5/22/11:  During NTEU's steward training conference last week, several Chapter 293 leaders were recognized for their important work on national programs this past year. Among the recipients of Leadership Awards were Joel Crepea and Azam Riaz from the New York Regional Office.

 Azam was recognized for serving as a Union representative on the SEC's Diversity Council, which was formed as part of Chapter 293's settlement of the national Merit Pay arbitration to address diversity issues at the agency.

Joel, who was not present at the training last week, was recognized for his work on several national teams. He was a member of Chapter 293's Legislative Committee this past year and traveled to DC for NTEU's 2011 Legislative Conference, where he helped to deliver a strong message on the Hill in support of the SEC's critical mission as well as implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act. As you know, despite the tough climate in which many agencies' budgets were reduced, the SEC received an increase of $74 million over FY 2010's budget. 

 Joel also has been working over this past year on Chapter 293's National OCIE Reassessment Team, which regularly met with management to address employee issues related to the reorganization of OCIE.  He is also one of five members of Chapter 293's national Collective Bargaining Team. That team is currently negotiating with management over our basic Union contract at the SEC, which addresses a wide range of employee programs and rights, including telework and alternative work schedules.

In addition to their local representational work at the NYRO, Azam and Joel have worked on these important projects that are having a substantial impact upon SEC employees across the country. "The employees of the New York Regional Office should be very proud to have among them two such talented individuals who are volunteering their time and energy to make a positive contribution to improving the agency," Chapter 293 President Greg Gilman recently said. "I know that I am very proud of my association and work with both of them."