AFGE 1658 News0

$100/$100 New Member/Recruiter Rebate July 1- July 30, 2020

Brothers & Sisters,

Beginning July 1 through July 31, 2020 AFGE Local 1658 will raise it’s recruitment bonus from $50 for new members and $50 for the recruiter to $100 for new members and $100 for the recruiter.  This offer applies to new members who sign up through AFGE EDUES only.  The links below will take you to the enrolling instructions for your agency.

New members can be signed using a Non Government-furnished personal computer, smartphone or tablet at https://join.afge.org/ or Click here to go to the online enrollment form.

After you sign up the new member please email us at:

afge1658hunt@comcast.net
or
Zedrick.Brown@afge1658.org

and we will give you instructions on how to receive your rebate.

AFGE 1658 News0

AFGE 1658 Virtual Highway Cleanup Saturday June 27, 2020

Several years ago AFGE 1658 adopted the 11 Mile Rd service drive in front of the Detroit Arsenal, which included both sides and the greenspace from Mound to the railroad tracks. The adoption papers say at least three clean-ups a year, preferably just before a holiday weekend. The current pandemic has forced changes to all of our lives and road clean-ups are no different.
Thus, the AFGE 1658’s first “Virtual Clean-up”. Here’s the plan: Select a park, greenway, playground, school, etc. (avoids roads in this instance) in your neighborhood and join your Union Brothers and Sisters on Saturday, June 27, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. to clean up your little corner of the world. As clean-up go, this one has to be for the love of the game!
We won’t be there with the usual amenities such as: water, trash bags, gloves, sun screen, hats, vests and biohazard containers for needles, etc. so please plan for your safety and comply with State of Michigan guidelines for social distancing, masks, etc.  If you do not believe you can conduct the clean-up safely you should not do it!
BUT, if you believe you can conduct a clean-up safely and decide to invest in your neighborhood, and we hope you will, please send us a photo of yourself: Including your name, bag of trash, and a handmade sign saying (or your own version) “I love my neighborhood-Me and AFGE 1658” (Disclaimer: All photos may be posted on our web portal, so please let us know if you do not want your photo posted.)
We will be awarding four (4) $25 gift cards in a drawing of those who submit a photo.
If you have an AFGE hat, shirt or clothing please wear it.
The POC for this event is:
Mike Johnson “Trash Captain”
AFGE 1658 External / Veterans Affairs
AFGE 1658 News0

Workers First Caravan for Racial and Economic Justice

On Wednesday, June 17, working people from Michigan will join with workers in all 50 states to take part in a Workers First Caravan for Racial and Economic Justice, a massive national day of action calling for bold policies to confront the three crises facing America: a public health pandemic, an economic free fall and long-standing structural racism. America’s Five Economic Essentials must be combined with policing reforms and implemented in ways that recognize the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on workers of color. This is why working people demand Congress pass the HEROES Act.

 

Metro Detroit AFL-CIO would like to invite you to participate in our Workers First Caravan for Racial and Economic Justice:

  • When:Wednesday, June 17, 2020
  • Time: STAGING: 12:30 p.m. LAUNCH: 1:00 p.m.
  • Where:START: IBEW Local 58 1358 Abbott St, Detroit, MI 48226 END: Metro Detroit AFL-CIO 115 W. Willis St. Detroit 48201
  • Route:TBD (Points of interest: Michigan Labor Legacy Monument [8 minute 46 second tribute and protest of police brutality], Main Post Office Fort St., Detroit Medical Center)
  • Action Toolkit: https://toolkit.workersfirstcaravan.org/#h.jsxcq4eigg48

Click here to RSVP.

AFGE 1658 News0

AFGE COVID-19 Resources and Member Benefits

Dear Union Member

 

As we face the COVID-19 pandemic together, all of us at AFGE understand that your focus is on the health and safety of your families and communities.  The pandemic has impacted people across the country and your AFGE team wants you to know we are here for you.  Our Local wanted to share with you during this difficult time AFGE Member Benefit resources that may be able to help.

 

If you are a Union Member:

 

Many of you already have AFGE Federation Wide Authorized coverage through Colonial Life that may have benefits payable to you during this time. When you last made decisions about your family’s benefits, you likely had no reason to anticipate an emergency of this magnitude. To help address your concerns and risks, remote Benefit Counselors are happy to assist you with reviewing your existing coverage to determine if there are any claims payable to you. If you would like to learn about your options, Colonial Life will be able to help with selecting benefits through a virtual enrollment experience or phone conference to help you prepare for the unexpected.

 

If you are thinking about joining the Union:

 

When you become an AFGE member, you join more than 309,000 other government employees who are united to build a government that works for all Americans and not just the rich and powerful. By standing together, AFGE members have a stronger voice when defending your pay, retirement, and job security.  You can join the Union to access these valuable coverage options since you must be a Union Member to participate in these benefits.

 

If you are Retiring soon:

 

You can continue with your Colonial Life voluntary coverage as long as you keep your AFGE membership fees paid.

 

To learn more about your available options:

  • Your benefits booklet can be found HERE
  • Schedule an appointment online by clicking HERE
  • You can enroll online by clicking HERE
  • Contact the Garland-Hill Agency at

(866) 582-1777 or Info@GarlandHill.com

  • Contact our Local’s Benefit Representative

Tami Callahan at (248) 496-0906 or Tami.Callahan@ColonialMI.com

 

Colonial Union Member Benefits Letter from President 05-05-2020

 

AFGE 1658 News0

Some Veterans May Need to Take This Extra Step to Get Their Stimulus Check

Congress recently passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which includes a $1,200 stimulus check for eligible taxpayers whose income falls under the eligibility threshold. The income eligibility limit is based on your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from your 2019 tax return, or your 2018 tax return if you have not yet filed your taxes.
But what if your income level is low enough that you don’t have to file a tax return? Or what if your sole source of income is non-taxable, such as VA Disability Compensation  Click Here
The good news is that you will still be eligible for the stimulus check. But it may not be sent automatically. Even if your income is low enough that you don’t need to file a tax return, you may have to file one in order to receive the stimulus check.
Let’s take a look at the full details.
2020 Economic Stimulus Check Eligibility
The stimulus check    is designed to help individuals with lower income levels. Single taxpayers whose AGI is $75,000 or lower are eligible for the full $1,200 check. The check amount decreases as your income increases, until you reach the limit of $99,000. Single taxpayers with an AGI above $99,000 will not receive a stimulus check.
Married taxpayers filing jointly are each eligible to receive a stimulus check, up to a total of $2,400. The qualifying AGI limit for married couples is double that of single individuals. Married couples who have an AGI of $150,000 or less will receive the full $2,400. That amount phases out until the limit of $198,000; married couples who earn more than that amount will not be eligible for a stimulus check.
There is an additional $500 for each child under the age of 17 who is claimed as a dependent.
How and When You Will Receive Your Stimulus Check
In most cases, no action is needed on your part. The IRS will automatically process most stimulus checks. It plans to send the checks in the same way taxpayers elected to receive their tax refunds when they filed their taxes. If you chose to receive your tax refund via direct deposit, the IRS will use the same information to send your stimulus check.
If you chose to receive your refund via a check or if the IRS does not have any direct deposit information for you, it will send your check to the address it has on file.
The IRS plans to start sending stimulus checks as early as April 6, 2020. However, it can take up to a week from the time the checks are sent until they clear your bank. The IRS has not stated how long it will take to process stimulus checks paid via direct deposit. However, based on tax refund schedules   , it will likely take several weeks to process all of these stimulus checks.
If you are among the estimated 40% of taxpayers who do not have direct deposit information on file, your wait will most likely be longer. The IRS has estimated that it will likely take up to four months to send out all stimulus checks via mail. Officials hope to start sending physical checks beginning the week of May 4, 2020. They expect to process approximately 5 million checks per week ; processing all the checks could take several months.
The IRS is working on a portal on its site to allow taxpayers to either update their direct deposit information or track the status of their stimulus check. However, it could be several weeks before this is ready.
What if You Didn’t File a Tax Return?
You are not required to file a tax return if your income falls under a specific limit, or if you only have non-taxable income, such as Social Security Disability (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), VA disability compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC)  , or similar benefits.
If your only income is from Social Security benefits, or a combination of Social Security benefits and VA disability compensation, you are covered. The IRS has announced it will automatically send stimulus checks to those who receive Social Security benefits.
However, if you don’t file a tax return because your income is too low and you don’t receive Social Security benefits, you will need to file a tax return in order to receive the stimulus check.
This is a common situation for some lower-income individuals who receive VA disability compensation .
If this describes you, you will need to file a tax return this year in order to receive a stimulus check, even if your income level doesn’t “require” you to file one. This is the only way the IRS will be able to determine whether you qualify for a stimulus check. If you do not file a tax return, you will most likely not receive a check.
How to File Your Tax Return
The IRS offers the Free File program  for all taxpayers who have an AGI of $69,000 or less. You can do this directly through the IRS website, or with one of its approved Free File organizations. Most of the major tax software companies offer Free File .
The IRS pushed back the tax-filing deadline. Tax returns are normally due by April 15 each year. However, due to the disruptions in the economy, theIRS pushed back the tax deadline to July 15, 2020 .
That said, the sooner you file your tax return, the sooner you will be eligible to receive the stimulus check. And while you’re at it, include your direct deposit information. You will receive your stimulus check much more quickly via direct deposit than a physical check (up to several months sooner).
By Ryan Guina
Respectfully;
Mark A. Meadows (CBSP) (GCDF)
Community Employment Coordinator
John D. Dingell VA Medical Center
4646 John R. Street Detroit MI 48201
Cell: (313) 608-7615
United States Marine Corps Veteran
VA Core Values:Integrity Commitment Advocacy Respect Excellence
VA Core Characteristics: Trustworthy | Accessible | Quality | Innovative | Agile | Integrated
Confidentiality Notice for Email Communication: This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed.   This email may be legally privileged.   If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering this email to the intended recipient, be advised that you have received this email in error.   Any use, disclosure, forwarding, dissemination, copying, printing or distribution of this email is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.   If you have received this email in error please delete immediately and inform the sender.
CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED
AFGE 1658 News0

FEDERAL EMPLOYEE RIGHTS PAID SICK LEAVE AND EXPANDED FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE UNDER THE FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires the Federal government to provide all of its employees with paid sick leave and, for employees who are covered under Title I of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), with expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. These provisions will apply from April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020.

► PAID LEAVE ENTITLEMENTS

Generally, the Federal government must provide Federal employees:

Up to two weeks (80 hours, or a part-time employee’s two-week equivalent) of paid sick leave based on the higher of their regular rate of pay, or the applicable state or Federal minimum wage, paid at:

•  100% for qualifying reasons #1-3 below, up to $511 daily and $5,110 total; and

•  2/3 for qualifying reasons #4 and 6 below, up to $200 daily and $2,000 total.

Federal employees including those not covered under Title I of the FMLA can receive either 2/3 of the higher of their regular rate of pay, or the applicable state or Federal minimum wage for the two-week period for qualifying reason #5 below. However, for leave under qualifying reason #5, Federal employees covered under Title I of the FMLA can receive 10 additional weeks of expanded family and medical leave for reason #5 below, up to $200 daily and $12,000 total. 

A part-time employee is eligible for leave for the number of hours that the employee is normally scheduled to work over that period.

► ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES

All Federal employees are eligible for up to two weeks of fully or partially paid sick leave for COVID-19 related reasons (see below). Federal employees who are covered under Title I of the FMLA and have been employed for at least 30 days prior to their leave request are eligible for up to an additional 10 weeks of partially paid expanded family and medical leave for reason #5 below.

Most federal employees are not covered under Title I of the FMLA and so would not be eligible for partially paid expanded family and medical leave. Please consult with your agency to determine whether you are covered under Title I of the FMLA. The Office of Personnel and Management will issue guidance on this question.

► QUALIFYING REASONS FOR LEAVE RELATED TO COVID-19

A Federal employee is entitled to take leave related to COVID-19 if the employee is unable to work, including unable to telework, because the employee:

  1. is subject to a Federal, State, or local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19;
  2.  has been advised by a health care provider to  self-quarantine related to COVID-19;
  3.  is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and is seeking  a medical diagnosis;
  4.  is caring for an individual subject to an order described in (1) or self-quarantine as described in (2);
  5. is caring for his or her child whose school or place of care is closed (or child care provider is unavailable) due to COVID-19 related reasons; or
  6.  is experiencing any other substantially-similar condition specified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

► ENFORCEMENT

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has the authority to investigate and enforce compliance with the FFCRA for Federal employers covered under Title I of the FMLA. Employers may not discharge, discipline, or otherwise discriminate against any employee who lawfully takes paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave under the FFCRA, files a complaint, or institutes a proceeding under or related to this Act. Federal employers covered under Title I of the FMLA in violation of the provisions of the FFCRA will be subject to penalties and enforcement by WHD.

For additional information or to file a complaint: 1-866-487-9243                                                                                                                              TTY: 1-877-889-5627                                                                                                                                                                                            dol.gov/agencies/whd

2020 FFCRA_Poster_WH1422_Federal

AFGE 1658 News0

AFGE Local 1658 Operational Status

Sisters and Brothers,
The Union Office will have Limited hours of operation during this COVID-19 situation.   All services are by appointment only in order to limit group sizes.   If you are in need of assistance please call 586-282-6102 and/or email afge1658hunt@comcast.net  or Zedrick.Brown@afge1658.org.   We will be checking our voicemail often so if you need assistance please leave your name, phone number, organization, and any additional comments you care to share within your message. We will pass along your concerns to the appropriate Union Steward who will contact you as soon as possible
Thank you
Local 1658
AFGE 1658 News0

DoD Collective Bargaining Rights Are on The Line

Your voice at work – and the voices of nearly half a million Department of Defense employees – is about to be silenced by this administration.

On February 21, 2020, this administration published in the Federal Register a memo from President Trump to Defense Secretary Mark Esper delegating to the Defense Secretary the power to deny Department of Defense workers the freedom to collectively bargain. Their rationale?

They want increased flexibility for national security reasons. This is a direct attack on your freedom to join your union and use your voice to bargain for a better life at work. Defense employees, many of whom are veterans themselves, aren’t a threat to national security – we are there ensuring proper staffing, resources, and training so our country and our brave service members stay safe.

Before it’s too late, you must send two important emails to urge Congress to act and fend off these assaults on your rights. The Senate and House Armed Services Committees must hear from DoD workers across the nation about the serious damage this will do to your rights and to the Department’s mission.

Click here to email the House and Senate Armed Services Committees.

We must act now before it’s too late. Take these actions today!

In Solidarity,
AFGE

AFGE 1658 News0

CDC Corona Virus Information

This is official notification that the Department for Health and Human Services, Center For Disease Control (CDC) has provided Federal Agencies with material and information, (See link below), due to public concerns of the Corona Virus and personal hygiene.   This information will be placed on Agency bulletin boards and may also be placed in common areas such as rest rooms and break rooms where hand washing may occur. .

Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Fact Sheets and Posters

Click here to link to the CDC website on COVID19