| Press Release |
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| October 17, 2005 |
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Governor and Association of Oregon Corrections Employees Settle Contract for 2005-2007 Biennium
Cost-of-Living Increase Granted; Health Care Premiums for 2006 Covered, 12% Increase Covered in 2007
(Salem, OR) – Today Governor Ted. Kulongoski announced the settlement of negotiations with the Association of Oregon Corrections Employees (AOCE) for the 2005-2007 Biennium, affecting approximately 660 employees with the Department of Corrections, Oregon State Penitentiary, Oregon State Correctional Institution, Mill Creek Correctional Facility and South Fork Forest Camp. The parties reached agreement on October 12, 2005 – marking the first agreement ever reached with the AOCE without the use of arbitration.
"This agreement not only marks the earliest contract with AOCE in more than a decade, but it represents a victory for the employees and citizens of Oregon,” Governor Ted Kulongoski said. “Because of the diligent work of all parties, we have delivered a contract that is consistent with my guiding principles for Oregon’s future by recognizing the value of state employees today within the context of what’s best for tomorrow."
Key elements of the new contract – which is pending ratification by the AOCE membership – include:
Wages:
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2% Cost of living increase effective July 1, 2005.
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2% Cost of living increase effective December 1, 2006.
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New step added to top of each salary range effective July 1, 2006.
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A make-up step those employees who lost 2 steps during the 24 month freeze, to be given February of 2007 or later.
Benefits:
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Fully paid health care premium effective January 2006 – December 2006.
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Health care premium paid up to 12% increase over cost of plan in 2006 (if the actual cost exceeds that amount, the December COLA may be adjusted and management and labor can approach the Public Employees Benefits Board to determine the availability of reserves to contribute to covering that cost).
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An additional 8 hours of personal business leave.
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