Week of January 29, 2024

A Snapshot of the NTU President

Last week, my son, Quinten, asked me what I was doing after dinner. I happened to be sitting at my desk, finishing up something that I needed for the next day. He said, "why didn't you do that when you were at work." That is always an excellent question, and that was the intent, but things happen. I have been asked before what I do all day, and it really depends on the day. I always have a plan, but one phone call or one email can send that plan spinning out of control. So, here's a snapshot of the NTU President.

Each week as a typical set of tasks. I typically write the Monday Morning Message on Thursday for the following week.  I spend some time on Sundays reading through it, adding the AFT-NH Legislative Update, and updating the website for the following week. Other duties include reviewing the bills and checks produced by NTU Treasurer Stacy Gingras, and then signing them to be mailed out. We pay very few bills online, and we have a two-signature system for all of our checks. This is a good practice to protect the Union's assets and is a strong recommendation from AFT. I also meet with the Superintendent on a weekly basis.

There are a few recurring monthly tasks. One of those is the per capita reconciliation. Each week, the NTU receives a report from City Hall Payroll with everyone who had dues deducted from their check. The final pay check of the month that includes all four units is used for the reconciliation. This is a lengthy and tedious task. Basically, I take the list the City gives me and I have to compare it with what AFT Connect as, which is our member information database. Last week, I did the per capita reconciliation for January as January 18th was the final pay period that all four units were paid. During that process, there were just under 20 discrepancies. Those discrepancies can include people who know longer work for the district, people on unpaid leave, new hires who have not been through a payroll cycle, and name changes. Working with Terry, we track the information down, make changes in Connect, and then submit the per capita report to Stacy to cut a check for AFT-NH and AFT. The per capita reconciliation can stretch over many days depending on how many discrepancies there are and how fast I can get the information from various parties.  I meet with the Executive Board and Board of Directors on a monthly basis, and the Officers and I also meet with the Superintendent on a monthly basis. 

Daily operations and tasks vary from day to day and sometimes minute to minute. I spend a significant time on my email.  There are days that my email tasks up a majority of my workday - answering members, communicating with the officers, and communicating with administration. I also handle many member-related concerns when they come up in the middle of the day. I have meetings throughout the district with members and administration, have various meetings on different topics that relate back to one of the four contracts, and try to get into buildings for visits that aren't necessarily tied to anything specific. There are days that I also have to speak with our attorney. It would be surprising for me not to touch base with her at least three times a week. She has over 20 years of service at AFT-NH and she knows our contracts very well. I go to her to confirm my thinking, talk about situations, and get her legally advice on how we should proceed with certain things.

So, what do I do as NTU President? I guess it really depends on the day. I have always go into the day with a plan, but one email or call can put a wrench in those plans. I work diligently to represent the Union as best as I can. I hope this snapshot gives you a better understanding of my day, but please don't ever hesitate to call or email me with your questions, concerns, or whey you need assistance.