Posted 3/30/17
A&R's position has been and remains that the Top Step Payment should have been paid to members regardless of the contract extension signed in July, 2016. An institutional grievance for payment was filed. Not surprisingly, OLR denied the grievance at Step 2 just this past week. The union is pursuing the grievance to Step 3 (arbitration). Via the grievance process, we are seeking back-pay.
At the negotiations table the union proposed reasonable wage increases, payment of increments, and the top step payment in each year of our successor contract. 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 binding arbitration award. We are well positioned for either scenario. If we prevail, members will receive back pay from July 1st, 2016 onward.
Members should also be aware:
- We introduced language at the negotiations table ensuring payment of the top step payment in future years regardless of wage freezes, and;
- We have made it clear to all parties that A&R will not consider entertaining any SEBAC deal unless the Top Step Payment is made. Wage freezes are not the same as pay cuts. No member should take a pay cut - and withholding the top step is a pay cut.
Members should also be aware of how contract extensions work. Lapsed bargaining unit contracts are governed by CGS 5-278a. The statute specifies and requires that the following items, and ONLY the following items remain in effect until a successor agreement is reached:
- Salaries
- Differentials
- Overtime
- Longevity
- Allowances for uniforms
The statute does not provide for additional funding, such as wage increases or increments. The statute is silent regarding top step payments. We are seeking equity for our members. Mediation, arbitration, negotiation: these are the tools we are using to represent the collective interests of the membership.
Negotiations with the state are ongoing. Our proposals ask for payment of increments and top step payments in each year of the contract, without delay, including retroactive payment back to July 1st. Negotiations are far from over. While negotiations are a long, drawn out process, at A&R we are in it for the long haul.
As always - if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions regarding any aspect of contract negotiations - please pick up the phone and call your union officers or contact us by email.