1. The CNC met with the State of Alaska for the sixth 2-day contract negotiating session on December 16-17, in Juneau.

2. The State’s first proposal was a provision to allow ten-day furloughs of GGU members. The State made this proposal even though the fall revenue forecast for a barrel of oil is $18 higher than in the spring, even though Governor Parnell’s proposed FY2011 operating budget projects a surplus of $500 million, and even though the Constitutional Budget Reserve (CBR) contains just over $8 billion. California might be broke, but Alaska is not.

3. The State previously submitted a proposal on Article 19 (Health and Security) that would have gutted our existing contract language that determines the employer’s health insurance contribution to our members. (See bargaining update No.6.) The CNC submitted a counter proposal that would preserve the existing formula in the contract, which should prevent increased employee contributions for health insurance.

4. The CNC and the State have reached tentative agreements (TA) on the following: Article 5 (No Strike or Lockout) and Article 10 (Recruitment and Selection).

5. The CNC again asked for a wage and other monetary proposals from the State. The State was still not prepared to enter into substantive wage discussions. The CNC submitted the Union wage proposal on November 4 (see Bargaining Update #6.)

6. The next negotiating session is scheduled for January 12-13, 2010, in Fairbanks.

7. Worksite meetings are being scheduled. Times and dates will be announced and posted on bulletin boards.

Membership involvement and support is vital to successful contract
negotiations and your Contract Negotiating Committee (CNC) is available
to answer your questions.

CONTINUE TO STAY INVOLVED!

Printable version for handout and bulletin board

GGU Contract Negotiating Committee
ASEA/AFSCME Local 52