Local 291 News

Contract Negotiations Update
June 30, 2008

The last contract negotiation session was Wednesday, June 25, 2008. It looks like we will not be talking money issues until after the budget is finalized.

There is no serious talk of lay-offs, but the term was mentioned by management. Your NAGE Negotiation Team has been working on improving the language of the contract which in itself can be very important.

Our present contract will end on June 30, 2008. It will stay in effect through the Evergreen Clause by agreement with management.

In the hope of getting a good contract we must stand together.

We understand the classification system needs much improvement. We are trying to meet as a subcommittee with management to start some movement in that direction. Management is very slow in responding.

It may mean that we will have to put a bill before the legislature to move a study of the state’s reclassification system or strongly back one that may already be there.

In the hope of the promotion of harmonious relations between the union and the employer, I am hoping that management will show some respect and dignity for the union member—the state employee. We need equitable compensation—updated job specifications. We need to ensure that state employees are paid equitably through fair, impartial and up to date job specifications.

Let us hope that the Governor will reach out and move for state workers.

Enjoy the summer—be safe and healthy.

In solidarity,
Jack Donegan, President
Unit 1, Local 291

NAGE, OER Reach Agreement on Reclassification Pool

The Labor and Management Committee has been meeting for several months and we are happy to announce that NAGE and the Office of Employee Relations have finalized the agreement that we bargained for in the current contract on the $1 million reclassification pool shared among Units 1, 3 and 6.

Unit 1 received the bulk of the pool money. The Unit 1 job titles in our Local that will receive upgrades are as follows:

  • Admin Secretary I
  • Admin Secretary II
  • Assessing Clerk II
  • Assessing Clerk III
  • Bookkeeper I
  • Bookkeeper II
  • Courier
  • EDP Control Clerk I
  • Offset Duplicating Mach Op I
  • Offset Duplicating Mach Op II
  • Statistical Clerk I
  • Statistical Clerk II
  • Statistical Machine Operator I
  • Stenographer II
  • Stenographer III
  • Stenographer IV
  • Typist I
  • Typist II

We were able to agree on two other items as well, but they are still in the drafting phase:

  1. Effective 5/25/2008, the Commonwealth, along with NAGE, will establish a new two-level Unit 1 job series titled Administrative Support Specialist, which will be 15A and 17A of the Unit 1 salary schedule.
  2. Effective 5/25/2008, the Office Support Specialist series will replace Unit 6’s Administrative I and II series. (Those already in AA I and II positions will be grandfathered in their positions.)

We hope that this new position may open the door for our members and that many of you will be able to migrate to the new job series.

Although there was not enough money to upgrade everyone, we will continue to pursue upgrades for our membership even as we begin to negotiate the new contract.

In solidarity,
Jack Donegan, President
Unit 1, Local 291

Nominate a Co-Worker for an Outstanding Service Award

The Human Resources Division has announced the 25th Annual Commonwealth of Massachusetts Performance Recognition Program, a program which allows the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to thank its outstanding employees who demonstrate exemplary leadership, strong commitment, and an extraordinary work ethic.

This program gives formal recognition to Commonwealth employees who make meaningful contributions, which distinguish them from their peers. These special awards focus attention on consistent, positive achievements by both individuals and teams of state employees, and recognize those who demonstrate: innovation and dedication to their work, concern for the public trust and a commitment to excellence.

PRP culminates in an awards ceremony and luncheon that will be held at the Sheraton Boston on November 21, 2008.

Awards are given in three categories:

  • Commonwealth Citation for Outstanding Performance awarded to employees who are honored for their exemplary work performance
  • Eugene H. Rooney, Jr. Public Service Award for employees who have made a meaningful contribution in the area of human resource development and training
  • Manuel Carballo Governor's Award for Excellence in Public Service given to ten individuals or groups of employees who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation and creativity

For PRP overview, key dates and forms, please visit the PRP website.

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Local 291 Executive Board

Jack Donegan
President

Susie McLean-Zady
Executive Vice President

Shana Hicks
Vice President

Donna Jackson
Vice President

Theresa Hurley-O'Brien
Secretary/Treasurer

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