(May 26, 2010)

In order to further improve the lines of communication and to respond to the concerns between the National VA Council and you our members, I have established a National VA Council Briefing. This NVAC Briefing will bring you the latest news and developments within DVA and provide you with the current status of issues this Council is currently addressing. I believe that this NVAC Briefing will greatly enhance the way in which we communicate and the way in which we share new information, keeping you better informed.

Alma L. Lee

National VA Council, President

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In This Briefing: 3^rd Day of Contract Negotiations in Cleveland, Ohio

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Today is the 3rd day of Contract Negotiations in Cleveland, Ohio.    We are currently discussing new Articles for the Master Agreement.  

 

We discussed Article 83, entitled, “Physician and Dentist Pay”.  It was set aside by Management on May 25, 2010.  We are now discussing Article 79, entitled, “Skill Certification”.   VBA does NOT want this Article to be in the current agreement, however, it will stay on the table until such time a third party decides whether it will go in the Master Agreement or not .

 

We have two (2) new Articles left to discuss, “VBA Technologies” and “Title 38 Hybrid”.  After the discussion of the above Articles, which we expect to be set aside, we will then go to mediation.   Approximately 17 Articles will be set aside for mediation.  After mediation, Articles that are not resolved will then go to the impasse panel.

 

Local 31 have been great host for this session and we appreciate the support that Labor and Management has shown us.

 

Observers this week:

 

Monday Observers:

James Swartz, President, Local 2823

Nicholas Bartzis, VP, Local 2823

Malinda Morrow- Kitching, President, Local 31

Willie Haywood, EVP, Local 31

Steven Savino, Labor-Management Specialist, HR, Cleveland, Ohio

 

Tuesday Observers:

Nick Bartzis, VP, Local 2823

Gregory Myers, Steward, Local 2823

Malinda Morrow Kitching, President, Local 31

Darlene Estell, Secretary/Treasurer, Local 31

Steven Savino, Labor-Management Specialist, HR, Cleveland, Ohio