PS&T talks down to business

By DEBORAH A. MILES
The first six months of contract talks were spent exchanging, explaining and defining information with the negotiators from the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations (GOER).

As we enter November, negotiations have advanced to the stage where the parties are starting to close specific articles for inclusion in a tentative agreement, according to PEF Director of Labor Relations and Chief Negotiator Roger Scales.

“The wheels are finally turning and we will meet with the state negotiators three times a week,” Scales said. “In time, it will become clearer what disputes we will have. But things are truly beginning to move.”
This doesn’t mean the negotiators are close to reaching a final agreement.

“This phase of bargaining is a time when PEF will continue to press its main issues, which are across-the-board raises and a fair health plan that maintains benefits,” Scales said.

“We will remain committed to our priorities,” said PEF Vice President and Contract Chair Lou Matrazzo.
“One of the reasons bargaining is a lengthy process is the state also is negotiating with unions representing 13 other bargaining units. GOER negotiators have to listen to each of them and coordinate all the information into a common denominator. It’s not a simple process,” Matrazzo said.
Last month, some progress was made.

PEF and GOER negotiators came to agreement in principal regarding the grievance and out-of-title process, according to Scales. They also discussed issues surrounding the state Schools for the Deaf and Blind.

Earlier, GOER agreed to extend the Leave Donation and Part-Time Leave Adjustment programs through the end of 2007, and with further extensions if a successor contract has not been reached.

PEF leaders and union negotiators said they applaud the governor’s negotiators for their support of these programs. However, they are disappointed the tuition reimbursement and child care program have not been extended.

“The union looks at Mr. Johnson’s interest and participation in these negotiations as a refreshing change in approach. The only time we saw the last director was at opening day of negotiations and later in his window as we picketed the state Capitol.

“We are going into our sixth month of negotiations. During this time, we have used teams of experts, highly researched Power Point presentations, and just common sense. Our members’ issues have been presented and are being discussed.” Scales said. “We are making progress.”

For up-to-date information on negotiations, visit the PEF Web site or sign-up and read the Active Informed Member (AIM) electronic bulletins.

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