What do we want – PAID! When do we want it – NOW!
Hi everyone, my name is Della Selner, and I am the President of AFSCME Local 2456.
I have been asked to tell you my story though I know from talking too many of you; my worries are small in comparison to yours.
In September 2008, my husband lost his job with the construction company he worked for as an independent contractor, there went most of my savings.
In December of 2008, I was involved in a car accident with an uninsured motorist; there went the rest of my savings.
In March 2009, I had surgery on my foot that was supposed to be covered by workman’s compensation, they denied the claim, and I have no savings.
Now here we are in July of 2009, I have no savings, I was already behind and struggling to keep up with everything, and now, THROUGH ABSOLUTELY NO FAULT OF MY OWN, I have to come to work and not get PAID!
I wake up each and every morning since this nightmare began absolutely terrified that I COULD LOSE EVERYTHING that I have worked the past 25 years to build. My house, my new to me car, my family.
We were living paycheck to pay check, most weeks, robbing Peter to pay Paul as my mother says. Now, I can’t even tell my creditors when I will get my next paycheck. Thank god my husband is working, making about half of what he was in September of 2008. Every Morning I think, how will I keep the lights on? The water and the sewer flowing? How will we eat? I already can’t pay my flood insurance. That is enough for my mortgage company to start foreclosure. Where will we live? Rendellville? What is Rendellville, think Hooverville during the great depression, but in Harrisburg.
How long do you think it will be after I can’t provide for my 11 year old daughter that social services will become involved? Will my family fall apart?
I think about this every single morning, and every single night. My last thoughts are of this, and of you. My fellow Commonwealth Employees, the Doctors and Nurses at the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home, The County Assistance Workers in Johnstown, Clearfield, Erie, and Lancaster, The Prison Guards at SCI Greene, the dedicated employees at the Ebensburg Center, the rest of you already struggling before this to make ends meet, and I wonder how long it will be until all of you join me in Rendellville THROUGH NO FAULT OF OUR OWN.
One person described it best, maybe the Gov and the Republican Senators have watched too much Popeye, un- like Whimpy we can’t “Gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today”.
Thanks for listening to my story, stay strong, if you need help ask. AFSCME Local 2456 is offering the use of our office computer and telephone to those who need it. Whether to call your creditors or apply for help. Have your Steward get in touch with our Stewards and schedule a time.
What do I want – PAID! When do I want it – NOW!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
budget update day of action July 28
----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Mike Fox
To:
Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 2009 2:36:50 PM
Subject: budget update day of action July 28
Sisters and Brothers,
AFSCME and the seven other state employee unions are sponsoring a Day of Action on Tuesday, July 28 at noon on the capitol steps in Harrisburg . We will be bringing in buses of union members from across the Commonwealth and I am urging those of you who can get the day off to come in and join the rally. Those of you in Harrisburg if you can ' t get the day off please come down on your lunch period. Also please plan to visit your state senator and representative while at the capitol.
Please plan to attend and urge your co-workers to do so also. We must make our voices heard loud and clear.
We want a budget that gets us paid and one that adequately funds our jobs and the services we provide.
Mike Fox
Council Director
District Council 89
(717)564-7998 Ext 8900
(800)583-2376 Ext 8900
From: Mike Fox
To:
Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 2009 2:36:50 PM
Subject: budget update day of action July 28
Sisters and Brothers,
AFSCME and the seven other state employee unions are sponsoring a Day of Action on Tuesday, July 28 at noon on the capitol steps in Harrisburg . We will be bringing in buses of union members from across the Commonwealth and I am urging those of you who can get the day off to come in and join the rally. Those of you in Harrisburg if you can ' t get the day off please come down on your lunch period. Also please plan to visit your state senator and representative while at the capitol.
Please plan to attend and urge your co-workers to do so also. We must make our voices heard loud and clear.
We want a budget that gets us paid and one that adequately funds our jobs and the services we provide.
Mike Fox
Council Director
District Council 89
(717)564-7998 Ext 8900
(800)583-2376 Ext 8900
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Filing a complaint with the Federal Department of Labor under the Fair Labor Standards Act
Here is the information to file a complaint with the Federal Department of Labor under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
From: "Mike Fox"
Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:15:34 -0400
To: VARIOUS UNION REPS
Subject: FW: DOL District Offices
It would appear that payless pay days might be grounds for a complaint with the Federal Dept of Labor under the Fair Labor Standards Act’s requirements to pay minimum wage. Before a complaint can be filed the employee for the bi-weekly period must have been paid below the minimum wage for the hours worked. That may occur on July 17 and 24th. To see, you would take the gross amount of that pay divide by the hours you worked and, for the 17th pay if the amount is less than $6.55 per hour a complaint should be filed. For the 24th pay you do the same math but the minimum wage increases on the 24th to $7.25 per hour consequently if your result is less than $7.25 per hour a complaint should be filed. If you work more than 40 hours in a work week and your pay does not yield 1 ½ a complaint should be filed. If we get to point when no pay is received obviously you have not been paid minimum wage and a complaint should be filed.
The compliant can be made by a phone call or a letter to any of the following DOL District Offices.
The complaint also must be filed by the employee. Under the DOL rules a Union cannot file on behalf of someone, the affected employee must make the appeal.
Subject: DOL District Offices
Philadelphia District Office
US Dept. of Labor
ESA Wage & Hour Division
US Custom House, Room 400
Second & Chestnut Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 597-4950
Stewart BosticDistrict Director
Pittsburgh District Office
US Dept. of Labor
ESA Wage & Hour Division
Federal Building
1000 Liberty Ave., Suite 1416 P
ittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: (412) 395-4996
John DuMontDistrict Director
Wilkes Barre District Office
US Dept. of Labor
ESA Wage & Hour Division
7 North Wilkes Barre Blvd.
Stegmaier Bldg. Suite 373M
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702-5284
Phone: (570) 826-6316
Alfonso J. GristinaDistrict Director
From: "Mike Fox"
Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:15:34 -0400
To: VARIOUS UNION REPS
Subject: FW: DOL District Offices
It would appear that payless pay days might be grounds for a complaint with the Federal Dept of Labor under the Fair Labor Standards Act’s requirements to pay minimum wage. Before a complaint can be filed the employee for the bi-weekly period must have been paid below the minimum wage for the hours worked. That may occur on July 17 and 24th. To see, you would take the gross amount of that pay divide by the hours you worked and, for the 17th pay if the amount is less than $6.55 per hour a complaint should be filed. For the 24th pay you do the same math but the minimum wage increases on the 24th to $7.25 per hour consequently if your result is less than $7.25 per hour a complaint should be filed. If you work more than 40 hours in a work week and your pay does not yield 1 ½ a complaint should be filed. If we get to point when no pay is received obviously you have not been paid minimum wage and a complaint should be filed.
The compliant can be made by a phone call or a letter to any of the following DOL District Offices.
The complaint also must be filed by the employee. Under the DOL rules a Union cannot file on behalf of someone, the affected employee must make the appeal.
Subject: DOL District Offices
Philadelphia District Office
US Dept. of Labor
ESA Wage & Hour Division
US Custom House, Room 400
Second & Chestnut Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 597-4950
Stewart BosticDistrict Director
Pittsburgh District Office
US Dept. of Labor
ESA Wage & Hour Division
Federal Building
1000 Liberty Ave., Suite 1416 P
ittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: (412) 395-4996
John DuMontDistrict Director
Wilkes Barre District Office
US Dept. of Labor
ESA Wage & Hour Division
7 North Wilkes Barre Blvd.
Stegmaier Bldg. Suite 373M
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702-5284
Phone: (570) 826-6316
Alfonso J. GristinaDistrict Director
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Payless Payday #6
Welcome to payless payday #6, budget impasse day #8, Not much new to report. Other that last night on the radio I heard a reporter say that 75% of the Citizens of the Commonwealth of PA polled think their legislators and the Govenor are doing the right thing.
That worries me that not more Commonwealth of PA Citizens are not worried about the Commonwealth Employees not getting paid. Then I realized, this doesn't affect them. Not one little bit, not yet anyway.
When they loose their job at the convience store, or Walmart, or Wegeman's because I can't afford to buy groceries it might. To them this isn't real, it's drama. Maybe when they see us losing our houses it will get real for them. Maybe they will care then.
Until then we have to do everything we can to make it very real for them. Visit www.afscme13.org everyday to find out what AFSCME is doing.
That worries me that not more Commonwealth of PA Citizens are not worried about the Commonwealth Employees not getting paid. Then I realized, this doesn't affect them. Not one little bit, not yet anyway.
When they loose their job at the convience store, or Walmart, or Wegeman's because I can't afford to buy groceries it might. To them this isn't real, it's drama. Maybe when they see us losing our houses it will get real for them. Maybe they will care then.
Until then we have to do everything we can to make it very real for them. Visit www.afscme13.org everyday to find out what AFSCME is doing.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
A poem Katie wrote about Furloughs
In January, when we were facing furloughs and rolling furlough my daughter Katie wrote this poem;
"I'LL whine, I'll scream, I'll holler, if you take away my job"
By Katie, daughter of Della Selner, President AFSMCE Local #2456
I'll whine, I'll scream, I'll holler if you take away my desk!
I'll whine, I'll scream, I'll holler if you take away the rest!
I'll whine, I'll scream, I'll holler if you take away my dollars,
so don't you think your going to lay me off cause believe me bub
I'll whine, I'll scream, I'll holler if you take away my job!
Kate is 11 years old and has a complete and total grasp on the impact of payless paydays and furloughs on Commonwealth Employees.
Why don't the Governor of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania General Assembly?
If an 11 year old gets it, it makes you wonder about the suposed adults doesn't.
Are you sure this isn't about egos?
"I'LL whine, I'll scream, I'll holler, if you take away my job"
By Katie, daughter of Della Selner, President AFSMCE Local #2456
I'll whine, I'll scream, I'll holler if you take away my desk!
I'll whine, I'll scream, I'll holler if you take away the rest!
I'll whine, I'll scream, I'll holler if you take away my dollars,
so don't you think your going to lay me off cause believe me bub
I'll whine, I'll scream, I'll holler if you take away my job!
Kate is 11 years old and has a complete and total grasp on the impact of payless paydays and furloughs on Commonwealth Employees.
Why don't the Governor of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania General Assembly?
If an 11 year old gets it, it makes you wonder about the suposed adults doesn't.
Are you sure this isn't about egos?
Sample letter going out to my Creditors,
(home address)
(Creditor address)
(Date)
Dear (Creditor);
It is with great sadness that I write you to tell you of my unfortunate financial situation. I am an employee of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. My pay check is being held hostage by the Governor and the Pennsylvania General Assembly. They refuse to pass a budget and are using me, and my fellow Commonwealth Employees as pawns in their political wrangling.
My last pay check from the Commonwealth is (DATE). I will not receive another paycheck from my employer until the budget is passed. I know that this is going to affect my credit rating and if property is involved you may need to start the foreclosure/repossession process.
Unfortunately, my paycheck is being held hostage by the Governor of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania General Assembly. I have no control over when I may get my next paycheck.
Please add me, and all the other Commonwealth of PA employees to your prayers.
Sincerely,
YOUR NAME HERE
(Creditor address)
(Date)
Dear (Creditor);
It is with great sadness that I write you to tell you of my unfortunate financial situation. I am an employee of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. My pay check is being held hostage by the Governor and the Pennsylvania General Assembly. They refuse to pass a budget and are using me, and my fellow Commonwealth Employees as pawns in their political wrangling.
My last pay check from the Commonwealth is (DATE). I will not receive another paycheck from my employer until the budget is passed. I know that this is going to affect my credit rating and if property is involved you may need to start the foreclosure/repossession process.
Unfortunately, my paycheck is being held hostage by the Governor of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania General Assembly. I have no control over when I may get my next paycheck.
Please add me, and all the other Commonwealth of PA employees to your prayers.
Sincerely,
YOUR NAME HERE
Monday, July 6, 2009
Where's my paycheck! PASS THE BUDGET!
After the 4th of July holiday it is back to reality, PA still hasn't passed a budget and I am NOT getting a paid for being at work. So I thought I better get to that to do list;
- Call all my creditors and explain that I work for the Commonwealth of PA and I am not getting paid.
- Apply for a PSECU Loan, though with my credit I bet the answer is NO!
- Get together a flyer for members of resources for help during the Budget Impasse.
- Stock Fridge
- Make calls to my State Reps DAILY telling them to pass the budget.
- Visit www.afscme13.org for updated budget information
So far, I have done 2-6. I am dreading doing the first one.
My advice to you is make your to do list look just like mine. I am going to hold on to as much cash as I can and tell my creditors, when I get paid, you will get paid. The only bill I wouldn't put off is my daycare bill. I would ask them though if they can work with you. I understand some of the Governor's Daycare center are working with employees.
The first full check I miss, I am filing for Welfare and you should too. We pay taxes. Call the numbers below for assistance in your County don't be proud, ask for help. It is NOT your fault you are not getting a paycheck.
Please remember to check http://www.afscme13.org/ DAILY for information about the budget impasse. AFSCME is NOT sanctioning ANY work slowdowns or sick offs. Do either at your own risk.
Our local does not have any meetings scheduled for July or August, if you need something visit http://www.2456.org/ and pick a steward from the list to call.
In Solidarity, Della
My future home? Rendellville
Help for Commonwealth Employees – compiled by Della Selner, 7/6/2009
Adams County
South Central Community Action Agency (SCCAP)
153 North Stratton Street,
Gettysburg, PA
Phone: 717-334-7634
http://www.sccap.org/
Contact Helpline –1-800-932-4616
Cumberland County
Cumberland County Offices1 Courthouse Square
Carlisle, PA 17013Hours: M-F 8:00 AM - 4:30 PMPh: 717.240.6100Toll Free: 1.888.697.0371
http://www.ccpa.net/index.aspx?NID=2428
Food Pantries http://www.ccpa.net/index.aspx?NID=271
Dauphin County
Information and referral2 South Second Street Administration Building , 5th Floor Harrisburg, PA 17101 (717) 780-6288 PhoneOffice Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Contact Helpline –1-800-932-4616
Franklin County
Community Services Department
51 S Main St
Chambersburg, PA 17201717-261-3141
Fax - 717-267-0812
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 - 4:30Closed on weekends and all county observed holidays.
http://www.co.franklin.pa.us/franklin/lib/franklin/information_referral/basic_needs.pdf
South Central Community Action Agency (SCCAP)
533 South Main Street,
Chambersburg, PA.
Phone: 717-263-5060
http://www.sccap.org/
Contact Helpline –1-800-932-4616
Lancaster County
United Way of Lancaster630 Janet AvenueLancaster, PA 17601717-)291-5462 ,
http://www.uwlanc.org/
Where to Call Guide http://www.uwlanc.org/pdf/wtcgenglish07-08.pdf
Navigating Hard Times http://www.uwlanc.org/pdf/linc/navigatinghardtimes_web.pdf
Lebanon County
Lebanon County Community Acton Partnership
503 Oak Street
Lebanon, PA 17042
Phone: (717) 273-9328
http://www.lebcounty.org/lebanon/cwp/view.asp?A=3&Q=444160
Perry County
Perry County Human Services
8391 Spring Rd
New Bloomfield, PA
Phone: 717-582-8703
http://www.perryco.org/perry/cwp/view.asp?a=3&Q=401873&perryNav=6748
Contact Helpline –1-800-932-4616
York County
FIRST - Information Referral
United Way
York Office
800 E. King St.
York PA 17405
Hanover Office
21 Baltimore St.
Hanover, PA 17331
717-755-1000 or 1-800-673-2529
http://www.unitedway-york.org/first_main.html
Contact Helpline –1-800-932-4616
Juniata
Mifflin-Juniata Energy Bank/Coalition of H.O.P.E.S.
(717) 248-2552
Mifflin-Juniata Human Services
Allison Fisher
Phone: 717-242-5452
http://www.co.mifflin.pa.us/mifflin/cwp/view.asp?=640&Q=409097&mifflinNav=6764
United Way of Mifflin-Juniata
13 E. 3rd St.
Lewistown, PA 17044
http://www.mjunitedway.org/help/
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