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USO Annual Meeting 2009The USO Annual Meeting was held on Saturday, April 25, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. in the 1480 Building Conference Rooms S,T,U,V. Click here to review the documents from the annual meeting. National Staff Organization News The following story is the culmination of efforts by an NSO coalition to stop NEA from short-changing the pensions of current NEA staffers and retirees. To read the whole story, go to www.nationalstaff.org. NSO, NEA reach historic agreement on pension plan Concerted organizing efforts by AFSE, NEASO, and NSO have paid off with a Memorandum of Understanding with NEA to fully fund their pension plan now that it is a multi-employer plan. After seven hours of negotiations, the agreement was signed by all parties at 9 p.m. on June 24. John Wilson, NEA Executive Director, represented NEA. “What made the difference in my estimation was the action of the NSO RA in Scottsdale followed up with a lot of good hard organizing and agitating in the affected states,” said Chuck Agerstrand, NSO President. The issue of fully funding the new plan had been a major sticking point for the coalition. In this new agreement, NEA agrees to “fund the plan to attain 100 percent funding for total liabilities.” NEA agrees that such funding must be in place within 14 years. In return, the coalition agrees to withdraw any grievances or legal action and to refrain from any organized activities at the 2007 RA. Butch Santicola, Region 2 Director from Pennsylvania, serving as “field general”, was spearheading the organizing efforts. Plans were moving ahead to picket the NEA RA as a way of communicating our displeasure to delegates and the public. The work of affiliate presidents was key in generating pressure on the NEA from within their states through people and money power. Agerstrand commented, “This agreement is truly historic. This is the first time NEA has recognized NSO as the voice for all affiliate unions. Collectively, we showed that an injury to one of us is an injury to all of us. The message finally got through to NEA and John Wilson. Get ready for some changes! The USO Newsletter is debuting a new look and new content with this issue. Here’s what’s coming your way. In each issue, we’ll focus on one of USO affiliates, giving you an idea of the kinds of contributions the group makes to MEA, MESSA or Financial Services. We’ll highlight members of the affiliate and then put the spotlight on one of the members. For this first issue, we’re focusing on MESSA Benefit Analysts. In addition to news updates, we’re also going to be giving you a brief history lesson dealing with USO and its affiliates under the “Did You Know?” heading. We hope you enjoy this new format. Let us know what you think. Click here to read the NEW and Improved USO Newsletter! USO Means Quality RepresentationThe United Staff Organization (USO) is an independent labor organization representing more than 550 employees of MEA, MESSA and MEA Financial Services. USO is the certified bargaining agent for associate and professional staff employed by MEA, MESSA and MEA Financial Services. Through their local affiliates, these members elect officers, association representatives and representatives to USO committees.
USO...Quality Representation for Every Member USO provides trained personnel and other assistance at the bargaining table. USO provides trained personnel to assist with contract maintenance, grievances and preparation of arbitrations. USO provides training opportunities for you, your leadership, bargaining team, grievance chairperson and other representatives. USO provides strike benefits for members involved in a work stoppage. USO provides legal assistance to the local affiliate and, when appropriate, to the individual member. USO provides local affiliate control, ensuring that each local makes its own decisions concerning bargaining and other local issues. USO provides the only real opportunity for all MEA, MESSA and MEA Financial Services employees to work together for their mutual benefit.
USO is unity – professional and associate staff working together to improve benefits for everyone. USO is strength – more than 550 employees working together. USO has the ability to speak with authority on behalf of its members. USO is quality representation. |
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