PSO Oregon - Your Partner in Advocacy

George Carlin - The American Dream

2011-06-04T11:46:00.000-07:00

Better Know Your PSO: John Berkey!

2010-05-07T06:47:00.001-07:00

A very belated welcome goes out to our newer (but already dear) Consultant, John Berkey!

John came to us from New Jersey where he was a full-time Field Representative for five years prior to coming to OEA. In New Jersey, Field Reps are the equivalent to OEA’s UniServ Consultants.

He taught High School English for thirteen years where he worked his way through the ranks of Vice President, Grievance Chair, President, Chief Negotiator and various other roles as necessary.

John really earned his stripes because in New Jersey they employ local leaders as part-time consultants after their long teaching work day. OEA’s Cadre assignments would be similar if you multiplied them by fifty! John’s part-time consultant position resulted in three to four days a week of trainings, grievance processing, leadership development and negotiations. That certainly makes John eligible for the "crazy" award but it also speaks highly of his dedication to his strong sense of advocacy from which our members have benefitted.

When John is not working for his members, you can find him hiking, riding bikes, working out, or reading one of his favorite novels. The bike riding is the sane type of riding (unlike that of some of his fellow Consultants in Oregon who shall remain unnamed). John finds joy in all he does, carrying his passion for life into his vocation.

John also shares his work and his life with his best friend and partner, Sarah Moskoff, a UniServ Consultant for Washington County. Sarah and John both love Stella, John’s Australian Cattle Dog, who eagerly accompanied him to Oregon.

Taking Care of OEA, Taking Care of You

2010-04-18T21:50:00.000-07:00

PSO is hosting another hospitality suite Friday evening at the OEA RA from 9:00 – Midnight. PSO knows this has been a tough year for many of you and we want to give you an evening of fun and relaxation! Come prepared to kick up your feet, have a drink, and have a BALL!

What is a UniServ?

2010-04-18T21:24:00.000-07:00

If you don’t know what the term Uniserv Council or UniServ Consultant means, then let us tell you. UniServ District is short for Unified Service District and is the mode of providing direct services from OEA/NEA to each region of our state. As an OEA member, your Local Association belongs to a UniServ Council that contains your area. Your Council may be comprised of one large local group from a school district or several Local Associations from school districts within a geographical area. An OEA UniServ Consultant is assigned to work with your UniServ Council to assist individuals and/or Local Associations with their employment concerns.

UniServ Council Services and Programs are coordinated through the UniServ Council, a group of Local Association presidents and leaders. The Council meets monthly to share common concerns and current information. If you are interested in learning more about your UniServ Council or would like to attend a Council meeting, please contact your Local Association president.

PSO-Oregon Contract

2010-03-10T21:13:00.000-08:00

PSO-Oregon members are proud of our contract, collectively bargained with our employer the Oregon Education Association. Managers recently distributed to OEA Board Members a cherry-picked selection of elements from the PSO and ASO contracts.

We believe OEA members are entitled to the full details of the contracts of OEA employees, so we have posted our complete contract here for your review.

Like many contracts, the history behind the various provisions reaches back decades and includes many hard-fought provisions to provide a stable work environment for the full-time advocacy we do.

And it’s a contract that is evolving with each bargaining cycle. Our current contract is in effect until July 1, 2010.

Most PSO members are former NEA members with extensive public education backgrounds. Educators are the farm team for OEA’s professional staff, and OEA’s history is full of members who have moved to leadership positions, then staff positions, then retirement, then became OEA-Retired members - continuing their advocacy all the way along.

Like the contract, interested in the work? Apply!

The relations between OEA membership and PSO staff are not stratified, they're fluid. There are many opportunities for at-large OEA members to shift to professional staff positions. NEA and its state affiliates run the UniServ Professional Development Program (UPDP) which offers intensive training and internships for NEA affiliate members interested in UniServ work. Contact OEA (800-858-5505) for more information.

Also take a look at OEA’s website for any open job postings: www.oregoned.org/jobs

Link to: 2008-10 OEA/PSO Collective Bargaining Agreement

Arbitrator Finds in Favor of Removing Strike Blog Content, But Not Management's Categorical Demand

2010-01-13T19:36:00.000-08:00

While PSO-Oregon is disappointed in this ruling, and in the process of considering our options, but we wanted to post this item ASAP to be in compliance with the ruling.

The arbitrator pointedly did not find in favor of OEA's entire extended remedy. OEA managers wanted PSO prohibited from sharing any of the strike-related material with anyone in any context. The arbitrator limited the scope to only publishing or transmitting the material via the internet. Essentially, this ruling is exactly what PSO offered to OEA management as part of a grievance package to wrap up past issues and move forward, and what OEA management refused (read the details in our previous post).

Within an hour of receiving word of this ruling, PSO also followed the arbitrator's directive and un-posted all of our articles from September 15, 2008 to October 9, 2008.

[Pages 20 & 21 of the Award text below]

GARY AXON ARBITRATOR
IN THE MATTER OF ARBITRATION BETWEEN
OEA PROFESSIONAL STAFF ORGANIZATION,
Union,
and
OREGON EDUCATION ASSOCIATION,
Employer.

AWARD
AAA CASE NO. 75 3900041808
ARBITRATOR'S OPINION AND AWARD
BACK TO WORK AGREEMENT
AWARD

Having reviewed all of the evidence and argument, and having the opportunity to observe the demeanor of the witnesses while testifying, the Arbitrator concludes the Professional Staff Organization violated the Back to Work Agreement dated October 9, 2008. The Oregon Education Association's grievance is sustained.

Accordingly, the Arbitrator orders the following:
1. The Professional Staff Organization is ordered to remove from its internet blog (http://www.pso-oregon.blogspot.com) all materials, which reference the 2008 strike that were created during the period of September 15, 2008 through October 9,2008.
2. In accordance with the Back to Work Agreement, the Professional Staff Organization shall refrain from republishing or reposting on the internet the removed material from its internet blog or cause others to do so.
3. The Professional Staff Organization and the Oregon Education Association shall post the Award pages (pages 20 and 21) to the organizations respective internet-based sites for a period of no less than six months from the date of the Award.
4. The Arbitrator's Costs and expenses are payable equally by the parties.<5. In accordance with the stipulations of the parties, the Arbitrator shall retain jurisdiction over this matter for a period of sixty (60) days from the date of this Order for the purpose of assisting the parties in resolving any disputes arising out of the administration of this Award.Respectfully submitted,Gary L. AxonArbitratorDated: January 11, 2010

Grievance Package Close, Then OEA Management Extends Its Remedies

2009-12-21T19:34:00.000-08:00

In 2008, OEA management made a complaint against PSO for the ongoing existence of this blog, demanding that PSO take down the strike-related content, and that the existence of this documented history constituted an ongoing and active reprisal against them.

As soon as the back-to-work agreement was signed, PSO completely froze and archived all of the blog content from mid-September 2008 to mid-October 2008. Over the last 14 months, we've used the blog to share some of our work and who we are as people and as advocates. We have not used or made reference to this archived content, and believe it to be union-protected freedom of speech.

Jump ahead to October 2, 2009. A week before OEA management's case would go to arbitration, PSO presented a package to OEA management that tied several of its grievances against OEA, dropping two of them:

1.) OEA management not awarding compensatory time for overtime worked in a single-week period (PSO pay periods are two-weeks long).
2.) OEA management not paying time and expenses for staff who attended a meeting led by GR staff covering Election 2008 issues on September 11.

Also included in PSO's package: agreement to remove the strike-related content archived and frozen on this blog.

The next day, OEA management extended its initial remedy on the table over the last year to add that none of the strike-related content could be shared with anyone, in any context, ever again, including within our own union.

PSO President Catherine Alexander pointed out that the OEA management had visited other states to discuss their experiences with their 2008 staff strike, and PSO was within its rights to do the same. Lessons were learned during the crisis - new approaches are needed - and must be informed by the past to best avoid repeating mistakes.

PSO is disappointed, with a grievance package in front of OEA management making progress, that they chose to retreat and extend their remedy when we agreed to their proposed remedy as part of the package. Would this be acceptable by a school district or community college?

A ruling on OEA management's complaint is expected in early 2010.

Diplomacy by OEA Leadership Put Policy 5000 Revisions to Rest

2009-12-21T19:31:00.000-08:00

Good news, but what the heck is a Policy 5000?

Policy 5000 contains a series of policies required by NEA that govern the UniServ program. Through this program PSO members provide first line and direct service to your Local Associations and Councils.

A potential problem emerged when the changes proposed by OEA conflicted with the PSO staff contract. After difficult discussions began with management over the changes, OEA Vice President Hanna Vaandering met directly with management and PSO representatives to hear PSO concerns and express the intent of governance. Having all the stakeholders represented in one room to hear the issues helped lay the foundation necessary to build a resolution. The policy is not perfect, but PSO feels good that the egregious issues were resolved in a manner that allowed all parties to be successful.

OEA Management Splitting and Shifting Bargaining Unit Work

2009-12-21T19:29:00.000-08:00

In July 2009, OEA's longtime Technology Specialist retired. From July to the present day OEA management hired an IT Consulting firm to study the work she did, help cover during her absence, and propose a restructuring of how OEA's technology needs should be met.

The proposed plan is sensible: hire two people to split the Technology Specialist duties to fulfill OEA's technology needs. Additionally, outsource server-related duties to another vendor (this aspect requires more discussion).

For four months the IT Consulting team did work within the PSO bargaining unit. Finally, one person was hired for this two-person model. The new Technology Specialist was hired and placed in the ASO bargaining unit. No ASO position exists like this one. The PSO contract has had a dedicated "Technology Specialist" category for decades.

OEA management has offered to make the second position, an "Information Technologist", part of the PSO bargaining unit if PSO agrees that work in our unit be shifted to ASO.

After extensive discussions between OEA management and PSO leaders (and a meeting with PSO members who have higher comprehension of technology - we tend to be people-relational, not tech-relational), PSO agreed with the basics of the model, and that two people are needed. Our suggestion was to place the Technology Specialist position in the Technology Specialist category in our contract (where it has a lower salary and compensation package from what UniServ Consultants earn), where it's been for decades. We agreed with management that the second position should also remain within the PSO bargaining unit, since the duties of both had long been performed by a PSO member.

Executive Director Caruthers then complained PSO was blocking a solution. We emphasized many times that in no way were we delaying the hiring process to find a solution. We suggested that management post for the second position right away, and we would rely on third-party arbitrator to resolve whether the Technology Specialist already in the door should be restored to the PSO contract or shifted to the ASO contract. Such issues are what the arbitration mechanism is for. Union members who work in districts and colleges know that.

OEA management has decided to not post for a second position until an arbitration ruling is rendered. Caruthers has asked for an expedited arbitration process, and PSO has agreed.

PSO Members Work at Advocacy Conference, Hob-Nob with Bikers!

2009-10-18T00:05:00.000-07:00

Attendees at 2009 OEA Advocacy Conference packed to the gills the meeting rooms of the Portland Airport Holiday Inn on a gray-rainy-gray-rainy-sunny-gray October 17 day.

Adding to the excitement: the Holiday Inn also hosted a biker convention of motorcycle clubs from Oregon and Washington.

The sight of OEA staff and members mingling amid tough-dressed people in black leather jackets with exotic patches and emblems isn't something you see every day. The biker convention was engaged in its own advocacy, with a table of materials covering their rights as motorists and citizens along with accident insurance. A strong visual contrast, sure, but not dissimilar events.

PSO members led or co-trained sessions on Beginning Bargaining, Advanced Bargaining, Basic Advocacy, Bargaining Benefits, Engaging Members, Political Advocacy, Organizing & Bargaining Communications, Show Me the Money!, and Community Colleges.

ASO and PSO hosted a joint table in the main meeting hall where the OEA Foundation, California Casualty, and several OEA members running for office also had tables. In this photo, ASO members Jackie Youngbar and Becky Corkill sit with PSO member James Sundell. In the basket? A colorful selection of PSO stress balls.

Better Know Your PSO: Monica Smith!

2009-10-08T21:45:00.000-07:00

Meet new PSO member, OEA Bargaining Coordinator & UniServ Consultant Monica Smith!

Although Monica just joined in March, her history serving OEA extends for many years as a labor attorney for both public and private sector unions in Oregon including OEA, AFL-CIO, Portland Fire Fighters, musicians, and stagehands (just to name a few).

Monica has spent 26 years in private practice. She took a ride on the wild side for 6 months before starting with OEA and enjoys biking, singing, and gardening while her fascinating work history includes beekeeping, waitressing, and teaching ESL.

In April, Monica led a staff meeting training on Oregon bargaining rights and included a lesson to the tune of "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music. She not only kept her small troupe of performers (her longtime law partner Barbara Diamond and two PSO members) in tune, but actually brought the trainees to a standing ovation. Not easy to do on a warm afternoon.

Currently on Monica's nightstand: Gilead by Marilynne Robinson.

What does she see as her most important job qualification? Growing up in a family of 8.

Welcome Monica!

PSO Members to Attend Staff Union Retreat Sept 13-15

2009-09-10T18:45:00.000-07:00

It's been a solid month (with more to come!) of Board and UniServ retreats at OEA conducting council business, tackling bargaining issues, treasurer's trainings, communications workshops, legislative and policy updates, upcoming political campaigns, OEA-PIE drives, and school funding issues.

This weekend PSO-Oregon members will be holding our own staff retreat at our expense and time from Sunday, September 13 through Tuesday, September 15. As we're normally spread across the state, we appreciate this time together (our first retreat in three years) and promise to behave ourselves. The agenda for the three days is full [too full in this editor's opinion], so you OEA member-friends can expect few sensational details on Facebook or Twitter. [Alas!]

OEA members & PSO Win Against District

2009-09-10T18:14:00.000-07:00

OEA members and PSO UniServ Consultants marked a rare non-renewal win against a district when the Knappa School Board overturned its earlier decision to non-renew a probationary teacher based on accusations from the principal and Superintendent.

More than 45 students, parents, and alumni members filled the Knappa High School Library for the March late night hearing that resulted in the renewal of Vocational Agriculture teacher, Courtney Bangs. During the public hearing the School Board was represented by Hungerford lawyer Richard Cohn Lee, while the Principal and Superintendent were represented by Nancy Hungerford.

In the hearing UniServ Consultant Dot Russell (pictured) and OEA member Courtney Bangs countered every criticism with facts, documents, and calm reasoning which gained the attention of the five member school board.

Toward the end, Nancy Hungerford reminded the board about what the “very broad discretion” the law grants them to non-renew, but the board took to heart Dot Russell’s points that the law was broadly written to grant them the ability to retain their own sense of ethics and justice.

Right after the Board hearing, the Knappa Superintendent tendered his resignation to the School Board chair. After three scheduled mediations, which were not completed, the Superintendent has moved on to a new assignment.

PSO Pleased to Join OEA Members and Staff at August Board Retreat

2009-08-01T17:07:00.000-07:00

This June, OEA Executive Director Jerry Caruthers extended an invitation to all OEA staff to join the OEA Board during its August retreat.

The members of OEA’s Professional Staff Organization (PSO) are pleased by this invitation will eagerly join the OEA members of the Board, our Associate Staff Organization (ASO) colleagues, confidential staff, and OEA management for a day and a half of strategic planning August 3 & 4, with an evening BBQ on the OEA grounds in Tigard.

“No question it has been a tough year for OEA and its members with this latest economic downturn leading to contract reopeners and anxiety in districts and colleges, but there is a lot to celebrate: a historic general election and huge wins on ballot measures this past fall,” shared PSO President Catherine Alexander. “OEA leaders and the Government Relations Team did yeoman’s work this recent legislative session.”

Alexander added: ‘We take this invitation to the Board Retreat as a significant step toward building on OEA’s potential to become the best and strongest advocate for public education and worker’s rights in Oregon.”

Better Know Your PSO: Sandra Goveia!

2009-07-28T19:46:00.000-07:00

One of the newer additions to the Professional Staff at OEA is Sandra Goveia, working as the UniServ Consultant for the Three Rivers Education Council (TREC). Sandra’s education career began a high school English and Social Studies teacher first in Texas, and then Washington.

From teaching she moved to Iowa to attend law school, where she studied labor law and negotiations. When she saw a job listing for a UniServ position in Iowa she realized that this was a great way to mix her teaching past and legal expertise. She is now here at OEA “mixing it” for the TREC members in her council. Welcome Sandra!

New PSO Organizational Goals

2009-03-18T20:43:00.000-07:00

After months of discussions, the members of PSO-Oregon collectively voted to approve a series of goals to guide us as a staff union in both the short and long term. Among the goals:

- Promote union values internally and externally

- Promote partnerships with mutual respect and shared values among all levels of OEA membership, staff, and management

Our aspiration is to continue to follow our motto as "partners in advocacy" and work as role models in the causes of union values, public education, and championing the rights of OEA members.

For more on our goals and union values, visit www.oregonedstaff.org

Better Know Your PSO: Meg Krugel

2009-03-16T20:31:00.000-07:00

Meg Krugel joined PSO to work as OEA’s new magazine Editor and Communications Consultant. Meg most recently worked in Seattle as an Assistant Editor for Colors NW, a magazine focusing on race and diversity issues. She grew up in Roseburg and graduated from the U.O. with a BA in Journalism and a minor in English. We now have another “DUCK” in the Center for Public Affairs Department – so watch out Beavers!

Meg and her spouse Tara currently make their home in Northeast Portland. In her spare time, Meg cooks, jogs, and creates Martha-inspired projects (we hope to sample the cooking soon!). Meg also plays the oboe and recently joined a community band. She is eager to form a PSO band with UniServ Consultant and folk singer John Lorang. Welcome Meg!

Better Know Your PSO: Brett Nair

2009-03-14T21:19:00.000-07:00

PSO is proud to welcome Brett Nair as another experienced and strong union supporter. His background makes him a natural for UniServ work and support of the union values that are so important to OEA. In the door, Brett brings with him a career that includes work for SEIU, CWA, and the American Federation of Musicians.

As Precinct Committee person, he is also a strong supporter of the Democratic Party. A former Californian, Brett’s move to Oregon ten years ago convinced him to call Oregon his home. In daylight, Brett joins the ranks of our fitter colleagues as an obsessed bicyclist and a true movie nut. Rumor is that he is prone to hang out in alleys and invoke a demonstration or two. His home buddies and roommates, Rosa and Speedy, don’t join in on bike rides or help with expenses, but are good listeners when called upon.

It’s All About Advocacy!

2009-03-08T18:45:00.000-07:00

“Partners in Advocacy” is not just the PSO slogan - it is something PSO members put into action. This was demonstrated in recent months by a series of regional advocacy conferences for OEA members put together by PSO members from the Metro, Mid-Valley, and Coastal regions, with assistance from our ASO (Associated Staff Organization) colleagues.

The purpose of the regional conferences is to assist OEA members in developing skills in many different forms of advocacy. Bargaining is the backbone of a union and was a featured topic at all the conferences, with sessions on basic and advanced bargaining, organizing for bargaining, bargaining communications, and budget analysis.

Protection of contractual rights was also covered in basic and advanced advocacy sessions. Additional topics included dealing with programs of assistance, conflict resolution, leadership skills, and “Union 101”. By providing these types of training PSO members assist OEA members in building strong local associations

PSO & ASO End of Year Party a Hilarious Success

2008-12-20T10:36:00.000-08:00

Last week on Thursday, December 11 over 90 people joined a party for PSO and ASO members at the Hayden's Island Grill in Tualatin. The celebration ran from 5:30pm to just after 10:00pm when the restaurant staff stopped just short of pulling the chairs out from under the last few stragglers.

The centerpiece of the event was a short speech by PSO-Oregon President Catherine Alexander followed by a video and photo montage of events from the last year. Then finally awards were handed out to PSO and ASO members in fun and appreciation of their hard work (watch video below):

Click To Play

Spirits were high, the dancing was fun (even if the music choices were a little slapdash), and it was a great way to wrap up a tough year and celebrate with partners and friends.

PSO looks forward to all the work of 2009 defending the rights of OEA members and helping champion the cause of public education in Oregon.

In Solidarity,
PSO-Oregon

Potential PSO & ASO Party Plan

2008-10-29T07:24:00.001-07:00

There are potential plans for a PSO & ASO post-strike party to celebrate our solidarity and, well, just get rambunctious for a while. Likely sometime in early December. The PSO Organizing Committee will be meeting in mid-November to discuss this and debrief its own organizing efforts during the bargaining crisis and strike.

We will send out more information as details develop!

Coincidence?

2008-10-13T20:36:00.000-07:00

September 30, 2008
PSO on strike, 'OEA Newsflash' comments on "these tough economic times".

October 13, 2008
PSO returns to work. Dow Jones Industrial Average rises 936 points.

Coincidence?

OEA Board Unaminously Approves TA with PSO

2008-10-11T13:58:00.000-07:00

PSO and the OEA Board have ratified the tentative agreement for a new contract. PSO members can return to work on Monday, October 13. Two hours later, we have not received official word from Exec. Dir. Caruthers who left OEA HQ soon after the OEA Board vote, but word from the OEA members in attendance was that the vote to ratify was unanimous.

[Addendum: at 3:21 pm Caruthers officially notified PSO President Catherine Alexander that OEA ratified the agreement.]