GAA Is Seeking to Improve Member Communication
with Personal E-mail Addresses
GAA is committed to its entire membership, and we are working proactively seeking the communicate, especially during work
hours, the status of every given activity, we that is not being addressed, please contact the GAA Office. Issues of a personal
nature, disciplinary dispositions and other confidential matters will not be displayed on the website.
In addition, we are asking for all members to notify GAA with your personal e-mail address to increase the effectiveness and timeliness of
Association communication in confidential matters related to union business. This e-mail address will be used
solely for the communication of GAA business. Please designate your chapter affiliation with your full name when you submit this
information to us.
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CHAPTER UPDATES
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October 19, 2020
Negotiation Update
GAA and DWIHN continue to negotiate. As we previously reported at the September membership meeting, negotiations began in earnest
early this summer. With the sole exception of one article, we have completed the non-economic articles and have exchanged economic
terms. With less than a third of the year remaining, GAA is impressing on DWIHN the urgency of completing a CBA as soon as possible,
both in the interest of DWIHN as an organization and its employees. Should you like to discuss any topics of concern or have suggestions,
please contact the Chapter President Stephen Ogundipe or the GAA Office.
Thank you,
Stephen Ogundipe, Chapter President
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TO: All GAA Members
FROM: David W. Skillman, Association Executive
DATE: October 16, 2020
RE: GAA Association Elections—Association Officers
At the membership meeting held Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 5:15 p.m., Margaret Keyes-Howard was nominated for President, Soraya
Williams-Farver for Treasurer, and Serina Gordan for Secretary. No other nominations were received. As a result, these officers were
elected by acclamation. The term of office and begins January 1, 2021 and ends December 31, 2022.
Join us in congratulating and offering our support to the newly elected administration as we move forward together to meet the challenges
of the future.
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TO: All Members, Government Administrators Association
FROM: Margaret Keyes-Howard, Association President
DATE: October 6, 2020
RE: Nominations for Association Officers
A general membership meeting of the Association, involving all GAA Chapters will be held Tuesday, October 13, 2020, at 5:15 p.m., on
Zoom
GAA Membership Meeting - Nominations Association Officers
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
5:15 p.m. - 6:10 p.m.
The main item on the agenda will be to receive the report of the GAA Nominating Committee (listed below). They will present the names of
candidates to fill the vacancy for Association President, Association Secretary, and Association Treasurer. These three positions are for a
two-year term beginning January 1, 2021. All hold a seat on the Executive Board by virtue of the position. Candidates for office must be
members in good standing for at least one year.
Nominations for Association President, Association Secretary or Association Treasurer may be made by contacting a Committee member
before 4:00 p.m., October 13, 2020. Should you choose to leave a nomination by e-mail or voice mail, please confirm that it was actually
received by the Committee member. If you do not receive confirmation, contact another committee member.
Cassandra McDonald General Fund Chapter 313-727-7575
cmcdona1@waynecounty.com
Amy Miller-Vandawaker Professional Engineers Chapter 313-224-5887
amiller@waynecounty.com
Mary Young Probate Court Unit 313-224-6279
MYoung@wcpc.us
Niles Reed 3rd Judicial Circuit Court Chapter 313-224-5349
Niles.Reed@3rdcc.org
Denise Gray 36th District Court Chapter 313-965-2607
Denise.Gray@36thdistrictcourt.org
Elizabeth Patterson WCPNC Chapter 313-967-2044
epatters@waynecounty.com
Karen Offerman Airport Chapter 734-247-3631
Karen.Offerman@wcaa.us
Stephen Ogundipe DWIHN Chapter (313) 213-0813
sogundipe@dwihn.org
Laleta Dozier Wellpath Jail Medical Unit
LMDozier@Wellpath.US
Nominations will also be accepted from the floor at the membership meeting, October 13, 2020, at 5:15 p.m. Election information will be
sent out following the meeting. Ballots are due by 4:00 p.m., Thursday, October 29, 2020. Results will be announced thereafter on the
GAA website: governmentadministratorsassociation.com. We hope for representative participation at this important meeting.
NOMINEES SOUGHT FOR GAA MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Nominations are open during October for GAA Member of the Year. If you are aware of a member who has exemplified extraordinary job
dedication, employment recognition, notable accomplishments and/or significant contributions to the Community, please complete request
a nomination form, click here to download a form, or call the office (313-224-5076) and we will send one to you. Only GAA members may
make a nomination, and all nominations must be received by November 3, 2020. You can submit the nomination to gaa@gaawayne.
onmicrosoft.com or Fax to 313-224-5076.
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TO: ALL GAA DWIHN Chapter Members
FROM: Stephen Ogundipe, GAA DWIHN Chapter President
David Skillman, Association Executive
DATE: September 15, 2020
RE: GAA DWIHN MEMBERSHIP MEETING,
ZOOM: September 22, 2020, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Tuesday,
The GAA DWIHN Chapter will be holding a membership meeting Tuesday, September 22, 2020, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. via Zoom.
The agenda for this meeting includes an update on negotiations as well as other matters of concern.
Please make every effort to attend this important meeting.
• President’s Report
• Old Business:
• New Business: Negotiation Update
• Such Other Matters That May Come Before this Body:
• Adjournment:
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September 7, 2020
Why I Support My Union
In celebration of Labor Day, GAA asked our membership why you support your Association and fellow GAA colleague.
The following are your responses. GAA is only as strong as our member. We encourage everyone to take an active
role from monitoring the Collective Bargaining Agreement and reporting violations to Chapter Officers, to volunteering to
be an Area Representative or Running for Office.
“They have awesome staff and caring officers.”
“Even through all of our trials and tribulations, unknowns, injustices, and a multitude of other obstacles we stand united
as one.”
“I have been a proud member since 1996 and, I will continue to be a proud member and support them.”
“They do the best they can with what they have, unfortunately this administration kicks rocks!”
“We work so hard for Wayne County, particularly during the pandemic where we have had to maintain flexibility while still
being committed to Wayne County. I hope all the union members are staying safe.”
“Now more than ever we need a union to protect the rights of hard-working people like the employees of Wayne County.
Solidarity is needed all of the time to effect change and progress especially today with so much division going on among
the people. Together we stand, divided we fall.”
“Its the U and I in union that's makes us strong.”
“To show and encourage solidarity.”
“Because of the commitment the union has to serving its membership. GAA is always working to make our work life
better.”
“Because the Union has fought for my rights, due to the hard work of the Union my probation was reduced from 1 year
to 6 months. I am very grateful to the Union and the hard work. “
“My Union & GAA members always support me!”
“United we stand..Divided we fall"....this exemplifies the spirit and meaning of "solidarity" which is the foundation of all
unions. In these trying times, solidarity is being tested every day for all unions. I believe by supporting, advocating, and
listening to the issues/concerns of its members, GAA, will become a more unified union.”
“They support proper working conditions employee rights.”
“We stick together no matter what!”
“We all work hard!”
“Black Lives Matter “
“They work hard for us.”
‘”In these times we all need support. I want each every one of them to know their labor is not in vain. Even in times when
it doesn’t seem like it, just know that everything you do matters... and you play an important role in the lives of others.
For tasks big and small, I honor you.”
“Solidarity is everything.”
“My union and fellow GAA members support me.”
“I believe in solidarity. As a long standing union member over the past 29 years, I have witnessed the hard work of
bargaining units for its members whether in representation, contract negotiations, or general support. I am a proud
union member and I stand with GAA.”
“GAA is really concerned about its members.”
“It creates fair and equal services and opportunities to us all.”
"Being a part of GAA means we support and encourage each other. I’m proud to be a part of such a great group! "
“Unions are the backbone of society and paved the way for some of the benefits everyone benefits from.”
“They have always been supportive and informative to new and current members regardless of title. I am so appreciative
of there ongoing efforts to make sure GAA members are getting what they deserve.”
“They support GAAA members. They represent its members with enthusiasm and fairness.”
“Everyone matters everyday no discrimination ever have been shown. I love my GAA union.”
“Yes, I am a very proud Union supporter and will be supporting GAA this Labor Day because only togetherness that
can make a difference.”
“During COVID solidarity has provided a constant reminder that the true source to draw strength from is the support of
one another. We have much to be thankful about and be mindful that we all face difficult challenges. However, we must
make progress together until each individual wants for the other what they may want for themselves.”
“We stand together."
"It is a blessing to be employed during this pandemic, as well as being able to pause for rest during Labor Day.”
”Because we all need each other.”
“My GAA union always supports me!”
“Together we accomplish more.”
“It is important to remain a unified group to protect the interest of everyone.”
“Unions have fought for equal rights throughout the years.”
“...because all the union do for its members.”
“We can’t win this battle alone!”
“Because this pandemic was proof that together with my fellow GAA brothers and sisters we can accomplish anything!!”
“Union helps members to stay united and results in better working conditions as well as better pay.”
“COVID-19 has changed our lives and the simple pleasures are most important to me now. I support and surround
myself with love, kindness, and patience. Being a member of GAA has allowed me to interact with people that spread
these joys of life.”
“I support Union jobs.”
“There is strength in solidarity!”
“Support is what we do!! We fight for what's right and we make a difference in the lives of others.”
“The ones that are essential are just as tired as I am.”
“Of the solidarity of all of the members of this union, and the compassion that the leaders display towards the members.”
“I'm still alive and COVID free!”
“It paves a way for the future generation of workers.”
“Now more than ever we need to keep our unions strong. I am proud to be a GAA union member!”
“It rocks.”
“Solidarity is important to the membership, especially in difficult times; understanding that we are stronger when we work
collectively for a common goal.”
“Labor Day is a day to honor those who have put in the work to make our country what it is today. GAA Z MEMBERS.”
“Now, more than ever, the work we do is crucial to supporting our members during these unprecedented times.”
“Solidarity :)”
“The support received by me and my fellow members for the more than 25 years in GAA and 40 years with Wayne
County.”
“Unions have given us so much.”
“GAA keeps me informed about the information in the union contract and keeps me feeling safe at my job.”
“They have my best interests at heart.”
“We work hard and some of us had to work during the pandemic this year. We strive to provide our customers with
excellent services in a safe and thorough manner. I support all unions because my son is an essential worker.”
“Labor Day is a day to honor those who put in the work. GAA members proudly embodies that same spirit as we are not
always celebrated for the work we've done but nevertheless are a enteric part that enables the system to daily progress.
Our task many times are thankless but are vital as we serve the public, so this year, as we rest this lone Monday in
September, GAA members reflect and take pride in your daily labor and celebrate yourselves for a job well done. Happy
Labor Day.“
“The unions played a vital role in creating the middle class and protecting membership with fair wages, safety, and fair
labor practices.”
“Our GAA union strengthens our democracy by giving members a voice in policy debates, reduce inequality and is
essential to obtain a fair share of economic growth. The GAA union also helps to improve the health and safety
practices of our workplaces.”
“When we are united, no of us will fall!”
“So much is going on we need to show love for each and everyone and support our union member and just joy life.”
“This current condition has showed us more than ever, we need each other. I support GAA because GAA supports me.”
“Of the solidarity and the work the GAA does in advocating for the members and their interest.”
“Because without unions workers would not have any rights, such as, fair treatment, days off, breaks and etc.”
“These are very trying times and the very existence of the union is under attack. I stand in support of the union and my
fellow members as a testament to the struggle to bring fairness and protection to us all.”
“We need our Union”s."
“During these craziest of crazy times, it's easy to feel stressed, overworked, and under appreciated in the work place.
The solidarity I share with my fellow GAA members, whether it be just a simple rant session with a co-worker or going to
the table for serious business, brings a great sense of comfort...knowing they are there to protect your best interests.
Thank you for all you do & God bless each & every one of us hard working members!!!”
“Unions work to protect our jobs.”
“The union has and continues to help maintain my job with the county.”
“I have seen them work hard in support of the member all years that I have been a part of GAA. I trust their decisions
for us and am proud to be a part of GAA.”
“Solidarity is key and we stick together.”
“They have worked diligently on our behalf.”
“It's a blessing to have retained employment during COVID and for that I am thankful to GAA. It is an honor to work in
solidarity with coworkers and colleagues who support each other and share a common interest in fair and favorable
working conditions for all employees.”
“Unions have always been part of my life. My mom was a union member growing up, and now my husband and I are
both union members. We are proud to be union workers.”
“We are one family.”
“OF ALL THE HARD WORK FROM OUR UNION MEMBERS.”
“They have been there for me every time I've needed them.”
“Yes I will be supporting my Brothers and Sisters because we must stand in Solidarity because the fight for better pay
and working conditions are still number one on the list. So the fight must continue.”
“Because of the pandemic I know my fellow GAA Members have been working extra hard to keep their offices and
departments running smoothly.”
“I feel we are one in mind and body working toward becoming better as professionals serving the public.”
“As the saying goes, "There Is Strength In Numbers" . We are one powerful, collective voice , together.”
“Because my union protects our jobs, promotes equality, and fair practice. They work hard to improve conditions and
quality of employment. They work hard to balance work and life by negotiating basic benefits such as access to health
insurance, fair wages, and pension benefits. I would like to Thank our GAA Leadership and wish them health happiness
and prosperity.”
Thank you!”
“It is a honor to work for them.”
“The members are just like my second family.”
“As an Organization, there should be equality for all employees and their Managers in terms of how individuals are
treated. There should be a clear understanding of the regulations within the Organization and whenever an employee
has a question, the ability to come to a Representative in the Union to assist with the answer is imperative for individuals
to feel included with the Company.”
“I am deemed essential and my work is necessary.”
“Although I am new to unions and still learning, I admire all of work that GAA has done over the years to support and
advocate for employees including recognizing holidays such as Labor Day.”
“I am proud to be apart of this organization.”
“I am an advocate for the hard working Americans that keep this country strong and free.”
“Unions promote fairness, prosperity, and a sense of community.”
“American union workers are the backbone of this country.”
“It takes all to run to run a ship. We work hard to make it happen.”
“GAA Leaders has supported employees during the "new work normal", because of the global pandemic, COVID-19. I
believe that GAA Leaders work efforts are in the best interest of Union Membership.”
“Solidarity Rocks”
“Solidarity is crucial to continue to advocate fair labor practices and policies for the body of members in GAA.”
“Union membership and solidarity adds to worker strength and representation.”
“I am proud to stand with my fellow GAA members for the rights our predecessors worked so hard for and look forward
to continuing the legacy for future generations!”
“We all are one”
“THEY SUPPORT ME”
“I love labor”
“Ride or die for my union and always in solidarity.”
“Unity is an important part of the work force. Keeps management on their toes.”
“The support and backing that’s shown.”
“We’re union”
“Now more than ever, in the midst of COVID-19, so many are out of work or under-employed. People need the support
of organized labor to protect rights of the workforce.”
“I believe we all stand together and support each no matter the situation. I noticed the helping hand since I joyed GAA.
They are an amazing group of people.”
“I am very aware of my blessings and GAA is the best union there is. We are small in size but close like a family.”
“With so many lives being lost this year, it is important to show peace, love, and gratitude. Tomorrow is not promised, so
supporting each other and celebrating life on this Day is so important.”
“I love yall..”
“I enjoy doing the greater good for others.”
“They are caring and supporting members.”
“I support the union because the union supports me.”
“We all need each other in these crazy times, especially when there is a problem we can’t resolve with our employer,
GAA (Margaret) will jump in there and get it right.”
“The Labor Movement has helped minorities in their struggle for economic equality!”
“We are stronger when we are united. We stand on the shoulders of members who have paved the way. We owe it to
those coming behind us to keep GAA strong.”
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December 4, 2018
GAA UPDATE—WHAT THE LEGALIZATION OF
MARIJUANA MEANS FOR EMPLOYEES
As marijuana becomes legal in Michigan for recreational use Thursday, December 6, 2018, employees have had questions as how the
legalization affects their employer’s current drug policies.
Please be advised that “this act does not require an employer to permit or accommodate conduct otherwise allowed by this act in any
workplace or on the employer’s property. This act does not prohibit an employer from disciplining an employee for violation of a workplace
drug policy or for working while under the influence of marijuana. This act does not prevent an employer from refusing to hire, discharging,
disciplining, or otherwise taking an adverse employment action against a person with respect to hire, tenure, terms, conditions, or privileges
of employment because of that person’s violation of a workplace drug policy or because that person was working while under the influence
of marijuana.”
Employers have informed the Association that they intend to enforce existing drug policies and that the use of marijuana could result in
discipline, up to and including discharge.
Should you have any questions, please contact the GAA office or your Chapter President.
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Click here for a pdf
version of this letter
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Click here for a pdf
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GAA ASSOCIATION ELECTION RESULTS--
ASSOCIATION OFFICERS
The Association received 79 valid ballots, and one voided ballot for the election of Association Secretary, October 24, 2018, 4:00 p.m.. The
votes for the candidates were as follows:
Amy Miller-Vandawaker - 28 votes
Ann Mosley - 33 votes
Lisa Denise Peterson - 18 votes
Ann Mosley was elected Association Secretary with the majority of votes cast. Joining her is Margaret Keyes-Howard, Association
President and Soraya Williams-Farver, Association Treasurer. Both Keyes-Howard and Williams-Farver were elected by acclamation as
there was no opposition. All officers begin their term of office January 1, 2019.
Thank you for taking the time to vote in this important election.
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October 15, 2019
ELECTION OF ASSOCIATION OFFICERS—4:00 P.M.,
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2018
Ballots were mailed to members’ home addresses this Saturday, October 13, 2018. Ballots are due back in the GAA office before 4:00 p.
m., Wednesday, October 24, 2018. If you do not receive your ballot by Friday, October 20, 2018, please call the GAA office so that we can
arrange to get a ballot to you.
The only office listed on the ballot is Association Secretary. There was no opposition for Association President and the second candidate
for Association Treasurer did not accept the nomination leaving the Association Treasurer unopposed. Consequently, both Association
President, Margaret Keyes-Howard, and Association Treasurer, Soraya Williams-Farver, were elected by acclamation.
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TO: All Members, Government Administrators Association
FROM: Margaret Keyes-Howard, Association President
DATE: October 2, 2018
RE: Nominations for Association Officers
A general membership meeting of the Association, involving all GAA Chapters will be held Tuesday, October 9, 2018, at 5:15 p.m., GAA
Office, 3031 West Grand Blvd., Suite 415, Detroit, MI 48202.
The main item on the agenda will be to receive the report of the GAA Nominating Committee (listed below). They will present the names of
candidates to fill the vacancy for Association President, Association Secretary, and Association Treasurer. These three positions are for a
two-year term beginning January 1, 2019. All hold a seat on the Executive Board by virtue of the position. Candidates for office must be
members in good standing for at least one year.
Nominations for Association President, Association Secretary or Association Treasurer may be made by contacting a Committee member
before 4:00 p.m., October 9, 2018. Should you choose to leave a nomination by e-mail or voice mail, please confirm that it was actually
received by the Committee member. If you do not receive confirmation, contact another committee member.
Angela Weeks General Fund
Chapter
Amy Miller Professional Engineers Chapter
Bridget Stewart Probate Court Unit
Kimberley Archie 3rd Judicial Circuit Court Chapter
Kimla Calhoun 36th District Court Chapter
Joann Wall WCPNC Chapter
Connie Slack Airport Chapter
Esther Twitty Mental Health Authority Chapter
Laleta Dozier Correct Care Solutions Unit
Nominations will also be accepted from the floor at the membership meeting, October 9, 2018, at 5:15 p.m. Election will be held by mail
ballot, which will be mailed out following the meeting. Ballots are due in the GAA office by 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 24, 2018.
Results will be announced thereafter on the GAA website: governmentadministratorsassociation.com. We hope for representative
participation at this important meeting.
NOMINEES SOUGHT FOR GAA MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Nominations are open during October for GAA Member of the Year. If you are aware of a member who has exemplified extraordinary job
dedication, employment recognition, notable accomplishments and/or significant contributions to the Community, please complete the
enclosed nomination form, click here to download an electronic nomination form from our website at
governmentadministratorsassociation.com or call the office (313-224-5076) and we will send one to you. Only GAA members may make a
nomination, and all nominations must be received by November 3, 2018. You can submit the nomination to gaa@gaawayne.onmicrosoft.
com or Fax to 313-224-5076.
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The resources of any union are limited, and there is always much more that unions could do to be even more effective in defending the
members' interest. GAA's power is unleashed when individual members take it upon themselves to pitch in and each does a little
something to contribute to the larger effort. No matter what kind of person you are, you have something you can contribute to make GAA
stronger. If you have good writing skills, you might volunteer to work on the GAAzette. If you have some expertise in health care benefits or
health and safety matters, you might volunteer to serve on a committee or help out during contract negotiations. If you are good with kids,
you can volunteer to work at the annual picnic. At the very least, we've all got at least a little time to spare once or twice a month, so why not
volunteer to help hand-deliver union literature to your fellow employees?
-Adapted from The Union Member's Complete Guide, by Michael Mauer
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Register to Vote by July 9th for Michigan Primary
July 9th is the last day to register to vote in Michigan's August primary election. It is more important than ever that the voices of working
people across our state are heard, because we need to elect politicians that value working families and are ready to stand up for good jobs
and strong communities.
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Click here for a pdf of the flyer with
map
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May 2, 2018
GAA Reaches Tentative Agreement on Successor CBA;
Membership Meeting, May 9, 2018 and Ratification Vote
scheduled for May 11, 2018
An agreement has been reached with the Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority for a three-year Collective Bargaining Agreement through
September 30, 2020. A a summary of changes made to the contractual language has been mailed to all members..
In order to provide ample opportunity to discuss provisions of the new contract and answer questions, a membership meeting will be held
Wednesday, May 9, 2018, from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., at 707 West Milwaukee, Detroit, Ml 48202, Second Floor Training Rooms A & B.
To ensure that there is time to include ratification of this agreement on the DWMHA Board Agenda, the ratification vote will be held at 4:00
p.m., Friday, May 11, 2018. If you would like volunteer to count the ballots, please contact the GAA office or Chapter President Stephen
Ogundipe.
Pursuant to Article 11, Section 4, as amended, of the GAA Constitution, voting on the ratification of the Collective Bargaining Agreement
shall be by mail ballot. Ballots were mailed to your home address. Please vote your ballot and place it in the ballot envelope. Place the
sealed ballot envelope in the return envelope. Please print your name and home address on the return envelope or your ballot may be
considered void. If you do not receive your ballot by May 7, 2018, please contact the GAA office and we will arrange to get a ballot to you.
Ballots will also be available at the membership meeting, May 9, 2018.
We ask that members make every effort to attend the Membership Meeting on May 9, 2018, before voting your ballot. Ballots may be turned
in after the membership meeting. A GAA representative will also be in the lobby of 707 W. Milwaukee on Friday, May 11, 2018, from 11:45
a.m. until 12:15 p.m. and again from 3:30 to 4:00 p.m., if members wish to return their ballots directly. Should you choose to mail your
ballot in, please allow sufficient time.
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April 18, 2018
IMPORTANT: 2018 family HSA contribution limit change
On March 5, 2018, the IRS announced that the 2018 health savings account (HSA) contribution limit for families has been lowered to
$6,850 ($7,850 if eligible for catch-up contributions) from the previous limit of $6,900, effective immediately. The individual limit was not
changed and remains at $3,450.
If you are on a family plan, please review your current contributions for 2018 to ensure you have not over-contributed and are not scheduled
to do so.
If you have over-contributed and wish to remove any excess contributions made through your employer’s payroll, please work through your
employer; they have until the last pay period in 2018 to reverse payroll contributions.
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March 14, 2018
TAKE ACTION: Michigan Legislative Update--Senate Bill
795 & 796 - Union Business Leave
Today the Senate Education Committee passed two new bills that represent a direct attack on working people and our freedom to
negotiate together.
Specifically, Senate Bills 795-796 would ban public employee union officials from representing their members and collaborating with
school and local government administrators during normal business hours.
We need to take quick action to fight back and stop these bills. Can you help?
Visit the AFL-CIO website by clicking here to send a quick email to your state senator. Tell them to vote NO on SB 795-796.
These shortsighted bills will cost taxpayers millions of dollars, and make our schools, as well as local and state government, less efficient
and less effective.
We defeated these same bills when they came up two years ago. I know we can do it again, but we need to speak up right now to make our
voices heard in Lansing.
TAKE ACTION and email your senator right now
Thanks for stepping up.
Visit http://miaflcio.org/ | Facebook | Twitter
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March 5, 2018
Michigan Legislative Update--Senate Bill 795 - Union
Business Leave
The Senate Education Committee will vote as early as Tuesday on a bill that will end union leave time for public sector employees to
bargain contracts, handle grievances, and talk to their legislators about important issues facing their work.
Sen. Knollenburg, along with 11 other Republican Senators has reintroduced legislation designed to prohibit paid union leave time.
This time he has also added Community Colleges to K-12 schools in the prohibition on dues collection by payroll deduction.
Release time—or official time—allows workers to use time from their jobs to take care of issues in the workplace—most of it central
to keeping the workplace running well.
Unfortunately, there have been efforts in several states to prohibit public-sector union release time. The American Legislative
Exchange Council has a model bill to outlaw release time. Legislation was introduced in 2017 in at least four states (Connecticut,
Minnesota, Missouri and Pennsylvania) to eliminate release time for public employees.
The organizations attacking public service worker release time are the same organizations attacking workers’ rights around the
country.
This attack is part of a coordinated, systematic attempt to weaken or outright eliminate workers’ rights. The groups behind the attack
on release time are the same ones promoting efforts to take away working people’s freedom to join together and negotiate, weaker
wages and benefits, more dangerous workplaces and lower taxes for corporations.
Release time is a widely followed management practice in the public and private sector. Employers recognize the value of releasing
employees from their usual duties for small amounts of time in order to focus on workplace issues. States, schools, and
municipalities should not be prevented from practicing sound management strategies because of the objections of a few anti-union
ideologues.
Please contact the following Senators and urge them to vote NO on Senate Bill 795:
Phil Pavlov (R-St. Clair) Committee Chair, 25th District
http://www.senatorphilpavlov.com/contact/
Marty Knollenberg (R-Troy) Vice Chair, 13th District
http://www.senatormartyknollenberg.com/contact/
Darwin L Booher (R-Evart) 35th District
http://www.senatordarwinbooher.com/contact/
Joe Hune (R-Hamburg) 22nd District
http://www.senatorjoehune.com/contact/
Hoon-Yung Hopgood (D-Taylor) Minority Vice Chair, 6th District
http://www.senatormartyknollenberg.com/contact/
Release time benefits the public by creating a safer, fairer and more efficient workplace.
Public service workers use release time to resolve employee disputes, protect workers’ safety and basic rights in the workplace,
represent workers in conflicts with management, address issues of discrimination or retaliation, and work with management to
improve the workplace. Release time saves taxpayer resources in the long run.
Release time helps to resolve workplace conflicts in a more timely and cost-efficient manner than would otherwise be the case.
Public service workers can use release time to serve on labor-management committees that help to solve problems and improve the
workplace. Without release time, conflicts that could have been resolved in these committees instead may end up as part of
expensive and time-consuming legal or administrative procedures.
Release time also saves resources by allowing public employees to serve on labor-management committees that develop cost-saving
proposals. Taxpayers have saved millions of dollars as a result. Release time allows public employers to benefit from the expertise of
public employees in these important and effective labor-management committees.
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Click the
image for a
pdf copy of
the flyer.
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WORKING PEOPLE'S DAY OF ACTION
On Saturday, February 24, working people across the country will gather to stand up for our right to form a union and to fight for a
better quality of life for ourselves and for our families. We’ll also be honoring the long history of labor rights activists and civil rights
activists coming together to strengthen our communities.
Next Monday, the Supreme Court will hear a case called Janus vs. AFSCME, which could limit the ability of unions to negotiate on our
behalf and improve our communities. This weekend we’ll make our voices heard to show our strength when we come together.
Join us in Detroit this Saturday to make your voice and help unrig the system! If you’re not able to make it to Detroit, find the event
nearest to you and join us there.
LABOR AND CIVIL RIGHTS: THE TIE THAT BINDS
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24
10:30 A.M. TO 1:30 P.M.
NORTHWEST ACTIVITIES CENTER
18100 MEYERS ROAD
DETROIT, MI 48235
JOIN
AFSCME COUNCIL 25 | AFT MICHIGAN | COALITION OF BLACK TRADE UNIONISTS – DETROIT CHAPTER | COALITION OF LABOR
UNION WOMEN – DETROIT CHAPTER | DETROIT ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATIONAL OFFICE EMPLOYEES | DETROIT FEDERATION
OF PARAPROFESSIONALS | DETROIT FEDERATION OF TEACHERS | MICHIGAN EDUCATION ASSOCIATION | MICHIGAN AFL-CIO |
METRO DETROIT AFL-CIO | MOTHERING JUSTICE
AND A GROWING LIST OF OTHERS
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December 11, 2017
GAA DWMHA ELECTION RESULTS:
The following are the results of GAA DWMHA Chapter Election held 4:30 p.m., Monday, December 11, 2017, at the Detroit Wayne
Mental Health Authority:
Valid Ballots: 35
Voided Ballots: 1
Late Ballots: 0
Ballots Cast: 36
Onicena “Niecy” Jones 10 votes
Stephen Ogundipe 25 votes
GAA DWMHA Chapter officers for the January 1, 2018 – December 31, 2019 term of office are Stephen Ogundipe, President;
Crystal Banks, Vice-President; and Allison Smith, Secretary. Both Crystal Banks and Allison Smith were elected by acclamation
as there was no eligible opposition for their respective offices.
We would like to thank those who took the opportunity to vote in this important election.
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December 7, 2017
GAA DWMHA ELECTION:
Ballots were mailed to members homes for the GAA DWMHA Chapter election Friday, December 1, 2017. If you have not yet received your
ballot and would like to vote, a GAA Chapter Representative will be in the lobby of the DWMHA building, Friday, December 8, 2017 from 8:30
a.m. until 9:00 a.m., and on Monday, December 11, 2017 from 11:45 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
The only position to be elected on the ballot is the office of GAA DWMHA Chapter President. Crystal Banks was elected Vice President and
Allison Smith, Secretary, both by acclimation.
Ballots are due by 4:00 p.m., Monday, December 11, 2017. Late ballots will not be accepted. If you have not already returned your ballot,
please take the opportunity to vote in this important election.
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December 7, 2017
FINALLY, GOOD NEWS OUT OF LANSING
At 3 am this morning both Houses adopted and passed substitutes to their Municipal Finance Reform package that essentially adopted the
Governor’s Task Force report and removed the onerous provisions attacking collective bargaining and jeopardizing retiree health care.
There is still more to do as the bills now must sit for 5 days in the other chamber before concurrence and presentation to the Governor.
There are a few places that need some language cleaned up and the other side has agreed to work with us on fixing those glitches but
even if they don’t we were able to get most everything we asked for. Unless something really strange happens, we will have a major
legislative victory for the first time in a long time.
All of organized labor stood together and stood strong proving that solidarity is more than just a big word. Thanks to everyone for your
activism. If we keep it up we can finally start to turn things around.
NICK CIARAMITARO, Director
Legislation and Public Policy
Michigan AFSCME Council 25
Reprinted from www.subchapter38.com
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November 22, 2017
State and Municipal Public Employee Retirement at Risk Again
Please read the following webpost from the Wayne County Retirees Association. We need all GAA members, retirees, and their families to
contact their legislators and if possible attend the November 29th rally in Lansing.
The current move in Lansing to eliminate your health care benefits is moving forward - NOW. If you think this doesn't affect you and
your family, think again, and then DO something about it. All the tools you need were presented at the November 21st Emergency
meeting and are being provided for you below. Please share with every retiree and active government worker you know.
A message From Nick Ciarmitaro Director of Legislation and Public Policy for Michigan AFSCME Council 25;
THIS IS NOT A JOKE .... Drafts are under consideration for introduction and possible hearings as early as next week which would
make retiree health care for current municipal retirees optional with the employer unless you retired under a collective bargaining
agreement that "clearly and expressly" conferred a longer period of time. Other provisions would allow action after a full review of
funding but this provision would apply to ALL current retirees.
We do not know what the final bill will look like but this is clearly on the table. It would apply to all employees of cities, townships,
counties, road commissions, airport authorities and other public authorities including public hospital employees like nurses, and
even those not eligible for Medicare.
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Click here for a pdf version of this notice.
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Click here for a pdf version of this notice.
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October 30, 2017
GENERAL FUND CHAPTER ELECTIONS: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The General Fund Chapter will be holding Chapter Elections in November 2017 for Chapter President, Vice-President, Secretary, and
Chapter Representatives to the Executive Board. A notice regarding this meeting will be mailed shortly. However, GAA needs three
volunteers to serve on either or both the General Fund Nomination and Election Committees.
Nomination Committee: The Nomination Committee takes nominations via telephone and email and submits these nominations to the
GAA office. You need not be available to attend the membership meeting scheduled tentatively for 5:00 p.m., November 16, 2017 (location
to be announced); however, we will need at least one representative from the Committee to make the final nomination report at this
meeting.
Election Committee: We also need three volunteers to count ballots, Monday, November 27, 2017, at 4:30/5:00 p.m. in the GAA office, 3031
W. Grand Blvd, Suite 415, Detroit, MI 48202. The ballot count should take approximately one hour.
No volunteer for either the Nomination Committee or the Election Committee should be interested in running for office. Please email your
availability to serve on one of these committees to gaawayne@comcast.net or call the GAA 313-224-5076. We appreciate your assistance.
REMINDER: GAA Member of the Year Nomination Form due Thursday,
November 2, 2017.
If you know a GAA member who has exceptional job performance or has provided extraordinary service to the Community or the
Government Administrators Association, please take the time to nominate this deserving member for GAA Member of the Year. This award
will be presented at the GAA Annual Meeting/Holiday Party, December 1, 2017. Click here for a nomination form.
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October 1, 2017
ATTENTION BENEFITS ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES!
With our Open Enrollment period swiftly approaching, the Benefits Team wants to insure that all of our employees have an opportunity to
become as knowledgeable as possible about our plan options. We are hosting a series of informational meetings throughout the County.
The meetings that are in bold will have all of our medical, dental vision and voluntary benefits carriers present. If you have additional
questions regarding a meeting, please email benefits@waynecounty.com.
Meeting Dates and Locations
10/2/17 Hoover/Wyoming Yard 7:30a – 8:30a
10/2/17 Freeway Yard 7:30a – 8:30a
10/2/17 Guardian Building -32nd fl. 1:00p - 3:00p
10/3/17 Norton Yard 7:30 -8:30
10/3/17 Merriman Yard 7:30a – 8:30a
10/3/17 Judges Mtg., Courtroom 710, FMHJ 12:30p – 1:30p
10/4/17 S. Wayne Card 7:30a – 8:30a
10/4/17 CMY – Glass House 7:30a – 8:30a
10/4/17 Judges Conf. Call 12:30p- 1:30p
10/4/17 Guardian Building – 32nd fl. 1:00p - 3:00p
10/5/17 CMY – Signals – Bldg. 2 7:30a – 8:30a
10/5/17 CMY – Signshop- Bldg. 3 7:30a – 8:30a
10/5/17 CAYMC, 7th fl. Conf. Rm. 1:30p-2:30p
10/6/17 Sibley Yard 7:30a – 8:30a
10/6/17 Goddard Yard 7:30a – 8:30a
10/6/17 LHJ – Mary K. Fine 1:30p -2:30p
10/10/17 CMY – Equipment 7:30a – 8:30a
10/10/17 HWVA – Wayne Office 3:30p – 4:30p
10/11/17 WCCCD – Taylor 1:00p - 3:00p
10/12/17 HWVA – Wayne Office 8:30a – 9:30a
10/13/17 Downriver Treatment Facility 7:30a – 8:30a
10/13/17 FMHJ, Courtroom 710 1:30p – 2:30p
10/16/17 WCCD- Taylor 6:00p - 8:00p
10/17/17 Guardian Building – 32nd fl. 1:00 p-3:00p
10/17/17 Judges Mtg., LHJ, Rosa Pks. 12:30p -1:30p
10/18/17 Judges Mtg., CAYMC, 7th fl Conf. 12:30p – 1:30p
10/19/17 FMHJ, Courtroom 710 1:30p- 2:30p
10/19/17 Penobscot Bldg., 13th fl. Seminar Rm. 1:00p-3:00p
10/20/17 CAYMC, 7th fl. Conf. Rm. 1:30p-2:30p
10/23/17 Division III 10:00a – 11:00a
10/23/17 Division III 5:00p – 6:00p
10/24/17 Division II 10:00a – 11:00a
10/24/17 Division II 5:00p – 6:00p
10/25/17 Division I 10:00a – 11:00a
10/25/17 Division I 5:00p – 6:00p
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September 29, 2017
SUPPLEMENTAL WAGE TALKS SCHEDULED TO
BEGIN WITH GAA OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017
Wayne County Executive Warren Evans met with all Wayne County Labor Unions earlier this year to announce that his administration would
open supplemental negotiations, on wages only, to address problems with recruitment and retention. Consequently, Labor Relations has
begun meeting with bargaining units to negotiate wage adjustments for classifications that the have had difficulties with recruitment and
retention as well as to address certain other wage inequities throughout the County. Tentative negotiation dates for the GAA General Fund
Chapter are October 31st, November 2nd, and November 9, 2017. Dates for the GAA Wayne County Professional Nurses Chapter are
December 7th, December 14th, and January 9, 2018.
If you are in a position where you believe there is an inequity in compensation, please email the specifics of your situation and your contact
information to gaawayne@comcast.net as soon as possible. While addressing the many individual inequities across Wayne County, the
Association will also be arguing for a general wage increase for the entire membership.
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NOMINEES SOUGHT FOR GAA MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Since 1983, an award has been given honoring the GAA member of the Year. Demanding criteria for such selection states that the GAA
Member of the Year is “awarded to a Government Administrators Association member for job dedication, employment recognition, notable
accomplishments and significant contributions to the Association or community.
In order to achieve a representative selection, we invite all GAA members who are aware of a member exemplifying these attributes, to take
a few moments to nominate this person. Click here for an nomination form. Only GAA members may make nominations. Nominations
are due by Monday, November 2, 2017. Late nominations will not be considered.
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September 24, 2017
AREA REPRESENTATIVES ARE NEEDED FOR THE
GAA GENERAL FUND CHAPTER
Area Representatives are needed to fill vacancies at the Guardian Building and 400 Monroe. GAA is also looking for members at other
locations who would like to volunteer to be groomed for future leadership roles in the Association or who are in locations where there
is not currently an Area Representative. If you would like to be considered for an appointment, please contact the GAA at
gaawayne@comcast.net and we will forward your request to General Fund Chapter President Cassandra McDonald for
consideration.
Area Representatives are responsible for representing members in the grievance process, acting as a liaison between the GAA
Executive Board and the membership, and actively recruits employees promoted or hired in GAA positions into membership.
Training for this important position will be provided.
As we prepare to enter into negotiations in 2018, we need members to assume an active role in the Association. Our unity is
our strength.
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WE ARE MOVING
-------------October 6, 2017-------------
Our New Address is
Government Administrators Association
New Center One
3031 W. Grand Blvd, Suite 415
Detroit, MI 48226
313-224-5076
(Woodward and W. Grand Blvd.)
After 30 years in the Cadillac Tower, GAA is moving its office. The Cadillac Tower is not renewing long term
leases while its new owners determine their future plans for the building. In the meantime, GAA searched for a
fiscally responsible and affordable office space that is convenient and assessable to the membership. Our new
office space provides members numerous amenities including ample validated parking in Lot 4 on Lothrup directly
behind the building. New Center One is also convenient for members using Detroit's new Qline. We hope that
everyone will take the opportunity to tour the GAA during our open house in November. The date will be
announced shortly.
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July 18, 2017
GAA POLO SHIRTS FOR SALE/FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017,
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AND WEAR YOUR GAA SHIRT TO WORK
With the scheduled wage negotiations at Wayne County and continued contract negotiations at the Detroit Wayne Mental Health
Authority, GAA is asking all members to show their unity and solidarity by wearing their GAA Polo Shirt to work on the Friday before
Labor Day, September 1, 2017, if your Department’s dress code allows you to do so.
Should you have not yet purchased a shirt, there are still shirts available at the GAA office. Shirts are $30.00, and you can e-mail
gaawayne@comcast.net or call the office at 313-224-5076, with your size and contact information, and we will arrange to get a shirt
to you.
We would like to thank the members for their continued support.
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July 17, 2017
UPCOMING WAGE NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE COUNTY OF WAYNE
Wayne County CEO Warren Evans has announced that he would like to open wage negotiations with Wayne County Unions before the
expiration of the current collective bargaining agreements. GAA is scheduled to begin these negotiations in August/September 2017.
Wayne County would like to address certain wage inequities in classifications that make it difficult to recruit and retain employees in
that classification.
In addition to seeking a fair wage increase for all bargaining unit members, the Association would like to address inequities with
compensation including issues of seniority, i.e., less senior employees earning a higher salary than employees in the same
classification with greater seniority, and employees making less than those employees they supervise. If you are in a classification
that is hard to recruit and retain, or you have compensation issues that deal with seniority or employees you supervise, please e-mail
the specifics of your situation to gaawayne@comcast.net as soon as possible so that it may be considered in these negotiations.
If there are other issues regarding compensation that you feel should be addressed, please e-mail these concerns as well.
Unfortunately, Wayne County has limited these discussions to compensation only. Other issues will be negotiated upon the expiration
of the current CBA, September 30, 2018.
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July 17, 2017
THE GAA OFFICE IS MOVING TO NEW CENTER ONE
IN MIDTOWN DETROIT
After almost 30 years in the Cadillac Tower Building in downtown Detroit, the GAA office will be moving to the New Center One Building in
midtown Detroit in early September 2017. This move was made necessary as the new owners of the Cadillac Tower are renovating the
building with purposes other than office space in mind. A formal announcement to the membership with the exact details and dates of this
move will be made as the details are finalized. GAA will also hold an open house in the fall to welcome members to the new office space.
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July 14, 2017
GAA 1st ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP PICNIC, JUNE 25, 2017
The GAA 1st Annual Membership Picnic was held Saturday, June 24, 2017, at the Parkland Recreation Area in Hines Drive, Dearborn
Heights, Michigan from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Picnic turned out to be a fun day for members and their families who had the
opportunity to get to know one another increasing the solidarity among the Association’s various Chapters. We hope this event will
continue to grow in the future with greater membership participation. If you would like to be on the planning committee for the 2018 GAA
Membership Picnic tentatively scheduled for June 23, 2018, contact the GAA office at gaawayne@comcast.net.
Click here to view photos of the picnic.
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May 20, 2017
GAA/AFSCME MENTAL HEALTH JOBS AT STAKE
PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH CONSUMERS AT RISK
Both the House and Senate have passed their FY18 budget recommendations. Now legislative leaders will come together to mold their
two separate budgets into one compromised budget bill for FY18. These discussions will begin to heat up again this week and should be
finalized sometime over the next three weeks.
REQUEST FOR URGENT ACTION: Please contact your House and Senate members urging them to make sensible changes to the final
298 boilerplate language. Timing is critical. We have roughly three weeks to put pressure on lawmakers as they finalize the FY18 budget.
We are asking that you reach out to your lawmakers between now and June 2, urging them to remove the Senate language in Section 234
insisting on outsourcing all Mental Health Medicaid money to HMOs and to drop health plan run pilot programs in the final version of
section 298.
These contacts are critical, legislators must hear from us in order to counter the efforts by others opposed to the public management of the
State's publicly sponsored behavioral health and intellectual/developmental disability services and supports system.
Below are quick talking points:
• REMOVE LANGUAGE - Section 234 of the Senate DHHS budget language referring to total Medicaid benefit and financial integration
by 9/30/20, which would transfer all Medicaid resources to Medicaid Health plans.
• INCLUDE LANGUAGE - Ensure that the policy and management role for Michigan's Medicaid behavioral health and
intellectual/developmental disability services and supports system remains public.
Concerns Regarding a HMO Run Programs
1. Health Plans do not have a good track record managing behavioral health services
2. Less money available for services because of higher overhead costs at HMO’s
• No direction in proposed pilots as to what are we trying to accomplish? What are we measuring? Outcomes?
Community Mental Health Boards and Mental Health Advocates all agree that taxes raised for mental health services should go to mental
health services and not to private HMO’s. People need these funds, not profitable companies. Make your voices heard by using
the web addresses below to email your State Senator and State Representative.
http://www.senate.michigan.gov/fysbyaddress.html
http://www.house.mi.gov/mhrpublic/
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March 15, 2017
GET YOUR GAA POLO SHIRT AND MARK THE CALENDAR FOR
THE FIRST GAA ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FAMILY PICNIC
The Association will be selling Polo shirts with an embroidered GAA logo as a fundraiser to offset expenses for the first GAA Annual Picnic,
June 24, 2017. We are gauging interest for our first order. The cost of the shirt is anticipated to be no more than $45. If you would like to
preorder a shirt, please e-mail gaawayne@comcast.net or call the GAA Office at 313-224-5076, and let us know what size you would like to
order, your name, your work location, and phone number. We will contact you as soon as we have a final price and sizes. It is our desire to
use these shirts as a show of solidarity as we plan future GAA events as well as during upcoming negotiations with our various employers.
Also, if you have not already done so, please e-mail your personal e-mail address to gaawayne@comcast.net and mark the date, June 24,
2017, for the first Annual GAA Membership Family Picnic. We will announce the details as soon as they are finalized. We hope to see you
there.
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March 6, 2017
ATTENTION GAA WAYNE COUNTY RETIREES
Click here to find the agenda for the Wayne County Commission Committee on Government Operations, Tuesday, Match 7, 2017 starting
at 9:30 AM. Note that the Cornerstone Municipal Advisory Group, LLC contract extension is on this agenda under UNFINISHED
BUSINESS. That is because of the objections raised by AFSCME Wayne County Retiree Subchapter 38 at the previous Commission
meetings.
This is the opportunity for Wayne County Retirees to be seen by the County Commission and to have them hear your complaints, problems
and your commitment to protecting retirees.
We encourage as many people as possible to attend this important meeting.
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February 28, 2017
GAA MEMBER TOM YEE IS RUNNING FOR WCERS BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS
GAA Member Tom Yee is running for the Wayne County Employees Retirement System Board of Commissioners representing Active
Employees. He is filling the vacancy left by retired Commissioner Denis Martin. Yee was endorsed by the Wayne County Labor Coalition.
Yee is a Department Manager 3/Finance at the Wayne County Clerk’s Office. He started his career in Wayne County in 2001 and has been
a GAA member in good standing since 2013. If you have not already done so, please vote in this important election. We must all take an
active role in protecting our retirement benefits.
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February 16, 2017
AFLAC
AFLAC has approached the Association about conducting another open enrollment for the GAA members. The Association has heard both
good things from member’s regarding their AFLAC experience as well as many complaints. If you chose to sign up with AFLAC last year,
please send an e-mail to gaawayne@comcast.net indicating your overall experience with AFLAC. Do you think this is a valuable benefit for
members GAA should continue to offer? If you had a bad experience, we would like to hear that as well. Please send your comments
before Tuesday, February 28, 2016.
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GAA HONORS CHAPTER PRESIDENTS ELIZABETH PATTERSON
AND CASSANDRA MCDONALD AT THE
2016 GAA ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
GAA is proud to honor Elizabeth Patterson, President of the Wayne County Professional Nurses Chapter, and Cassandra McDonald,
President of the General Fund Chapter, with the 2016 GAA President’s Award. Their service to the Association has truly been
invaluable. Over the past two years, as Wayne County Administration implented its plan to outsource Jail Health Services using the
Consent Agreement, Elizabeth Patterson and Cassandra McDonald, have led the fight to oppose privatization of Wayne County Jobs.
These individuals spent countless hours lobbying Wayne County Commissioners urging them to vote against privatization as well as
educating the public through the media regarding the dangers of privatizing such a critical County function. To our chagrin and
dismay, the County Commission voted to outsource Wayne County Jail Health Services to Correct Care Solutions as of January 1,
2017.
Elizabeth Patterson, Chapter President of the Wayne County Professional Nurse Chapter, is the longest serving GAA volunteer with
over 20 years of service. Nurse Patterson has spent considerable time and effort researching and developing alternative solutions for
Jail Health Services. She consulted with a nationally recognized Correctional Health Care Consultant to explore the development of a
remediation plan which would allow Wayne County to solve the challenges faced at Jail Health Services “in house” with Wayne
County employees. Patterson was instrumental in organizing members to attend Commission and membership meetings in order
to show solidarity in the opposition of privatization. Patterson, along with Cassandra McDonald, was able to negotiate a transition
agreement for those members who will be employed by CCS. This Agreement included union recognition of GAA to represent certain
CCS positions at Jail Health Services. Patterson and McDonald were ultimately able to assist in excluding the Juvenile Detention
Facility from the outsourcing contract saving at least twelve GAA County positions from being privatized.
Cassandra McDonald, General Fund Chapter President, is also a longstanding GAA volunteer having over seven years of service.
McDonald is a staunch supporter of union activism and membership participation. McDonald, too, spent countless hours attending
Commission meetings in the fight against outsourcing. While the number of affected General Fund Chapter members was relatively
few, McDonald advocated for each of these members with zeal and tenacity.
The Association would especially like to thank GAA members at Jail Health Services for the time and effort spent attending
Commission meetings, membership meetings and supporting the fight against privatizing their jobs.
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November 19, 2016
GAA ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING/HOLIDAY PARTY
Friday, December 2, 2016
5:30 P.M. Refreshments
Business Meeting will
begin at 6:15 P.M.
Dinner 6:45 P.M.
DJ & Dancing 8:00 P.M. - 10:30 P.M.
707 East
707 East Lafayette Street
Detroit, MI 48226
At the Corner of E. Lafayette and the
Chrysler I-375 Service Drive on the Lafayette side
of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Complimentary Parking
GAA Members: Suggested $5 Donation
to The Open Door
GAA Retirees & Guests: $50.00
(Tickets Sold in Advance)
AGENDA
General Business Meeting
- Officer Reports
- Chapter Reports
- 2017 Budget
- Service Awards
Party- In appreciation of the support by the Membership, there will be dinner, an open bar and dancing after the meeting. To encourage
more membership participation, the party has been moved to Friday, December 2, 2016. We are selling tickets for those members who
would like to bring a guest and GAA Retirees. Tickets for Guests and retirees who retired before 2015 are $50.00 which includes the cost
of dinner and open bar. Click here for ticket form. Please mail your check for $50.00 along with the attached Ticket Request form to 65
Cadillac Square, Suite 2625, Detroit, MI 48226, and we will mail your tickets. You may also purchase tickets at the GAA office.
Absolutely No Admittance without RSVP
RSVP by calling the GAA office (313-224-5076) or e-mail GAAWayne@comcast.net by Wednesday, November 23, 2016.
Again, the only charge for admission for members is a voluntary suggested monetary donation of $5 to the Fort Street Presbyterian
Church's Soup Kitchen. Please make any checks payable to: The Open Door.
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October 18, 2016
ASSOCIATION ELECTION RESULTS:
At the same time the Association Election was held, the General Fund elected to fill the vacant Chapter Representative to the Executive
Board. Following are the election results for the three candidates running for this position:
Joseph Budzinski 15 votes
Alonzo McCann 39 votes
Joyce Wright 9 votes
Alonzo McCann was elected Chapter Representative to the Executive Board. McCann’s term of office begins immediately and expires
December 31, 2017.
Again, the Association would like to thank all General Fund Chapter Members who voted in this election.
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October 18, 2016
ASSOCIATION ELECTION UPDATE:
The Association Election was held at 4:00 p.m., October 18, 2016. The Association President was the only candidate to be elected as Ann
Mosley ran unopposed for Association Secretary, and Soraya Farver Williams was unopposed for Treasurer.
Election results for Association President are as follows:
Margaret Keyes-Howard 89 votes
Mark Plackowski 21 votes
Tyreesse Omani 50 votes
Margaret Keyes-Howard was elected Association President. Keyes-Howard, Mosley and Farver Williams will begin their terms of Office
January 1, 2017, and end December 31, 2018.
We would like to thank all members who voted in this election.
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October 12, 2016
ASSOCIATION ELECTION UPDATE:
Nominations were held for GAA Association Offices beginning September 27, 2016, and closing at the GAA membership meeting
Tuesday, October 4, 2016. Nominated for President were Margaret Keyes-Howard, Tyreesse Omani, and Mark Plackowski. Ann
Mosley was the only nomination received for Association Secretary, and Soraya Williams Farver was the sole nomination for Association
Treasurer. Both Ms. Mosley and Ms. Williams Farver were elected by acclimation to Secretary and Treasurer, respectively.
Ballots for Association President were mailed Friday, October 7, 2016, and are due back in the GAA office by 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, October
18, 2016. If you have not received your ballot in the mail, please contact the GAA office to request another ballot as soon as possible.
GENERAL FUND CHAPTER ELECTION UPDATE:
The General Fund Chapter had a membership meeting October 6, 2016 for the purpose of accepting nominations for a vacant Chapter
Representative position to the GAA Executive Board. Nominated to this positions were Joseph Budzinski, Alonzo McCann, and Joyce
Wright. This position was included on the same ballot as Association President which was mailed Friday, October 7, 2016. Again, if you
have not received your ballot in the mail, please contact the GAA office as soon as possible. All ballots are due back in the GAA office by
4:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 18, 2016.
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SPECIAL ELECTION GENERAL FUND CHAPTER
TO: All Members General Fund Chapter
FROM: Cassandra McDonald, General Fund Chapter President
DATE: September 27, 2016
RE: Nominations for Chapter Representatives on the Executive Board Special Election
A Chapter meeting will be held on Thursday, October 6, 2016 at 5:10 p.m. at the Juvenile Detention Facility, Baneker Training Room, 1326
St Antoine St, Detroit, MI 48226. The main item on the agenda will be to receive the report of the Chapter Nominating Committee (listed
below). They will present the names of candidates to fill vacancy for one (1) chapter representative on the GAA Executive Board.
Nominations for any of these offices may be made by contacting a Committee Member before 4:00 p.m., October 6, 2016. Should you
choose to leave a nomination by e-mail or voice mail, please confirm that it was actually received by the Committee member.
Alonzo McCann-Juvenile Detention Facility
Gretta Johnson Washington-Guardian Building
Candace Robinson-Guardian Building
Nominations will also be accepted from the floor at this meeting.
A special election to fill the vacancies will be held by mail ballot, which will be mailed out following the meeting. Ballots will be due in the
GAA office by 4:00 p.m., October 18, 2016.
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DWMHA CHAPTER OFFICER NOMINATIONS
TO: Members, GAA Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority Chapter
FROM: Stephen Ogundipe, Acting President, Mental Health Authority Chapter
DATE: November 20, 2017
RE: Nominations for Chapter Offices
A Chapter meeting will be held Tuesday, November 28, 2017, at 5:00 p.m., at 2nd Floor Training Rooms A & B, 707 Milwaukee, Detroit, MI 48202.
The main item on the agenda will be to receive the report of the Chapter Nominating Committee (listed below) as well as an update on Chapter
Negotiations. The Nominating Committee will present the names of candidates for Chapter President, Vice-President, and Secretary. Anyone
interested in being a candidate or nominating someone for one of these positions should immediately contact a Committee Member:
Janice Latimer
Josephine Austin
Jennifer Miller
If you make a nomination by telephone or e-mail, please do so prior to 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 28, 2017. The Nominating Committee will
need the following information:
1. The name of the member nominated;
2. The position for which the member was nominated;
3. The name of the member making the nomination; and
4. The phone numbers for both the nominee and the member making the nomination.
Please confirm the Nomination Committee received any nomination left via voicemail or email. Nominations will also be accepted from the floor at
this meeting. Nominations will close at the conclusion of the membership meeting. The election will be held by mail ballot, which will be mailed
following the membership meeting. Ballots will be due in the GAA office by 4:00 p.m., Monday, December 11, 2017. Counting of ballots will
commence at that time. Results will be announced on the GAA website HTTP://GOVERNMENTADMINISTRATORSASSOCIATION.
COM/MHACHAPTER. If you would like to volunteer to count ballots, please email the GAA office GAAWAYNE@COMCAST.NET.
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Click here for a pdf version of this notice.
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October 30, 2017
GAA DETROIT WAYNE MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITY CHAPTER
ELECTION: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The GAA DWMHA Chapter will be holding Chapter Elections in November 2017 for Chapter President, Vice-President, and Secretary. A notice
regarding this meeting will be mailed shortly. However, GAA needs three volunteers to serve on either or both the GAA DWMHA Nomination and
Election Committees.
Nomination Committee: The Nomination Committee takes nominations via telephone and email and submits these nominations to the GAA office.
You need not be available to attend the membership meeting scheduled tentatively for November 14, 2017; however, we will need at least one
representative from the Committee to make the final nomination report at this meeting.
Election Committee: We also need three volunteers to count ballots, Tuesday, November 28, 2017, at 5:00 p.m. at the Authority. The ballot count
should take approximately a half an hour.
No volunteer for either the Nomination Committee or the Election Committee should be interested in running for office. Please email your
availability to serve on one of these committees to gaawayne@comcast.net or call the GAA office at 313-224-5076. We appreciate your assistance.
REMINDER: GAA Member of the Year Nomination Form due Thursday,
November 2, 2017.
If you know a GAA member who has exceptional job performance or has provided extraordinary service to the Community or the Government
Administrators Association, please take the time to nominate this deserving member for GAA Member of the Year. This award will be presented at
the GAA Annual Meeting/Holiday Party, December 1, 2017. Click here for a nomination form.
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September 24, 2017
NEGOIATION UPDATE
Negotiations continue as the September 30, 2017 expiration of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement looms in the near future.
Most of the non-economic contract articles have already been tentatively agreed upon. The Association presented many of its economic proposals.
However, the Authority has yet to present their economic package. However, it is anticipated, the Authority’s economic proposals will be presented
at the next meeting.
The classification system is a major area of concern during these negotiations. If you believe you are misclassified, i.e., assigned extensive duties
performed by employees in a higher classification, or performing extensive duties at a higher level than other
employees in your classification, please contact the GAA office at gaawayne@comcast.net with the specific details of your situation.
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NOMINEES SOUGHT FOR GAA MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Since 1983, an award has been given honoring the GAA member of the Year. Demanding criteria for such selection states that the GAA Member of
the Year is “awarded to a Government Administrators Association member for job dedication, employment recognition, notable accomplishments
and significant contributions to the Association or community.
In order to achieve a representative selection, we invite all GAA members who are aware of a member exemplifying these attributes, to take a few
moments to nominate this person. Click here for an nomination form. Only GAA members may make nominations. Nominations are due by
Monday, November 2, 2017. Late nominations will not be considered.
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WE ARE MOVING
-------------October 6, 2017-------------
Our New Address is
Government Administrators Association
New Center One
3031 W. Grand Blvd, Suite 415
Detroit, MI 48226
313-224-5076
(Woodward and W. Grand Blvd.)
After 30 years in the Cadillac Tower, GAA is moving its office. The Cadillac Tower is not renewing long term
leases while its new owners determine their future plans for the building. In the meantime, GAA searched for a
fiscally responsible and affordable office space that is convenient and assessable to the membership. Our new
office space provides members numerous amenities including ample validated parking in Lot 4 on Lothrup directly
behind the building. New Center One is also convenient for members using Detroit's new Qline. We hope that
everyone will take the opportunity to tour the GAA during our open house in November. The date will be
announced shortly.
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July 18, 2017
GAA POLO SHIRTS FOR SALE/FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017, SHOW
YOUR SUPPORT AND WEAR YOUR GAA SHIRT TO WORK
With the scheduled wage negotiations at Wayne County and continued contract negotiations at the Detroit Wayne Mental Health
Authority, GAA is asking all members to show their unity and solidarity by wearing their GAA Polo Shirt to work on the Friday before
Labor Day, September 1, 2017, if your Department’s dress code allows you to do so.
Should you have not yet purchased a shirt, there are still shirts available at the GAA office. Shirts are $30.00, and you can e-mail
gaawayne@comcast.net or call the office at 313-224-5076, with your size and contact information, and we will arrange to get a shirt
to you.
We would like to thank the members for their continued support.
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July 17, 2017
NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUE FOR THE GAA DWMHA CHAPTER
Negotiations for a successor Collective Bargaining Agreement between GAA and the Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority are ongoing. GAA has
tentatively agreed to several non-economic contract articles while continuing to work on areas of concern for members. One
such area is the DWMHA Pay-Grade Classification system. If you feel that you are misclassified in that you are performing job duties of
a position in a grade higher than your present classification, please e-mail the specifics to gaawayne@comcast.net so that we can
include your position in our discussions with the Authority.
Also, if you have not yet completed a general negotiation survey, there is still time to do so. Click here for a copy of the survey, and
continue to check back for updates on negotiation progress.
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July 17, 2017
THE GAA OFFICE IS MOVING TO NEW CENTER ONE
IN MIDTOWN DETROIT
After almost 30 years in the Cadillac Tower Building in downtown Detroit, the GAA office will be moving to the New Center One Building in midtown
Detroit in early September 2017. This move was made necessary as the new owners of the Cadillac Tower are renovating the building with
purposes other than office space in mind. A formal announcement to the membership with the exact details and dates of this move will be made as
the details are finalized. GAA will also hold an open house in the fall to welcome members to the new office space.
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July 14, 2017
GAA 1st ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP PICNIC, JUNE 25, 2017
The GAA 1st Annual Membership Picnic was held Saturday, June 24, 2017, at the Parkland Recreation Area in Hines Drive, Dearborn Heights,
Michigan from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Picnic turned out to be a fun day for members and their families who had the opportunity to get to know
one another increasing the solidarity among the Association’s various Chapters. We hope this event will continue to grow in the future with greater
membership participation. If you would like to be on the planning committee for the 2018 GAA Membership Picnic tentatively scheduled for June 23,
2018, contact the GAA office at gaawayne@comcast.net.
Click here to view photos of the picnic.
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May 20, 2017
GAA/AFSCME MENTAL HEALTH JOBS AT STAKE
PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH CONSUMERS AT RISK
Both the House and Senate have passed their FY18 budget recommendations. Now legislative leaders will come together to mold their two
separate budgets into one compromised budget bill for FY18. These discussions will begin to heat up again this week and should be finalized
sometime over the next three weeks.
REQUEST FOR URGENT ACTION: Please contact your House and Senate members urging them to make sensible changes to the final 298
boilerplate language. Timing is critical. We have roughly three weeks to put pressure on lawmakers as they finalize the FY18 budget. We are asking
that you reach out to your lawmakers between now and June 2, urging them to remove the Senate language in Section 234 insisting on outsourcing
all Mental Health Medicaid money to HMOs and to drop health plan run pilot programs in the final version of section 298.
These contacts are critical, legislators must hear from us in order to counter the efforts by others opposed to the public management of the State's
publicly sponsored behavioral health and intellectual/developmental disability services and supports system.
Below are quick talking points:
• REMOVE LANGUAGE - Section 234 of the Senate DHHS budget language referring to total Medicaid benefit and financial integration by
9/30/20, which would transfer all Medicaid resources to Medicaid Health plans.
• INCLUDE LANGUAGE - Ensure that the policy and management role for Michigan's Medicaid behavioral health and intellectual/developmental
disability services and supports system remains public.
Concerns Regarding a HMO Run Programs
1. Health Plans do not have a good track record managing behavioral health services
2. Less money available for services because of higher overhead costs at HMO’s
• No direction in proposed pilots as to what are we trying to accomplish? What are we measuring? Outcomes?
Community Mental Health Boards and Mental Health Advocates all agree that taxes raised for mental health services should go to mental health
services and not to private HMO’s. People need these funds, not profitable companies. Make your voices heard by using the web
addresses below to email your State Senator and State Representative.
http://www.senate.michigan.gov/fysbyaddress.html
http://www.house.mi.gov/mhrpublic/
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TO: All Members, GAA Mental Health Authority Chapter
FROM: Lorenzo A. Blount, Association Executive
RE: 2017 Contract Survey
DATE: May 15, 2017
Collective Bargaining Agreements for GAA members of the Mental Health Authority Chapter, as you are aware, will expire September 30, 2017 and
we must begin negotiations forthwith on a successor contract.
In preparation for these negotiations, the Association is seeking to determine issues of major concern, which you would like addressed in the
upcoming contracts.
Click here for a survey of pertinent bargaining issues. Please rank these issues in order of importance adding comments, as you feel necessary.
Then return the form by May 30, 2017 to the GAA office, 2625 Cadillac Tower, 65 Cadillac Square, Detroit, MI 48226, fax to 313-224-0064 or e-mail to
gaawayne@comcast.net.
The survey must be signed to be considered so that we can ensure that only GAA members participate in the survey; however, all responses will be
kept strictly confidential. Your input and ideas are valuable in the Association’s efforts to assess the needs of the membership and formulate
appropriate bargaining objectives.
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May 1, 2017
SECTION 298 OF THE 2017 MICHIGAN BUDGET TAKES MONEY
FROM PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEMS TO FUND
PRIVATE INSURANCE COMPANIES
GAA mailed the following letter to each State of Michigan Senator and State Representative regarding the 298 Initiative of the 2017 State Budget
which fund private insurance companies to provide administration of Mental Health Services. Please contact your State Senator and State
Representative and urge them to stand firmly against the 298 initiative.
Click here to find your State Senator
Click here to find your State Representative
April 25, 2017
Dear State Representative/Senator:
The Government Administrators Association (GAA), a labor union of 600 mid-level public employee supervisors and professionals working in
Wayne County, wishes to express
unequivocally our collective objection to the continued discussion of the proposal to transfer $2.6 billion from the public mental health system to
private insuance companies, the Medicaid Health Plans.
The Government Administrators Association has always believed and remains committed to efficiency in the disbursement of public resources, and
we are strongly opposed to any initiatives that propose to take away resources intended to support behavioral health
services for persons with serious mental illness, children with emotional disturbances, persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and
persons with substance use disorders and transfer those funds to private for-profit entities.
We are convinced that Section 298 of the FY 2017 budget will be a betrayal of our commitment to the citizens of this great state to provide timely,
appropriate and quality services to persons with severe behavioral challenges that require our support and services for their continued
sustenance and integration into least restrictive settings. Private insurance companies do not have the experience nor the capacity to provide
qualitative services to the population we serve. This proposal to be “more cost effective,” is actually a sham/pretext to grab the funds intended for
services and supports for this vulnerable population, and we urge you not to support this reckless initiative.
Government Administrators Association members provide services, oversight of operations and are willing and ready to work with the Legislators on
ways to finding practical and responsible cost-saving approaches to mental health services delivery across the state. In Wayne County, the Detroit
Wayne Mental Health Authority has implemented several initiatives to reduce administrative costs and increase money for direct services for nearly
80,000 individuals that we serve. We believe in and continue to advance integration and coordination of physical and behavioral health services,
reduced inpatient hospitalization and increased prevention programs in the communities. These are initiatives that are working and have shown
positive results.
We thank you for your service and ask that you stand with us by standing firmly against the proposed 298 Initiative!
Respectfully,
Lorenzo A. Blount
Association Executive
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March 15, 2017
GET YOUR GAA POLO SHIRT AND MARK THE CALENDAR FOR
THE FIRST GAA ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FAMILY PICNIC
The Association will be selling Polo shirts with an embroidered GAA logo as a fundraiser to offset expenses for the first GAA Annual Picnic, June 24,
2017. We are gauging interest for our first order. The cost of the shirt is anticipated to be no more than $45. If you would like to preorder a shirt,
please e-mail gaawayne@comcast.net or call the GAA Office at 313-224-5076, and let us know what size you would like to order, your name, your
work location, and phone number. We will contact you as soon as we have a final price and sizes. It is our desire to use these shirts as a show of
solidarity as we plan future GAA events as well as during upcoming negotiations with our various employers.
Also, if you have not already done so, please e-mail your personal e-mail address to gaawayne@comcast.net and mark the date, June 24, 2017, for
the first Annual GAA Membership Family Picnic. We will announce the details as soon as they are finalized. We hope to see you there.
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March 6, 2017
ATTENTION GAA WAYNE COUNTY RETIREES
Click here to find the agenda for the Wayne County Commission Committee on Government Operations, Tuesday, Match 7, 2017 starting at 9:30
AM. Note that the Cornerstone Municipal Advisory Group, LLC contract extension is on this agenda under UNFINISHED BUSINESS. That is
because of the objections raised by AFSCME Wayne County Retiree Subchapter 38 at the previous Commission meetings.
This is the opportunity for Wayne County Retirees to be seen by the County Commission and to have them hear your complaints, problems and your
commitment to protecting retirees.
We encourage as many people as possible to attend this important meeting.
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February 28, 2017
GAA MEMBER TOM YEE IS RUNNING FOR WCERS BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS
GAA Member Tom Yee is running for the Wayne County Employees Retirement System Board of Commissioners representing Active Employees.
He is filling the vacancy left by retired Commissioner Denis Martin. Yee was endorsed by the Wayne County Labor Coalition. Yee is a Department
Manager 3/Finance at the Wayne County Clerk’s Office. He started his career in Wayne County in 2001 and has been a GAA member in good
standing since 2013. If you have not already done so, please vote in this important election. We must all take an active role in protecting our
retirement benefits.
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February 16, 2017
AFLAC
AFLAC has approached the Association about conducting another open enrollment for the GAA members. The Association has heard both good
things from member’s regarding their AFLAC experience as well as many complaints. If you chose to sign up with AFLAC last year, please send an
e-mail to gaawayne@comcast.net indicating your overall experience with AFLAC. Do you think this is a valuable benefit for members GAA should
continue to offer? If you had a bad experience, we would like to hear that as well. Please send your comments before Tuesday, February 28, 2016.
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GAA HONORS CHAPTER PRESIDENTS ELIZABETH PATTERSON
AND CASSANDRA MCDONALD AT THE
2016 GAA ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
GAA is proud to honor Elizabeth Patterson, President of the Wayne County Professional Nurses Chapter, and Cassandra McDonald,
President of the General Fund Chapter, with the 2016 GAA President’s Award. Their service to the Association has truly been
invaluable. Over the past two years, as Wayne County Administration implented its plan to outsource Jail Health Services using the
Consent Agreement, Elizabeth Patterson and Cassandra McDonald, have led the fight to oppose privatization of Wayne County Jobs.
These individuals spent countless hours lobbying Wayne County Commissioners urging them to vote against privatization as well as
educating the public through the media regarding the dangers of privatizing such a critical County function. To our chagrin and
dismay, the County Commission voted to outsource Wayne County Jail Health Services to Correct Care Solutions as of January 1,
2017.
Elizabeth Patterson, Chapter President of the Wayne County Professional Nurse Chapter, is the longest serving GAA volunteer with
over 20 years of service. Nurse Patterson has spent considerable time and effort researching and developing alternative solutions for
Jail Health Services. She consulted with a nationally recognized Correctional Health Care Consultant to explore the development of a
remediation plan which would allow Wayne County to solve the challenges faced at Jail Health Services “in house” with Wayne
County employees. Patterson was instrumental in organizing members to attend Commission and membership meetings in order
to show solidarity in the opposition of privatization. Patterson, along with Cassandra McDonald, was able to negotiate a transition
agreement for those members who will be employed by CCS. This Agreement included union recognition of GAA to represent certain
CCS positions at Jail Health Services. Patterson and McDonald were ultimately able to assist in excluding the Juvenile Detention
Facility from the outsourcing contract saving at least twelve GAA County positions from being privatized.
Cassandra McDonald, General Fund Chapter President, is also a longstanding GAA volunteer having over seven years of service.
McDonald is a staunch supporter of union activism and membership participation. McDonald, too, spent countless hours attending
Commission meetings in the fight against outsourcing. While the number of affected General Fund Chapter members was relatively
few, McDonald advocated for each of these members with zeal and tenacity.
The Association would especially like to thank GAA members at Jail Health Services for the time and effort spent attending
Commission meetings, membership meetings and supporting the fight against privatizing their jobs.
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November 19, 2016
GAA ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING/HOLIDAY PARTY
Friday, December 2, 2016
5:30 P.M. Refreshments
Business Meeting will
begin at 6:15 P.M.
Dinner 6:45 P.M.
DJ & Dancing 8:00 P.M. - 10:30 P.M.
707 East
707 East Lafayette Street
Detroit, MI 48226
At the Corner of E. Lafayette and the
Chrysler I-375 Service Drive on the Lafayette side
of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Complimentary Parking
GAA Members: Suggested $5 Donation
to The Open Door
GAA Retirees & Guests: $50.00
(Tickets Sold in Advance)
AGENDA
General Business Meeting
- Officer Reports
- Chapter Reports
- 2017 Budget
- Service Awards
Party- In appreciation of the support by the Membership, there will be dinner, an open bar and dancing after the meeting. To encourage more
membership participation, the party has been moved to Friday, December 2, 2016. We are selling tickets for those members who would like to
bring a guest and GAA Retirees. Tickets for Guests and retirees who retired before 2015 are $50.00 which includes the cost of dinner and open
bar. Click here for ticket form. Please mail your check for $50.00 along with the attached Ticket Request form to 65 Cadillac Square, Suite 2625,
Detroit, MI 48226, and we will mail your tickets. You may also purchase tickets at the GAA office.
Absolutely No Admittance without RSVP
RSVP by calling the GAA office (313-224-5076) or e-mail GAAWayne@comcast.net by Wednesday, November 23, 2016.
Again, the only charge for admission for members is a voluntary suggested monetary donation of $5 to the Fort Street Presbyterian Church's Soup
Kitchen. Please make any checks payable to: The Open Door.
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October 18, 2016
ASSOCIATION ELECTION RESULTS:
The Association Election was held at 4:00 p.m., October 18, 2016. The Association President was the only candidate to be elected as Ann Mosley
ran unopposed for Association Secretary, and Soraya Farver Williams was unopposed for Treasurer.
Election results for Association President are as follows:
Margaret Keyes-Howard 89 votes
Mark Plackowski 21 votes
Tyreesse Omani 50 votes
Margaret Keyes-Howard was elected Association President. Keyes-Howard, Mosley and Farver Williams will begin their terms of Office January 1,
2017, and end December 31, 2018.
We would like to thank all members who voted in this election.
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October 12, 2016
ASSOCIATION ELECTION UPDATE:
Nominations were held for GAA Association Offices beginning September 27, 2016, and closing at the GAA membership meeting Tuesday, October
4, 2016. Nominated for President were Margaret Keyes-Howard, Tyreesse Omani, and Mark Plackowski. Ann Mosley was the only nomination
received for Association Secretary, and Soraya Williams Farver was the sole nomination for Association Treasurer. Both Ms. Mosley and Ms.
Williams Farver were elected by acclimation to Secretary and Treasurer, respectively.
Ballots for Association President were mailed Friday, October 7, 2016, and are due back in the GAA office by 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 18, 2016. If
you have not received your ballot in the mail, please contact the GAA office to request another ballot as soon as possible.
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