Candidate Endorsement Tracker

May 23, 2022May 23, 2022UPEA Blog

2022 Primary Election

Candidate Endorsement Tracker

Q: What is the difference between Schedule B and Schedule AX?

Schedule B, or Career Service, employees can utilize the grievance process to address workplace concerns through their chain of command, up to the agency head. In certain situations, employees have the opportunity to take their cases to the Career Service Review Office. Schedule AX employees are career service exempt and may be terminated for any reason that doesn’t violate state or federal law.

The Citizen Action by Public Employees (CAPE) Committee endorses political candidates and organizes political activities for UPEA. The committee is made up of UPEA members who volunteer their time to interview and endorse public employee-friendly candidates for the upcoming election cycle. The CAPE Committee ensures that public employees have a voice and are represented in the political process.

The CAPE Committee interviews candidates about their position on issues important to public employees including compensation and benefits, retirement, healthcare, and the privatization of government jobs. Candidates‘ responses are evaluated to determine whether they align with UPEA’s lobbying efforts for public employees. If the candidate is an incumbent, their voting record on public employee issues is also considered. After the formal interview process and discussion, the CAPE Committee members vote to determine if CAPE will endorse a candidate or remain neutral in a specific political race.

UPEA believes it is important to endorse and elect public employee-friendly candidates. These individuals determine and establish pay and benefits. Through the power of voting, public employees can influence who will represent them on crucial issues.

The candidates listed below have been endorsed by the CAPE Committee for the primary election on June 28, 2022. This list will be updated continuously to reflect any changes as the election cycle progresses.

District	Endorsed Candidate
House 2	Val Potter
House 11	Rep. Kelly Miles
House 19	Rep. Ray Ward
House 20	Rep. Melissa Ballard
House 67	Rep. Christine Watkins

District	Endorsed Candidate
Senate 11	Sen. Daniel Thatcher

CONTACT US:

801-264-8732

1000 W. Bellwood Lane

Murray, UT. 84107

‘Thanks & Franks’ – UPEA Appreciation Lunches

April 27, 2022May 2, 2022UPEA Blog

Utah Public Employees' Association

employee appreciation days

Spring & Summer 2022

UPEA has partnered with Mountain America Credit Union to host public employee appreciation events once again - but this year, we’re letting J.DAWGS handle the FRANKS so we can offer our THANKS.

All employees are invited to stop by to learn about UPEA, catch up on the 2022 Legislative Session, and meet the staff. Representatives from MACU will also be available to discuss financial programs for public employees.

UPEA hosts annual appreciation events to recognize public employees for their continued dedication and service – this year, UPEA has partnered with Mountain America Credit Union to make them bigger and better than ever.

Thanks & Franks

UPEA knows public employees deserve the best, even when it comes to hot dogs – so we’re leaving that part to the professionals. This year, J. DAWGS is bringing their finest franks to help UPEA give a proper thanks.

spring & summer event schedule

DATE & TIME	LOCATION	ADDRESS
Thurs, May 5 11:30a-1:00p	Ogden Regional Center	2540 Washington Blvd., Ogden 1st Floor Conference Room
Tues, May 10 11:30a-1:00p	Dept. of Natural Resources	1594 West North Temple, SLC Board Room
Tues, May 17 11:00a-1:00p	Provo Regional Center	150 East Center Street, Provo West Courtyard
Thurs, May 19 11:30a-1:00p	Cannon Health Department	288 North 1460 West, SLC East Patio
Thurs, May 26 11:00a-1:00p	Heber Wells & Olene Walker Buildings	140 East 300 South, SLC Center Courtyard
Tues, May 31 11:30a-1:00p	State Office of Education	250 East 500 South, SLC Basement Conference Room
Thurs, June 2 11:00a-1:00p	Public Health Lab	4431 South 2700 West, Taylorsville East Lawn
Thurs, June 2 11:00a-1:00p	Cal Rampton Complex	4501 South 2700 West, Taylorsville East Courtyard
Thurs, June 9 11:00a-1:00p	Tax Commission	210 North 1950 West, SLC West Lawn
Thurs, June 16 11:00a-1:00p	Utah State Hospital	1300 East Center Street, Provo Chapel
Thurs, June 23 11:30a-1:00p	Salt Lake County Government Center	2001 South State Street, SLC Central Plaza
Thurs, July 21 12:30-2p	Utah State Developmental Center	895 North 900 East, American Fork Pavilion

SPREAD THE WORD & BRING YOUR COWORKERS! Employees are invited to attend any of the events listed below – members & non-members welcome.

Existing members will receive $50 for each new member they recruit and incentives will be offered for on-the-spot enrollment.

CONTACT US:

801-264-8732

1000 W. Bellwood Lane

Murray, UT. 84107

UPEA 2022 Scholarship Recipients

April 27, 2022April 27, 2022UPEA Blog

Utah Public Employees' Association

2022 Scholarship Recipients

The Utah Public Employees’ Association is excited to announce the winners of the 2022 scholarships sponsored by Mountain America Credit Union. This is the 15th year that UPEA has offered these scholarships, and the nominees are only getting more impressive.

Selections are based on academic achievement, community service, future plans, and skills or hobbies outside of school. UPEA sought to find three well-balanced individuals who will use the $1,000 awards to further their careers and continue to serve their communities. UPEA appreciates the service provided by public employees and hopes that these scholarships serve to ensure that the next generation embraces that commitment to public service.

After reviewing the applications, UPEA had a hard time narrowing the nominee pool down to three. One extraordinary applicant stood out in ways the normal qualifications did not consider. The Association felt this candidate deserved recognition, and Mountain America was generous enough to offer an additional $500 scholarship to the 4th candidate.

Tennille Miller is an advanced standing graduate student at Utah State University. She is pursuing her Master of Social Work while working for the Division of Child and Family Services on the Transition to Adult Living team. Tennille has volunteered with The Village Run, the Lehi Drill Team, and the Riley Foundation. Tennille is passionate about supporting teens in foster care and difficult life situations, she plans to become a therapist for adolescents after she graduates.

Serena Nstalintshali is a senior at Olympus High School and will attend the University of Utah to study Biochemistry. She maintained a 4.0 grade-point average (GPA) throughout high school while exploring her passion in drawing, training to become a medical assistant at the Granite Technical Institute, and volunteering at Millcreek Elementary where she tutors in art and assists students with their STEM projects. Serena hopes to pursue a career as a physician assistant.

Blake Sullivan is currently serving a religious mission in Tucson, Arizona and plan to attend Utah State University to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. Blake graduated from Alta High School with a 4.0 GPA and was ranked #1 in his class. In high school, Blake competed on the school’s swim team and served the community by organizing food donations and installing dog waste stations on a local hiking trail. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree, Blake plans to earn a Master’s in Business Administration.

Travis Dimick served as an officer for the Department of Corrections for 23 years before retiring in 2021. Since then, Travis enrolled at SLCC to pursue a degree in mortuary science and obtain his license as a funeral director. He finished his first semester with a 3.8 GPA and earned spot on the honor roll. Travis has served in his local church congregation and volunteered in various capacities for UPEA. Travis is passionate about helping families during their time of grief and hopes to run his own funeral homes in the future.

CONTACT US:

801-264-8732

1000 W. Bellwood Lane

Murray, UT. 84107

Utah Public Employees' Association

A Message from UPEA President, Dennis Kay

April 27, 2022April 28, 2022UPEA Blog

“UPEA successfully secured so many wins during Utah’s 2022 Legislative Session – I’d like to tell you the story of just one of those…”

A Message from UPEA President, Dennis Kay

UPEA successfully secured so many wins during Utah’s 2022 Legislative Session – I’d like to tell you the story of just one of those wins.

During the 2020 election season, UPEA became aware of a campaign to do away with the Career Service System in the State of Utah. This has been an ongoing issue in state government for over a decade. During this time the legislature, DHRM, and other state departments have acted, and in many cases, not acted on suggestions to improve employee pay, training, and performance – these instances were later identified in the 2021 Follow-up Audit to the State’s Career Service System.

In 2010 the legislature passed HB 140, Human Resource Management Amendments, which in part, directed the State of Utah to provide management training for supervisors in the executive branch. This bill also provided direction for employee pay increases to award successful job performance. In general, these directives from the legislature were not followed.

In the 12 years since HB 140 passed, UPEA has advocated for this policy and provided suggestions on how to best implement the provisions of HB 140. Those who work for the state know that implementation has, in large part, not been done. There have been some exceptions where UPEA has been able to help legislators pass bills to help some public employees – In those cases, UPEA has been able to help construct applicable legislation and funding.

During the 2021 Legislative Session, Representative Christofferson offered his solution in HB 280, State Employment Amendments. This bill proposed re-establishing a pay plan for employees. It also required all newly assigned supervisors and managers to be career service exempt employees. Long story short, this bill did not pass.

UPEA started working with Representative Christofferson and other stakeholders to improve the bill over the interim. Representative Christofferson introduced HB 104, State Employment Amendments, at the start of the 2022 Legislative Session. Through the initial weeks of the session, UPEA continued to lobby for grievance protection, pay for performance incentives, and management training to be included in the bill, despite consistent pushback from the Division of Human Resource Management.

UPEA members contacted their legislators, asking them to support the UPEA inspired protections in the bill. UPEA staff, legislative consultants, and members all contributed to the Association’s lobbying efforts. After several substitute bills were proposed, 3rd Substitute House Bill 104 passed the legislature with numerous employee-friendly improvements, including language to implement a pay for performance plan and guardrails for Schedule AX employees. Click here for a full recap of HB 104.

There is still so much work to be done, the goal has not yet been reached. UPEA staff, consultants, officers, Board of Directors, and Advisory Council are constantly working on a plan to achieve those goals.

– UPEA President, Dennis Kay

LATEST NEWS

Candidate Endorsement Tracker

‘Thanks & Franks’ – UPEA Appreciation Lunches

UPEA 2022 Scholarship Recipients

A Message from UPEA President, Dennis Kay

CONTACT US:

801-264-8732

1000 W. Bellwood Lane

Murray, UT. 84107

HB 104 – Frequently Asked Questions

April 26, 2022May 2, 2022UPEA Blog

HB 104 - State Employment Amendments

Frequently Asked Questions

UPEA worked diligently with stakeholders in drafting, revising, and passing 3rd Sub. HB 104, State Employment Amendments. UPEA staff will continue overseeing the implementation of the bill and relay important information to members as agencies adapt. In order to ensure eligible employees are able to make an informed decision about forfeiting their Career Service Status, we have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding the transition to Schedule AX and implementation of HB 104.

What is the difference between Schedule B and Schedule AX?

Schedule B, or Career Service, employees can utilize the grievance process to address workplace concerns through their chain of command, up to the agency head. In certain situations, employees have the opportunity to take their cases to the Career Service Review Office.

Schedule AX employees are career service exempt and may be terminated for any reason that doesn’t violate state or federal law.

Who is eligible to opt into Schedule AX?

An individual in a supervisory position that requires the regular supervision and performance evaluation of an employee, is eligible to opt into Schedule AX.

What is the timeline to opt into Schedule AX?

Eligible employees have from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, to elect to transition to Schedule AX. Employees must fill out the electronic form provided by DHRM prior to June 30, 2023, in order to receive the 5% incentive.

If I opt into Schedule AX, when will I get the 5% Incentive Increase?

When an employee submits their intent to forfeit their Schedule B status, the 5% incentive will be effective immediately. The incentive will not be backdated to account for previous pay periods.

Is the 5% increase ongoing, or a one-time bonus?

For eligible employees that are not in longevity, the 5% increase will be ongoing. However, employees at or near longevity may be receiving the increase as a one-time bonus. DHRM is investigating potential outcomes for employees who are currently in longevity or may be put into longevity due to the 5% increase.

If I choose to retain my Schedule B status, are there situations in which I could become Schedule AX in the future?

Yes, if a Schedule B employee voluntarily moves to a Schedule AX position, they will forfeit their Schedule B status.

If my agency moves me involuntarily from one position to another, or from one building to another, will I retain my Schedule B status?

Yes, if you are moved involuntarily by management, you will not become Schedule AX in your new position.

Will I lose my retirement benefit by converting to AX?

No, electing Schedule AX will not harm your retirement or other benefits. The accrual rate and multiplier for Tier I and Tier II retirement systems will remain the same.

When will the changes to the grievance timeline be implemented?

On May 5, 2022, the deadline to file a grievance will be reduced from 30 working days to 10 working days. Please call the UPEA office at 801-264-8732 if you need to file a grievance.

UPEA will be meeting frequently with agency directors and the Division of Human Resource Management over the coming year in order to answer more questions about the various provisions of the bill. We will send out periodic communication to keep our members apprised.

Please contact your UPEA representative with specific questions.

CONTACT US:

801-264-8732

1000 W. Bellwood Lane

Murray, UT. 84107

Resolutions Sought for 2022 Policy and Platform

April 26, 2022April 27, 2022UPEA Blog

Resolutions Sought for 2022 Policy & Platform

The Resolutions Standing Committee has issued a call for resolutions to be considered for inclusion in UPEA’s Policy and Platform. The following items must be included on each resolution form:

Who is submitting the resolution?
Resolutions can be submitted by a district, a committee, or by a group of at least 10 UPEA members. A resolution form should include signatures.
Who is the contact person?
The resolution form must include the name and telephone number of an individual who can be contacted with questions.

Click here to view and print a blank resolution form. Resolutions must be submitted or postmarked no later than June 30, 2022. The Resolutions Committee will not consider resolutions received after this date.

Resolution forms can be submitted to angie@upea.net or mailed to the UPEA Office:

UPEA
Attn: Resolutions Committee
1000 Bellwood Lane
Murray, UT 84123-4494

CONTACT US:

801-264-8732

1000 W. Bellwood Lane

Murray, UT. 84107

UPEA Seeks Nominations for Second Vice President

April 26, 2022April 27, 2022UPEA Blog

Second Vice President Nominations

Qualified nominees must submit a letter of endorsement from their respective districts to the UPEA Board of Directors by May 5, 2022.

UPEA is seeking nominations for Second Vice President. The successful candidate will serve one year as Second Vice President, one year as First Vice President, one year as President, and one year as Immediate Past President.

To be considered a candidate for Second Vice President a nominee must be a dues-paying member of UPEA for at least one (1) year before the nomination. Qualified nominees must submit a letter of endorsement from their respective districts to the UPEA Board of Directors by Thursday, May 5, 2022. Nominations will not be accepted for members who have served as Immediate Past President during the past year.

A Primary Election will be held if more than two qualified candidates are nominated for Second Vice President. The Primary Election will be held from September 1 – October 1, 2022. Ballots will be counted on October 7, 2022. A General Election will be held from November 1 – December 1, 2022. Ballots will be counted on December 7, 2022.

The Second Vice President serves as chair of the UPEA Resolutions Committee and officially represents the Board of Directors as a voting member of the CAPE Committee. The First Vice President serves as chair of the UPEA Legislative Committee, which oversees the association’s legislative activity throughout the year. The President oversees the Board of Directors, Officers, and Advisory Council. The Immediate Past President serves as chair of the UPEA Nominations Committee and officially represents the Board of Directors as a voting member of the CAPE Committee.

Please submit nominations and district letters of endorsement to Angie Mann at angie@upea.net or at the UPEA offices located at 1000 West Bellwood Lane, Murray, UT, 84123. If you have any questions, please contact Angie at (801) 264-8732.

CONTACT US:

801-264-8732

1000 W. Bellwood Lane

Murray, UT. 84107

Discounted Lagoon Passes AVAILABLE NOW for UPEA Members

March 31, 2022March 31, 2022UPEA Blog

UPEA Membership Exclusive

Take $10 Off Lagoon Passports

Members can enter UPEA promo code online to purchase
Single Day Passports for $69.95.

During the 2022 season, UPEA members can purchase Single Day Passports to Lagoon for $69.95 – These tickets grant admission to all park attractions including Lagoon-A-Beach, Pioneer Village, and live entertainment.

Please enter the MEMBERS’ ACCESS PASSWORD below to reveal the promo code.

Members can contact their UPEA representative or call
801-264-8732 ext. 200 for the access password.

This discount can only be used for online purchases through the Lagoon Park website.
Visit www.lagoonpark.com/buy-tickets, click “Enter a Promo Code“, then enter the code revealed above. Your members’ access password IS NOT the promo code. The discounted passports will be located at the top of the list under “Promotional Special”. Tickets will no longer be available for purchase at the UPEA office.

You may only purchase up to 10 Single Day Passports per transaction – if you plan to buy more than 10, you will need to make an additional transaction. Please do not share UPEA’s promo code with nonmembers! Lagoon may discontinue this offer upon excessive abuse or unauthorized use of the promo code.

CONTACT US:

801-264-8732

1000 W. Bellwood Lane

Murray, UT. 84107

UPEA Secures Largest Total Compensation Package in 15 Years

March 4, 2022March 9, 2022Featured Content

UPEA Secures the Largest Total Compensation Package in Over Fifteen Years

On Friday, February 25, the Executive Appropriations Committee held their final meeting to review the official revenue estimates and finalize funding items for the upcoming fiscal year. The committee voted to approve the Governor’s compensation recommendations, including:

a 3.5% across-the-board Labor Market Increase
funding for “performance-based discretionary targeted and directed salary increases for state employees”
funding for the projected 6.7% PEHP health insurance premium increase
continued funding for the $26 401(k) match program

Furthermore, the committee approved additional funding for numerous bills and agency requests to address employee recruitment and retention issues and remain competitive in the current job market.

This is the largest total compensation package in over 15 years. UPEA wants to thank members for contacting their legislators regarding compensation throughout the session – your voice makes a major difference in UPEA’s lobbying efforts.

1st Sub. SB 8, State Agency & Higher Education Compensation Appropriations, received unanimous approval in the House and Senate during the final week of the session.

Candidate Endorsement Tracker

‘Thanks & Franks’ – UPEA Appreciation Lunches

UPEA 2022 Scholarship Recipients

CONTACT US:

801-264-8732

1000 W. Bellwood Lane

Murray, UT. 84107

Scholarship Application DEADLINE EXTENDED to March 10

March 1, 2022March 11, 2022UPEA Blog

The 2022 Mountain America Credit Union Scholarships are financial awards based on skill, scholastic ability, community service, and future career plans. Three (3) applicants will be awarded $1,000 scholarships in March and invited to attend a recognition banquet in the fall.

The deadline to apply for these scholarships has been EXTENDED – All applications must be emailed or postmarked by THURSDAY, MARCH 10 at 5:00pm.

Only members of both Mountain America Credit Union and UPEA, their spouses, and/or their dependents are eligible. Individuals that have been awarded this scholarship within the past two years are not eligible. This two-page application must be completed by the student. All applications must be received or postmarked by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 10.

REQUIRED DOCUMENT CHECKLIST:

Completed application form
Scholastic transcripts
Essay
ACT/SAT scores (if available)

Please mail your completed application packet to:
UTAH PUBIC EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
Attn: Kendle Zdunich
1000 W. Bellwood Lane
Murray, Utah 84123

Or email your completed application and supporting documents
to Kendle Zdunich at kendle@upea.net.

In addition to this form, applicants must attach the following documents:

Scholastic transcripts listing grades for the last three reporting periods at your high school/college. If available, please include your ACT/SAT scores.
A written summary, no more than 300 words, explaining how the student meets the judging criteria (skill, scholastic ability, community service and employment plans) and why he/she wishes to receive the scholarship.

Your application will be scored according to the following rubric:

25%—Scholastic ability
25%—Demonstration of interest and skills in one or more areas outside of school
25%—Demonstration of active participation in community service
25%—Demonstration of defined future career plans

The Utah Public Employees’ Association and Mountain America Credit Union membership requirement is verified before applicants are considered for scholarships. Incomplete applications are not considered. Students enrolled in correspondence courses are not eligible.

2022 Primary Election

Candidate Endorsement Tracker

More from UPEA:

employee appreciation days

Thanks & Franks

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2022 Scholarship Recipients

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A Message from UPEA President, Dennis Kay

LATEST NEWS

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Resolutions Sought for 2022 Policy & Platform

More from UPEA

Second Vice President Nominations

More from UPEA

UPEA Membership Exclusive

Take $10 Off Lagoon Passports

More from UPEA:

UPEA Secures the Largest Total Compensation Package in Over Fifteen Years

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