11/28 Weekly Email
Hi all,
I’m sending this out early due to most employee’s condensed work week. This may be my last communication for a few weeks (see last paragraph for more details) so I hope your November ends on a happy note and your early December is stress free.
First, Employee of the Quarter program. Please don’t forget that nominations for the first round of our UAEA Employee of the Quarter program are due on December 15th. We have only received a few nominations so far and would love a large group to consider for our first iteration. Please note that self-nominations are okay as long as there is sufficient detail justifying the submission. The app should take no more than 5 minutes to complete, 10 minutes if you add significant detail. Winners will be announced in our January newsletter and each will receive accolades, a spot of honor on our website, UAEA merch, and a gift card. Please don’t forget that if you submit after the first deadline we will consider the application for the following quarter - application review is rolling and the survey will remain open indefinitely.
Second, Nationwide information. Daniel from Nationwide spoke at our member’s meeting two weeks ago and provided a basic overview of 457k and 401k programs. We reached out to him and our main Nationwide rep for copies of his materials and obtained a number of useful pdf reference guides. It’s possible you’ve seen these materials before in printed form but I know I personally have misplaced multiple copies of retirement materials - download these as a reference if you need a refresher on retirement and reach out to Nancy Feibach if you want to make changes to your account.
Third, Segal Market Study. Segal presented an initial overview of their market study analysis last week. I would strongly encourage employees review the video and familiarize themselves with the methodology prior to Segal making formal recommendations regarding changes to pay.
Fourth, Tempe Fantasy of Lights Street Parade. If you need something to do this weekend with friends or family, the annual Tempe Festival of Lights is scheduled for November 29th, from 4-8PM in downtown Tempe. There are usually several dozen floats and vehicles participating in the parade and often a few float submissions from City departments. There will also be a holiday tree lighting ceremony and pictures with Santa - find more information here.
One last important note: I will be on vacation from December 3rd thru December 16th. I will be back and answering emails on December 17th. If you need assistance during that period please reach out to Vice President Leah Sergeant or our Resolutions Coordinator Natalya Ennels. Brian Gonzales, our Treasurer, will also have the union phone if you would like to call.
To wrap up, Thanksgiving is on Thursday and I wanted to express some appreciation for both UAEA’s Executive Team and you the members. The Executive Team has been working hard running our organization and representing members in disciplinary matters over the last few months - I really am thankful for all the work they do to keep this organization functioning, sitting on interview panels, and giving members the support they need. I could not be effective as President without a team of driven and competent people at my back - I am happy we’ve been able to cultivate a group of talented high-achievers and can’t wait to see what we’re able to accomplish in 2025.
I also want to thank you, the UAEA member reading this, for your support of our team and the growth of our organization. It may not seem like a lot but merely being a part of this organization and paying dues goes a long way to helping us build up worker power and win better labor conditions. It is much easier to argue worker benefits when an ever-greater percentage of City employees have your back - we’re not quite at 50% but we’re closer than ever before.
Anyways, I hope everyone has a lovely holiday and I hope you can find the time to individually reflect on the important things that make your life good and meaningful. Whether it be friends, family, pets, community, something else, or any/all of the above, there is a lot to be appreciative for and I think the greatest gift you can give people in your life is expressing that sentiment whenever you can.
All best,