Dear GGU Member,

As you are aware, the Union's July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2007 tentative agreement with the State provides that you will have the opportunity to convert from sick/annual leave to personal leave during November of 2004. I have signed a letter of agreement with the State implementing that provision even though the legislature has not yet had the opportunity to consider and approve the monetary terms of the agreement.

I am writing to update you on the status of the conversion and to ensure you that you will have the option to convert during the month of November. The State has assured me that they will be notifying you in the near future regarding the procedure and forms to be used if you elect to convert to the personal leave system. In addition to the official notification you will be receiving from the State I will also e-mail you the procedure to be followed when it has been finalized by the State.

I encourage you to begin evaluating now whether you want to convert to the personal leave system to ensure that you can make your decision during the conversion period. If for some reason the State does not get the system in place by Nov. 1, I will ask the State to sign a Letter of Agreement extending the deadline for conversion so you have a full 30 days to convert as provided in the tentative agreement.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact a union business agent or me.

Jim Duncan
Business Manager