DSP Update

The State has officially responded to the Union's Last, Best, and Final Offer. Unfortunately, their response contained no meaningful movement. Rather than working toward a compromise, the State simply reaffirmed the same positions it has maintained throughout negotiations and rejected the Union's final proposals.

Equally concerning, after our contract expired, the State initially took the position that members were not entitled to receive their earned longevity increases because there was no current collective bargaining agreement in place. The Union strongly challenged that position and fought to protect your rights. As a result, the State ultimately reversed its position and honored the longevity increases. This should never have been a fight. Longevity is earned through years of dedicated service, and our members should not have had to fight for a benefit they had already earned.

Your bargaining team has continued to negotiate in good faith by listening to the concerns of the membership, revising our proposals, and making every effort to reach a fair agreement. Unfortunately, the State has shown little willingness to move from its original position or engage in the type of meaningful give and take that collective bargaining is intended to achieve.

We remain committed to fighting for a fair contract and protecting the interests of every member. We appreciate your continued patience, support, and solidarity throughout this process. As soon as there are any meaningful developments, we will keep everyone informed, however we believe we will ultimately end up in mediation/arbitration!