There has been movement on the contract since March, and none is expected until after the election….Sept. 23, 2004

 

To: Blue Collar Delegates, Presidents and Friends

 

From: Jim Parrett, Blue Collar Bargaining, and Executive Board C~24 representing Blue Collars

 

First on your minds is probably what’s going on with bargaining? Well the best answer is almost nothing.

 

The last time the team met was March 24th to put together a proposal to give to the state (see proposal enclosed). We were scheduled to meet in the next week or two after that, but when technical put in an offer similar to ours a few days before, it got shot down and Marty told OSER we’ll come back when you’re serious. I have to agree. The proposal enclosed would’ve had at least had all of us raking a few pennies more then we are now, after we pay our health insurance.

 

This is the least (this proposal) I can agree to settle to, and the majority of the team agrees. We can’t take losses. I hope you all agree. I’ll write some explanations on the proposal to better explain it

 

The only real recent development was the extension of our current contract. The good thing here means the state will continue to pay our health insurance, and length of service will remain intact at the end of June 2004. We’ll be curious to see what they have up their sleeve if and when we get back to the table.

 

The state also has put out notice to do a full class and comp survey of m maintenance and stores employees. It’s a year late₁ bit better late than never, I guess. I’m sure they’ll find out what we’ve been telling them, that everyone in these series deserves at the very least one full pay range, if not more.

 

Second, its election time again for board and bargaining. And yes, I’m looking for your support for both. Now I could go on and list a page long résumé on why I’m qualified, bit I won’t, most of you know all the things I’m involved in From Local 892 President at SWC, covering three departments and three local agreements and 600 employees, to my appointment as President of State Employees Health Care Coalition (formerly HCC) and the changes we’ll be making there. To bargaining, where everybody in our unit has advanced at least a partial pay range, or been surveyed, in my four terms (this one’s unfinished, but going in the right direction), and my activities on Ce24 Executive Board asking sometimes unpopular questions and working on the education committee.

 

Does all this take time? Yes! Has it helped this unit and I gain respect? Yes! Has everything gone perfectly and to plan? No, and if I said yes here, I’d be bullshitting you, and that’s something I refuse to do.

 

Do I expect any of you to take my word for it? No, I do however expect you to ask others, from the C-24 director, assistant director, and their staff, to my fellow board members, bargaining team members, my local membership, and yes even my wife and kids.

 

I have and will continue to work my butt off for this union and its members, and particularly Blue Collar employees.

 

I would appreciate your support in the upcoming elections and your commitment to the betterment of this union.

 

Please contact me with any questions and/or your support.

 

Home (262)7634536

Work (262) 878-2411, Have operator take a message, or page me

C-24 (608) 836-0024 Leave message with phone number

E-mail jparrett@speeddial.net Leave phone number with person to contact (phone number is better than an e-mail address)

Blue Collar Proposal 3/24/04

 

6/27/04 Continue Transaction grids with adjustments

(State wounds strait grid, which puts us where we were before grids)

 

6/27/04 GWA 1% ALL EMPLOYEES

(State wounds $.12 for every one)

 

6/27/04 All employees to receive a $0.20 per hour base building adjustments

(State wounds $.25 under13 years, $.10 over 13 years)

 

6/27/04 Lump sum payment, $250.00 all employees to be negotiated with each contract.

(We need to get something every year if we are to give up LOS)

                                                                           

12/26/04 Move the following classes one half pay range adjustment as a market adjustment.

(State proposed $.30 for these) 

Biotron Operator

Facilities Repair Workers 1, 2, 3, and 4

HVAC/Refrig. Specialist

Maintenance Mechanics 1, 2 and 3’s

(Our proposal coverage’s $.60 each, would be easer to take until survey is finished)

 

Continue to do class and comp. survey during the life of the contact for all Maintenance

Classes. (and Happening & Stores employees)

                            

12/26/04 Move the following classes one half pay range adjustment as a market adjustment;

(State offers the same $ for all)

Farm Labor Lead

Food Service Assistants 2, 3, and 4’s

Laundry Worker Lead

Motor Vehicle Operator-Heavy

Seamstress or Seamier 2

Shipping and Mailing Clerk 2 and 3’s

 

Add language for lump sum back pay for employees laid off. (New)

 

Health Insurance; as proposed by state, repayment to be negotiated.

(Make payments in BC pay period ad stretch it out for as little impact as possible)

 

State listed health insurance proposal = monthly amounts

 

Jan.2004 through Dec. 2004                         Jan. 2005 through Dec. 2005

Single          Family                                      Single                    Family        

Tier 1   $18.00       $45.00                            Tier 1 $22.00         $55.00

Tier 2   $47.00       $117.50                           Tier 2 $50.00         $125.00      

Tier 3   $100.00     $250.00                           Tier 3 $100.00       $250.00

         

 

(Brake even point is based off Tier 1 Family Plan)