The administrative secretaries María de los Angeles Huarache and Estefania Seijas have already been installed in the new STMBB headquarters in the Fragata Sarmiento estate, and are responsible for handling the numerous procedures or requests submitted by members.
“We are very happy to be able to work in this new space. It is beautiful, very warm and very comfortable, basically, because all the areas of the union now work in the same space. This move took seven months, but it was worth the wait,” said Horach.
It should be remembered that the storm of December 16 made it impossible to open the new administrative headquarters two days later, as planned, because the storm caused all kinds of damage.
“It was a chaotic few days, because everything was already ready to go,” said Angie, who has been working at the union for 10 years.
“We also couldn’t use the facilities of Donado 441, because they were also undergoing renovations, and we were a bit nomadic, until we settled temporarily in Castelli 371. The important thing is that despite the obstacles, we managed to get everything done,” added Esteve, who joined the STMBB management team just under 3 years ago.
“Perhaps what we missed most during this time was that due to space issues, we had to limit personal attention, which I consider our strength, so that members would leave with all their concerns answered,” Horash added.
Specifically, on a daily basis, Horrach takes care of suppliers and finances; Seijas directs member requests, both in person and virtual, and Cielo Del Río (absent on maternity leave) is responsible for the various benefits offered by the union.
Maria de los angeles horash
“The vast majority of procedures are initiated and completed via the web. Since the pandemic, there have been a lot of innovations with the virtual platform and it works very well. In this way, the affiliate is spared from having to come to the headquarters and can direct what he needs from his cell phone or computer. Those who come the most are retirees, because it is difficult for them to use technology. In these cases, we do it from here,” said Horach.
“All of this leads to better service to the public, because it simplifies, speeds up and organizes the task to be performed,” Segas added.
Listening to members' suggestions for improving services is one of the virtues of the current administration. In fact, a change in the rental of barbecue areas (there is currently one in operation for 30 people and another for 60 people, after post-storm arrangements) has been approved, a feature that the municipalities have been very much in demand for, for this reason.
Estefania Sejas
“Because of an idea from Sabrina Hoyos, the form and system of the grants have been modified. Previously, they were confirmed 15 days before the requested date, which created some organizational inconvenience for the member, as it gave them little room to look for another place if they were not selected. Now we confirm it 3 months in advance,” said Seijas.
To this end, a virtual agenda covering the entire calendar year has been opened.
“There the members write the date they need and they can see the demand that exists for that day, so they can also make their forecasts or look for other forecasts. This provides clarity and transparency, since the elections, if the date has more than one applicant, are made by file, giving priority to those who have not used it taking into account the last three years, as Sebastián Sepulveda suggested.
There are 3 BBQ areas on the property, although one (seater 40) was used as storage at this stage of the move and is not yet in a rentable condition. In addition to these facilities is a multi-purpose room, which seats 220 people, but in this case is subject to concession and can be rented by members and non-members.
“The demand for it is very high, especially since its prices are reasonable and can be paid in installments,” Sijas explained.
They are also responsible for renting spaces in the facilities owned by STMBB in Monte Hermoso and Sierra de la Ventana.
“At Sierra we have 4 cabins available and at Monte we have a residential complex. They get a lot of use year round.”
Another task that administrative staff performs is to adhere to the 40-40-20 agreement.
“It is an agreement with DOSEM Social Work, where the union financially assists a member who is referred for medical reasons to another city to receive care,” Horach explained.
In that train, the union last month allocated more than 4 million pesos in 5 different cases.
“40% of the expenses are paid by DOSEM, another 40% by STMBB and 20% by the subsidiary. The money granted can be returned in installments. If the referral includes a companion, it is also considered in the budget,” he added.
Another highly sought-after benefit is a salary advance.
“Through the platform, the affiliate requests an amount of money, up to a maximum of P300,000 as of this month, and it is deposited into his account as soon as possible. In the last three months, the requests have increased a lot,” concluded Seijas.
