While there are many important proposals still on the table, one of the more critical issues that the Executive Branch Union Negotiating Team has proposed is no-layoff language. This proposal aims to put in writing both the Governor's and the Legislature's stated intent of preventing layoffs even as they approved a two-year state budget that slashes state workers' pay and benefits.

Imposed over our union's strongest objections, the pay and benefit cuts made by the Legislature and signed into law by the Governor were all done outside of the collective bargaining process. Those cuts were still allowable under Maine law because they coincided with the expiration of the current two-year contracts covering nearly 10,000 Executive Branch workers.

The Union Negotiating Team has been negotiating with management since November 2008 on successor contracts. Management so far has been unwilling to help find solutions to many of the problems that the Union Negotiating Team is determined to solve through bargaining proposals developed by MSEA-SEIU members.

Both sides have agreed to mediation and a mediator has been brought in. The mediator serves as a liaison between the Union Negotiating Team and management. Mediation began today, Wednesday, June 3.

Additional mediation dates are scheduled for June 12, 15, 16, 18, 22 and 24, and also on July 1.

The Union Negotiating Team urges you and your family to stand up for the quality public services you provide by attending the MSEA-SEIU Tent City Rally on Wednesday, June 10, in Capitol Park across from the State House in Augusta. The rally is to demand contracts that prevent layoffs and contracting out, and provide fairness for our members. Set up your tents the morning of June 10. The rally will start at Noon. For details or to sign up for the rally, go to http://www.mseaseiu.org/Story48.html

 

Click here for a poster of this bargaining update to share with co-workers and to post on your union bulletin board.