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Grievance results in budget appropriation.
Dear GGU Member: The FY 2007 operating budget submitted to the Legislature for their consideration and action includes funding for a salary increase for nurses. In September of 2004 the Union on behalf of the Psychiatric Nurses at API filed a class action grievance with the State of Alaska concerning pay for nurses. In April of 2005 the Union and the State signed a Letter of Grievance Resolution (LGR) to resolve the grievance. The Letter of Grievance Resolution stated that the State would conduct a formal pay study of Nurse I, II, & IIIs. In accordance with the LGR the study was to be completed in time for presentation to the 2006 legislature. The State also agreed that if the study supports a pay increase, that the State would advocate and support that increase through necessary legislative approval. The Letter of Grievance Resolution is posted on the Union website and can be reviewed by clicking on the following link: The proposed FY 07 operating budget for the Department of Health & Social Services, Administrative Support Services, contains an appropriation of $2,115,300 to fund the salary increase of one range for DHSS Nurses. Even though other departments, such as the Department of Corrections, has not asked for additional funding I have been assured that if approved by the Legislature the range increase for nurses will apply to nurses in all departments. This appropriation which meets the terms of the LGR is a priority for the Union in the FY 07 operating budget. We will be working with the House and Senate Finance Committee members to urge their approval of the appropriation. Jim Duncan
Business Manager |
