July 23, 2010

Movement in furlough negotiations

Your special furlough bargaining team worked late into the night Thursday on an agreement to mitigate the damage being done by the furlough days.

This was the fourth session and it ended at about 11 p.m. Movement had been made in the previous 10 hours of negotiations, but management wanted more time to review the union’s latest counterproposal.

The team can’t discuss the details of where the negotiations stand. But enough movement has been made to keep both sides at the table. You should also know that this team from General Government agencies has shown an extraordinary sense of solidarity and a commitment to the principal that an injury to one is an injury to all. They’re at the table fighting for the members they represent.

So we’ll keep you updated when we know what happens next.

These negotiations to mitigate the impacts and protect your rights should not be confused with the union’s other three-pronged attack to now get retroactive relief for the furloughs. A judge earlier this month would not grant an immediate halt, but the union’s lawsuit, grievance and unfair labor practice complaint continue. The Public Employment Relations Commission right now is trying to schedule a hearing on the union’s unfair labor practice complaint.

Job actions also continue.

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