Bargaining Update: May 29, 2013
CSEA Refuses To Move Off Of Its “Takeaway” Proposal
Mediation concluded today without reaching agreement over a successor contract.
The existing contract offer from CSEA is a “takeaway” contract that will result -- for the first time ever -- in some AEU members, especially those with family coverage, paying a portion of their medical premiums. In addition, the employer is proposing a reduction in retiree medical benefits.
CSEA’s proposal requires employee contributions to the pension plan of up to 5% over three years.
CSEA’s offer amounts to a net reduction in employee compensation.
CSEA’s offer fails to: protect the integrity of bargaining unit work; reduce employee workload; continue pre-existing practices concerning donations of sick leave hours to AEU members in need; provide adequate bereavement leave, or implement reasonable meal and vehicle allowances.
CSEA argues that despite years of no wage increases, AEU members have not sacrificed enough.
Central to its unreasonable position is CSEA’s unsupported and unsupportable characterization of its fiscal condition and the funding status and costs of the pension plan. Both the organization and the pension plan enjoy sufficient assets and growth potential to comfortably meet AEU’s bargaining demands for economic equity.
We appreciate your continued support and readiness to respond as needed to support AEU’s struggle for your economic and working security.
Professional negotiator and AEU counsel Chris Platten will be in attendance at the General Membership meeting and will provide a report on the key facts underlying the negotiations up to this point on Saturday, June 1, 2013.
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