Work That Matters

Check out the 2008 Convention page.

Dave Laber is a business advocate for the Montana Department of Labor. He helps small business owners who operate in Montana.

The majority of Montana businesses have fewer than twenty employees and can't afford their own human resource staff. Dave and his colleagues are there to help small businesses maintain good employee relations and a high-quality workforce.

"Many employers don't understand their rights and liabilities," says Dave. "We don't provide legal advice, but we do help employers navigate the legal minefield.

Employers call Dave when they have employment-related issues. Dave assists them by providing effective solutions.

"If employers communicate their expectations clearly, and treat their employees fairly, they're less likely to run into problems," says Dave. "That's good for business owners, for employees, and for growing Montana's economy."

We need to keep Dave Laber, and other public employees like him, doing the work that matters for Montana.

Jeannie Wohlfrom is a customer service Representative for the Montana Department of Labor. She helps folks who have lost their jobs file for unemployment.

Jeannie knows losing a job is an agonizing experience. She helps clients move toward a hopeful future. "By the end of our conversation, they have a plan to move forward," she said.

Last fall Jeannie had a unique opportunity. She volunteered for a project helping people in Louisiana and Texas file for unemployment after the devastating hurricanes, Katrina and Rita.

"One lady called me on a cell phone from the Astrodome," Jeannie said. "She was frazzled, yet so appreciative knowing people in Montana were helping."

Montana has a proud tradition of strength in times of crisis. Public employees like Jeannie carry out this tradition by doing their part during national emergencies and by helping fellow Montanans during personal emergencies.

Montana needs Jeannie Wohlfrom. We need to keep her and other public employees doing work that matters.

Sheila Shapiro is a nurse practitioner at the Flathead City/County Health Department. For the past 12 years, Sheila has treated many Montanans who can't afford health care elsewhere - working people whose jobs provide no insurance benefits.

Sheila's services not only save lives, they save tax dollars in the long run. Without access to health care, she says, "folks put off going to the doctor, afraid of the high costs, until they end up in the emergency room. Then we all pay the cost."

At a time when health insurance is out of reach for many Montanans, Sheila's department offers essential health care services - screenings for diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol - that many people couldn't otherwise afford.

Sadly, due to state budget cuts, even these basic services are not guaranteed.

Montana needs Sheila Shapiro. We're asking the legislature to find the necessary revenue to keep Sheila, and other public employees, doing the work that matters for Montana's people.

Last Modified: Thursday June 19, 2008

Web Design By Sara Dobbins

To report any problems please

email sara@mympea.org