40th Annual National Convention
Hilton Alexandria Old Town
Alexandria, Virginia
September 26 & 27, 2015
Call to order, number of attendees, parliamentarian
NWSEO President Dan Sobien called the 40th annual convention to order at 8:00 am on September 26, 2015. There were approximately 80 people in attendance.
Minutes of 39th National Convention
Secretary Treasurer David Solano presented the minutes of the 39th National Convention. Reading of the minutes was waived on unanimous vote and the minutes were accepted as written. Once the minutes were accepted, Dave signed a copy.
NWSEO Executive Vice President Bill Hopkins provided an annual review of the work of NWSEO. Vice President Hopkins discussed the numerous Union grievances, hiring freeze, CBA negotiations, hundreds of NWS vacancies still not being filled, the issues at WFMO and the recent Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey.
Secretary Treasurer Financial Report and Review of 2016 Budget
NWSEO Secretary Treasurer David Solano gave a detailed overview highlighting NWSEO's finances in checking, savings and investments. NWSEO investments has increased by just over 31% since 2013. NWSEO total assets (checking, savings plus investments) increased by 38%. The labor Organization report (LM2) has been filed with the Department of Labor along with the federal tax return (form 990), Certification of the NWSEO (LM5) and Federal Election Committee (FEC Form 3X) have been submitted.
David then reviewed the proposed 2016 budget line by line with the attendees. After review of the 2016 budget, David answered questions from the floor. David reminded those at the convention that the budget is a planning document, presenting best estimates for income and expense categories, and should be reasonable but cannot predict to the penny. A motion was made to accept the NWSEO 2016 budget and was second. The 2016 budget passed on a unanimous voice vote.
2015 Legislative Report
Appropriations – The House Appropriations added $4 million over the President’s request for NWS operations, but cut the rest of NOAA operations by ≈ 11 percent below request, and cut NOAA Corporate Services by $11 million below request. The Senate Appropriations Committee added $10 million over President’s request for NWS operations, but cut rest of NOAA operations by 7.5 percent below request, and cut NOAA Corporate Services by $4 million below request. (Full Senate has not yet voted on CJS appropriations). The House, Senate Appropriations Committee rejected the proposal to eliminate ITOs for 4th year in a row.
Senator Mazie Hirono
Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) was the keynote speaker at the NWSEO National Convention in Alexandria, VA on Saturday, September 26th. Senator Hirono is a strong supporter of NWSEO and has worked closely with our professional organization since her election to the U.S. Senate in 2012.
“We are honored to have Senator Hirono as our keynote speaker,” said NWSEO President Dan Sobien. “She consistently demonstrates her commitment to the dedicated employees of the National Weather Service. Time and again, Senator Hirono stresses the importance of accurate weather forecasting and emergency preparedness to keep people safe in severe weather.”
Senator Hirono co-hosts the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee’s quarterly meeting for union legislative representatives, which is regularly attended by NWSEO’s Legislative Director. Senator Hirono is a co-sponsor of the “Federal Adjustment to Income Rates Act” which would provide a 3.8 percent pay raise for Federal employees in 2016.
Senator Hirono thanked Dan Sobien for inviting her to speak to the NWSEO Members in attendance. The Senator thanked everyone in attendance for the work the men and women do to protect life and property. She complimented NWSEO for keeping the issues facing the NWS on the forefront in Congress.
The Senator serves in 5 Committees and focuses on middle class families, children, seniors and unions. She is proud of her 100% rating from the AFLCIO and told everyone in attendance that “we CANNOT balance the budget on the backs of federal employees.” Dave Solano asked the Senator for her assistance by working with both sides of the aisle to fund and fill the nearly 600 vacant NWS positions in the NWS.
Senator Mazie Hirono with NWSEO President Dan Sobien (above)
NWSEO Pacific Region Chair Chris Jacobson, Senator Hirono, and NWSEO Pacific Region Vice Chair Nathan Becker
Credentials Committee Report
Delyne Kirkham and Scott Prosise from the Credentials Committee reported to the convention attendees. The Credentials Committee reviewed each region’s delegates and the number of members each delegate represents. This information ensures that each member’s vote gets counted. The review account is an opportunity for all delegates to correct any discrepancies. There were a total of 1,428 delegate votes at the 2015 convention. A motion was made on the floor to accept the delegate votes and passed on a unanimous voice vote.
NWSEO Political Action Committee (PAC)
NWSEO General Counsel Richard Hirn discussed the support NWSEO receives from key members of Congress. NWSEO PAC funds help NWSEO to lobby to save critical NWS jobs, improve NWS employee working conditions and make for a more effective NWS. Our strategy of contributing to Republican and Democrat has been useful. This effort is most effective when all members contribute. . If you would like to donate to the PAC fund please use this link or mail NWSEO PAC Donations to NWSEO PAC, 601 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W., SUITE 900, WASHINGTON, DC 20004 (Checks should be made out to NWSEO PAC.) NWSEO is appreciative of all members who contribute to the PAC.
NWSEO cannot use union funds for political campaigns. NWSEO has a PAC fund which can be used for political campaigns. Money contributed to PAC fund is extremely important.
Remember: DO NOT solicit members to contribute to the NWSEO PAC at work.
.JPG)
NWS Director Dr. Louis Uccellini
Print copy with Q & A Session
The National Weather Service Director Dr. Uccellini addressed the NWSEO Convention. Dr. Uccellini thanked NWSEO for inviting him to the annual convention. He thanked the NWSEO leadership for their time, commitment and dedication to represent the NWS bargaining unit employees. Dr. Uccellini recognized that our labor management relationship is under a lot of stress. He does believe we need to work together in a collaborative manner. He talked about past partnerships with NWSEO and accomplishments made through synergy teams. He also talked about the strong support for the NWS from both the Congress and Senate.
Dr. Uccellini spoke about the dedication of the National Weather Service employees and thanked members for their participation in the recent Organization Health Index (OHI) survey. Results of this survey show the dedication you have for your life’s work is “off the charts.”
Dr. Uccellini also recognized that the workforce analysis data shows that “today’s challenge is employees’ lack of trust in senior management at the local, regional and especially national levels” of the NWS. He recognized the disconnect between NWS HQ and the field. Dr. Uccellini believes that some of this started in 2011 from the NWS fiscal mismanagement. He said that the lack of transparency and communication compounded this distrust (even amongst the leadership team) and noted that management needs to be more inclusive.
The NWS Director said the leadership has listened to NWS employees by improving:
- Bandwidth Improvements for 121 out of 122 WFOs
- Travel funds
- Training (funding increased from $880,000 to $7,000,000/yr today)
- Vacancies – Dr. Uccellini said the NWS is listening and making progress but not enough to satisfy him or NWSEO. There are weaknesses in the hiring process and hired a new WFMO Director has been hired.
Dr. Uccellini talked about his hopes to work towards better collaboration. He expressed an understanding of the high number of vacancies as a top concern. He also recognized the lack of money and time for professional development and stated that he is making professional development is a top priority.
Dr. Uccellini also spoke about the National Academy of Science report “Second to None” and the National Academy of Public Administration report “Forecasting For the Future: Assuring the Capacity of the National Weather Service.“ He said the reports questioned the staffing profile across the current field structure, and clearly pointed to the need for change. But there was no agreement on what to change, how to change, and how fast to change. As successful as the MAR was,Uccellini says the NWS cannot do business the same way it did 20 years ago. Dr. Uccellini said that implementing solutions will take time. He told the convention that the path to Organization Workforce Analysis was not set in stone. He stated, “No plans to restructure or downsize the NWS” and said the OWA is an ongoing analysis.
The OHI survey also reaffirmed a poor view of NWS leadership and said there are clear disconnects and a lack of trust between management and those of you working in the field. He recognized that the NWS leadership has to do a better job communicating - not just from the top down, but from the bottom up and across the organization.
Dr. Uccellini also said that he sees an increasing value in WFOs, RFCs, CWSUs and NCEP Services Centers serving as service outlets for all of NOAA, further strengthening the value of and need for our services. The NWS Director said, " As we move into the future, we need to create a more flexible organization, better equipped to serve decision makers when extreme atmospheric, land, ocean, ice, and even space weather events threaten our nation. But the truth is, the future is not crystal clear. We have a roadmap and a direction, but the picture of the exact end state is not clear because we have not invented it yet, even as we evolve while embracing IDSS. This is an uncomfortable position to be in. Instead of concrete answers, what we have are interests and outcomes we want to achieve."
Dr. Uccellini finished by saying there are many strategic opportunities embedded in this call for a more collaborative approach between management and NWSEO. He stated, “ I am committed to working with you, with NWSEO, to create our desired future together, to serve the most dedicated workforce in any government organization, and to make the NWS second to none.”
Dr. Uccellini's Question and Answer Session with Membership
The speech was followed by a Question and Answer session. Dr. Uccellini stayed for more than an hour fielding tough questions from NWSEO members.
Bill Hopkins asked Louis directly if there were plans to downsize the NWS workforce or close offices. Louis paused, then replied, “There are no plans to restructure or downsize the National Weather Service. [sic] I do not have a file, I do not have a piece of paper that says what the end state will look like.”
In response to the question of what NWSEO management can do to improve relations with agency management, Louis deferred in favor of turning it back on the agency, “We in the management realm have to take a step up in terms of inclusiveness.”
NWSEO President Dan Sobien and Headquarters Region Chair Steve Pritchett both asked Dr. Uccellini why the National Weather Service felt compelled to drop the employee Health Club and Wellness Program. Dan Sobien cited the elaborate fitness center at NCEP as a positive benefit to employees at that facility and noted that the Health and Wellness Program was a positive benefit to all employees. Dr. Uccellini told the men that the decision to remove this benefit was out of his hands.
In response to a question about the constant battle to keep ITOs in WFOs, “We are working a modified approach currently through the executive branch” to find a longer-term solution to the ITO problem, but “if it does pass in its current form on the Hill, then we have to do what the law requires.”
There was much discussion regarding NWS understaff ongoing vacancy problems in the NWS. Louis says that, “The hiring process is broken, clearly, and we need to get it back on track.” NWSEO Pacific Region Chair Chris Jacobson noted that there are currently more than 500 positions vacant. Dr. Uccellini disagreed, stating there are fewer than 300 appropriated vacancies and noted that NWSEO should not assume that all FTEs in field offices are appropriated. “The appropriations law trumps everything. With regards to all of these other things, that’s all I can say.” NWSEO General Counsel Richard Hirn informed the group that there is no cap on FTEs in the law and that an agency can hire as many FTEs as they can fund. The important issue is that the number of vacant positions that were previously filled is approaching 600.
There was a discussion involving both Dr. Uccellini and NOAA Chief of Staff Renee Stone regarding the barrage of requests by management for non-disclosure agreements in NWSEO discussions. Essentially NOAA/NWS feel that they need these agreements because they can’t risk speaking candidly with NWSEO and then having their statements leaked in the press. NWSEO leadership cannot and will not sign those agreements because of their inherent obligation to share information with their members.
NWSEO Election Results
NWSEO President - Dan Sobien
NWSEO Vice President - Bill Hopkins
NWSEO Secretary-Treasurer - Dave Solano
Convention Banquet
Robert Ebaugh and Scott Prosise were recognized for their long term service and dedication to NWSEO. Both men will be retiring this year.
Congratulations to Mitch MacDonald and John Werner – Recipients of the NWSEO 2015 Kip Robinson Award
Congratulations to Mitch MacDonald and John Werner, this year’s honored recipients of the NWSEO Kip Robinson Award. This annual NWSEO award is given in recognition of members volunteering their time and talents to make NWSEO a stronger union.
The Kip Robinson Award is named after a late lobbyist who worked diligently for NWSEO. Past winners include Chris Jacobson, Bill Proenza, Bill Hirt, John Stansfield, and Barry Hirshorn, Chis Sisko, DeLyne Kirkham, Steve Pritchett, Shannon White, David Marsalek, and Steve Wannebo.
Mitch MacDonald receiving the Kip Robinson Award from NWSEO President Dan Sobien
John Werner receiving the Kip Robinson Award from NWSEO President Dan Sobien
Sunday, September 27, 2015
NWSEO Communications, Membership and Recruitment
NWSEO: 40 Years Strong – Lisa Luciani
PowerPoint Presentation
NWSEO Communications Director Lisa Luciani presented a report on Communications. NWSEO members are key to all communications efforts. Success depends on steward and member involvement to communicate the challenges and issues in their office. This communication helps the National Council, General Counsel Richard Hirn and Lisa to better understand the challenges offices face and to strategically tailor messages to reach Congress, NOAA and NWS leadership, journalists and the public. Lisa thanked members for their assistance on all NWSEO communications efforts.
This includes:
- Responding to NWSEO email surveys
- Responding to NWSEO media requests
- Members using the NWSEO Facebook Group to inform each other about how challenges are met in their office.
NWSEO Communications/Media Relations is strategic and targeted. NWSEO has developed strong relationships with members of Congress, Emergency Managers, and journalists in key media markets. Our goal is to distribute accurate information for both local and national communications efforts. Please keep in mind, if a news release is distributed on a national level, it represents information provided from stewards nationally. If the information in your office does not clearly reflect on the news release and you have a request for a media interview, please contact Lisa at mediarelations@nwseo.org so that we can work together to provide the reporter with accurate information for what is happening locally without diluting the key messages of the strategic communications efforts.
Lisa highlighted the relationship between NWSEO and journalists at the TODAY Show, Washington Post, Greenwire Communications in DC, and the Philadelphia Inquirer. She highlighted news stories focused on the high number of vacancies across the NWS.
NOAA Attorneys Guild 2015 Update - Mitch MacDonald
We’re a small bargaining unit representing approximately 70 attorneys. We provide legal advice to NOAA on the “wet side” involving fisheries, marine mammals and endangered species protection, habitat protection, and oil spill restoration. While we are small, we are a strong bargaining unit with close to an 80% membership rate
Our relationship with management is not perfect, but it is mostly positive. We’re wary of WFMO, but very comfortable with our management representatives. Management has been seeking to engage in pre-decisional involvement. We’ve worked on Pilot Projects on hiring, and they’re seeking to involve us with the Department’s Telework Implementation Plan. It’s been a slow year that saw only one issue to resolve, but that was successful. Otherwise, I am personally extremely thankful for the advocacy, support, and strength that comes from the Union.
NWS Vacancies and Understaffed Offices
Pacific Region Chair Chris Jacobson provided statistics on the high number of vacancies in the NWS. Only ten of the NWS 122 WFOs are fully staffed. Projecting the future attrition and new hire rates over the past year, it would take 20 years to fill all of the existing vacancies.The NWS is pushing a 15 percent vacancy rate with no progress in lowering this rate since January 2015. This PowerPoint presentation shows the vacancy trends over the past year with vivid details of current vacancies by offices and by position. NWSEO highly encourages you to view it.
Here is the link to the spreadsheet that we are counting on NWSEO members to help us update. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/lv…
Election Procedures Change
One Person One Vote – James (Jim) Brader Alaska Region Chair
Jim Brader reported to convention attendees on the finding from the one person – one vote committee which was formed at the 2014 convention. The methods of voting had to be accepted by the Department of Labor (DOL) and cost effective. Everyone will have a say. Online voting is not approved by the DOL. Contractor conducted paper ballots for each election would add ~$3-5k each year above current costs (2 additional mailings and $1-2k contractor fee).
A motion was made on the floor to realign the dates for national and regional officer elections so that all elections can be held by direct vote (one person – one vote) at the local level. The motion passed unanimously. The Constitution Committee will begin work to make all necessary changes to the NWSEO Constitution. Elections are every two years so the cost will need to be budgeted.
To summarize what the Convention vote:
2016 - Regional Chair elections under current delegate voting system, elected Chairs to serve one year term.
2017 -Regional Chair elections under the new one person - one vote system, elected Chairs to serve two year term.
2018 - No Regional or National elections.
2019 - Regional Chair and National Officer Elections under the new one person - one vote system.
The Honorable Don Beyer (R-VA)
Congressman Beyer spoke to the NWSEO members at the convention. Representative Beyer is a ranking member of the House Sciences Subcommittee for Oversight. The Congressman is a friend of National Weather Service employees and federal employees. He introduced a bill which would give federal employees a 3.8% raise to make up for all the pay freezes. The Congressman is a co-sponsor of the family pay parental leave act which will allow 6 weeks of parental leave (mother and father) for birth, adoption or fostering a child. The USA is one of two developed countries in the WORLD that don’t have paid parental leave.
The Congressman is aware that grievances, unfair labor practices and arbitrations with the NWS management is at an all-time high. Despite full funding for the NWS staff has been cut by more than 10 percent in the past few years.
He also asked the GAO to investigate the understaffing issues within the NWS. The Congressman reported the GAO has agreed to do it. Also the Congressman is concerned about the thousands of off the books civil servant “Contractors” right now in the NWS and these are more expensive than having traditional civil servants.
The congressman is very much concerned about the number of vacancies and the discrepancies. The NWS Director said there are only 292 budgeted vacant positions in the NWS while both the McKinsey report and NWSEO each report nearly 600 vacant positions. The Congressman said he look into this discrepancy and will stay on top of this issue.
Collective Bargaining Agreement Renegotiations
NWSEO CBA Negotiations Team presented the attached PowerPoint and discussed strategies and progress. Their Mission Statement is to craft the best Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) possible. CBA Negotiation Team PowerPoint
2015 NWSEO Committees
NWSEO President Dan appointed the following committees with input from the National Convention attendees:
Constitution – Chris Jacobson – Chair and Delyne Kirkham, Lauren Smoker, Brooke Bingaman, Ken Kleeschulte
Resolutions - Jim Brader, Chair, Barry Hirshorn
Finance - David Solano, Chair; Martin Lee, Steve Pritchett
Legislative, Public Affairs and Recruiting - Sven Nelaimischkies, Chair, Barry Hirshorn, Doug McDonnel, Jim Lee – Ex Officio Lisa Luciani
Health and Safety - Steve Pritchett, Martin Lee Chair, Laura Kasper, Suzanne Sims, , Jason Wright
Credentials –Kevin Durfee, Delyne Kirkham-Chair; Martin Lee, Jeanne Allen
Convention Set up/ Election Letter – Mitch MacDonald, Bill Hopkins, JoAnn Becker, and Mike Dion, Ex Officio Lisa Luciani
Quality of Work Life - Jason Wright, chair; Barry Hirshorn, Delyne Kirkham, Gina Tillis-Nash, Muthuvel Chelliah
NWSEO Directives Lead - Barry Hirshorn (Chair) and Jim Brader, Muthuvel Chelliah
National Consultation Rights - NWSEO gets consultation rights from DOC & NOAA then the NWS sends us proposals to negotiate. Mitch MacDonald has agreed to do the consultation rights. Bill Hopkins
Diversity Team - Amy Seeley, Ed Shimon, Jason Wright (Chair)
NWSEO Facebook Group – Jerome Jacques, Robert Ruehl, and Jim Sieveking
Elections Procedures – Jim Brader (Chair), Amy Fritz, Delyne Kirkham, Kevin Durfee
2016 NWSEO Convention Plans
NWSEO Convention approved Salt Lake City for the 2016 annual National Convention. NWSEO is negotiating room rates. The dates will be in late September or early October 2016.
2016 Recruitment Incentive
The following recruitment incentive was passed at the convention. Any member who recruits two or more new members to join NWSEO using the 1187 for payroll deduction (not by credit card) from August 1, 2015 to July 31, 2016, NWSEO will provide airfare, 3-nights lodging, and group meals for the 2015 convention. The name of the recruiter must be on the submitted 1187 in order to receive recruitment credit.
News, Agenda, and Election Preparations for the 2015 Convention
2015 Steward Training
(September 25, 2015) NWSEO would like to thank the stewards who attended the 2014 Steward Training session on Friday, September 25. NWSEO General Counsel Richard Hirn leads the training and provides in-depth information to assist the stewards in their role.
No one cares more for National Weather Service employees than
National Weather Service employees.
No one works harder for National Weather Service employees than
National Weather Service employees.
We are NWSEO
NWSEO CONVENTION NEWS ARCHIVE
2014
News from the 2014 Convention
2013
News from the 2013 Convention
2012
News from the 2012 Convention
2012 Spring Council Meeting, Philadelphia, PA
2012 Convention Preparations
2011
2011 Elections
2010
2010 Spring Council Meeting
Return to NWSEO Home