State tries to axe job classification studies

Updated 11:00 a.m., July 18
State negotiators are trying to eliminate one of the most important ways for workers to address pay inequities and outdated classifications, dismissing it as “contract cleanup.”
 
A proposal introduced Thursday would gut contract language requiring classification studies for our Medical and Social Services Specialists (Unit 20). A second state proposal would get rid of the Joint Labor Management Committee on Salary and Compensation.

“It’s an insult that the state would delete important language and call it ‘contract cleanup’ when they are really trying to rob our members of the opportunity to address outdated job classifications,” said Rionna Jones, bargaining chair of our Medical and Social Services Specialists bargaining team.

On Thursday our team signed two tentative agreements, including a victory that expands dependent care leave to include the immediate family of a member’s domestic partner.

Our Medical and Social Services Specialists team also exchanged a proposal that would protect members who refuse to perform duties that would put their licenses at risk. The proposal comes in response to incidents in which members have been asked to administer medications to inmates contrary to doctors’ orders and regulations.

Both sides are scheduled to meet again on July 22.