-5/27/16
A&R began negotiating our successor contract several months ago. Up to this point, negotiations achieved no progress. The State proposed eliminating nearly every line in our contract (wiping out every benefit we have) and felt that it would only be fitting if they also proposed zero wage increases, no steps, and no top step bonus. The nonsense has continued as we have met a half-dozen times with the same result of no progress and no sincere engagement by the State. Although the State couldn't support any of their positions, the State refused to budge on the elimination of all rights and no wages. It appeared that the State's negotiator had no authority to actually negotiate anything. It was a mockery of the process and the only thing they have really accomplished was eliminating integrity from the system. There was no need to bring in a high-priced law firm if the Governor simply wanted to impede a serious process.
As we headed toward our May 25th negotiations meeting, we recognized that we would most likely endure one more non-productive day and then decide whether to file for interest arbitration. Enough of the antagonism, time to meet an arbitrator and support your positions. Fortunately, the State actually came to this meeting and was willing to have productive discussions. There were no resolutions, but some of the “larger” items were addressed with honesty and openness.
As we knew in advance, the State has issues with PureFlex and would prefer to remove it from the contract (for the 3rd straight contract, the State wants PureFlex eliminated). Naturally, A&R has no desire to relinquish PureFlex but it was gratifying to see that the State was finally willing to delve into an issue (any issue!). There were also discussions around the implementation of a Voluntary Schedule Reduction program and discussions relating to the rights of ‘durational’ employees. Again, no resolutions were reached, but both sides discussed their positions on these topics in a manner that resembles collectively bargaining.
The parties did agree to meet for another session.