HB 5250

AN ACT CONCERNING THE SAFETY OF WORKERS IN ROADWAY WORK ZONES

May 30,2013 - The Connecticut State Senate passee HB 5250 An Act Concerning The Safety of Workers in Roadway Work Zones without any opposition!

 The Bill is now waiting for Governor Malloy to sign into law. Please see the Bill Summary at the following link.

ROCK CATS TICKETS

The Rock Cats will be hosting their 5th Annual Organized Labor Recognition Night on Saturday, June 29th at 6:35pm. CEUI is offering free tickets to members for this game. Please call Tracy at the Union (860-343-8712) to request tickets. If you leave a voicemail, please include the number of tickets you would like. Once the Union receives the physical tickets from the Rock Cats, we will mail them to those who have requested them.

SCHOLARSHIP GOLF TOURNAMENT

The 26th Annual Salvatore J. Perruccio Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday, June 27th at the Portland Golf Course. This tournament funds the scholarships given annually. Please consider forming a foursome and playing the tournament, sponsoring a hole or donating a raffle prize Contact Tracy at the Union for registration materials (860-343-8712).

2011 Prohibited Practice Settlement

In settlement of a prohibited practice complaint filed in 2011 by SEBAC and its member unions, SEBAC and the State have entered into a stipulated agreement regarding the “early retirement” that was offered to managers and some employees in lieu of layoff in August of 2011.

Under its terms, certain SERS (State Employee Retirement System) members may elect to retire if they are eligible as outlined below:

1. Eligibility: SERS members who were under the age of 55 AND had twenty-five or more years of service prior to August 31, 2011.

2. Election period: Eligible SERS members must irrevocably elect to retire in lieu of layoff AND sign a stipulated agreement by May 1, 2013.

3. Retirement date: Eligible Tier I members must retire no later than July 1, 2013.  Eligible Tier 2 members must retire no later than September 1, 2014.

4. Benefit to Tier I members (must retire no later than July 1, 2013): The eligible member may elect between the following two options:

a.   Have their benefit reduced by 4.5% for each year they are under 55 as of their date of retirement (no later than July 1, 2013) and be entitled to the COLA provisions of individuals who retired after October 1, 2011; OR

b.   Have their benefit reduced by 6.0% for each year they are under 55 as of their date of retirement (no later than July 1, 2013) and be entitled to the COLA provisions of individuals who retired before October 1, 2011.

5. Benefit to Tier II members who elect to retire no later than July 1, 2013:  The eligible member may elect between the following two options:

a.   Have their benefit reduced by 4.5% for each year they are under 60 as of their date of retirement (no later than July 1, 2013) and be entitled to the COLA provisions of individuals who retired after October 1, 2011; OR

b.   Have their benefit reduced by 6.0% for each year they are under 60 as of their date of retirement (no later than July 1, 2013) and be entitled to the COLA provisions of individuals who retired before October 1, 2011.

6. Benefit to Tier II members who elect to retire after July 1, 2013 and no later than September 1, 2014: The benefit will be reduced like any other early retirement benefit (6% for each year before age 60), however, individuals who elect to retire in lieu of layoff will be entitled to the COLA provisions in effect for individuals who retired prior to October 1, 2011

NOTE: The COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) for individuals who retired before October 1, 2011 was a range between 2.5%-6%. The COLA for individuals who retire after October 1, 2011 is a range between 2%-7.5%

Members who are eligible and need assistance can call the Union office at 860-343-8700.

Prohibited Practice Agreement on the Pre-Age 55 Resolution

Q&A on the Pre-Age 55 Resolution

Latest Leaflet: 

April 2013

NEW WEBSITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Look for our new website in 2013

The funeral was held Wednesday, December 19 at the Lordship Community Church in Stratford. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Victoria L. Soto Memorial Fund for Education through the funeral home. Cards sent to the Union will be forwarded to the family.

Dear Members,

We are all deeply saddened by the events that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who lost loved ones, and with the community that is heartbroken with grief.

Our Union brother Carlos Soto, who works out of the DOT/Milford Bridge Department and is a CEUI Safety Steward, lost his 27 year old daughter, Victoria Soto, yesterday. Victoria was a teacher at the Sandy Hook Elementary School. Early information is that she heroically gave her life while protecting the students she loved.

Our heartfelt sympathy, support and prayers go out to the Soto family.

As a reminder, all State employees have access to the Employee Assistance Program. If you are in need of counseling or assistance, please contact the Union or your agency for the EAP contact information.

In solidarity,

Ron McLellan

President

THANK YOU
to everyone who attended the public hearing on December 2nd at the Legislative Office Building.
It was a well attended event. Check back next week for more details regarding this important safety issue.

Make Sure Everyone on Your State Health Insurance Plan is a Qualified to be on the Plan

You could be responsible for the full cost of benefits for anyone who is on your plan who isn't qualified. If you get divorced, you are required to remove your ex-spouse from the plan within 30 days.

Please review the information from the Office of Labor Relations to be sure you are in compliance. If you have any questions, please contact the Union.

UPDATED HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION

 Members can have children on their health insurance until the 26th birthday without any rules or restrictions. This is regardless of state of residence or marital status, or even if the child is employed and the employer offers health insurance. There are no restrictions due to the Federal Affordable Care Act.  

For dental insurance, children come off the plan on the 19th birthday,  and are offered COBRA (full cost)   coverage. You have 30 days after the child’s 19th birthday for a one time election of COBRA dental coverage.

Please contact the Union office if you have questions – 860-343-8700.

Comptroller Lembo Announces Zero Increase in Cost of State Health Insurance in Memo

SilverScript Info for Medicare Eligible Retirees

March 29, 2012

Brothers and Sisters,   

This has been an extremely sad week for our Union family due to the loss of our brother, Daniel DiNardi. Dan, a 21 year veteran of the Department of Transportation, sacrificed his own life trying to ensure the safety of the motoring public.

I want to extend our thanks and appreciation to the following people: all the CEUI members who attended the services in support of the DiNardi family; Governor Malloy; Lieutenant Governor Wyman; Congressman Chris Murphy; DOT Commissioner Redeker; and the DOT personnel for their support of the family and Dan’s co-workers.

Additionally, thank you to State Police Troop H and local police for completely shutting down Interstate 91 and Route 2 to allow clear passage of the funeral procession.

Unfortunately we cannot erase this tragic event, however we can and we must increase our efforts in making our worksites safe. We can also help the DiNardi family by supporting a college fund that has been set up for Dan’s children.

Checks can be made out to DiNardi Children’s Fund and mailed to the Union Office at PO Box 1268, Middletown CT  06457.  We will forward the donations appropriately.

Sincerely,

Ron McLellan

President

Update on Wisconsin Fight

For information on SEBAC, go to:  www.inthistogetherct.org

2013 State Calendar

NP-2 Payscales:
   2008/2009
   2010
   2011

2005-2008 Maintenance Contract

Executive Board Members

Ron McLellan, President
David Cummings, Vice President
Leslie Maddocks, Secretary-Treasurer
John Birtwistle, Trustee
Paul Kalajian, Trustee
John Marchese, Trustee
Mark Negralle, Trustee
Diane Quarty, Trustee