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 Legislature on Tuesday, March 18. The bill was transmitted to the Governor for her signature on Wednesday, March 19.

The Governor is currently reviewing the funding of capital projects that were included by the Legislature in SB 256 and has until April 5, 2008 to sign the legislation. However, even though the bill may not be signed until then it is clear the monetary terms of our contract have been funded and will be approved.

As I informed you in an e-mail on Monday, March 10 the Commissioner of Administration has indicated the following timeline for implementation of the monetary terms and the processing of your retroactive increase in salary to July 1, 2007:

• 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).
• 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).
• The weekend differential pay for overtime eligible members who work in institutions with continuous operations will be paid retroactive to July 1, 2007.
• If you cashed out leave after July 1, 2007 you will also receive a 4% increase on that amount. 

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

Jim Duncan
Business Manager