1. We are in a downward spiral of our benefits, we are losing more with each contract. The only way to stop this trend is to tell the state to stop it or else. They will not stop taking – why should they?
2. If you are on the lower range of the pay scale or barely making ends meet.  The state is going to start charging you an additional $52 a month in health care cost. The state has the money to pick up this cost, but why should they?
3. If you are at the upper end of the pay scale or close to retirement. Every dollar we manage to squeeze out in a raise or a full COLA is more money you get to take home or take into retirement. The better our health care, the better off you are when you retire and need it.
4. If you are in the middle as a Technical or Professional employee, the state is trying to pass legislation (as we speak) to contract out your job. We currently have language in the contract that says they can’t contract out your job unless it saves the state money. They want to do away with the saving money part. They want the right to contract out any state job, regardless of cost savings…even if it costs more. Results, their business friends make a mint and you start looking for work.
5. If you are thinking you will become an agency fee payer and make all sorts of money crossing the picket line – forget it. You must be a member of the union and pay dues; even if you do not choose to participate BUT part of that agreement is that you cannot do harm to the union. You cross the picket line, the union can pull your right to work and you are without a job.

But people tend to identify with their work titles, pay ranges, and situations. So I hope this gives you food for thought.

I am afraid of a strike. I am afraid of what will happen if we don’t strike. The negotiators tell me that the only way to stop the state from taking more and more is to tell them no and to tell them we will go all the way if forced. We cannot go on strike unless 50% or more of our members say we can. The final decision rests with you……
 

FROM YOUR CHIEF STEWARD

It has come to my attention that members of ASEA are saying we do not have a chance for a good contract and we cannot win if we strike.

Those members must have started with the state after 1976. In 1976 when we were with the APEA/GGU union, we went on strike. Actually, it was the supervisors that went out on strike and the GGU went out in support of their strike. We were out for 5 working days when the state settled with the supervisors…and they got what they wanted.

I remember this because I was making wedding plans and I used this week to do them. I also remember my tax return check coming in at that time. This income tax check made up the difference in my pay check because it was short one week’s pay.

So, if we go out on strike I believe we do have a good chance of getting what we want. If we  plan for a strike, the better our chances of not having to strike at all….Judy Morris.

Editor’s Note:   Have you noticed the number of strikes that have been occurring around this state this year?! Look at the news. With so many groups on strike representing all these different professions, it has to make one ask why so many are “drawing that line in the sand”.  Something is not right within this state when so many are going on strike. Food for thought…….
 

NEED A GOOD PAYING JOB? or WHY OUR INSURANCE COST KEEP RISING!

Providence Medical Systems of Northeast is hiring second rate nurses from throughout the country at $60 an hour. This is three times the salary rate that Providence offers it’s Alaskan nurses. These specialized scabs are recruited specifically to break hospital unions. They are here on temporary duty and have no accountability to the community and a questionable commitment to patient care. Providence is using our insurance premiums to pay these “mercenary nurses” and to house them at the Sheraton Hotel.

Until this strike settles, my doctor has medical privileges at both hospitals. Columbia Hospital has hired some of the striking nurses. If you need to go (or transfer) into an Anchorage hospital, ask for a hospital where the nurses and the administration’s first concern is the patient…and not the dollar. Call Providence Medical Systems at 562-2211; e-mail at http://www.providence.org/alaska  or send them a postcard expressing your disappointment at their refusal to bargain in good faith and their betrayal of their mission.

We may soon be facing a strike vote. We hope and pray the Nurses at Providence will get a fair contract. We hope and pray we will get a fair contract. To misquote Pogo “Good is better than bad but good better be organized”.  Shalom sim shalom….Gordon Glaser/ ASEA Negotiator.
 

NEGOTIATION UPDATE by Gordon Glaser

Our negotiation process continues to develop. All articles with the exception of health benefits have now been exchanged. Succinctly the state is offering no increase in salary (which is in effect a decrease generated by inflation). The state is offering no increase in job protection, and they want us to pay for the increased cost of health care.

We have asked for a 7.5% increase in salary (identical to our state legislators), increase in leave, job security, and we are delaying our insurance proposal until we receive more data from the state. To stay updated on negotiations, come the Chapter work site, E-board, GGU, or steward meetings. This contract will impact your wages for the rest of your state career and your retirement package. For more updates, please see our union’s WEB page……Gordon.
 

   

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