MSO UPDATES -- JULY 2011

Grievances:

MSO is going to arbitration on the Reprimand grievance. MNEA did not follow the contractual process before issuing the reprimand to our member (see May Update). We are in the process of selecting dates and preparing for the hearing.

Unfair Labor Practice:

As stated in the May Update, MSO filed an Unfair Labor Practice against MNEA for the Bullying charges and reprimands that were issued to two of our members. The NLRB has deferred it back to the MSO grievance process. That means that MSO must go through our grievance process, including arbitration, to settle the matter. This is a common solution that the NLRB utilizes, so it was no surprise to us.

We are now in the process of preparing the grievance and getting ready to move forward through the grievance steps. We’ll keep you updated.

How Short-Sighted Can MNEA Be?

MSO has requested an NSO mediator to come in to assist several of our members who are having some conflict. MSO requested work time from MNEA in order for those employees to meet and try to work things out, given that it is a work situation. MSO hoped that MNEA would see the value of improving the work atmosphere and conditions for their employees. However, MNEA refused to grant work time for a meeting unless MSO withdrew the NLRB Unfair Labor Practice complaint (bullying info above).

It is too bad that MNEA was only willing to provide work time if MSO "made the deal."  MSO believes it is very short sighted of MNEA when they are unwilling to put the working conditions of their employees first – because MNEA benefits greatly when morale is good at the office.

Bargaining:

MSO and MNEA successfully reached agreement on a new one year contract for 2011-12.  The MSO ratification meeting will be held on August 10th. We hope all MSO members will attend -- as there are some important changes you will want to hear about!