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.