March 17, 2009

Welcome to the chapter 142 website. I would like to thank all Chapter officials for their time and effort to this site. Chapter 142 officials are volunteers who receive no further compensation for their hard work and devoted time. As the chapter's Vice President and Highgate Springs I will try to disseminate as much information on local issues as is possible. I am the a Highgate officer and Chief Steward so most of what I have to say will relate to Highgate officers only, but others should find valuable information as well.

I've had several inquiries as to the new Bid & Rotation schedule. Here is what is happening. Toby and Glenn have met with the area Port Director several times to discuss how to implement it, who will rotate, when and how. The reason for the lengthy negotiations is that they are negotiating on behalf of all of Vermont ports. There are several details that need to be worked out and agreed to before we settle. I did poll everyone to see what their desired shifts were in the hopes of getting permanent shifts. When the details are finalized we will let you know ASAP, and we'll solicit bids again. We are projecting implementation sometime in late April. We will begin the bid process again in August/September.

As you recall we also had the issue with over 25 officers never receiving the class one uniform. The names and articles missing were tallied up more than once and sent to HRM in D.C. The theory was they were checking with VF Solutions to verify what was and wasn't sent. I was told that the then APD, Kim Nott, said that the uniforms will be obtained one way or another with out cost to the officers. I don't know what the hold up is but I was told the issue was TOT local management for remedy. I was told I should discuss the issue with them and not seek further explanation from HRM in D.C. There has been no movement on this issue in over 2 years. In your own best interest you should expect to buy your own class 1 using your yearly allowance. I broke down and pieced it together over the last year. It is very unfortunate but I don't expect them to ever rectify the issue.

The FLRA has several cases pending their final decision. Most notably the grooming standards and NIAP/scheduling arbitrations. CBP was told in April 2008 to remedy this and figure out solutions as to how they will compensate affected officers, but instead they appealed it. We are still waiting, as I hear the FLRA is severely back logged and understaffed (a reoccurring theme). The good news is with a new and more employee friendly administration, or at least a bi-partisan appointed panel of members, we should get a fair shake.

A couple of small issues to think about. If you are entitled to local travel don't hesitate to use it. Don't let someone tell you that you can't use it if you ARE entitled. I have gone over this before. The problem is lack of communication in management. Every time you train one manager of what the rules are and how to do it the next one rolls in claiming ignorance. See a steward or me if you need clarification or assistance.

As in the past local travel claims have been ignored for several months. It doesn't mean we are not entitled to local travel. Currently we are to send them to shift supervisor who will review them and send them, to Gissel. Gissel claims he will discuss the details with APD Makolin as he has said we are entitled.

Also watch your TECS usage. Be sure that you can justify your searches. Every keystroke is recorded and monitored. Never query your name, address or other personal information in either training or production mode. It is allowable in training mode, but not worth the risk. Always train using border crossers.

Sincerely,
Derek W. Paoletti
Vice President