Public Employee Press

Out-of-title victories cut members’ stress

Dedication is an unwritten part of the job description for employees of the Dept. of Health and Mental Health. The sensitive jobs performed by members of Clerical-Administrative Employees Local 1549 require commitment and produce tension.

For six years, Christopher Jones has worked to improve health care access for physically handicapped children. Clerical Associate Teneria Roberts is in a unit that studies lead poisoning. In her role as a Secretary in the Office of Information Systems, Geraldine Howell works with a voluntary agency that helps alcoholic clients.

All three dedicated employees found a way to reduce their stress and improve their own mental health. They each filed a working-out-of-title grievance and won.

“At first, I was a little hesitant,” said Ms. Howell. “But my grievance rep, Phyllis Streeter, encouraged me and I went ahead.” Ms. Howell, who was doing Analyst work, got $7,000 for the difference in pay. “I actually liked the work. I just wanted to be paid fairly for it,” she said.

Christopher Jones received back pay representing the difference between his Clerical Associate III salary and the rate for the Community Liaison job he was doing. He said the money “shows I am being appreciated for the work I am doing.”

Ms. Roberts experienced the biggest boost. “It made me stronger,” she explained. “It gave me the courage to see if I can pursue other things that I want to do.” Ms. Roberts got her back pay and is in the process of being upgraded. Now she is studying to become a speech therapist.

“What’s important is that they knew they were working out-of-title and they weren’t afraid to file a grievance,” said Grievance Rep Phyllis Streeter. “We live by the contract,” said Clerical Division Director Ronnie Harris. “We’ve negotiated a provision for out-of-title work, but it has to be enforced. That’s why we have reps like Phyllis Streeter who diligently pursue these grievances with our members.”