Yesterday, January 11, 2016, the United States Supreme Court heard arguments in the Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association. Whatever the decision in this case, it will have huge implications for the place of labor unions in this nation as well as for the future of collective bargaining. The verdict is expected before the term ends this June.  http://www.nysut.org/news/2016/january/nysut-leaders-rally-at-supreme-court-to-uphold-labor-rights

Have you been shorted by the new STAR payroll system?  If yes, you can file a missing wages claim with the Department of Workforce Development. 

“If the employer refuses to pay wages earned on the regularly established payday, the employee should request payment. If the employee does not receive payment after 6 days, the employee may file a claim with the department [Dept. of Workforce Dev.] Once a claim is filed, the department will seek to resolve the matter with the employer.”

DWD Brochure

DWD Website

Seniors, Retirees, Educators, Unions and Communities in general face many challenges ahead in the year 2016. A New Year offers us opportunities to review and renew.

Meet Maryland Professional Employees Council (MPEC) member Chris Czarra. He is a park ranger at Patapsco State Park working in the Department of Natural Resources.

Meet Maryland Professional Employees Council (MPEC) member Chris Czarra. He is a park ranger at Patapsco State Park working in the Department of Natural Resources.

February 2--CPSB Meeting 5:00 pm

February 5--Teacher In-service Day

February 8-10--Mardi Gras Break

February 15--CFT Membership Meeting

February 27--LFT Workshop in Baton Rouge

EPEA President Donna Walters, VP Garth Merlino (left), and Membership Chairperson John P Marinelli welcomed the EPEA membership to The Grapevine banquet hall in Cheektowaga for another successful holiday gathering and retirement party.