PSA Option 6

AFSCME Update

At long last, we have some news to report. On a conference call held today (2/14), the Labor Board’s Administrative Law Judge William Waechter set a timetable for attorneys representing the State to produce their “offer of proof”---specific, detailed information and documents showing why the State is seeking to exclude specific individuals. ALJ Waechter has stated that he will no longer agree to any extensions or continuances without compelling, extenuating circumstances. So far, the timetable is as follows:

2/22 – The State’s “Offer of Proof “is due for the Department of Corrections, Aging and Hearing Impaired;

3/14 - The State’s “Offer of Proof is due for the Department of Public Health;

3/17 – Conference call/Status check between all the parties.

Clearly, far too much time has passed without any resolution to these issues. While setting this specific timetable is a step in the right direction, it is incumbent upon the Labor Board to hold the State accountable to move this process forward. We will continue to push CMS to expedite this process. We will contact those specific individuals that the State is seeking to exclude and keep everyone informed of this process as it moves forward.

Exciting News for PSA Option 3, 4, & 6(e)

PSA Option 3, 4, and 6(e) have won significant pay raises. After initially proposing pay grade 20, the arbitrator ruled that the State’s proposed salary grade of RC 63-24 was reasonable. While we were hoping for an even more favorable decision, the PSAs covered by this decision will benefit greatly. Their initial raises will be retroactive to May 9, 2007. By the end of May of this year, the average employee’s salary will be approximately 15% higher. In addition, these PSAs will receive all future step increases and the across-the-board raises AFSCME is currently negotiating.

At the end of a long and difficult struggle, this decision represents a significant victory all PSAs. AFSCME has been working intensively to win better pay and recognition for state employees. We intend to continue that fight with the support of thousands of state employees who are already AFSCME members.

For more information, contact AFSCME at 1-800-697-4645 ext. 4376.