DHS

We have several important updates to share with you about student loan reimbursement, telework and mileage reimbursement, the upcoming building move, and supplemental negotiations.

1. Student Loan Reimbursement

• Policy Update: Management provided a policy draft we're comfortable with, with the lifetime maximum being increased from their proposed $15,00 to $25,000. This change followed members taking action and emailing the commissioner!
• Ongoing Concerns: We’ve raised concerns about taxes, the approval process, and the potential impact of non-grievable discipline on eligibility like oral reprimands. We also highlighted the issue of supervisors having access to sensitive financial information. Management has agreed to revisit these concerns and will discuss potential changes with us. We will also work with leaders from other agencies to understand how they’ve addressed similar issues, particularly the tax implications.
• Application Periods: Quarterly application periods will be established, and written discipline or failure to meet standards will be used as disqualifiers. We encourage you to check your personnel file for any Letters of Expectation (LOEs) or written reprimands to ensure you're in good standing.
• Rollout Timeline: The program is expected to go live by February 1. We are committed to ensuring that it is rolled out timely, fairly and equitably. We are hopeful that DHS management can meet that timeline.
• Union involvement: Once the policy has been finalized MAPEs role will be to make sure members understand how to access this program, how to navigate the appeal process and to address any concerns we’re hearing from the membership.

2. Telework & Mileage Reimbursement

• Issue: Members have shared with us that they have been given unclear guidance about when people can get mileage and travel reimbursement. We have also heard from new hires that there was not enough clarity while interviewing regarding telework vs remote worker rights. We brought this concern to management and received feedback that there will be changes to supervisor training, onboarding, and hiring practices.
• Survey Coming Soon: In the meantime, we need to better understand the harm caused by these changes. Be on the lookout for a survey that will ask:
  • How much money have you spent on driving/traveling that was not reimbursed?
  • What information have you been given by your supervisor?
  • How often have you submitted a request that your supervisor approved, only for it to be denied?

3. Building Move

• We want to hear your concerns, hopes, and ideas about the upcoming building move. Please share your feedback with us so we can ensure that any issues are addressed.
• We have also encouraged management to provide early notice of any changes to help with stability during this transition.

4. Supplemental Negotiations Update

• Be on the lookout for upcoming listening sessions as we begin to negotiate the movement of supplemental contract language from the DHS supplemental contract to the DCT supplemental contract. We will be discussing what will stay, what will go, and what needs to be addressed.

5. Meet and Confer for DHS Employees

• We need DHS employees to participate in the upcoming Meet and Confer process. If you are interested in being appointed, please reach out to Tonja Rolfson and Megan Dayton.

Thank you for your continued involvement and support. Together, we can continue to advocate for our rights and improve conditions for all union members. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out

- DHS Meet and Confer