As you are aware, CMS and AFSCME Council 31 have been negotiating over the salary grade placement for the PSA Option 6 classification.
CMS had taken the position that the appropriate salary grade was RC-063-23. The Union had planned on taking the case to arbitration on June 9th, because we believed that, while most employees would have received a pay increase at salary grade 23, a strong case could be made for Salary Grade 24.
Shortly before the hearing, CMS contacted Council 31 with a new offer and we were able to reach an agreement. PSA Option 6 employees will be placed in RC-063-24. Placement will be retroactive to the date of certification (December 2, 2008). Option 6 employees will also get the January 1, 2009 increase (1.5%), retroactive to the first of the year, and the general increase due on July 1, 2009 (2.5%).
Negotiations over the salary grade for Option 6’s were particularly complex given the variance in duties and responsibilities within the classification. In recognition of this, CMS has also agreed to conduct a study of the PSA Option 6 classification. Studies involving large numbers of positions typically take some time to complete. Depending upon the results, it is possible the study will recommend that some positions be moved to a new title in a higher pay grade.
We will be sending out a memorandum of understanding on this within the next few days that will provide further details. Given the large number of employees in this classification, and the high level of interest in the scheduled arbitration hearing, we wanted to get something out to you right away.
The fight for union representation and fair pay for Option 6 employees has been long and difficult All those who have been involved in the fight are to be congratulated. Please be sure to ask any Option 6 employees who are not yet members to sign a dues deduction card right away.
Sincerely,
Mike Newman
Associate Director
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