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Today the union notified the Alaska Labor Relations Agency (ALRA) that we are withdrawing our declaration of impasse that was filed with ALRA on March 12. We also proposed to the State that we return to the bargaining table on May 18, 19, & 20.
May 13, 2004 Dear GGU Member: Today the union notified the Alaska Labor Relations Agency (ALRA) that we are withdrawing our declaration of impasse that was filed with ALRA on March 12. We also proposed to the State that we return to the bargaining table on May 18, 19, & 20. The contract negotiating committee made the decision to withdraw our impasse declaration for the following reasons: (1) We expected to get an expedited ruling from ALRA on our March 12th declaration and return to the table by mid-April with a mediator. However, as a result of Governor Murkowski’s appointment on March 24th of new members to ALRA the process has been delayed for more than 60 days. We do not expect them to issue a decision before the end of May due to the turnover. (2) We have made it clear to the State that we have no new proposals and firmly reject the regressive and unfair proposals that the state has on the table. However, the State continues to insist that we are not at impasse and imply that they have new proposals to offer. Therefore, the CNC has decided to return to the table to see if the State has new proposals. (3) The CNC is not optimistic that the State will submit new proposals that are substantial improvements over their current proposals, but feel it is the responsibility of the CNC to take every step possible to try to reach an agreement with the State before taking the next step of an actual strike. (4) If the State makes no new proposals or if they are unacceptable this will further substantiate that we are at impasse and expedite the appointment of a federal mediator to help us reach an agreement.
VOTE YES TO AUTHORIZE A STRIKE! The decision to withdraw the impasse declaration is a separate negotiating strategy that parallels the important strike vote that will be conducted beginning May 20. Because we are not optimistic the State will improve their offers significantly over their current regressive proposals, the CNC strongly believes it is going to need a strong, positive vote authorizing the Executive Board to call a strike if necessary. It is important that all members cast their vote in the strike authorization election. A yes vote authorizing a strike is the best thing you can do to get a fair contract. I have attached copies of the Notice of Withdrawal of Impasse, the press release announcing the withdrawal, and the letter to the State proposing an immediate return to the bargaining table. I will keep you posted on the state’s response. Sincerely, Jim Duncan
Business Manager
ASEA/AFSCME Local 52 |
