<p>The concern over parking for employees of the Department of Education has been bothersome, however, no formal communications between the union and PDE has ever occurred. On March 3, 2017 the first meeting took place between John Kashatus and Director of HR Diana Hershey to discuss parking concerns at the Department of Education. The union sited Chapter 71 Commonwealth Parking Facilities particularly section 71.4 (1) and (3). The efforts of the union were unsuccessful and it appeared that PDE would continue to implement parking on a quasi-seniority basis.Fast forward to March 10, 2018 where a meeting was held with FOSCEP vice president John Kashatus, Deputy Secretary Matt Stem, Deputy Secretary Debbie Reeves, and Human Resources representative Beth Bates. This time the discussion was productive and based on the facts. From that meeting FOSCEP was able to express the safety concerns, productivity of employees and overall morale surrounding the parking issue.On May 24, 2018 Pennsylvania Department of Education Secretary Pedro Rivera conducted a meeting with union representatives from FOSCEP, SEIU and AFSCME to announce the following: First, on behalf of the Department of Education, thank you for all you do to enrich the educational opportunities and outcomes for Pennsylvania students. Next, in an effort to improve the work environment for all Education team members, the Departments of Education (PDE) and General Services (DGS) are working together to secure additional parking spaces for PDE employees who do not have paid parking, presently. Recently, PDE procured 20 additional parking spaces in the Locust Street Garage (Locust and 3rd Street), which are available immediately. PDE awards parking on a seniority basis, and these new spaces will continue to be assigned by seniority at no charge to the employee. When spaces become available in the Chestnut Street Garage (Chestnut and 4th Street), the next most senior employee, even if they have parking in another garage, will be offered the Chestnut Street spot. PDE’s goal is to continue acquiring additional spots.This is a major accomplishment for FOSCEP and for all PDE employees. Thank you Secretary Rivera!</p>
