OSA Newsline - October 25, 2004

Last week, negotiations began with the Transit Authority. Also, painting began at the union office. Our grievance staff continues to do their job on the second floor at 220 East 23rd Street, but it isn't easy.

Meanwhile, this month's mailing went to the mailing house and members should be receiving it this week. The same content is already on this website as the October 2004 edition of "News From OSA."

The first part of the letter is a political endorsement for the upcoming presidential election. It probably won't change too many minds, but we felt it important to take a stand.

It is important for you to take a stand as well. Next week's newsline will be reminding you to vote. This week's message is for you to contact parents or children or grandchildren and tell them that it is important to vote. And it is.

Finally, the City's Health Benefits Program's fall transfer period for both active employees and retirees runs through November 30. Retirees can change plans from November 1-30, with the change going into effect in January, 2005. (Retirees are eligible to switch plans once every two years in even-numbered years except for a once-in-a lifetime exception which is available at other times.) Active employees will see changes made now implemented in the first pay period in January 2005.

You can click here to download a copy of the City Health Benefits Program's Summary Program Description which includes a transfer application for retirees. You can click here to download the City's health plan application for active employees.
OSA Newsline - October 18, 2004

The Municipal Labor Committee met last week and the main topic was health benefits. Chairperson Randi Weingarten suggested that coalition bargaining on all health benefits was an idea whose time had come. There was no disagreement, but not all the unions were present. OSA has favored coalition bargaining for years.

Workmen finished digging up the floor in the flooded sections of the OSA office and have now put down the first layers of plywood over the original pine flooring that was put in place in 1903.

Meanwhile, the union is preparing a mailing giving details on the recent raises. It should go out late this week and will appear as the October edition of News From OSA on this website shortly.
OSA Newsline - October 11, 2004

Happy Columbus Day. As expected, most members covered by the main union contract received their 3% raise last week. A number of members did call to let us know that the money did not come. In all those cases so far, the reason was that the member was not in active status either on the dates required or in part of the period covered. In such cases, members should start by filing a payroll complaint form. Most of the time that does solve the problem within three pay periods. If that doesn't work, a grievance can be filed.

Those who did get the 3%, are now due the 2% on the paycheck of October 22nd. The union will continue our work to obtain the monies due to the other members as well.

The union office underwent its second bout of asbestos removal from our seventh floor offices this past weekend, so progress is occurring. The process however is certainly slow and awkward in the meantime.
OSA Newsline - October 4, 2004

The September membership meeting at 125 Worth Street was surprisingly well attended given the fact that it was also the night of the first presidential debate.

Members who did attend were rewarded in two ways. First, on a somewhat lesser scale than Oprah Winfrey, gifts went out to the studio audience. In this case, as a part of the report on civil service matters, samples of the kits given out at last summer's exam were distributed, including the now-famous Tootsie Roll pops.

The second reward was the news that those of our members in City agencies are due their 3% raise on the October 8, 2004 paycheck and the 2% raise as of October 22nd.

Members at Transit and the Board of Ed and some others will have to wait a bit longer until contracts are complete, but at least some of our members are due now. Even so, don't spend it until it arrives.