Updated 2/21/2017
Many have realized that the Top Step Payment was not included in last months paychecks. This should not have been a surprise as the State views the Top Step Payment as akin to Step Increases which are not granted when there is no date specified for the Step Increment . It is A&R's position that the Top Step Payment should be paid, regardless. As such we filed an institutional grievance for payment. The Step 2 hearing is scheduled on 2/23/17. In addition to the grievance:
- We introduced language at the negotiations table seeking to ensure payment of the top step payment in future years regardless of wage freezes, and;
- We will seek back-pay remedies in our successor contract for both the Top Step Payment and Step Increases.