This 2023 handbook details rights, responsibilities, and benefits for 1199SEIU members, outlining the collective bargaining agreement with Columbia University, and providing essential information․
Purpose of the Handbook
This handbook serves as a comprehensive resource, meticulously designed to inform all 1199SEIU members about their rights, benefits, and responsibilities as outlined within the current collective bargaining agreement with The Trustees of Columbia University․ It’s a vital tool for understanding the terms and conditions of employment, ensuring a fair and productive work environment․
The primary goal is to provide clear, accessible information regarding wage increases – effective June 5, 2023, and October 1, 2023 – alongside details about the 1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds, and access to the 1199SEIU Federal Credit Union․
Furthermore, this document clarifies expectations concerning employee conduct, release time for Union Executive Council meetings, and the processes for union petitions and voluntary donations․ It reinforces the commitment to freedom of association and union membership, supporting a transparent and collaborative relationship between employees and the employer․
Scope of Coverage – Who Does This Handbook Apply To?
This 1199 Union Employee Handbook 2023 applies to all employees represented by 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, specifically those covered under the collective bargaining agreement established with The Trustees of Columbia University․ This encompasses all individuals actively employed and recognized as members of the bargaining unit as of the agreement’s effective dates․
The handbook’s provisions extend to all employees, regardless of their position or department within Columbia University, provided their employment falls within the scope of the negotiated contract․ It’s crucial for all covered employees to familiarize themselves with the contents to fully understand their rights and obligations․
This includes those participating in the 1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds, and those eligible for services through the 1199SEIU Federal Credit Union․ The handbook ensures consistent application of the collective bargaining agreement across all represented employees․
2023 Updates and Key Changes
The 2023 updates to the 1199 Union Employee Handbook reflect significant changes implemented through the collective bargaining agreement․ Key adjustments include wage increases effective June 5, 2023, and October 1, 2023, ensuring improved compensation for all covered employees․ These increases are detailed within the handbook for clarity․
Furthermore, the handbook clarifies procedures for release time for Executive Council meetings, allowing for consistent operational needs․ Updates also address maintaining existing standards for employee facilities, as agreed upon by both parties․ Information access protocols have been enhanced, guaranteeing union information is provided during employee orientation․
The handbook also details authorization processes for the 1199SEIU Federal Credit Union, and provides comprehensive details regarding the 1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds․ These changes aim to improve transparency and accessibility for all 1199SEIU members․
Collective Bargaining Agreement Overview
This section summarizes the current collective bargaining agreement between Columbia University and 1199SEIU, outlining terms, conditions, and employee rights established within the contract․
Columbia University Agreement Details
The Columbia University agreement, a cornerstone of 1199SEIU representation, establishes crucial terms for employees․ It details provisions for release time for Executive Council meetings, ensuring consistent operational needs are met while allowing union participation; Wage increases are specifically outlined, with effective dates of June 5, 2023, and October 1, 2023, impacting all employees on the payroll during those periods․
Furthermore, the agreement reinforces the freedom of association and supports workers’ rights to union membership, a fundamental principle upheld by both the employer and 1199SEIU․ It also addresses employee facilities, committing to maintain existing standards as previously agreed upon․ Crucially, the contract serves as the primary source of union information provided during employee orientation, ensuring transparency and accessibility․
This agreement is a living document, subject to renewal processes, and represents a collaborative effort to foster a positive and productive work environment for all represented employees at Columbia University․
Contract Duration and Renewal Process
The current collective bargaining agreement between Columbia University and 1199SEIU establishes a defined contract duration, outlining the period for which the agreed-upon terms and conditions of employment remain in effect․ Details regarding the specific length of this duration are readily available within the full contract document, accessible to all union members․
The renewal process is a collaborative undertaking, initiated well in advance of the contract’s expiration date․ It involves a series of negotiations between designated representatives from both the university and the union, focusing on addressing evolving needs and priorities․ These negotiations cover a wide range of topics, including wages, benefits, and working conditions․
Throughout the renewal process, 1199SEIU actively solicits input from its members to ensure their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed․ The ultimate goal is to reach a mutually agreeable agreement that benefits both the employees and the institution, fostering a continued positive relationship․
Freedom of Association and Union Membership
Columbia University and 1199SEIU firmly support the fundamental right of all workers to freely associate and join a union of their choosing, without fear of reprisal or coercion․ This principle is enshrined in both legal frameworks and the spirit of collaborative labor relations․
Employees have the absolute freedom to decide whether or not to become members of 1199SEIU․ This decision is entirely personal and voluntary, and no employee will be subjected to any form of discrimination or intimidation based on their membership status․ The university respects the privacy of individual choices regarding union affiliation․
Furthermore, the agreement guarantees employees the right to participate in union activities, such as meetings and organizing efforts, without interference from the employer․ This commitment to freedom of association is a cornerstone of the positive working relationship between Columbia University and its dedicated 1199SEIU workforce, ensuring a fair and equitable environment for all․
Employee Rights and Responsibilities
This section clarifies member rights—union representation, access to facilities, and information—alongside corresponding responsibilities, fostering a productive and respectful work environment for all․
Union Representation and Access
Employees retain the fundamental right to union representation throughout any investigatory interview that could potentially lead to disciplinary action․ This ensures fair treatment and a voice during critical processes․ 1199SEIU representatives are available to assist and advocate on behalf of members, providing guidance and support․
Access to union officials is permitted, consistent with operational needs, allowing for effective communication and collaboration․ Specifically, one employee elected or appointed to the Executive Council of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East shall be released without pay to attend scheduled meetings․ This release time is contingent upon maintaining essential operational functions․
The employer supports the freedom of workers to join a union, upholding the principles of freedom of association․ Information regarding the union, including contact details and resources, will be provided to each employee during orientation, ensuring awareness of their rights and available support systems․ This commitment to transparency fosters a positive and collaborative relationship between the employer and the union․
Employee Facilities – Maintaining Existing Standards
The parties have mutually agreed to uphold the current standards regarding employee facilities as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement․ This commitment ensures a consistent and comfortable working environment for all 1199SEIU members․ No changes will be implemented that negatively impact existing provisions related to break rooms, restrooms, or other common areas utilized by employees․
This dedication to maintaining existing standards reflects a shared understanding of the importance of providing adequate and well-maintained facilities․ The employer recognizes the value of a positive work environment and its impact on employee morale and productivity․ Regular assessments will be conducted to ensure facilities remain in good repair and meet the needs of the workforce․
Any proposed modifications to employee facilities will be subject to discussion and agreement between the employer and 1199SEIU, guaranteeing a collaborative approach to improvements and preventing unilateral changes․ This collaborative process ensures that employee concerns are addressed and that any alterations align with the overall goals of a supportive and functional workplace․
Information Access – Union Information at Orientation
New employees will receive comprehensive information regarding 1199SEIU during their orientation process․ This crucial step ensures all members are fully aware of their rights, benefits, and the role of the union in representing their interests․ The collective bargaining agreement serves as the primary source of union-related information, and a copy will be readily available to each new hire․
Orientation sessions will include a dedicated segment focused on the union, covering topics such as membership eligibility, union representation, and grievance procedures․ Experienced union representatives will be present to answer questions and provide clarification on any concerns․ This proactive approach fosters a strong relationship between employees and the union from the outset․
Furthermore, the employer is committed to providing ongoing access to union information throughout the employee’s tenure․ Updates to the collective bargaining agreement and other relevant materials will be communicated promptly, ensuring all members remain informed and engaged․ This commitment to transparency strengthens the partnership between the employer and 1199SEIU․
Compensation and Benefits
The 2023 agreement includes wage increases effective June 5th and October 1st, alongside details regarding 1199SEIU benefit and pension funds, and credit union access․
Wage Increases – Effective Dates (June 5, 2023 & October 1, 2023)
This section outlines the scheduled wage increases for all employees covered under the collective bargaining agreement․ Effective June 5, 2023, each employee on the payroll received a wage increase, contributing to improved financial well-being․ This initial increase was a significant step in recognizing the valuable contributions of 1199SEIU members․
Furthermore, a subsequent wage increase became effective on October 1, 2023, building upon the gains made earlier in the year․ These increases reflect the commitment of both the employer and 1199SEIU to fair compensation and maintaining a competitive wage structure․ Details regarding the specific percentage or amount of each increase can be found within the full collective bargaining agreement document․
Employees are encouraged to review their pay stubs to confirm the accurate application of these wage increases․ Any discrepancies should be reported to Human Resources immediately for prompt resolution․ These increases are a direct result of successful negotiations and demonstrate the power of collective bargaining․
1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds
The 1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds provide comprehensive health, welfare, and retirement security for eligible members․ These funds are a cornerstone of the benefits package negotiated through collective bargaining, demonstrating a strong commitment to the long-term well-being of union members and their families․ Access to these benefits is crucial for financial stability and peace of mind․
Detailed information regarding eligibility requirements, coverage details, and enrollment procedures can be found within the official 1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds documentation․ The Employee Handbook serves as a starting point, but members are encouraged to consult the Funds directly for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information․
Maintaining a high standard of employee welfare is a priority, and the Funds continually strive to enhance benefits and services․ Regular updates and communications regarding changes to the Funds will be provided to all eligible employees․ The Funds are managed responsibly to ensure their long-term sustainability․
1199SEIU Federal Credit Union – Authorization Process
The 1199SEIU Federal Credit Union offers valuable financial services exclusively to members and their families․ To access these services, employees must complete a written authorization form, designated as Exhibit B, allowing the employer to facilitate payroll deductions or direct deposits to the Credit Union․ This authorization is a critical step in establishing a relationship with the Credit Union․
This form clearly outlines the terms of the authorization, including the amount and frequency of deductions or deposits․ Employees should carefully review the form before signing to ensure accuracy and understanding․ Completed forms should be submitted directly to the Human Resources department for processing․
Upon receipt of the authorized form, the employer will promptly transmit the information to the 1199SEIU Federal Credit Union․ The Credit Union will then contact the employee to finalize account setup and provide access to its range of financial products and services․ This streamlined process ensures a secure and efficient connection․
Employee Conduct and Expectations
Employees are expected to maintain professional appearance and conduct, adhering to Funds’ standards․ Release time is granted for Executive Council meetings, consistent with operational needs․
Appearance and Conduct Standards
At the 1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds, maintaining a professional and respectful work environment is paramount․ Employees are expected to adhere to established appearance and conduct standards, fostering a positive atmosphere for colleagues, members, and visitors․ These standards are designed to project a professional image and ensure efficient operations․
Specifically, employees should present themselves in a manner appropriate for their role, demonstrating respect for the organization and those they serve․ While specific dress code details may vary depending on the department and job function, generally, attire should be clean, neat, and professional․
Conduct expectations include treating all individuals with courtesy and respect, avoiding disruptive behavior, and upholding the highest ethical standards․ The Funds are committed to a workplace free from harassment, discrimination, and any form of unprofessional conduct․ Employees are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the complete policies outlined in the full employee handbook and to seek clarification from Human Resources if needed․
Release Time for Union Executive Council Meetings
The collective bargaining agreement between The Trustees of Columbia University and 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East explicitly addresses release time for union representation․ Specifically, one (1) employee, duly elected or appointed to the Executive Council of 1199SEIU, will be granted release time without loss of pay to attend scheduled meetings․
This release time is contingent upon operational needs; meaning, the employee’s absence must not unduly disrupt essential functions․ Prior coordination with their supervisor is crucial to ensure a smooth workflow during their absence․ The purpose of this provision is to facilitate active participation of union representatives in critical decision-making processes․
It underscores the commitment of both Columbia University and 1199SEIU to collaborative labor relations and recognizes the importance of union leadership․ Detailed procedures for requesting and utilizing release time are available through the union and Human Resources, ensuring transparency and equitable access to this benefit․
Union Petition and Voluntary Donations
Employees have the right to engage in legally protected concerted activities, including the circulation of union petitions․ These petitions can address workplace concerns and advocate for improvements in terms and conditions of employment․ Participation in such activities is safeguarded, provided it doesn’t disrupt operations or violate established policies․
Furthermore, the 1199SEIU encourages voluntary financial support through authorized donation mechanisms․ Employees may choose to contribute to the union’s political action fund or other designated causes․ However, these contributions are entirely voluntary, and there is absolutely no obligation to donate․
Any donation agreement must be clearly documented, with employees freely signing a form indicating their consent․ By signing a petition or authorizing a donation, employees acknowledge their voluntary participation and understanding of the terms․ The union respects individual financial decisions and maintains strict adherence to all applicable laws regarding political contributions and fundraising․