Bargaining Update

July 27, 2004

The governor's labor negotiators, under the direction of Eva Santos, are continuing to meet with the unions representing state employees. Proposals now have been exchanged with all unions.

“I feel very positive about the process,” said chief negotiator Eva Santos. “We are experiencing the normal give and take in bargaining. As we continue to bargain in good faith, I am confident we can reach agreement on fair contracts.”

Negotiations on the amount the state will pay on behalf of each employee for their health benefits will resume in August. To reach agreement on health benefits, management will be negotiating with one large coalition representing all the unions.

The final health coalition agreement will then apply to all state employees represented by labor unions.

The fiscal terms of all the contracts are due to the Office of Financial Management by October 1, 2004. Contracts will go into effect July 2005.