It is now more important then ever for all of us to be part of a union that really cares about you, MCEA. Our union is not beholden to a large and impersonal national union that cares more about stealing your dues than they care about you the individual. I know this to be true because, I’ve been involved with these other unions in the past and I learned that MCEA is the best and only independent union for state employees.
Over my almost thirty years of state employment, I've also learned that MCEA's power truly comes from you, the individual member. For instance, our MCEA chapter's greatest accomplishments have been achieved through our grassroots team efforts. Working together, we won an optional four day work week, a salary upgrades for Correctional Case Managers, and, most recently, successfully spearheaded efforts to obtain recognition of and a classification job series for prison mental health counselors.
Often, I hear state employees complain that unions don't do anything for us, so why should we join? We in MCEA have a strong expectation that state employees should pull together and do our part in the fight for better salaries, working conditions, and job justice. Past MCEA Chapter President and Regional Area Governor Larry D. Kump is fond of saying, "It really does take two: MCEA & You!", and he's so right!
I've also learned from my own personal experiences, that, if you are in a bind and need grievance protection (or even legal action from the best legal team in the field of public sector labor relations), the professionals at MCEA are just a phone call or e-mail away.
Our MCEA Public Safety Non-Custody Employees Chapter #67 welcomes and needs the active involvement of all Public Safety Non-Custody Employees. Be prepared for the unexpected. Join our MCEA team. Do it today!
See you at our next chapter meeting.
Ward Clem, Chapter President Psychology Department Maryland Correctional Institution - Hagerstown
Area IV Governor Larry D. Kump:
Welcome and thank you for visiting the website of the Public Safety Non-Custody Employees Chapter #67 of the Maryland Classified Employees Association (MCEA). Although our MCEA Chapter does not speak for the entire MCEA organization, we proudly support MCEA and also are the voice of those public safety non-custody employees who have chosen to join our team and work together with us for workplace job justice. If you are a state employee or retired public employee, but not yet a MCEA member please click on (www.mcea.org) to find out how you can join today. Don't delay. Do it now! You can't afford not to belong to MCEA, and, all of us working together, really is your best job insurance for a better tomorrow for you and your family. For news about MCEA, our parent organization, click on (www.mcea.org). If you are a MCEA member and have an individual job problem please call 1-888-614-MCEAand ask for MCEA Labor Relations Specialist Ron Smith. (Sorry, but members only are entitled to this MCEA benefit!!!). Our MCEA chapter reminds me much of the children's book, "The Little Train that Could", and we have been extremely successful in working with our State Legislators, winning individual and group grievances, and providing dynamic, grass-roots leadership that has made a big difference. But, we can do more, much more, with your help. Won't you join and work with our MCEA team today?
It really does take two: MCEA & You!
Larry D. Kump, Area IV Governor and Past Chapter 67 President
Roy Gilleo:
As a Vietnam veteran, it didn't take long for me to realize that the statement
"There's strength in numbers." was as important to me when serving in the
military as it is now being a member of an active organization (MCEA) aimed at
protecting my workplace justice interests.
I find this statement is not only relevant to war time situations but to every
problem I (we) might encounter in our work environment.
It is especially true today when considering the climate and confusion we have
all experienced the past few years in the Division of Corrections.
Work place justice, our Future Safety/Security and our Quality of Life issues
should be the motivational factors calling on all of us fellow employees to bind
together.
The movie, "The Patriot," starred Mel Gibson as an apathetic bystander of the
American Revolution who refused to join the cause for freedom, fairness and
justice.
He soon found out that the issues affecting his life were the same ones that
affected those he opposed.
Needless to say, after experiencing personal lose and grief, he eventually
joined the cause and reaped the benefits of Life, Liberty and his own Happiness.
He achieved these principles through the strength of numbers.
Regardless whether we become card caring members of a union or just stand along
the side of co-workers, it is important to fill the ranks with determination to
ensure a better way of life and employment.
I encourage all fellow state employees, both active and retired, to join
together for the cause of better working conditions, higher salaries, enhanced
retirement, and reduced health care costs.
And as Larry D. Kump, President of my MCEA Public Safety Non-Custody Employees
Chapter has said many times:
"We need to work for work place justice and good governance."
Let's all bind together, strengthen the numbers and show unity in the quest for
"Work Place Justice."
Roy Gilleo
Chapter Legislative Committee Chairperson