BARGAINING UPDATE, January 30, 2014
TENTATIVE AGREEMENT DELAYED
To All JCAU Members:
THE TENTATIVE AGREEMENT THOUGHT TO HAVE BEEN REACHED BETWEEN THE JCAU AND THE JUDICIARY ON THE CONTRACTS HAS BEEN DELAYED. THE PARTIES ARE STILL REVIEWING LANGUAGE TO COMPLETE THE PROCESS AND QUESTIONS HAVE ARISEN ON THE PART OF JUDICIARY AS TO WHETHER THE AGREEMENT REACHED IN CONCEPT HAS BEEN ACCURATELY REFLECTED IN WRITING. WE ARE TRYING TO WORK OUT THE "KINKS." MOST OF WHAT IS OUTLINED BELOW IS STILL CORRECT. WE WILL GET BACK TO ASAP AS SOON AS THE OTHER DETAILS ARE IRONED OUT. A RATIFICATION VOTE WILL THEN BE HELD.
There are many rumors out there about the settlements. Please rely only on information received directly from OPEIU. A full bargaining report will be available on this website and through our stewards as soon as all terms are signed by both the JCAU and the Judiciary.
Here are the basics of the salary components of the agreement:
- NO increases for 2012 or 2013 (following the pattern set by the state executive branch settlements).
- Secured annual increases of 1% in January of 2014, and 1.75% in January of 2015.
- Secured across the board increase and additional bonuses for members who have been at Max 2 for a defined period of time.
- Protected annual progress increments for everyone not at Max 2 with all of the progression being pensionable and in take-home pay. Payments will be made retroactively to January if agreements are ratified.
- Reduced maximums for future employees, but no change in starting salaries or progression schedule for them.
The JCAU faced many challenges during these negotiations, including not being able to negotiate over health care benefits or contributions because of legislation. Judiciary funding from the State budget has been flat for several years and it is expected that will continue. As a result, the Judiciary was initially very aggressive in proposing major language changes, wage freezes, and elimination of progression increments, most of which we were able to successfully fight off.
As always, we appreciate your continued support and patience. Full information will be made available shortly, as will instructions for the ratification vote.