SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The two top state workers’ unions in Oregon are set to hold a second joint bargaining session Monday with representatives of Gov. John Kitzhaber.
They’re hoping to break a deadlock about furloughs, health care and pay increases.
The Statesman Journal says Kitzhaber wants state employees to pay 5 percent of their health care premiums as part of the new contract for the 2011-13 biennium.
The unions appear to be — but on their own terms.
AFSCME Council 75 is pursuing wage increases for its workers. The union has said it will agree to the premium share — and even additional furlough days — to “buy” those pay hikes.
SEIU Local 503’s executive director, Heather Conroy, says her union aims to protect members from taking the full brunt of state cutbacks.
