The State Employees Association is sending negotiators back to the bargaining table, after a tentative agreement had been reached with the state. The $35 million agreement would give state workers their first raise in 5 years, but requires state employees to pay health care deductibles for the first time.
SEA President Diana Lacey says the details are problematic. "There are elements of the plan design that disproportionately affect people with children, and people with high health care needs," she says. Despite that and other problems, Lacey thinks the Senate’s decision indicates that resolution is likely.
The state’s negotiators are refusing comment.
In the meantime, the Teamsters, Troopers and Police unions have brought the tentative agreement to their full memberships for a vote.