At the negotiations table the union has proposed reasonable wage increases, increments, and the payment of top step bonuses in each year of our successor contract. Wages, increments, and top step bonuses are among our highest priorities. Negotiations are ongoing, with the outcome yet to be determined. Any settlement reached between the State and the Union needs the approval of the membership. Absent a settlement, the successor contract will be determined via arbitration award. We are well positioned for either scenario.
It has come to our attention that an anonymous text message is circulating to some members' personal cell phones, ringing the alarm bell and indicating that the union wants to negotiate away top step bonuses. This is a complete falsehood. Don’t be misled. You may wish to question for yourself the motivation behind unsigned, unattributed rumor-mongering. Only the originator of the text message can answer such questions. Unfortunately the author has chosen anonymity. For certain, the text message is not originating from Union Hall.
Facts speak for themselves: Wages, increments, and top step bonuses are on the table in our proposals. We are fighting for them. We are fighting for you.
The Top Step Bonus is an important aspect of our compensation package. It is wholly untrue that the Union is willing to negotiate Top Step Bonuses away. As with the State’s desire for wage freezes, we are defending the Top Step Bonus and acting accordingly.
Don't believe unreliable sources. Visit the Union website, we update it frequently. Call your Union officers, we will speak with you directly. Attend an in-agency membership meeting, we will answer your questions while on-site at your workplace.
As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions regarding contract negotiations, please contact Union Hall to speak with one of our officers.
In solidarity
Posted 8/10/16