Unit 1 seeks equity pay for 140 classifications
Updated 3:10 p.m., June 28
Unit 1 negotiated
for nearly 12 hours on Wednesday, bringing in frontline workers to testify on
the consequences of not paying wages sufficient to retain skilled employees. Our
negotiators presented equity proposals for 140 classifications effecting about
30,000 state workers.
State negotiators
heard presentations from a wide range of workers, including those who inspect
small airfields and heli-pads, and those who evaluate the needs of people who
find themselves suddenly disbabled. Both job classifications face 30 percent
vacancy rates.
“It was great to
have our members come in and describe
the problems that the state causes by not paying enough to recruit and retain
skilled workers,” Unit 1 Chair Margarita Maldonado said. “The state is
contributing to inefficiencies because you can’t fill so many open positions.”
Unit 1 also
signed nine tentative agreements – all on contract guarantees carried over from
the last contract. But many of our members felt disrespected by the state which
has stalled on our proposals.
“The state negotiators have been rather patronizing,” said
Paul Gonzalez-Coke, a member of the Unit 1 bargaining team. “They are careful with their words. But their
tone gives away their complete lack of sincerity. It is so clear that they
don’t respect our work.”
