News from the NWSEO 35th Annual National Convention
NWS Director Jack Hayes and NWSEO President Dan Sobien at the 35 Annual NWSEO Convention
Robert Ricks, Ken Graham, John Werner, and Andy Winer discuss the
NOAA and NWSEO response and recovery efforts for Deepwater Horizon.
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(October 12, 2010) NWSEO President Dan Sobien called the 35th Annual National Convention to order and welcomed attendees. Vice President Bill Hopkins gave the initial address and reviewed the work of NWSEO leadership over the past year, including the following events.
- AMS Conference in Atlanta
- Endorsed the National Climate Service roll out
- Members of DOC National Labor Forum,
- Stopped consolidation of CWSUs,
- Won appeal to bargain for increase the staffing at WFO in Anchorage
- Grievance nets back pay for nearly 200 employees, Spring Council Meeting – Presented the NWSEO vision to Deputy Undersecretary Mary Glackin, NWSEO President signs DOC Labor Management Forum Charter
- Grievance nets pay out for 247 MITs, NWSEO looks to diversify representation on National Teams, Wallops Island Satellite Issues. Twenty-six jobs are in jeopardy due to the plan to move polar satellites to Svalbard Island off the coast of Norway.
- NWS recognizes work to promote aviation safety through the CWSUs
On-Going Issues
ASA Grades
Earlier this year, NWSEO sent a request to NOAA Deputy Undersecretary Mary Glackin requesting a review of ASA grades after several conversations with various NOAA and NWS management officials on the subject. NOAA has completed an informal desk audit to identify the problems. NWSEO continues to work with the NWS on the proper roles and grades of ASAs. The National Labor Council chartered a team to look specifically at ASA retention issues. NWSEO members on the team are Delyne Kirkham and Lisa Frantz.
DOC Pilot Project - Labor Management Forum
President Sobien was elected co-chair of the Labor Management Forum by all DOC unions. He represents the Labor side of the Department of Commerce. NWSEO Vice President Bill Hopkins, Treasurer Marguerite Matera, and NESDIS Vice President Hugh Sharkey are also members. DOC Chief Financial Officer Scott Quehl co-chairs the Labor Management Forum, representing Management.
Andy Winer, NOAA Director of External Affairs attended the convention and explained that the purpose of the forum is to elevate ideas to a department level and get past the bureaucracy. “It’s significant that Dan sits on this level and it’s significant who he works with,” Winer said.
While many other forums are trying to get their charter signed, the Labor Management Forum has already started tackling their first project. The B1 Travel Project is designed to empower employees who travel for work to find cheaper transportation instead of taking the “government required” airline. The intent is to save money and add convenience for the traveler. NWSEO.org will keep you posted as work on the travel project continues.
Management Problems
NWSEO often tackles problems repeatedly from the same managers. President Dan Sobien and Vice President Bill Hopkins are discussing the possibility of developing a color coded map to identify and inform members of potential problem managers. The map can be used to warn members of the possible implications to their career and morale if they bid on these offices.
Another idea is to ask the NWS to allow branch stewards to have direct input to the regional directors, division chiefs and the NCEP director on their local supervisor’s GWPAS.
AWIPS 2
There was a brief discussion on AWIPS-2. Vice President Hopkins said NWSEO will not allow it in the field without proper testing.
There was a discussion on the use of technology and the best way to disseminate warnings.
A news clip “Open Mike” was played, showing a news anchor complaining about the weather warnings on Weather Radio asking NWS to use text messaging. It was suggested that the NWS could use Twitter for the warnings. This would be a way to reach a greater audience, as more people use their personal technology and social media much more often than weather radios. One person said that he gets his weather warnings as an Android app.
President Dan Sobien said he’d like to have a contest among members to develop innovative ways to disseminate weather warnings, such as creating an app. A brainstorming session followed.
Financial Report
NWSEO Secretary/Treasurer Marguerite Matera presented the financial report. The new budget year begins on January 1. NWSEO is required to file a report with the IRS and the Department of Labor. Those reports are already completed. The auditor review is also complete.
The two types of funds that NWSEO invests come from dues and income from investments. Over the years, NWSEO has been making the change from stocks and mutual funds to more stable CDs. The mutual funds that are making money are staying. The CDs are used to stabilize investments.
Recruitment Offer
In an effort to recruit more members, NWSEO will pay the travel and hotel room expenses to NWSEO 2011 National Convention for any member who recruits at least two new members between October 10, 2010 and July 31, 2011. Any member who recruits at least two new members between August 1, 2011 and July 31, 2012 will be eligible for the same offer for NWSEO’s 2012 National Convention. In order to be eligible for these offers, new members must sign up by SF 1187 and identify you on the form as the person who recruited them.
NWSEO on Facebook
NWSEO Facebook is one more communication tool the union is using to reach its members. The page is fast becoming a place where members can discuss upcoming events and issues that NWSEO is working on or find answers to questions they may have.
We hope you’ll become a Facebook NWSEO member today!
There’s much more news ahead from the NWSEO 35th National Convention, including an update on NWS's work to help with the Deepwater Horizon recovery efforts. Please check back to NWSEO.org this week for follow up articles from the convention.
NWSEO Election Results
NWSEO would like to congratulate the following for their election to Chair and Vice Chair for their respective regions.
Eastern Region
Chair – David Solano
Vice Chair – Scott Prosise
Southern Region
Chair – John Werner
Vice Chair – Mark Wilson
Central Region
Chair – Martin Lee
Vice Chair – Jim Sieveking
Western Region
Chair – Robert Baruffaldi,
Vice Chair – Joe Solomon
Alaska Region
Chair – Jim Brader
Vice Chair – Phil Dutton
Pacific Region
Chair – Barry Hirshorn
Vice Chair – Henry Lau
NOAA Attorneys Guild
Vice President - Marguerite Matera
Vice Chair - Mitch McDonald
Wallops Island
Vice President - Hugh Sharkey
Vice Chair - Wade Davis
NWSEO thanks you for your commitment and service to the union. We would also like to express our appreciation to Kathe Schofield, Nathan Becker, and Chris Waterhouse for their service to NWSEO as Chair and Vice Chairs respectively.
Fraternally
Dan Sobien
President
National Weather Service
Employees Organization
Agenda for the 2010 National Convention
National Weather Service Employees Organization
35th Annual Convention
Miami, Florida
October 9-10, 2010
AGENDA
Saturday, October 9 Meeting in Ocean Tower II Salon B
7:30 a.m. – Registration
8:00 a.m. – President Sobien calls meeting to order, appoints parliamentarian, call for reading of 2009 convention minutes.
8:30 a.m. – Address by Vice President Bill Hopkins
9:15 a.m. – Financial Report, NWSEO Finances last 12 Months – Marguerite Matera, Secretary Treasurer
9:30 a.m. – Break
9:45 a.m. – Address by General Counsel Richard Hirn
Noon – Lunch – Ocean Tower II Salon A
Credential Committee Report
1:00 p.m. – Legislative/PAC Report – Richard Hirn, Dan Sobien
2:30 p.m. – Break
2:40 p.m. – NOAA Level Response, Deepwater Horizon – Andy Winer, NOAA Director of External Affairs
3:05 p.m. – NWS/WFO New Orleans Response to Deepwater Horizon – Ken Graham, New Orleans MIC/Robert Ricks, New Orleans NWSEO Steward
3:30 p.m. – NWS Vision – Dan Sobien/Jack Hayes – Assistant Administrator for Weather Services; Director NWS
5:00 p.m. – Regional Elections
6:30 – 9 p.m. Banquet Dinner at Café Avanti
Regional Election Results
Sunday, October 10 Meeting in Ocean Tower II Salon B
8:30 a.m. – Media Relations Report/Communications – Lisa Luciani, Director of Communications.
9:15 a.m. – DMS Report – Peter Nuhn, Director of Membership Services
9:45 a.m. – Break
10:00 a.m. – Water Resources, Future of NWS –Dave Solano, ER Chairman
10:30a.m. – Budget for 2011 – Marguerite Matera, NWSEO Secretary-Treasurer
11:00 a.m. – Bylaws Changes - Robert Baruffaldi, WR Chairman
11:30 a.m. – NAG Report - Marguerite Matera, NWSEO NAG Vice President
11:45 a.m. – NESDIS Report - Hugh Sharkey, NWSEO NESDIS Vice President
Noon Lunch – Ocean Tower II Salon B
1:00 pm – 2011 Convention
1:30 pm – Appoint committee members
2:00 pm – New Business
Election News - Regional Nominations
Nominations for Regional Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson
According to the Election Guidelines, all nominations were due on September 25, 2010
Eastern Region
Nominations for Chairperson – David Solano
Nominations for Vice Chairperson- Scott Prosise
On July 20 Scott Kroczynski nominated David Solano for Eastern Region Chairperson.
On July 20 Scott Kroczynski nominated Scott Prosise for Eastern Region Vice Chairperson.
On July 26, 2010 David Solono nominated himself for Eastern Region Chairperson.
On July 26, 2010 David Solono nominated Scott Prosise for Eastern Region Vice Chairperson.
On August 5, 2010 Barry Lambert
nominated David Solano for Eastern Region Chairperson.
On August 5, 2010 Barry Lambert
nominated Scott Prosise for Eastern Region Vice Chairperson.
On August 28, 2010 Scott Prosise nominated David Solano for Eastern Region Chairperson.
On August 28, 2010 Scott Prosise nominated himself for Eastern Region Vice Chairperson.
Southern Region
Nominations for Chairperson – Kathe Schofield, John Werner
Nominations for Vice Chairperson - Michael Castillo, John Werner, Mark Wilson
On July 8, 2010 Stanley Grell nominated Kathe Schofield for Southern Region Chairperson.
On July 8, 2010 Stanley Grell nominated John Werner for Southern Region Vice Chairperson.
On July 20, 2010 Brian Miller nominated John Werner for Southern Region Chairperson.
On August 9, 2010 Aaron Stevens nominated John Werner for Southern Region Chairperson.
On August 9, 2010 Aaron Stevens nominated Mark Wilson for Southern
Region Vice Chairperson.
On September 14, 2010 Brian Miller nominated Michael Castillo for Southern Region Vice Chairperson.
Central Region
Chairperson – Martin Lee
Vice Chair- Jim Sieveking
Note: Teresa Keck has accepted a management position.
On June 26, 2010 Martin Lee nominated himself for Central Region Chairperson.
On June 262010 Martin Lee nominated Teresa Keck as Central Region Vice Chairperson.
*Teresa Keck has since accepted a management position and is no longer eligible to serve as Vice Chairperson.
On September 17, 2010 Martin Lee nominated himself for Central Region Chairperson.
On September 17, 2010 Martin Lee nominated Jim Sieveking for Central Region Vice Chairperson.
Western Region
Chair – Robert Baruffaldi
Vice Chair- Joe Solomon
On April 10, 2010 Robert Baruffaldi nominated himself for Western Region Chairperson.
On April 10, 2010
Robert Baruffaldi nominated Joe Solomon for Western Region Vice Chairperson.
Alaska Region
Chair – Jim Brader
Vice Chair-Phil Dutton, Robert D. Easton
On July 1, 2010 Jim Brader nominated himself ro Alaska Region Chairperson
On July 1, 2010 Jim Brader nominated Phil Dutton for Alaska Region Vice Chairperson.
On August 10, 2010 Phil Dutton nominated himself for Alaska Region Vice Chairperson.
On October 3, 2009 Robert Easton nominated himself for Alaska Region Vice Chairperson.
Pacific Region
Chairperson –Nathan Becker, Barry Hirshorn,
Vice Chairperson -Dr. Gerard Fryer, Barry Hirshorn, Henry Lau
On August 23, 2010 Nathan Becker nominated himself for Pacific Region Chairperson.
On August 23, 2010
Nathan Becker nominated Barry Hirshorn for Pacific Region Vice Chairperson.
On August 30, 2010 Robert Cessaro nominated Dr. Gerard Fryer for Pacific Region Vice Chairperson
On September 20, 2010 Henry Lau nominated himself for Pacific Region Vice Chairperson.
On September 23, 2010 Barry Hirshorn nominated himself for Pacific Region Chairperson.
On September 23, 2010 Barry Hirshorn nominated himself for Pacific Region Vice Chairperson.
NAG
Vice President – Marguerite Matera
Vice Chair- Mitch MacDonald
On August 19, 2010 Marguerite Matera nominated herself for NOAA Attorneys Guild Chairperson.
On August 19, 2010 Marguerite Matera nominated Mitch MacDonald for NOAA Attorneys Guild Vice Chairperson.
September 8 is the Registration Deadline for 35th Annual NWSEO National Convention
At Miami's Eden Roc Hotel
(Make your online reservation today.)
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(August 16, 2010) The deadline to make reservations for the 35th Annual NWSEO National Convention is September 8, 2010.
This year, the convention will be Saturday and Sunday, October 9-10 at the Eden Roc Hotel in Miami, Florida. For your convenience, you may make your reservation directly online using the following link:
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/miasr?groupCode=nwsnwsa&app=resvlink&fromDate=10/8/10&toDate=10/10/10
Room rates for the Eden Roc Hotel are $129 per night. If you prefer to call to reserve your room at the Eden Roc Hotel, call the Reservations direct line: 1-800-468-3571. Please be sure to tell them that you are with NWSEO in order to get the negotiated room rate. NWSEO will provide lunch on Saturday and Sunday and a Saturday evening dinner buffet as part of the convention.
The national convention is a time to learn in-depth about NWSEO’s work and accomplishments. You’ll hear about upcoming events, strategies and opportunities. This is also a great opportunity to network with other professionals throughout the country. Many NWSEO members return to the event every year. NWSEO.org will keep you informed about Convention Registration in the coming weeks. We hope to see you on October 9 and 10 in Miami!
Make Reservations for the 35th Annual NWSEO Convention
Convention Dates: Saturday and Sunday, October 9-10, 2010
(July 26, 2010) Have you made your reservations yet? The 35th Annual NWSEO Convention will be Saturday and Sunday, October 9-10 at the Eden Roc Hotel in Miami, Florida. It’s a time to learn in depth about NWSEO’s work and accomplishments. You’ll hear about upcoming events, strategies and opportunities. This is also a great opportunity to network with other professionals throughout the country. Many NWSEO members return to the event every year.
Room rates for the Eden Roc Hotel are $129 per night. To reserve your room at the Eden Roc Hotel, call the Reservations direct line: 1-800-468-3571. Please be sure to tell them that you are with NWSEO in order to get the negotiated room rate.
If you encourage two new members to join NWSEO in 2010, your hotel stay and travel expenses are covered by NWSEO. Please be sure to tell new members to write your name on their SF1187 when they join to give you the recruitment credit. Also, please be aware that even if you recruit two new members, you still are responsible for reserving your room.
NWSEO will provide lunch on Saturday and Sunday and a Saturday evening dinner buffet as part of the convention. NWSEO.org will keep you informed about Convention Registration in the coming months. We hope to see you in Miami!
Click here for information on the Eden Rock Hotel in Miami.
NWSEO 2010 Elections Checklist and Delegate Form
The 2010 NWSEO Elections Checklist and Delegate form can be accessed here. Elections results may be emailed to the appropriate Credentials Committee member. This form includes all elections timelines and a listing of Credentials Committee Members and their responsibilities.
Elections Letter
Download a copy of the Elections Letter
(June 7, 2010) The NWSEO Elections Letter will be arriving at your home address soon. The NWSEO Elections Letter includes information on nominations procedures and timelines for Regional Chair and Vice Chair, as well as, Branch Steward, Vice Steward, Delegate and Alternate Delegate. It also includes timelines, voting procedures and campaign rules.
2010 Elections and the 35th Annual NWSEO Convention
NWSEO is making plans for the 35th Annual Convention at the Eden Roc Hotel in Miami, Fla., on October 9 and 10. You may already be thinking about the event or trying to recruit two new members.
Remember, the union will pay the travel and hotel room expenses for any member who recruits at least two new members between the dates October 5, 2009 and August 1, 2010. In order to be eligible for the offer, new members must sign up by SF 1187 and identify you on the form as the person who recruited them.
The NWSEO Elections Letter will be mailed to each member's home address in early June. If you have moved or had a change of address in the past year, please email Peter Nuhn your new address. The NWSEO Elections Letter includes information on nominations procedures and timelines for Regional Chair and Vice Chair, as well as, Branch Steward, Vice Steward, Delegate and Alternate Delegate. It also includes timelines, voting procedures and campaign rules.
Please make sure Peter Nuhn has your current home address in order to receive the NWSEO Elections Letter. We hope to see you at the 35th Annual NWSEO Convention in Miami!
Save the Date
NWSEO 35th Annual Convention is October 9-10
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(April 20, 2010) The 35th Annual NWSEO Convention will be Saturday and Sunday, October 9-10 at the Eden Roc Hotel in Miami, Florida. It’s a time to learn in depth about NWSEO’s work and accomplishments. You’ll hear about upcoming events, strategies and opportunities. This is also a great opportunity to network with other professionals throughout the country. Many NWSEO members return to the event every year.
“Preserving the vital CWSU program has been just one of many issues affecting NWS employees that the NWSEO has been determined to solve. The commitment to find equitable solutions to threatened programs or individual employee problems, no matter how complex or how long it takes to solve, is what makes the NWSEO stand out for me,” said John Stansfield, a meteorologist at the Boston CWSU and NWSEO steward. “The annual NWSEO convention is a great opportunity to directly interact with NWSEO leadership in order to express viewpoints about issues. In addition, I thoroughly enjoy the comradery among fellow NWS employees from across the country experienced at each convention I have attended during the past decade.”
Room rates for the Eden Roc Hotel are $129 per night. If you encourage two new members to join NWSEO in 2010, your hotel stay and travel expenses are covered by NWSEO. Please be sure to tell new members to write your name on their SF1187 when they join to give you the recruitment credit. NWSEO will provide lunch on Saturday and Sunday and a Saturday evening dinner buffet as part of the convention. NWSEO.org will keep you informed about Convention Registration in the coming months. We hope to see you in Miami!
Click here for information on the Eden Rock Hotel in Miami.
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