Text Box: President’s Corner Dear USA members, Well once again the leaves are falling and the cool autumn weather is upon us. My parents used to say that the older they got the faster time flies; I now know what they meant. This is also the year in which we will elect a new Governor and I hope that everyone educates themselves as to the issues and most importantly gets out there and votes. We finally received the last of our retro monies for the active employees and we are still working on ensuring that all employees that were employed during the contract time get theirs as well. We will be meeting on November 15, 2006 to start a bargaining survey to send out to all USA members via email (paper copies will be available through the USA office for those who cannot access the survey), more information will be made available as we complete the survey. Please take the time to fill out the survey so that your issues can be considered. I would also invite you to send to me at djohnson@english.umass.edu any ideas that you may have for issues to be considered both in bargaining and on the survey. I hope we never have to go through the long delays in getting our COLA’s again. The MTA and higher Ed leadership across the state are working on legislation to change Chapter 150E in the hopes that we can minimize this type of delay again. I may be asking for your help in the near future to help us push this legislation, your calls and emails do help so I will keep you posted. Remember if you have any issues in your workplace that you should contact your district steward (go to https://www.umass.edu/usa/ to locate the name and number of your district steward). Please remember to question everything. It is your right. Also, take your breaks and your lunch this too is your right. We worked hard to secure these rights in our contract, your contract, so let’s not give any of these rights away. The holiday season is rapidly approaching and I wish you and yours a safe and happy time. Let’s remember our soldiers that are overseas and send them and their families our prayers and best wishes and may they all return to us soon safe and sound. Happy Holidays to all In solidarity, Donna Johnson, President USA