Negotiations are slow. The state negotiators are consistantly late. We have tenatively finished less than half of the Articles. So far changes have been relatively minor.
The state is requesting many changes that could negatively affect union members, but the union will not give up ground without some form of compensation. The union has also finished and presented its economic proposal to the state and is awaiting a response on that and many other articles of the contract. -President Houzenga
Sunday, February 24, 2008
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.
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.
PSA Option 2
AFSCME Update
Over the past few months there have been several important developments in the PSA Option 2 organizing campaign. The good news: having heard evidence on many Option 2 employees, Administrative Law Judge Gloria Morris expressed doubts as to the merits of the State’s position. Unconvinced that future hearing dates are necessary, ALJ Morris ordered the State to submit a detailed and specific “offer of proof” explaining why the remaining contested employee should be excluded. The State submitted its offer of proof on January 11, agreeing at that time to include approximately 288 Option 2 employees. AFSCME then responded to the State’s offer with evidence that the vast majority of disputed employees should be included. A conference between the parties is scheduled for March 7 where it is expected that ALJ Morris’ final decision will be announced. The recent steps taken by the Labor Board are expected to expedite the certification process. With less hearing dates and fewer disputed employees, a resolution to this matter will be forthcoming.
Unfortunately, as many of you know, a group of other unions, including the service employees, laborers, and ISEA, filed an election petition to represent the Option 2s accompanied by a 30% showing of interest. As we had previously warned, this means that your certification will be delayed as the Labor Board is now required to hold an election. In addition, this group of other unions wishes to delay your election until after the hearings are completed and the final determinations are made. AFSCME wants to move as expeditiously as possible on both fronts—We believe that an election should not be delayed, that employees should have the right to cast their votes without delay. And, at the same time, we should work quickly to resolve all the unit questions. At this time, it is unknown whether the Labor Board will agree to delay the election.
Exciting News for AFSCME-represented PSAs
PSA Option 3, 4, and 6(e) have won significant pay raises which will be retroactive to May 9, 2007--the date of their certification. By the end of May of this year, the average salary for these employees 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 for all PSAs. Not only have they won the benefits, rights and protection of AFSCME’s state contract, they now have won significant pay raises.
With AFSCME, you can win, too. AFSCME has been assiduously working to win better pay and recognition for all state employees. We intend to continue this fight with the support of the ten of thousands of state employees who are already AFSCME members.
We will continue to keep you informed. In the meantime, if you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Don Todd at 800/697-4645 ext. 3302.
Over the past few months there have been several important developments in the PSA Option 2 organizing campaign. The good news: having heard evidence on many Option 2 employees, Administrative Law Judge Gloria Morris expressed doubts as to the merits of the State’s position. Unconvinced that future hearing dates are necessary, ALJ Morris ordered the State to submit a detailed and specific “offer of proof” explaining why the remaining contested employee should be excluded. The State submitted its offer of proof on January 11, agreeing at that time to include approximately 288 Option 2 employees. AFSCME then responded to the State’s offer with evidence that the vast majority of disputed employees should be included. A conference between the parties is scheduled for March 7 where it is expected that ALJ Morris’ final decision will be announced. The recent steps taken by the Labor Board are expected to expedite the certification process. With less hearing dates and fewer disputed employees, a resolution to this matter will be forthcoming.
Unfortunately, as many of you know, a group of other unions, including the service employees, laborers, and ISEA, filed an election petition to represent the Option 2s accompanied by a 30% showing of interest. As we had previously warned, this means that your certification will be delayed as the Labor Board is now required to hold an election. In addition, this group of other unions wishes to delay your election until after the hearings are completed and the final determinations are made. AFSCME wants to move as expeditiously as possible on both fronts—We believe that an election should not be delayed, that employees should have the right to cast their votes without delay. And, at the same time, we should work quickly to resolve all the unit questions. At this time, it is unknown whether the Labor Board will agree to delay the election.
Exciting News for AFSCME-represented PSAs
PSA Option 3, 4, and 6(e) have won significant pay raises which will be retroactive to May 9, 2007--the date of their certification. By the end of May of this year, the average salary for these employees 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 for all PSAs. Not only have they won the benefits, rights and protection of AFSCME’s state contract, they now have won significant pay raises.
With AFSCME, you can win, too. AFSCME has been assiduously working to win better pay and recognition for all state employees. We intend to continue this fight with the support of the ten of thousands of state employees who are already AFSCME members.
We will continue to keep you informed. In the meantime, if you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Don Todd at 800/697-4645 ext. 3302.
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