April 3-4 Bargaining Update
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The parties met twice this week on April 3 - 4 to continue negotiations primarily over outstanding non-economic issues. Full and frank exchanges occurred between the bargaining teams and gradual, but substantive progress was made on several articles, however, much remains to be done involving key non-economic issues including the impact of unfilled vacancies and use of temporary workers; adherence to progressive discipline and due process principles; meaningful grievance resolution; uniform criteria for donated sick leave; uniform activity/expense reporting (Concur) and meal reimbursement criteria; lawful employer mandated medical examinations and the growing concern regarding appropriate worker treatment/anti-bullying.
In addition, the AEU team proffered several more information requests to CSEA regarding economic matters to be resolved. Chief among these include information requests verifying existing bargaining unit costs and investment performance and asset allocation policies of the pension plan. Wages, health care and pension benefits and other compensation issues are critical areas for bargaining once the non-economic issues are resolved or greatly narrowed.
Your AEU bargaining team will continue the negotiating process next week on April 10-11, and we are hopeful that significant progress can be made on the non-economic issues on the table. The team also looks forward to receiving the information requested from CSEA as soon as practicable.
The team is requesting a statewide show of support. Please wear your I AM AEU button that will be delivered to you by your steward on Monday or Tuesday, April 8-9. Finally, the AEU team anticipates additional short survey questions directly linked to the progress at the table. Please be on the look-out for AEU communication requesting your responses through email and your steward.
We will keep you informed.
In Solidarity,
Debbie Pichetto
Val Hollins
Karen Hartmann
Scott Hendries
Carol Koenig
Chris Platten
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