|
FEBRUARY 2012
E M P L O Y E E A S S I S
T A N C E
THE MONTH OF LOVE
February 14 is
Valentine's Day, where we all shuffle around trying to get our
significant other something nice. Such as, chocolates, flowers, jewelry,
and different frilly stuff that we aren't quite sure where it belongs.
The month of February is statistically one of the most violent months of
the year, probably due to the stress of it all. We are tired of winter,
not getting out enough, or whatever is bugging us. The wife and I go to
the Spokane Chiefs hockey games all winter and I'm worn to a frazzle
afterwards watching those youngsters beat up on each other. It is great
stress relief.
Seriously, if you are
one of those all stressed out, then we have a program to help out
through the stressful months. Kaiser offers a free EAP program through a
place called Solution Resources. They are located in Spokane at 140
South Arthur St. Suite 660.
The union has heard
nothing but good from our members who have used these professional
counselors. They offer help in anxiety issues, stress, drug and alcohol,
marital, family issues, parenting, grief and loss, financial, and much
more. Any family member may use these services and the first few visits
are free. For more information about them call the union hall, or
Kaiser's EAP phone numbers. Please do not wait until it is unbearable,
call and get help right away. Their phone numbers are 509 535-4074 or
1-866-535-4074. Their website is:
www.solutionresources.net
PEACE & LOVE,
Dave Carlson
EAP Chair
2011 was a very busy
year. Altogether, we participated in eight arbitrations. The union is
currently waiting for answers on three of those arbitrations. I
represented 18 members in Article-13 discharge hearings for reasons such
as absenteeism, violations of the rules of conduct, and positive drug
tests. In 2011 there were 178 Step-3 grievances filed and met on. That
is about 15 Step-3 grievances per month. A majority of those grievances
were appealed to Step-4. There are arbitrations scheduled during the
months of January and February. The Step-3 grievance procedure has gone
fairly smooth this past year and it is caught up. As a friendly
reminder, be careful what you do on your days off. If you like to drink
or use drugs, you need to ask yourself if it is worth losing a $70,000
per year job over. Drugs can stay in your system and show up after you
have returned to work following a long weekend. If you test positive,
you are putting your employment with Kaiser in serious jeopardy. Be
responsible and consider what you are doing and the potential
consequences before you do it. Everyone should know by now that the
Company has the right to conduct a drug test if you have a medical treat
or cause equipment damage that amounts to $1,500 or more. With the high
number of drug-positive tests that have taken place, the company will
certainly continue testing even more.
Have a very prosperous
New Year!
Dave Carlson, P&M
Chair
|
