Dear GGU Member,

SB 256 the Supplemental Appropriation bill that contains the funding for the monetary terms of the GGU July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2010 collective bargaining agreement passed the Senate on March 5, 2008.

The bill is scheduled for consideration in the House Finance Committee today, Monday, March 10 and Tuesday, March 11. I am optimistic that the House Finance Committee will move SB 256 from the committee after the two hearings and that it will be scheduled for a vote on the floor of the House yet this week or early next week. After the bill is passed by the House it will go to the Governor for her signature.

Last week I met with the Commissioner of Administration to discuss the timeline and process that the State will use to get you your retroactive pay to you. Assuming SB 256 which contains the monetary terms is adopted in the near future the Commissioner indicated the following:

• The GGU wage schedule will be increased by 4% on May 1, 2008.
• The 4% retroactive to July 1, 2007 will be paid in June (best case scenario) and no later than the end of August (worst case scenario if they should happen to run into programming difficulties or other issues).
• The 4% retroactive pay will be on a separate payroll check (not included on one of your normal paychecks).
• Leave cashed in after July 1, 2007 will also receive a 4% retroactive adjustment that will appear on the check.
• Earnings are reported in the year paid, therefore, your retroactive pay will be reported as part of your 2008 income.
• The GGU wage schedule will be increased by an additional 3% on July 1, 2008 (this is in addition to the 4% increase on May 1, 2008).

I will continue to urge that the State process the retroactive pay quickly so you will receive it under their best case scenario in June. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me or any business agent.

Jim Duncan
Business Manager