Friday, April 03, 2009

My Job

I work for the Commonweath of Pa and our union and the state came to an agreement. Its not perfect but a decent compromise. I am sure we will pay for it in the next contract...
I wonder what Gov Corzine will do. Unlike Fast Eddie Rendell, Corzine will not be as tough as him. Anyway Pa has the fewest state workers per population in the ENTIRE country!!
I can tell this since we have lost over 30 people here since 2003. Below is an offical statement from our union. SEIU Local 668

4-2-09 Urgent Update COP - Rolling Furloughs

Governor Rendell meetings on the Rolling Furloughs
SEIU 668, AFSCME and UFCW have reached a TENATIVE agreement with the Commonwealth that STOPS the Governor’s threats to impose rolling furloughs. This tentative agreement is dependent on a ratification vote of the membership. The entire tentative agreement will be mailed to each member starting April 6, 2009.
The tentative agreement includes the following:
1. NO rolling furloughs for the remainder of this budget year ending June 30, 2009 and the next budget year ending June 30, 2010. If any other furloughs need to occur, they will be done contractually.
2. A TEMPORARY 20% reduction in the Commonwealth contribution to the PEBTF effective April 2009 up to and including June 2010, to be repaid by the Commonwealth commencing in September 2010 in addition to the contractual obligation. Reserves in the PEBTF will be kept at a 1 month minimum.
3. There will be NO reduction in the level of benefits provided by the PEBTF.
There will be ongoing discussions to discuss any and all cost saving ideas, suggestions, and recommendations by the Union.
Includes an accelerated dispute resolution that includes arbitration in regards to this agreement.
I want to thank each one of you for your support, suggestions and comments. I felt the power of the Union with me at the table. I especially want to thank you for the work that you do everyday in meeting the needs of the most vulnerable citizens of Pennsylvania.
While this tentative agreement is not ideal it does protect our well-deserved and hard-fought for contractual raises and seniority. The ultimate decision will rest with you and your vote.

-SEIU President Kathy Jellison

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