What Can the Governor Be Thinking?

State Is Still Seeking Nearly Double What it Needs for the Budget

Why does the Governor continue to ask state workers to sacrifice more—much more—than the Legislature has determined is needed to balance the budget?

If state negotiators even know, they aren’t saying, but the SEIU 503 central table bargaining team reports that in two more days of mediation, July 13-14, the state kept proposals on the table that would cost workers nearly double the $65 million actually needed.

“We worked hard getting a budget passed that ensures front line workers will not have to shoulder the burden of the economic downturn alone” the team said in a message to members. “Now we have to turn our focus to the Governor.”

“Governor Kulongoski needs to do his job, use the road map to a fair settlement that the legislature has provided. His negotiators shrug off the budget note set by the legislature calling for no more than $65 million in savings from front line workers. They are insisting on far deeper cuts when there is no good reason that they or anyone else can articulate for making valued state workers pay more than our fair share.



“We have been willing to step up and be a part of the solution from the start of negotiations, but we expect equity: a fair contract that protects step increases and calls for no more furlough days than are actually necessary.

“We need to get this message to the Governor often and loudly. Have everyone you know call the Governor at 503.378.4582 today. And see your organizer or steward for postcards you can have friends and relatives mail to the Governor.”
Bargaining team members said they are “extremely appreciative of the support we received from a large contingent of Salem-area members who converged on the union hall after work Tuesday and set up a loud and enthusiastic informational picket line to inform drive-time motorists heading south along Commercial Street.”

“Thanks, too,” they added, “to the union members across the state who held unity breaks and other actions!

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Bargaining is scheduled again in Salem July 21, 27 and 28.

Download a flyer to distribute to co-workers to urge them to call the Governor
Download a postcard for friends and family to mail to the Governor
See photos of recent informational picketing and unity breaks

More recent news about State/University bargaining