Winter
2004
Contents:
By Steve Bell WAPB was born in the fall of 1992.
But it’s genealogy dates back to the time of the American Revolution. The year
was 1794. The place; New York. Printers went on strike for shorter hours and
higher pay. Before the end of the 18th century, carpenters, cabinet makers and
shoemakers would strike for similar improved working conditions and wages.
Starting in the 1820s, business interests and pro-business politicians decree
the ruinous effects that union efforts would have on the economy when they
succeeded in reducing the working day from 12 to 10 hours. Somehow, the country
miraculously survived and even prospered.
The Nation Labor Union, formed in 1866, persuaded Congress to pass an eight hour
day for Federal workers. Despite a great wailing and gnashing of teeth from
industrial interests the country not only survives the change but manages to
prosper all the more.
The radical union, Knights of Labor, formed in 1869 and run by a bunch of
wide-eyed idealists opens it’s membership to all workers of all races male or
female. Other radical concepts include demands for mass public schooling with
compulsory attendance to help abolish child labor. What was wildly radical then
is mainstream now.
In 1911 a horrendous fire destroys the Triangle Shirtwaist Co. in New York. Over
150 employees, mostly young women, are killed. Some are burned alive, some die
from smoke inhalation others leap to their deaths in front of helpless
spectators. Escape from the factory was impossible because the exits were locked
to prevent the employees from stealing the textiles. The tragedy gives rise to
industrial safety and fire prevention measures; the forefather of modern Labor
and Industry standards.
The Clayton Act of 1914 results in the declaration that “the labor of a human
being is not a commodity or article of commerce”. The Clayton Act legalized
strikes, boycotts, peaceful picketing, and limited the use of injunctions in
labor disputes.
Fast forwarding through history to February, 2004 we find many of ancestor’s
hard won battles being chiseled away with extreme malice under the guise of the
greater economic good. Working a 10 or more hour work day
in exchange for ‘comp-time’ is increasingly accepted as the norm. Certain gains
for women and minorities have been curtailed. Ergonomic rules for our health and
safety rolled back as being ‘too expensive’. And one of the greatest insults to
the hero’s of the American labor movement; strikes for public employees –
outlawed. This is just the tip of the iceberg we’re floating on, and I fear it’s
melting fast.
And yet I have hope. I look around and I find dedicated members that step up to
the plate and take on whatever task is asked of them; and they inspire me. I
meet with workgroups desiring to join WAPB and their enthusiasm energizes me.
Where there is change there is opportunity (i.e. Civil Service Reform). Whether
you belong to WAPB as a willing supporter, or begrudgingly as a condition of
employment, know this: you are the beneficiary of over two centuries of American
labor heritage. WAPB may be a ‘small union’ in numbers, but we are more than big
enough to involve all who wish to participate in forging our collective future.
If you want to shape the world that future generations will inherit, your
participation in WAPB is always welcomed.
Howard Jack Fuss ~ April 8, 1954 – January 14, 2004
Growing up in Bellevue, Washington, Howard was entranced in the world of
fishes at an early age. In 1972 his enthusiasm and passion for the
outdoors and the fisheries resource led to his education at the
University of Washington, where he received a B.S. and M.S. of
Fisheries.
Howard began his work with the Washington Department of Fish and
Wildlife as a biologist in 1980, and eventually was promoted to a
Research Scientist. For most of his career, he worked on a variety of
issues related to improving hatchery management, especially salmon egg
incubation techniques. Many of the techniques and standards he helped
develop are still in use in hatcheries today, almost 20 years later.
More recently, his work focused on understanding the interactions
between wild and hatchery fish. Howard’s research addressed some of the
most important fisheries questions of our time. He was particularly
gratified when resource managers used the information that he collected
to improve conditions of the fish he so loved.
In addition to his dedication to fisheries, he was a leader and mentor
as an environmental activist, labor activist, and volunteer. He became a
member of the PRO-S chapter of the Washington Public Employees
Association union in 1984, and had been chapter president from 1996 to
the present. He was a strong advocate for fellow workers, championing
the contributions of researches and scientists, and lobbying with the
legislature.
Howard loved his life. His interests included fishing, golfing, camping,
gardening, and cooking. He loved food. No spice, no vegetable, no
filet of fish were beyond his culinary skills to delight his friends and
family. His sense of humor was infectious. Howard’s sister insists he
was one of the funniest people she had ever known. He is survived by the
second funniest person, his wife of 21 years, Kathy Gore Fuss; his
father Joel Fuss; his sisters, Judith and Nomi; his nephew, Josh; his
nieces, Nicole and Coty; his brother-inlaw, Drew Scherping; and his
devoted dog, “Flint”, and feisty cat, “Cali”. He was preceded in death
by his mother, Lucille Fuss.
By Steve Bell
Last fall WAPB filed a class action grievance and demand to bargain in
response to WDFW’s requirement to include a survey card with each
Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA). As a result of subsequent meetings,
WDFW agreed the cards would not be used in disciplinary actions,
evaluations or merit pay increases. In exchange for these assurances,
WAPB and WDFW have mutually agreed to suspend (but not withdraw) the
grievance and demand to bargain to give WDFW a one-year trial period
ending in August, 2004. At that time we will reconvene to re-evaluate
any concerns that might arise during the trial period.
WDFW indicated that customer survey cards may be developed for other
programs in the agency. Whatever sideboards WAPB and WDFW accept may
have far reaching implications for other WDFW employees that interact
with the public. WAPB members are encouraged to keep us apprised of
concerns regarding the survey cards as they develop. In the interim,
Biologists that are required to provide survey cards should continue to
do so per agency guidance so WAPB and WDFW can identify potential issues
of concern during this trial period. Special thanks to Pam Erstad, Don
Nauer and Bruce Baker for their valuable
participation on the Standing Committee addressing this issue.
By Steve Bell
WAPB is still short handed on a couple of fronts. We are in need of a Newsletter
Editor and Job Representatives in Region 5 and 6. Very soon we will need
candidates for Treasurer and Vice-President.
Job Representatives typically work during work hours and on state time when
there’s a need for their representation in cases of disciplines, grievances, and
Demand to Bargain issues. Training is provided by WAPB. Ideal candidates should
be diplomatic and have a genuine affection and compassion for their coworkers. A
strong belief in justice, fairness and an ability to exercise discretion are
imperative. If interested, contact Dave Kloempken or Steve Bell for more
information.
The Newsletter Editor is probably the least time consuming position but provides
a vital link in keeping members informed. The Newsletter Editor should be
persistent in seeking out appropriate articles of interest to the membership. An
ability to set deadlines and hold others to those deadlines is an important
asset. Creativity and innovation are encouraged. If interested contact Lauri
Vigue or Steve Bell for details.
The Vice-President assists the President as necessary and presides at meetings
in the President’s absence. He/She chairs the Grievance Committee. This is a
high profile and demanding position. The Vice President should be diplomatic,
and be a strong advocate for members in grievance situations. Potential
candidates should contact Steve Bell, Dave Kloempken or Bryan Murphie.
The Treasurer requires organizational skills and ability to keep financial
records. This is a key role in keeping WAPB running. He/she tracks the
Association’s finances, pays the bills, and maintains records of members’ dues
payments. The Treasurer maintains the official list of members on a monthly
basis. He/she presents an accounting of all financial transactions at meetings.
Honesty, integrity and a willingness to hold board members accountable for their
costs is essential. The Treasurer should be an advocate for the wise use of the
Association’s finances. Potential candidates should contact Steve Bell, Lauri
Vigue or Bryan Murphie.
All positions are eligible for reimbursement of costs such as mileage, parking,
etc. Some activities (i.e. disciplines, grievance, standing committee) may be
conducted on state time with prior approval of a supervisor. Time spent on
official WAPB business outside of state time may be compensated by the
Association upon request.
By Steve Bell
Mahatma Gandhi once said “you must be the change you want to see in the world”.
WAPB has opted to rely on the participation of members this session to provide
expert testimony to the legislature instead of hiring a professional lobbyist.
There is no one better to represent the changes you want in the work place than
you. WAPB provides the legislative hearing information, but it’s up to you to
provide the expert testimony. If you are not currently receiving our legislative
alerts, please visit our website at http://wapb.olympiaonline.com/ and click on
‘contact us’ to send an e-mail with your home email address. Sorry, we are not
able to send legislative updates to agency e-mail addresses. A few of the bills
on our radar include: HB 3037 - Allowing employees to accrue seniority benefits
while on family leave; HB 2940 - Increasing leave from employment for children’s
educational activities; HB 2349 - Allowing small scale resource extraction
without written approval; HB 2650 - Recognizing important bird areas; SB-6368
Allows Habitat Bios to issue stop work orders for HPA violations; HB-2348
Limiting geoduck harvest in Hood Canal – to improve DO content.
There are still a few seats available for members interested in participating on
the Legislative Committee.The credible testimony of one biologist on a subject
in his/her field of expertise carries a tremendous amount of weight in the eyes
of most legislators. Don’t discount your potential to influence their decisions.
To read the entire text or find the status of these or any other bills, go to
http://www.leg.wa.gov/wsladm/bills.cfm. To contact the members of a House
committee go to
http://www.leg.wa.gov/house/opr/stcommpg.htm, click on the word “members” to
the right of the committee you wish to contact and you will be taken to a list
of representatives in that committee. To contact Senators go to
http://www.leg.wa.gov/senate/scs/default.htm
for committee information.
By law, any participation in the legislative process must be done on your own
time without agency support or materials. When contacting legislators you may
identify yourself as a member of WAPB, or a private citizen, but it is
imperative that you DO NOT express your opinions as a state employee on behalf
of WDFW. For more information on your rights and responsibilities please refer
to Article 3, Section 8 of the WAPB Collective Bargaining Agreement
http://wapb.olympiaonline.com/contracts.html
Special thanks to Adam Cuoto for his participation on the Legislative Committee
and for being part of the change he wants to see.
By Lauri Vigue
|
Checking Beginning Balance 01/01/03 |
$22,887 |
|
Balance 12/31/03 |
$47,686 |
|
CD Beginning Balance 01/01/03 |
$2,145 |
|
Balance 12/31/03 |
$10,409 |
|
Savings Beginning Balance 01/01/03 |
$9,118 |
|
Balance 12/31/03 |
$12,144 |
|
Total Interest Earned |
$357 |
|
(CD, Checking, Savings) |
|
|
Income |
$103,278 |
|
Debt |
$67,657 |
|
Expenses in Detail |
|
|
Member Reimbursement |
|
|
Steve Bell |
$1,040 |
|
Adam Couto |
$100 |
|
Anita McMillan |
$2,690 |
|
Pat Miller |
$140 |
|
Beau Patterson |
$300 |
|
Lauri Vigue |
$1,760 |
|
Robin Woodin |
$180 |
|
Non-Member Reimbursement |
|
|
David Brock |
$80 |
|
Ruth Milner |
$360 |
|
Total Reimbursement |
$6,650 |
|
Travel |
$1,334 |
|
Charity Reimbursement |
$451 |
|
P.O. Box |
$68 |
|
Sec. Of State |
$30 |
|
Washington Mutual(checks fee/stop pmnt) |
$37 |
|
Rhonda Fenrich (Attorney) |
$53,898 |
|
Audit/Taxes (CPA) |
$840 |
|
Office Supplies |
$282 |
|
Photocopies |
$94 |
|
Postage |
$613 |
|
Print Service |
$1,346 |
|
Phone |
$720 |
|
Dues Refund |
$45 |
|
Meeting Expenses |
$1,249 |
|
Total Expenses |
$67,657 |
Want a copy of the original Newsletter?
Download PDF here. |
