is July 11th.

Information and registration form

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AFRAM Caucus to Hold Anniversary Celebration

July 11th, 2008 will mark the one-year anniversary of AFRAM existence within SEIU Local 517M. The SEIU 517M AFRAM State Caucus will be sponsoring a reception to celebrate this historic date. This celebration will take place July 21, 2008 at 8:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Hotel in Lansing. The National President of the AFRAM Caucus, President Marchel Smiley from SEIU Local 722 in Washington, D.C. will be here to address the delegation.

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