SHARE Executive Board and Reps

Congratulations to the new and returning SHARE Representatives and Executive Board members!

Going into contract negotiations in 2022, we want to make sure that every SHARE member knows someone who can be counted on to have or to get the latest information. We still have some departments without enough representatives. If you would be interested in being a union contact person for your department, please let us know.

SHARE Executive Board

Samantha Jimenez, Animal Medicine

Kate Gordon, Pediatrics

George Boley, Continuing Care Units

Deb Manseau, Neurology

Valerie Mount, Animal Medicine

Charles Gayflor, Continuing Care Units

Theresa Kane, Dean's Office - Testing

Dineia Williams, Disability & Community Based Solutions

SHARE Reps from CCU

Abraham Bartuah

Danielle Brewster

Jenn Carr

Jazelyn Lopez

Hannah Mitchell

Devon Poirier

John Tatian

SHARE Reps from the Main Campus

Christopher Barry, Animal Medicine

Karen Tilli, Animal Medicine

Eileen Fraioli, ASC-Lab Glass Cleaning Svc

Karen Lekas, Biochemistry & Molecular Pharm

Carlos Ortiz, FS-Asset Management

Courtney Fisher, Pathology

Alexa Lee Williams, Psychiatry-Clinical Research

Jeremy Skalin, Public Safety

Ashley Summers, RNA Therapeutice Institute

SHARE Reps from South Street (mostly remote)

Belinda O'Brien, Disability & Community Based Solutions

Corrina Poole, Clinical Pharmacy Services

Sherrie Carey, Specialty Programs

Renee Dozois, Specialty Programs

Reminder: Two Days of ALT Time for SHARE Members

As part of the agreement between SHARE and UMMS about the vaccination mandate, UMass agreed to two additional days of leave with pay for all SHARE members who were in compliance with the mandate by October 11, 2021.

Using the two days:

  • The two days off can be used for any purpose. Use your usual practice for requesting the days off. Requests will not be unreasonably denied.

  • The time will be tracked by the department; it is not on your paystub. It should be entered as “ALT” in the employee’s timesheet.

  • The time must be used no later than June 30, 2022, after that it is gone. If you leave before June 30, the time will not be paid out.

Eligibility:

  • Employees are eligible if they met all vaccination and documentation requirements by October 11, 2021, or if they have received an approved exemption.

  • Employees must have been employed by UMMS on the date of execution of the agreement (9/10/21) in order to receive the two (2) additional days of leave.

Small Dues Increase for 2022

AFSCME, SHARE’s parent union, has announced the dues rate increase for the upcoming year. Once again the increase is small.

The 2022 regular dues rate for SHARE members will be $19.68 every two weeks. That is an increase of forty-eight cents per paycheck. For members working 20 hours/week, the 2022 rate will be $14.73. The new rates should be reflected in the January 21 paycheck.

WHY SHOULD I PAY DUES?

Dues are an investment that SHARE members make in themselves and their coworkers. Without a union, employees have very little leverage to make change, or even to hold onto what they have.

SHARE members want respect for the work that they do, fair treatment, opportunities for advancement, and good raises so that they can take care of themselves and their families. SHARE gives employees a voice in various ways:

  • In contract negotiations, we have a voice in our pay, benefits and work policies.

  • In union meetings and individual conversations, we have a voice in the direction and priorities of the union

  • Through the problem-solving process, we have a voice when individual problems/conflicts come up at work

  • In union elections, we have a voice in who our representatives will be

  • Through committees, department-based Joint Working Groups, and ad-hoc negotiations, we have a voice in issues that face groups of SHARE members

When it comes down to dollars and cents, dues pay for themselves. SHARE has consistently negotiated raises each year that our union has existed - 24 years now. Those increases have resulted in better raises than our non-union counterparts and policies that reflect SHARE members’ needs.

Working together through the union, SHARE members can continue to make progress in all these areas. And dues support the staff who support this work.

HOW ARE DUES CALCULATED?

Any annual increase is calculated by the AFSCME International office based on the average percent increase of AFSCME members’ pay rates across the country in the previous year.

WHERE DO MY DUES GO?

The short answer is that dues mostly pays for SHARE staff.

The longer answer is that SHARE members at UMass Memorial pool their dues money with members of three other unions locals: SHARE at UMass Memorial and Marlborough Hospital, HUCTW at Harvard University, and USW at Cambridge Health Alliance. The four union locals together are called the New England Organizing Project (NEOP). All their dues together pay for the union staff for all the locals, union offices, phones and utilities, mailings, etc. About 75% of the budget is for staff.

The staff spend their time gathering information and opinions from members, sharing information with members, developing and supporting SHARE Reps, helping members with questions or problems, negotiating contracts, organizing events, researching issues, writing blog posts, etc., all on behalf of SHARE members.

MORE INFORMATION

If you would like to know more, please talk to a SHARE Rep, email share.umms@theshareunion.org, or leave a message at 508-929-4020. You can also learn more about what our union does, and the benefits of union membership, by exploring www.shareumms.org.

Performance Bonus Payouts

Some SHARE members who received Exceeds or Outstanding in their performance review last spring have had to wait a while for their bonuses. If a department submitted the paperwork on time, then the bonus was paid in July. We were told at the time that bonuses for performance evaluations submitted late would still be paid, but there might be a delay while they are processed. The delay turned out to be considerably longer than expected.

We have been talking with HR Labor Relations almost every week since July to get these later bonuses paid, and they have been talking with the departments, with HR Compensation, and with Payroll. The good news is that almost every SHARE member who has been waiting should receive their bonus in this week’s check.

We are aware that a handful of bonuses have still not been processed. If yours is one of them, please email share.umms@theshareunion.org. We will keep at this until you get what you are owed.

News of Note to SHARE Members

These days, the broadcasts and news feeds are full of information that matter to SHARE. In case you missed them, here are a few particular things that we are keeping our eye on: 

Bonuses for Essential Workers

Governor Baker recently vetoed the part of the COVID Relief Spending Bill that would spend $460 million dollars on essential workers who worked in-person throughout COVID. It appears that Baker does want to deliver the money to essential workers, but he didn’t approve of the “red tape” the legislature had attached to the process. Early January should show us whether the legislature will over-ride Baker’s veto, and who will decide how this money is distributed. (Thank you, SHARE members who voiced your support for hazard pay to your legislators! Nice work!) Read more in the Boston Globe.

Money for Mental Health, Community Hospitals

The COVID Relief Spending Bill also dedicates $260 million for financially stressed hospitals, and $400 million for addiction treatment and related behavioral health services. UMMS’ Continuing Care Units provide psychiatric care for adolescents. Increasing the number of Psych beds in the Commonwealth could help with the overwhelming need for psychiatric care. We will stay attentive to see how this might affect the CCU’s patients and SHARE members.  

News about the MGB Expansion

Rumor has it that the Mass General’s Independent Cost Analysis was coming out last week. Will it come out this week? We shall see. SHARE members have a big stake in the outcome of MGB’s plans – read more about it here. In addition, the bill that would protect community hospitals by giving the Massachusetts legislature a say about hospital expansions like this MGB proposal passed the House and is moving forward. Thanks to the SHARE members who let their voices be heard to their state reps and senators!   

  

SHARE Member Meeting Notes 12/15/2021

On Wednesday, December 15, SHARE held back-to-back half-hour meetings for members, at 12:00, 12:30, and 1:00. People dropped in on their lunch break. The meetings are generally held on the third Wednesday of the month. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, January 19, 2022.

For those who were not able to attend, below are the agenda topics (numbered) and some of the things that came up in discussion (the bulleted points). Please let us know if you have any questions.

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SHARE member meeting 12/15/2021 (12:00-1:30)

Zoom basics: Speaking, Using the Chat, Mute/Unmute, Using Video

1.     Introductions – Name, Job, Working on-site/remote?

2.     Executive Board and Rep Election Results

Samantha Jimenez – Animal Medicine

Kate Gordon – Pediatrics

George Boley – Continuing Care Units           

Deb Manseau – Neurology

Valerie Mount – Animal Medicine        

Charles Gayflor – Continuing Care Units                      

Dineia Williams – DCBS, Commonwealth Medicine

Theresa Kane – Dean’s Office, Testing Program

3.     Contract Negotiations – What should our priorities be?

  • Discussion about cost of living, inflation, housing, retention, probationary raises, lag time for health insurance for new employees, essential workers, time off, pandemic and sacrifice, understaffing, competitive wages, and more…

  • Contract is not pending, it was extended one year, through June 2022

4.     Fair Share Amendment on November 2022 Ballot

  • Sometimes called the “Millionaire’s Tax”

  • State tax on income over $1,000,000/year of 4%

  • No extra tax on first million dollars. For example, if you make $1,000,001 per year, you pay 4 cents more.

  • Money allocated for: public education (including pre-school and community college) and transportation (buses & trains, roads & bridges)

SHARE Member Meeting Notes 11/17/2021

On Wednesday, November 17, SHARE held back-to-back half-hour meetings for members, at 12:00, 12:30, and 1:00. People dropped in on their lunch break. The meetings are generally held on the third Wednesday of the month.

For those who were not able to attend, below are the agenda topics. Please let us know if you have any questions.

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SHARE member meeting 11/17/2021 (12:00-1:30)

Zoom basics: Speaking, Using the Chat, Mute/Unmute, Using Video

  1. Introductions

  2. Elections for SHARE Reps and Executive Board members

  3. Upcoming Contract Negotiations

  4. Oher Topics

Reps and Executive Board are Elected

No vote this week

There are enough open positions for all the SHARE members who were nominated for a position as a SHARE Rep or Executive Board Member, so there will be no voting this week.

As we explained in this Nov 4 post about SHARE Elections, nominees are given the opportunity to decline the nomination. Anyone who does not decline becomes a candidate for the position they were nominated for. If there are too many candidates for the open positions, then there is a competitive election and SHARE members vote to choose among the candidates. This year, there are no competitive elections, so all candidates will be considered elected.

We have not yet reached all the nominees to ask if they accept their nominations to be candidates. Once we have confirmed all candidates, we will publish a list of the new SHARE Reps and Executive Board Members.

We also still have some departments without enough representatives. If you would be interested in being a union contact person for your department, please let us know.

About SHARE Reps & Executive Board positions

Descriptions of the different roles

Below are brief descriptions of the roles of Union Reps and Executive Board Members. If you want to talk about what it would be like to be a SHARE Rep or to be on the Executive Board, or if you have other questions, please call the SHARE office at 508-929-4020, or talk to someone you know who is involved with SHARE.

SHARE Representatives: A Rep is a contact person for their area. SHARE Reps get training from SHARE to relay information between co-workers and union leadership. The scope of the role can be as big or small as you want. Reps are elected for 1 year.

SHARE Executive Board Members: Executive Board members have responsibility for the whole union. They make decisions about the direction of our union and participate in contract negotiations. Their full term is 2 years.

All leadership positions are up for nomination and election this year

SHARE Representatives

  • Reps at CCU, Main Campus, Commonwealth Medicine, and Offsite Locations (1-year position through October 2022): 40 positions.

SHARE Executive Board Members

  • President; Secretary; and two at-large Executive Board members (2-year position through October 2023):

  • Vice-President; Treasurer; and two at-large Executive Board members. (These are normally 2-year positions that would have been up for election in October 2020. The election was postponed because of the pandemic, so there is one year left in the terms for these positions, through October 2022.)

About nominating yourself or another SHARE member for a Rep or Executive Board position

About the Election

Election for SHARE Reps & Executive Board

Determining whether there will be an election

After the close of the nomination period, all eligible nominees will be offered the opportunity to decline the nomination. Anyone who does not decline is then a candidate.  If there are more candidates than positions to fill, then we will hold an election on November 30 & December 1. If there are enough positions for all nominees, then they are all considered elected.

All SHARE members will be notified about whether any elections are contested.

Where and when to vote if there is an election

Many SHARE members are working remotely or hybrid, so there are several voting options. You can vote at any of these locations:

·         Tues, Nov 30 - 333 South Street, Lobby - 11:30am-2pm

·         Tues, Nov 30 - SHARE office, 50 Lake Ave, Worcester MA 01604 - 4pm-7pm

·         Weds, Dec 1 - CCU:  Library 6:30am-8am; Conf Rm 2pm-3pm; Library 3pm-4pm

·         Weds, Dec 1 - Main Campus, Old School Lobby - 10am-5:30pm

Counting the votes

If there is an election, the votes will be counted at the main campus in the Old School Lobby immediately after the polls close at 5:30pm.

 

About nominating yourself or another SHARE member for a Rep or Executive Board position

About being a SHARE Rep or Executive Board Member

Nominations Open for SHARE Reps & Executive Board

Notice of Nominations & Elections for SHARE Leaders 

It is time to elect SHARE Reps and Executive Board members! We are looking forward to having as many members as possible participate in the upcoming contract campaign.

You must be a dues-paying SHARE member to vote or to nominate someone. You must have been a member for at least 6 months to run for a SHARE leadership position. 

 

To run for SHARE Rep or Executive Board member

  1. You must be nominated in writing by a SHARE member (either a co-worker or yourself).

  2. You must be a dues-paying SHARE member for at least 6 months prior to the election.

  3. Current SHARE Reps and Executive Board members who wish to continue as Reps or Executive Board members need to be nominated again this year. 

 

To nominate someone as a SHARE Rep or Executive Board member

  1. You must be a dues-paying SHARE member.

  2. Please send written nominations:

  3. Nominations should include

    • the name, department and phone number of the person being nominated;

    • the position for which they are being nominated; and

    • the name and phone number of the person submitting the nomination.

  4. Nominations must arrive at the SHARE office by noon on November 19, 2021.  We cannot accept late nominations.

About being a SHARE Rep or Executive Board Member

About the Election

SHARE Member Meeting Notes 10/21/21

On Wednesday, October 21, SHARE held back-to-back half-hour meetings for members, at 12:00, 12:30, and 1:00. People dropped in on their lunch break. The meetings are generally held on the third Wednesday of the month.

For those who were not able to attend, below are the agenda topics (numbered) and some of the things that came up in discussion (the bulleted points). Please let us know if you have any questions.

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SHARE member meeting 10/21/2021 (12:00-1:30)

Zoom basics: Speaking, Using the Chat – put your name and dept, Mute/Unmute, Using Video

components of contract negotiations

Contract Negotiations

  1. Connection/ communication

    • SHARE Reps and Executive Board

    • Election

    • Department contact person – want at least 1 for each dept

    • “It’s very easy to be a rep” – current rep

  2. Membership

    • Staying informed, sticking together

    • Newer bargaining unit members haven’t been through negotiations before. What do they need to know?

    • “Can make you cry, can make you laugh, eventually we get it done”

    • Please ask questions

    • Discussion of what we have learned over the years

  3. What we want to get

    • More money

    • Respect

    • Discussion of priorities

  4. Activity

    • “Outside the room”

    • Start with a strong statement

    • Discussion of options

  5. Research and arguments

    • “Inside the room” start official negotiation sessions with management in February

    • Use our stories – brings more voices into the room (diverse voices including age range spread)

    • Survey of SHARE members in December – concerns for negotiations

    • What is going on in the world: Cost of living; other state institutions are getting Bonuses for working through covid; McDonalds is hiring at $21/hour

Vaccine Mandate Deadline 9/10/21

Quite a few SHARE members reached out to SHARE organizers to get help understanding the details of the vaccine mandate, figuring out what their options were, and deciding what to do. Almost all SHARE members were “in compliance” with the mandate by the 5pm deadline, either by requesting an exemption or by getting vaccinated. About two dozen members did not quite meet the deadline, and SHARE staff organizers worked with a number of them to resolve their situations.

This final email about the vaccine mandate went out to SHARE members as the extended deadline approached, offering last-minute help and outlining what we expected our final agreement with the medical school to look like. The details of the agreement were finalized by the end of the day and emailed to all SHARE members.

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VACCINE DEADLINE – DO YOU NEED HELP?

Today is the deadline that UMass has set for employees to get at least their first shot of vaccine. Employees who don’t meet this deadline will have their badge access to campus cut off unless they have an approved religious or medical exemption. If you have not yet uploaded proof of vaccination and you want help figuring out your options, please contact SHARE.

IMPACT BARGAINING

SHARE has been negotiating over the impact of the UMMS vaccine mandate for a few weeks now. As we have discussed in two member meetings, the union has the right to negotiate “how” not “if” – how the vaccine mandate is implemented, but not if there is a vaccine mandate or not.

The management team has been unwilling to move on the core facts of the vaccine mandate: Everyone must either have their first shot or an approved exemption by 5pm today, September 10th, or their badge will be deactivated until they comply. Management did move the deadline by 3 days, (it was originally the 7th) but they are unwilling to move it further. If employees get a vaccine that requires a second shot, they must get the shot and provide proof by 5pm on October 11th.

We have had more success around the edges of the policy, in ways that will matter to some SHARE members. We do not have a final agreement, but here is what we have been talking about:

  • An extension for people who can work from home

  • People who apply for an exemption by the deadline, but don’t get approved until after the deadline, will get back the time they had to use to get paid

  • Time off to get vaccinated if you decide to

  • Two paid days off to deal with any symptoms from the vaccine, or just to use by 6/30/2022 if you don’t need the time off for symptoms

  • Testing on-site for CCU employees

  • Support for employees who lose their job because they choose not to be vaccinated

QUESTIONS

If you have questions, please reach out to a SHARE Staff Organizer.

Andrea Caceres               617-455-7717                andrea.caceres@theshareunion.org

Jana Hollingsworth        508-929-4020 x11        jana.hol@theshareunion.org

A.J. Iaconi                            617-599-7372               aj.iaconi@theshareunion.org

Jameal Jackson                 617-429-1194                jameal.jackson@theshareunion.org

Elisabeth Szanto             617-620-2209                 elisabeth.szanto@theshareunion.org

Special Member Meeting on Vaccine Mandate 9/1/21

On September 1, 2021, SHARE held a special member meeting fro 1-2pm to discuss the vaccine mandate, progress on negotiations with UMMS, and what we expected to happen. SHARE’s position on September 1 closely matched the email we sent to member a couple of days earlier. This is the text of that email.

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Below we have summarized all the information we have gathered about what is going on with the UMass Medical School's vaccine mandate. UMMS announced their policy of a vaccine mandate at the Town Hall on Tuesday, August 10th and then sent a memo to all employees. SHARE is negotiating with UMMS about the impact on SHARE members. We don’t know yet what agreement we might be able to get. 

What is SHARE’s position on the mandate? 

  • We want all SHARE members to be as safe as possible.

  • We don’t want any SHARE members to lose their jobs.

We believe that UMass should talk to people about this respectfully, listen to their concerns, and make accommodations where necessary. If SHARE members are comfortable taking the vaccine, we want to get them the information they need and easy access to get vaccinated. If SHARE members are not comfortable getting the vaccine, then we want to work out a solution together that keeps people both safe and employed.

What is SHARE doing about the mandate? 

We are negotiating. As in all negotiations, we will not know what the outcome will be until we are done. UMMS acknowledges that they need to negotiate about this and have been answering questions and providing information. So far, they have not indicated much flexibility in their position. 

SHARE has raised a number of issues that members have brought to us: 

  1. Only the Pfizer vaccine has been FDA approved. Other vaccines are still only approved for emergency use.

  2. Other employers are giving more time or have mandates that allow employees to wear masks and do weekly testing if they are not vaccinated. And we already wear masks and do weekly testing.

  3. People feel strongly about their right to decide for themselves whether they want to take it.

  4. This mandate was rolled out very suddenly. UMass Memorial Hospital has a later deadline for their mandate. We need more time for people to think this through and make their own choice.

  5. Everyone worked hard throughout the COVID crisis to keep UMMS running, and this sudden announcement doesn’t seem to acknowledge that commitment.

  6. People who work entirely remotely have no contact with other employees.

  7. People are worried about side effects of the vaccine.

  8. Some people have very strong personal beliefs against taking the vaccine that may not be covered by the religious exemption policy.

SHARE has also made a number of proposals about how to approach the vaccine question: 

  1. Case management: If a SHARE member is adamantly opposed to taking the vaccine, we want to work together with HR to address their individual situation.

  2. Staffing contingency plans: especially in areas with pre-existing staffing issues, we want to hear what departments plan to do if they lose staff because of the mandate (examples: AMED and CCU)

  3. Vaccine access: We are requesting on-site vaccine clinics or work time release for people who agree to get the vaccine.

  4. Information:

    1. The SHARE Executive Board asked to have a meeting with Dr. Sharone Green about the mandate, and brought her questions. We are asking to have continued access to such resources.

    2. Regular updates: about 75% of SHARE members have uploaded proof of vaccination.

  5. Work from home: If someone is working entirely remotely, they should be able to be exempted because they do not pose any risk to other UMMS community members.

What is the Medical School saying? 

So far, their position is what they said in their announcement. 

Deadlines to be vaccinated 

  • Everyone has to get at least the first shot of the vaccine, and submit proof, by 9/7/21

  • If the vaccine they got requires a 2nd shot, they need to get it by 10/8/21

  • This includes people who work mostly or entirely from home.

  • People who work remotely, who have not received their first shot of the vaccine by 9/7/2021, and their second shot by 10/8/2021, without an approved medical or religious exemption, may discuss a Work from Home arrangement with their manager. Work From Home arrangements may be approved up to December 31, 2021.

Consequences for not complying 

  • If you don’t meet these deadlines then your badge will be deactivated, you won’t be able to work, you would have to use your own time to be paid, and you may be disciplined. If not complying by December 31st, staff will be terminated.

Exemptions for medical and religious reasons 

  • To request a medical exemption, contact Employee Health

  • To request a religious exemption, contact Matt Lyford in HR Labor Relations

  • No other exemptions

  • Must request exemption by 9/7/21 and receive exemption by 10/8/21 in order to be able to work

  • After 9/7/2021, staff with a pending exemption request will be placed on unpaid administrative leave until the request is approved or denied. People awaiting a determination after 9/7/2021, may elect to use their vacation, personal, or compensatory time (no sick time) while on unpaid leave.

Can an employer legally require me to be vaccinated? 

It looks like the answer is yes. Courts are ruling that the COVID vaccine can be mandated by employers, even though some are still only approved by emergency use authorization. It also appears that the Supreme Court has been unwilling to jump in to stop these mandates. There will probably be a lot more court cases, but so far they all seem to be going one way. In addition, the FDA is likely to give permanent approval to more COVID vaccines in the next month or two, and there is a lot more case law (like for the flu vaccine) saying that employers can mandate approved vaccines. We are continuing to follow this question.

Question and/or concerns?

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. You can reach us by email at share.umms@theshareunion.org or contact one of the SHARE organizers directly.

SHARE Member Meeting Notes 8/18/21

On Wednesday, August 18, SHARE held back-to-back half-hour meetings for members, at 12:00, 12:30, and 1:00. People dropped in on their lunch break. The meetings are generally held on the third Wednesday of the month.

For those who were not able to attend, below are the agenda topics (numbered) and some of the things that came up in discussion (the bulleted points). Please let us know if you have any questions.

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SHARE member meeting 8/18/2021 (12:00-1:30)

Zoom basics: Speaking, Using the Chat – put your name and dept, Mute/Unmute, Using Video

Agenda:

1.      Raises/bonuses

2.      Negotiating the next contract

3.      Vaccine Mandate

·         The legal situation

·         The negotiating situation

·         Discussion

·         Governor didn’t want to see anyone lost their job over vaccine

·         Test subject, not fully approved

·         Freedoms, choice

·         want to feel safe coming to work

·         Working from home so why?!

·         Responsibility for consequences down the road

·         What is the effect of the vaccine

·         Employer should provide it

·         Evaluate air filtering system

 

SHARE Member Meeting Notes 7/21/21

On Wednesday, July 21, SHARE held back-to-back half-hour meetings for members, at 12:00, 12:30, and 1:00. People dropped in on their lunch break. The meetings are generally held on the third Wednesday of the month.

For those who were not able to attend, below are the agenda topics. Please let us know if you have any questions.

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SHARE member meeting 7/21/2021 (12:00-1:30)

Zoom basics: Speaking, Using the Chat – put your name and dept, Mute/Unmute, Using Video

Agenda:

1.     Introductions

2.     Raises

·        will be paid Friday 7/23

·        Retro will be paid Aug 6

·        Performance evaluations - bonuses will be paid if evaluations were submitted on time, otherwise will come later

3.     The importance of staying connected

4.     Union strength going into contract negotiations

5.     Work from home agreements/Return to work issues – discussion

6.     Being involved with SHARE – meetings, dept contact, rep, executive board member

7.     Other topics

Child Tax Credit Payments

The IRS has started sending expanded child tax credit payments to families. What are they?

They are monthly payments to families with kids 17 and under, starting in July and currently scheduled to end in December 2021. The monthly payments are half of the credit. Families can claim the other half when they file their 2021 taxes. This is all part of the covid relief bill President Biden signed into law in March.

The amount you are eligible for depends on several factors, including the age of your children and your income. You can check your eligibility on the IRS Advance Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant.

  • up to $300/month for children under age 6

  • up to $250/month for children ages 6 to 17

  • amounts are reduced if your modified Adjusted Gross Income is more than: $150,000 if married filing jointly; $112,500 if filing as head of household; or $75,000 filing as single or married filing separately.

People who filed taxes in 2019 or 2020, or who registered with the IRS for the stimulus checks, should get the child tax credit payments automatically. Other eligible people can sign up with the IRS to get the payments.

Member Meeting Reminder - Wednesday 7/21

SHARE holds monthly member meetings on the third Wednesday of each month. The meetings are at 12:00, 12:30, and 1:00. You are invited to drop in on your lunch break. There is a meeting next week, on Wednesday, July 21. We hope to see you there!

To join the meeting at lunch on Wednesday:

click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85193161012?pwd=SERJUGFTd01ua0MyRDJrVTNkNmxSdz09

or call (646)876-9923 and enter Meeting ID: 851 9316 1012 and Passcode: 485804

If you would like an update but can’t make the meeting, you can read the meeting notes on the SHARE blog afterwards, or get in touch with one of the SHARE organizers.

2021 SHARE Raise Update

RAISE & RETRO

The 2021 SHARE raises will be delivered next week, in the July 23 paycheck. There will be a small amount of retro owed, due to the 2-week delay. The retro will be paid out in the August 6 paycheck.

PERFORMANCE BONUS

SHARE members who received a performance evaluation of “Exceeds” or “Outstanding” are entitled to receive a lump-sum bonus. Bonuses will be paid in the July 23 paycheck, as long as the performance evaluations were submitted by the department to Human Resources on time. Bonuses for performance evaluations submitted late will still be paid, but there may be a delay while they are processed.

QUESTIONS

If you have questions about your raise, see this previous post, reach out to your local SHARE rep or staff organizer, or email us at SHARE.UMMS@theshareunion.org.

SHARE Member Meeting Notes 6/16/2021

On Wednesday, June 16, SHARE held back-to-back half-hour meetings for members, at 12:00, 12:30, and 1:00. People dropped in on their lunch break. The meetings are generally held on the third Wednesday of the month. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 21. We will send an email reminder with the Zoom link in mid-July.

For those who were not able to attend, below are the agenda topics (numbered) and some of the things that came up in discussion (the bulleted points). Please let us know if you have any questions.

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SHARE member meeting 6/16/2021 (12:00-1:30)

Zoom basics: Speaking, Using the Chat – put your name and dept, Mute/Unmute, Using Video

Agenda:

1.     Introductions

2.     Raises & performance evaluations

·        50 cents or 2%

·        Bonus for exceeds or outstanding

·        Probationary raise

3.     Staying in touch – can’t visit in the workplace but necessary to be connected

·        meetings

·        blog posts, website

·        one-to-one

·        monthly meetings for newcomers

4.     Work from home/Return to work issues – discussion:

·        Fine with returning but don’t want to be alone at office without anybody I know – productivity, motivation, social aspect – like 1st day of jitters – don’t have a badge, parking, insurance, missed onboarding

·        Don’t want to be alone in building

·        Anxiety about having to deal with people again – happy to have left office drama behind – like to go in and do my work – no trouble, no gossip

·        Come in once a week, dept will have a smaller area

5.     Being involved with SHARE

·        Member

·        Rep for your dept, or adopt a department

·        Executive board

·        Rep trainings – before Labor Day because Aug 1 return to work

·        Elections in October

6.     Other topics people brought up – job insecurity in some departments, “paperless” workplace, low work, changing responsibilities, x-training

Questions or suggestions about this website? Email kirk.davis@theshareunion.org