S-T Talk July 2024

July 15, 2024

S-T Talk

Prior issues of S-T Talk are available on our website. Just visit cwa.org/s-t-talk

QUARTERLY LOCAL S-T TOWNHALL ZOOMS:

All CWA Local Secretary-Treasurer’s identified in Aptify should have received an invitation to the August 27, 2024, Zoom meeting at 3:00 pm ET. On our next Quarterly S-T Townhall, we will explore the remainder of the topics suggested including document retention policy, Digital membership cards, Labor Organization Bond/Certificate of Coverage, and COPE vs PAC. If you need guidance on these topics NOW click here for information in the U.O.P.M.

Mark your calendars for our next S-T Townhalls on November 26th and February 25, 2025, from 3 pm - 4 pm ET.

FINANCE
Does your Local have financial policies?

Financial policies are detailed plans that outline the rules and operations of the Local’s finances. They can cover a variety of areas, including:

1. Financial controls: Policies and procedures to prevent or detect fraud and accounting errors, such as account reconciliation and double-counting cash deposits.
2. Roles and responsibilities: Clarifying who is responsible for making financial decisions and management activities.

Each Local should have written Financial Control Policies that cover the following areas:

1. Cash Disbursement Policy
2. Cash Receipts Policy
3. Travel Reimbursement / Credit Card Policy
4. Salary and Allowance Authorization
5. Lost Time Policy

For a more detailed explanation of each of the above-referenced items click here.

If you missed our last S-T Town Hall regarding local budgeting and financial policies, click here to view the presentation and click here to see a sample budget.

DUES
Getting The Most Out of Aptify Reports and Data
Are you looking for more in-depth information about using Aptify reports? Need a little help navigating that data in Excel? We’ve got you covered! Sign up for our training on Monday, September 9, 2024, from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm ET.

Section 1 - The Aptify Toolbox (what’s available, how to find it and use it)

Section 2 - Basic Excel Tips and Tricks (how to make your data more usable and understandable)

Section 3 - Open Questions (specific local unit/data issues and questions)

We are blocking 3 hours for this training to make sure we can accommodate YOUR questions. You can sign up here. We hope you’ll join us!

For additional information or questions email STOffice@cwa-union.org.

CWA COPE/COMPLIANCE
Labor Organization Bond Renewal

The CWA and the TNG Labor Organization Bonds are set to expire on October 4, 2024. CWA will automatically renew the bonds at their current coverages unless a local requests an increase or decrease.

To calculate the bond amount required per Landrum-Griffin, please use the following formula:

                     Total Assets + Total Receipts x 10% = Amount of Coverage Required

If after calculations are complete, you find your local would like to make a change, please contact cwamail@cwa-union.org. Include your name, position at the local, phone number, current local mailing address, and the new amount. We will review your request against our records to ensure compliance with the Department of Labor and Landrum-Griffin, and if we find that the request is valid, the new bond coverage amount will go into effect on October 4, 2024.

Bond coverage is not required for locals entirely comprised of public worker employees.

COPE APTIFY TRAINING
The COPE/Compliance Department does not have any future Aptify training scheduled at this time. However, if you need assistance or would like a COPE/Aptify demonstration, please make your request by emailing COPEQuestions@cwa-union.org.

APTIFY
Our remaining Aptify training schedule for 2024 is listed below. All trainings will be at 12 pm ET over Zoom.

Please click here to register for an Aptify training session

• Aptify/Dues Process Training
  July 19              September 27               November 8
• Bottom-Up Dues Process “Refresher” Training
  July 26             October 18
• Microsoft Excel Training for Aptify
  August 9         November 15
• *New* Aptify Grievance Management Module
  For Locals:                                      For District/Sector Staff:
  October 11                                     October 25        

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
FREE Self-Paced Learning Opportunities
CWA/NETT offers free access to LinkedIn learning for members in good standing. This is an excellent resource for completing courses or just looking for help in a particular skill or subject area. Request a free account HERE, then explore LinkedIn Learning using the search function for topics like: Budgeting-Basic Accounting, Inclusion, Leadership, Running Effective Meetings, and so much more. We have also created a learning path for you to follow if you prefer to have some direction HERE Request access today.

For Secretary/Treasurers who have requested QuickBooks training, LinkedIn Learning offers free courses including QuickBooks Payroll, QuickBooks Pro 2020/2021 Essentials, QuickBooks Online Essentials, and QuickBooks Tips and Trips.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Kevin Celata at kcelata@cwa-union.org

ICYMI: (In Case You Missed It)
CWA Disaster Relief Fund

Members are eligible for an assistance grant if their home is damaged due to a FEMA-declared natural disaster. The National CWA program allows up to 6 months to submit the application for assistance. You can utilize this simple FEMA Declaration tool to see if your local resides in one of the areas affected and can share the benefit with your members. www.fema.gov/disaster/declarations

Please refer to the CWA Disaster Relief Fund Member Handbook. We want to make sure every eligible member has updated information to access financial assistance in the event of a FEMA-declared natural disaster. Members and their locals have six (6) months from the date of the disaster declaration to file the Disaster Relief Fund application with the District staff assigned to the Disaster Relief Fund.

Some CWA Districts and Sectors also provide hardship grants. Please promote the National program alongside these programs as members are not limited to just one source of support.

UNION PLUS Disaster Relief Grant Reminder: Members who live in areas impacted by declared natural disasters in the last 24 months, and who participate in the Union Plus Credit Card, Mortgage, Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, Auto Insurance, Personal Loan, and Retiree Healthcare programs may be eligible to access Union Plus Disaster Relief Grants. Eligible members must have their primary residence in a county or parish designated by FEMA as eligible for Individual Assistance. No proof of property damage is required. Learn more at unionplus.org/disaster.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Kevin Celata at kcelata@cwa-union.org

The S-T Office is engaged and supporting the reelection of outstanding Labor and Working Families advocate:
Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)

(Above: S-T Office Staff presenting District 4 Vice President Hinton with postcards for Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio)

In Unity,

Ameenah Salaam
Secretary-Treasurer