Survey Summary
We received 100 responses to our survey, out of 165 Eugene members of Local 851. This survey was sent to Eugene members only due to merger issues and bargaining.
BARGAINING
What would you like to see in bargaining? By far, a wage increase was the number one issue. The next four issues were maintain health care with no increases in costs, expand the Kelly Day program, limit the use of AICs, and investigate a retiree health care plan. (PERS Pickup is part of wages.)
MERGER ISSUES
45 members do not feel informed about the merger
11 feel somewhat informed
22 feel well informed about the merger
19 didn’t know or answered something else
Most members do not feel informed about the progress of the merger. We will work on improving the communications with the membership around the merger. Members expressed concerns about working in Springfield, the merger stalling at a permanent IGA, and how the merger would benefit the Eugene Fire Department and the Union members. Members also do not want to lose pay or benefits for the sake of the merger.
COMMUNICATIONS WITH UNION
26.5% of the membership responded that they feel well informed and that 46.9% feel somewhat informed on Union issues. 26.5% do not feel informed at all by the Union. President Barnebey’s weekly updates should assist in increasing communications with members further.
Many of you say that you try to attend Union meetings with regularity. The biggest reason for not attending meetings is living out of town, too busy, and/or family time, and late nights. Nine members who gave other reasons for said they don’t attend for the following reasons: feel that membership input is not asked for nor considered at the Union meetings, they aren’t part of the “inner circle” and aren’t heard, differing opinions not listened to, and the meetings are not helpful or informative. 12 members said they would attempt to attend a meeting held on an off-going shift.
The Union should improve communications between the Union and the membership by sending more emails and texts, send agendas out prior to the Union meetings, resurrecting the president’s video blog, and update the website more often. Several suggested station visits by E-Board and/or principle officers. Some members say that the Union should try to engage in more rumor control.
33 member prefer regular emails, website updates and emailed agendas
13 members prefer personal visits to stations by Union officials, E-Board members or shop stewards
8 members feel all is well, and communications are fine
6 members feel that there is no communication and anything would be better
6 members would like a hard copy/clipboard in the station
5 members don’t know or don’t care
4 members like regular surveys
4 members want to see Local 851 have a facebook presence
4 members would like the E-Board to receive more training and/or be more informed
2 members would like to see more timeliness and transparency
2 members want the Union to ensure that members feel engaged to help with rumor control and negative attitudes
2 members say the information is there, and members need to pay attention
1 member would like to have regular social events, with kids and without
1 member wants the Union to establish an anonymous forum for complaints and issues
1 member feels the Union should establish a team-based concept with work sessions and small groups and strategy planning
1 member wants more information on personnel issues without releasing sensitive data
1 member thinks Facebook is a terrible idea
1 member wants to hold off-going shift coffees at the Union office
1 member suggests live broadcast of Union meetings
