Earlier this year we ratified a contract negotiated with Governor Patrick. The Governor implemented the non-financial aspects, but in the wake of the budget crisis, the pay raises were never acted on by the legislature. It became clear over the past few months that the legislature will not act to fund the original agreement. So along with our sister unions AFSCME and SEIU 509, we have negotiated amendments to the financial sections of the contract that we hope will pass the legislature.

1) Increases will be pushed back to June 30th of the fiscal year after they were originally due (e.g. the 1% slated for July 1 of this year gets moved to June 30 of 2010);

2) Members percentage of health insurance premium, co-pays and deductibles would stay the same although the GIC co-pays and deductibles will be raised for other state, city and town employees if they are on GIC, any difference in cost will be reimbursed through the Dental and Optical Fund;

3) There will be no furlough days for Unit 2, instead the Commonwealth will be allowed to waive its contribution to the Health and Welfare fund for a few weeks, which will have no impact on benefits;

4) If tax revenues hit certain levels, increases will move up 3 or 6 weeks;

5) The Commonwealth will do an analysis of use of managers, contractors and retiree employees.

To view  a copy of the agreement click here.

Ratification votes will be held on January 5th from 7am to 6pm at the following locations:

• 1. Holyoke Soldiers Home, 110 Cherry Street
  2. Chelsea Soldiers Home, 91 Crest Avenue
  3. Westboro State Hospital, 288 Lyman Street
  4. Tewksbury Hospital, 365 East Street
  5. Pocasset Mental Health Center, 830 County Road