A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING MODIFYING THE 2009-2011 AFSCME COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT?

Letter to the Editor:

I have worked for the state of Iowa for 29 years. I have been involved in the AFSCME State Contract negotiations since 1986, and have always supported this great AFSCME union. I am a proud member, but this time I will be voting NO on the TENTATIVE agreement that was done between the Governors office and the union. I have to vote NO for the following reasons, which are in no particular order:

Modifying the contract is opening up the contract. A deal is a deal.

Both parties bargained this contract in good faith. Remember that state employees are not given the chance to get something more after the contract is signed when budget years are good.

Saving 479 jobs is only good for the remaining 6 months of this fiscal year. What happens in July 2010? Are we again asked to give up something more?

Furloughs or MUD days are NOT the answer. This is taking a step backwards.

We already gave up an across the board increase when we bargained this current contract. There was NO wage increase for fiscal year 2010.

Positions are being reclassified to a higher pay scale for management within the last few weeks even as the state says it has “No Money.” How can this be?

The employees who were given their layoff notice prior to October 27 will still be laid off. Why don’t their sacrifices count toward our part in the budget cuts? If we are to stand together, then they should not lose their jobs either.

We have temporary layoffs written in the contract. This has not been offered to workers, so why are we going to furloughs?

Furlough days can not be taken for other employees who can’t afford to lose a day’s pay.

Furlough days will continue to affect employees who are planning to retire in the next 3 years. When you look at taking 5 furlough days, it is likely to cause a decrease in their IPERS benefits as well.

People are using the deferred comp match (401k) they get to help pay for their health Insurance premiums when they retire. Why should we punish the most senior employees who have paid their dues?

A plan wasn’t given to 24 / 7 facilities on how furloughs would be done. Most 24/7 facilities are already working some staff at overtime to cover positions. What will happen when there are five (5) furlough days that will need to be covered? I know, more overtime–so where are the savings?

We have 2 year recall rights in the contract for the unfortunate people that lose their jobs. My experience is that they are able to come back to work for the state unless they choose not to.

Department of Management is looking at an early retirement package which could save money. Details are still in the making, which could save jobs. Let’s start there.

It is not the union’s job to balance the state budget on the backs of workers who have already made concessions.

Every job state employees do benefits the citizens of Iowa. The ONLY FIX when state revenues are decreasing is to raise taxes on everyone so that state employees do not carry a heavier burden than everyone else.

Voting No on this TENTATIVE agreement is not selfish; it is the right thing to do. This contract is legal and binding. You should never open up a contract. I strongly urge you to go to the polling site in your area and cast your vote NO.

In Solidarity,

Lynne Pothast,

Member of AFSCME

Local 2984

Gilman