Unity Gets Results in Classified

By Donna Ryan
Classified Vice Chair

In thinking back this year, I was impressed to see that the classified department didn't have a major grievance. Of course, we all had our concerns and problems, but nothing discussion with our managers and supervisors couldn't fix.

Our main focus this year has been negotiations. The subcommittee of the classified department --Beverly Gniewecki, Sina Williams and myself -- had many meetings before we met with our managers to discuss the incentive plan, scheduling and other items that were mentioned in our survey.

I would like to thank everyone who has participated in the workplace strategies. That involvement was the best opportunity our department had to show unity and help the bargaining team. Our main goal is to get a strong contract and to keep our jurisdiction. We can do this if we all continue to work in unity. Several classified members put the black and white ribbons together for the extended health care strategy, and many in classified have leafleted events in the community -- rain, snow or good weather.

We should all stand behind our president, Sina Williams from the classified department, in the coming year. She has put in many hours on the bargaining team and dealing with problems throughout the Guild.

This fall our department lost a very important member, Ellie Flejtuch. Ellie was a fighter for every cause in our department. We will always remember her.

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