Here is the current status of past issues discussed by the UMCC

The following list of issues are still on the table and under discussion for the statewide Union Management Communications Committee (UMCC). Meetings with Chris Parsons, Amy Heller, Polly Zehm, and sometimes Jay Manning have been held over nearly two years. Please contact your UMCC representative with proposals of new issues about communications with Ecology management.

• Environmental Specialist/Planner 4 designations – (2/18/09) Polly agreed to review any situations we bring to her attention where we feel an employee is working out of class. She did indicate that the review may result in duties being pulled rather than an upward reallocation. Outcome: no action until the union provides specific examples.
  
• Environmental Specialist pay – (2/18/09) Chris had previously indicated that an agency-sponsored package was being developed for submission to DOP for the next round of contract negotiations. Outcome: This has been put on hold due to DOP’s current refusal to consider any such packages until the budget crisis is past. In the meantime, we may engage in on-going discussion about the ES pay issues in the hopes that collaboration can occur in the future.
  
• High Cost-Of-Living Area pay – (12/1/08) Chris related that Jay is interested in addressing this through a package to DOP. Outcome: At this time, this is on hold due to budget issues.


• Time Accounting System – (12/1/08) Amy committed to pass along the ideas we provided to her for improving the system. She also promised to let us know what kind of response our ideas receive. Outcome: no action to date.


• Spills Program Budget – (12/1/08) Dale promised to check-in with the stewards in Spills more regularly regarding concerns and anxiety around the budget. He also said he would “think about” our offer to collaboratively work with the program to address budget issues. Outcome: uncertain, no specific activities to date.


• Workplace Behavior (we call it “bullying,” they call it “uncivil workplace behavior”) – (10/20/08) The tentative agreement calls for joint training on the new CBA provisions. Outcome: Amy wants to revisit this issue after she begins implementing the new contract. Our goal is to provide this training jointly and on work time.


• Jay Manning in the field – (7/18/08) On Jay’s behalf, Polly stated that Jay is willing to spend more time in the field and accompanying employees while they do their work to get a better understanding of the non-enforcement side of field work. Outcome: uncertain.


• More UMCC Ad Hoc’s to address regional issues – (7/18/08) Polly and Amy confirmed willingness to form ad hoc UMCC’s to address region specific issues such as bike lockers at NWRO. Outcome: none to date.


• Budget 101 – (7/18/08) Polly agreed to talk to Pat McLain about developing education for all employees on how the agency budget works. In the same meeting, it was acknowledged that the Water Quality budget needs to be explained to employees. Outcome: improved communication from management about the budget process.


• Exchange Time – (2/14/08) Chris said he would provide specific citations in the law that justifies the Agency’s position on denying one-for-one exchange time. Outcome: no response to date.