Miscellaneous news stories from around Chapter 293.

Chapter 293 Moves Office

Chapter 293 is now located in much improved new offices at Headquarters in D.C. These offices include a new meeting space and a separate working area. Please come visit us in Rooms 2541 and 2549 in Station Place. Our new mailing address is Mail Stop 1590.

Chapter 293 Works Recognized at Convention

During NTEU’s 51st Annual National Convention in August, which was attended by representatives from hundreds of NTEU chapters from around the country, Chapter 293 received an award for its newsletter, Chapter 293 Works. Chapter President Greg Gilman was on hand to accept the award on behalf of Chapter 293 for the best chapter newsletter content and design among large chapters with over 750 employees.

Chapter 293-Negotiated Canteen to Open Soon

During the office move bargaining for Station Place, Chapter 293 was able to obtain an agreement requiring the agency to provide a canteen at Station Place managed by the Blind Association and providing prepared foods, hot and cold beverages, snacks, newspapers and other sundry items. This canteen now will be opening in September. Thank you to the members of the Station Place Move Bargaining Team!

Chapter 293 Pushes for Credit Union Option at Headquarters

Chapter 293 officials are currently working out the details on providing a credit union option to HQ employees, per the Station Place agreement. At present, we are looking into joining a preexisting credit union close to HQ. We will keep you posted on this issue.

Boston Steward’s Team Goes to Little League World Series

Boston Regional Office Steward Paul Prata serves on the Walpole Massachusetts Little League Board. This year, Walpole won the Massachusetts state title and the Northeast Regional, earning the right to compete in the Little League World Series. Paul traveled down to cheer them on in Williamsport, where they beat Hamilton Ohio on a dramatic leaping catch at the fence (a play that got a lot of time on ESPN), before being eliminated by eventual Little League champion Warner Robbins. Congrats!

Membership Drive

Chapter 293 is currently engaged in a membership drive through the end of 2007, which includes incentives for members. Please stop by the union office or ask your local steward for details.

Mentor Program

Chapter 293 is interested in exploring the possibility of starting a pilot mentor program at the SEC, in which support staff employees could seek guidance on career questions and issues from attorneys, accountants, examiners and others who are willing to serve in this role. If you are interested in the possibility of serving as such a mentor, please contact Veronica Lewis at lewisrv@sec.gov.

Student Loan Program

Due to Chapter 293's continuing efforts on this front, SEC employees participating in the Student Loan Repayment Program this year so far are finding that, unlike last year, the SEC has accepted their applications for PLUS loans, as well as applications for loans with less than $10,000 in remaining indebtedness. NTEU applauds the SEC’s current posture with respect to this important benefit program, and hopes that the agency will not engage in further efforts to reduce these benefits. The union will continue to remain vigilant regarding these issues. Please let us know if you experience any problems with the Student Loan Repayment Program.