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Section 519 Study Information Page
SSA WEP Ruling
Hurricane Isaac Info
*****NGB Rescinds Time Off Award Restrictions******
FURLOUGH DEFCON: 1 - IMMINENT (AGAIN)
Hey Guys, How's 11 Days Sound...Is That Ok?
See SecDef
Furlough Memo |
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129th RQW Troubles Continue; Officer with DUI
Conviction Fills High Profile Positions, Awaits
Promotion
Appointment of Same
Officer to Fulfill the Role of Both SARC and PAO
is Glaring Conflict of Interest
by Ben Banchs
Mountain View, CA (June 9, 2013) -
The troubles continue to mount for the
leadership of the 129th Rescue Wing (RQW) based
at Moffett Field in Mountain View California,
and for Major General David Baldwin, who
continues to sit on the sidelines pretending
everything is fine. Read full story
here.
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Master Sergeant
Jessica Brown |
CA Air National Guard Whistleblower
Attempts Suicide
Guard Leadership Sends Employment Termination Paperwork
to ER Via Courier as She Lay Semi-conscious in Hospital
by Ben Banchs
Mountain View, CA (May 14, 2013) -
Master Sergeant Jessica Brown, an Active Guard Reserve (AGR)
member of the 129th Rescue Wing (RQW) based at Moffett Field in
Mountain View, California, attempted suicide last Thursday, May
9th, after apparently finding out that a technicality may have
derailed a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) process she had been
waiting on for over 18 months. Read full story
here.
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DoD file photo
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Defense Expected to Cut Furlough Days to 11
The Defense Department is likely to cut the
number of civilian furlough days from 14 to 11,
and will probably add additional exceptions for
certain classes of workers, according to an Associated
Press report.
No final decision has officially been announced,
though that could come as early as Tuesday
afternoon.
Read full article
here.
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Chief Master Sergeant
Chris Martin
(photo credit: readMedia.com) |
NGB Misled the EEOC About
Rep's Lack of
Experience
Claimed EEO Manager was Inexperienced;
Recognized Him for Being
"One of the best in his field..."
by Ben Banchs
New Orleans, LA (May 10, 2013) - As we
previously reported, the National Guard Bureau's (NGB) is
trying to convince Congress to enact legislation that would
change who's responsible for hearing Dual-Status
Technician complaints of harassment, discrimination, and even
sexual assault. In accordance with Federal law, National Guard
Dual-Status Technicians are
civilian employees of the Department of the Army or Air Force.
As such, whenever a technician has one of these types of
complaints they can seek remedy through the Equal Employment
Opportunity (EEO) process available to all Federal employees under
Title VII. NGB's request to change the law would
force technician complaints to be dealt with via military
channels, and would limit the appeals process to the Adjutants
General level, allowing no further review by anyone, not
even Federal courts. Read full article
here.
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NGB Decides It's Easier to Change the
Law than to Actually Follow It
Attempts to Strip Away Equal Employment (EEO) Protections
from Military Technicians
by Ben Banchs
New Orleans, LA (May 4, 2013) - At a
time when the US Air Force is coming under fire because a
top General used his legal discretion to overturn a jury
conviction of sexual assault against a fellow officer, it
would seem odd that another branch of the DoD would be thinking
of doing anything but enhancing protections against sexual
harassment and assault, and other workplace violations. Right?
Wrong! Click
here for full article.
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"One Team, One Fight" Approach to Furloughs
Smacks of Ineffective Leadership at DoD
Brain Drain
Obvious Within DoD
by Ben Banchs
New Orleans, LA (May
1, 2013) - The latest news about DoD's planned approach to the furloughs is,
well, it's just plain ridiculous. According to
an
article on GovExec.com, DoD Press Secretary
George Little stated the department is
emphasizing a "One Team, One Fight" approach
even though DoD acknowledges that many
sub-components within the department are more
than capable of absorbing Sequester mandated
cuts without having to actually furlough
employees. The question that DoD should
then be asked is "why?" Click
here for full article.
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LiUNA!
General
President Terry O'Sullivan
Speaks Out Against NG Technician Furloughs |
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click here for this and other videos on our YouTube
Channel |
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GUIDANCE ISSUED BY US ARMY 20 MAR 13
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Sequestration
Special Report |
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YouTube
FULL 30 Minute NBC Bay Area Report about the CA Natl' Guard |
 
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January 22, 2013
NBC Interviews LIUNA NGDC Business Manager
About Corruption Allegations in CA
From NBC: "The California National
Guard’s largest union is questioning the leadership of the
organization’s highest ranking member, Adjutant General David
Baldwin, following a series of investigations by the NBC Bay
Area Investigative Unit and KNBC-TV in Los Angeles."
Culture of Corruption Within the National Guard:
2012:
Corruption in the AZ NG Exposed by AZ Republic
2012:
Corruption in the CA NG Exposed by SacBee
2012:
Corruption in the GA NG Exposed by AJC
2011:
Corruption in the LA NG
Exposed by SAF IG
2010:
Corruption in the TX NG Exposed by KHOU
2001:
Nationwide NG
Corruption Exposed by USAToday |
February 22, 2013
NBC Follow-up: CA Guard Leader Denies Accusations by Members
From NBC: "Members of the California National Guard have accused
Adjutant General David Baldwin of failing to address what they
call a toxic culture inside the Guard. For more than five
months, Baldwin has avoided NBC Bay Area’s questions on the
matter.
He has cancelled interviews and declined numerous requests to
sit down and answer critical questions. The Investigative Unit
told General Baldwin to expect cameras and questions, and he
recently found both. NBC Bay Area caught up with him on the
streets of San Francisco before he made an appearance at an
event." |
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Mr. Jessey Baca and his wife
Maria stand with Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM)
prior to his testimony in front of the Veteran's Affairs
Committee
regarding his Burn Pit Registry legislation
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Udall-Corker Burn Pit Registry Signed Into Law
Jessey and Maria Baca's Efforts
Will Benefit Many
Others Who Were Exposed To The Toxic Plumes
WASHINGTON U.S. Sens. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Bob Corker
(R-Tenn.) announced that today President Obama signed their bill
to establish a registry of service members and veterans who were
exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes from open-air burn pits in
Iraq and Afghanistan into law. Click
here for the full story.
Related Story:
MSgt
Jessey Baca's Efforts Recognized by NM Local 1636 |
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FLASHBACK 2001 |
The More Things Change The More They Stay The Same
USA Today Documents Rampant Corruption at Highest Guard
Levels...
Over 10 Years Ago!
Back in 2001 USA Today reported about
a culture of misconduct that existed throughout the National
Guard, and which thrived at the highest levels. Read more
here. |
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Kathryn Lindberg (center wearing
white) sits with
other
California National Guard whistleblowers as they are
questioned by
NBC News Reporters |
NBC/NGDC Cross Paths:
Kathryn Lindberg's Story
Validates Corruption Claims
Career Pilot Was Grounded For
Raising Concerns About Discrimination
As NBC continues to look into allegations of corruption, their
investigation has crossed-paths with a case the Union became
involved in at the request of MG David Baldwin. Kathryn
Lindberg's nearly three-decade long flying career was
unceremoniously ended by California National Guard leaders after
she raised concerns about discrimination. Click
here to read Kathryn's story. |
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NBC Investigates Allegations: Discrimination, Harassment
Rampant in CA Nat'l Guard
MG Baldwin Cancels Interview
NBC News affiliates in
California have cracked the lid wide open on a 5-month long
investigation concerning allegations of harassment,
discrimination, and whistleblower retaliation practices which
are going unchecked within the California National Guard.
The story is not news to this organization, and we're actually
pleased that it's getting media attention. LIUNA NGDC is
extremely disappointed in MG David Baldwin's inability or
unwillingness to correct the culture of corruption that he was
appointed to fix. While we
publicly endorsed Baldwin's
appointment last February, we're disturbed by the continued
reluctance of his command to take action against senior leaders
who are obviously abusing their power.
You can access the NBC stories here:
NBC Los Angeles Investigative Report
NBC Bay Area Investigative Report |
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Election 2012 |
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LIUNA-Backed Heinrich Wins New Mexico US Senate Seat
LIUNA is proud to announce
that our candidate for Senate in New Mexico, Rep. Martin
Heinrich, defeated his opponent, Heather Wilson, winning 51% of the vote.
Wilson managed to get a little over 45%. Heinrich will take over
the seat vacated by Jeff Bingaman.
Rep. Heinrich is no stranger to the New Mexico Army and Air
National Guard. He was a key player in preserving the jobs of
the nearly one thousand men and women who are assigned to the
150th Fighter Wing. Read more here. |
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Credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images/CBS |
LIUNA-Backed Combat Vet Duckworth Heads to DC
Duckworth Defeats Incumbent
Walsh Who Dismissed Her Service and Valor
After making a complete fool
of himself during a hard-fought campaign, Tea Party incumbent
Joe Walsh (R-IL) made one gaffe too many and was unable to
outrun his
dismissal of opponent Tammy Duckworth's military service and
combat injuries. Walsh lost to Duckworth by a respectable
margin. Duckworth now heads to DC to represent Illinois' 8th
District.
Read more here. |
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LiUNA!
NGDC 4th Quarter Meeting Huge Success!!! Click to Read More... |
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Check
Out Video Messages to LIUNA National Guard Technicians from
LIUNA GP and Members of Congress |
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California NG
Local 2163 Member Barajas Wins New iPad |
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CA NG Union/Management Return to Negotiating Table
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Section 519 Technician Study |
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DoD Technician Workforce Survey Gets Green Light
Washington, DC (November 13, 2012) – DoD held a meeting with LIUNA and other
Unions that represent National Guard Technicians in order to provide an update
on the FY12 NDAA Section 519 Study, and to request input for a DoD-sponsored
technician workforce survey which is now slated to take place sometime next
Spring. Click here
to read the rest of the story. |
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21st Century National Guard
Good Ole Guard Days Gone
1 Weekend a Month, 2 Weeks a Year,
No More
Drill Stays Unchanged
AT Increases from 2 to 7 Weeks/Year
Gen. Ray Odierno's recent
revelation to the
USA Today that the Army National Guard's annual training
requirements will permanently increase has gone largely
unnoticed, but the long term repercussions could be
considerable.
Read full story here. |
Local 2132 Michigan
John Manning Joins Union
And Wins a 40+ Inch HDTV
John Manning is going to appreciate watching his favorite
televisions shows from now on as he enjoys the crisp, clear
picture of his brand new Union-bought Big Screen HDTV, courtesy
of LIUNA Local 2132 and the National Guard District Council
(NGDC).
John is one of Local 2132's newest members. He recently joined
the ranks of the Union during their October 2012 Membership
drive. To read the rest of the story click
here. |
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Writing on the Wall:
VP Choice Signals Extended Pay Freezes
and Reduced Benefits
Freeze Sucka:
Obama Extends Pay Freeze Until
Congress Passes Budget
1
for You , 2 for Me:
Congressional pay raise in 2013? |
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Member Benefits
Union Plus Benefits Pay Off For One Member's Family as Daughter
Graduates Top of Class, Receives
Scholarship
Local 2132 Member Gets Help For
College
by Ben Banchs |
Ben Banchs (right) stands with
Richard Grosskopf at
the MATES Facility located in Grayling, Michigan. |
Grayling, MI (October18, 2012) - If employees have any doubts as
to the value of being a LIUNA member then all they need to do is
listen to the story of Richard Grosskopf, a Member of Local 2132
since 1993. Richard has been in the Army for nearly 30 years.
He spent 5 of those on active duty, and the rest with the
Michigan Army National Guard. He's currently a Tool and Parts
Attendant working at the MATES facility in Grayling, Michigan.
In early 2011 his daughter, Richelle, was getting ready to
graduate from Grayling High School. She was ranked #1 in her
class, and was already going to receive some tuition assistance
because of her Leading Scholar performance. However, Richelle
was looking for other ways to help ease the burden of tuition on
her parents. So Richelle applied for one of the scholarships
available to LIUNA Members through the
Union Plus Web Site.
Richelle was one of over 100 applicants to receive a scholarship
through the Union Plus program. She's listed on their page of
recipients for 2011. Richelle was the only $3000 winner. The
scholarship "helped tremendously" said Richard. With tuition
costs reaching or exceeding $25,000, every little bit helps.
Richelle is currently attending Michigan Tech (MTU).
Congratulations to Richelle for all her achievements, and to
Richard for his loyal service to his country and his long-term
membership with the Union. We wish them all well. |
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Ready to Sound-Off?
Visit the
EANGUS
and
NGAUS
Legislative Action Pages and Let Congress Know Where
You Stand |
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Other News: |
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7/6/2012:
LIUNA NGDC Endorses Rep. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) for US Senate
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7/4/2012:
Hatch Act Guidance:
What you can and can't do politically as a Federal
Employee |
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7/4/2012:
Find out why
LIUNA is the Union of choice for National Guard Technicians |
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4/10/2012:
Bonus Bucks Page added to help with Organizing |
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3/23/2012:
Check Out the NGDC POVOX Page |
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1/1/2012:
Local 2132 Member Patrick See Wins Big! |
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National Guard Magazine
Proposed Cut to Drill Pay Rattles Guard Ranks
From NGM: "Guard reaction to a proposal to cut weekend drill pay
has been swift, overwhelmingly negative and duly noted on
Capitol Hill." Read more in this months edition of
NGM. |
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Veterans Benefits
Veterans Crisis Line Provides Much Needed Resources and Help to
Service Men, Women, and Families that May Be Experiencing
Difficult Times
From the Veterans Crisis Line
Website:
"The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their
families and friends with qualified, caring Department of
Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free
hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can
call 1-800-273-8255 and Press
1,chat
online,
or send a text message to 838255 to
receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365
days a year. More
about the Veterans Crisis Line."
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West Coast Spotlight
Union Gets Mixed Signals as Management Team Uses Delay Tactics
to Stall Contract Negotiations
After repeatedly
pushing back contract negotiations for the last year, Management
representatives resort to delay tactics during the first week of
Contract Negotiations. Click
here to read the rest of the story.
Reps from LIUNA Local 2163
Meet with
Major General
David Baldwin
For the second time in the last year, representatives from the
National Guard District Council (NGDC) and Local 2163 sat down
with MG David Baldwin, California National Guard (CNG) Adjutant
General, to discuss events that have taken place since their
last meeting in June 2011, and to talk about the way forward.
Related Story:
MG
Baldwin Implements Open Door Policy |
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USERRA Alert
Changes to
USERRA Law and What it Means to Guardsmen
The FY12 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) contained a
provision that has gone largely unnoticed, but one that will
have a significant impact on National Guard members who are
ordered to stateside active duty by either the President or the
Secretary of Defense, from now on. Click
here to
read story and Q&A from OPM.
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Social Security
Benefits Alert
8th Circuit
Appeals Court Ruling May Have Significant Impact on Technician
Retirement
Court decides that Social Security retirement benefits
for National Guard Dual-Status Technicians are exempt from the
Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). Click
here to read full story. |
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