Despite what has been floated in the press, the SEBAC unions are willing to meet with the Governor. Our goal is to find out what he is looking for from union members. To this day neither the Governor, nor the Democrats, nor the Republicans have spoken to SEBAC to explain what they may seek from employees. There have been many ideas floated in press releases, but nothing actually offered or discussed. We have not refused to meet with the Governor or any of the State’s representatives.
We have been willing to meet with the Governor and found it remarkable that no one had approached us until March 16th. We certainly want to avoid layoffs. Our priorities are to protect your job and your benefits. We will not forget that State employees have made concessions in the past and we need to find the right outcome for 2016.
Although we have agreed to meet with the Governor, a meeting date has not yet been set. Do not buy into the premise that the Unions are snubbing any of the leadership of this State. We have been willing to listen, but to date, they preferred to play politics in the press rather than actually engage us. It is our hope that if there is to be any sustainable solution, it would be obtained through discussions rather than vitriolic press releases and grandstanding.
We will keep you apprised as circumstances evolve but we will avoid responding to the daily barrage of misleading press releases.