Fri Feb 10 2012
Labor union representatives and state officials didn't see eye-to-eye during the first meeting Wednesday of the resurrected Governor's Employee Advisory Council.
But both sides agree the council has the potential to yield positive results and a pay raise for state employees " long a sore point with rank-and-file workers " could be a future item on the agenda.
First, labor unions want a new agreement with the state and say their organizers need more access to state employees.
The advisory council held its first meeting on Wednesday and is composed of representatives from labor unions, state employees and the administration of Gov. Steve Beshear.
The council was established by then-governor Paul Patton in 2001 but abolished by his successor, Ernie Fletcher, in 2003.
Beshear resurrected the council through an executive order that went into effect on July 1.
Lowell Grubb is a civilian employee of the Kentucky State Police and was first appointed by Patton to represent state employees on the council. He's been a certified motor vehicle license examiner in Laurel County for about 10 years and said he thinks the council will be productive.
"Last time we didn't have a chance to get things implemented," Grubb said. "By the time we got started there was a new administration."
He said he thinks state officials are sincere when they talk about improving relations with state employees and giving them a voice.
The council is scheduled to meet at least once every three months and can make recommendations concerning a variety of issues including wages, working conditions, benefits and other items.
Grubb said he hopes the council will be willing to discuss compensation and other incentives.
"We're overworked," he said. "The volume of work is increasing and there are fewer employees."
The legislature approved a 1 percent pay increase each year in the biennial budget even though state law recommends 5 percent. Personnel Cabinet Secretary Nikki Jackson said the General Assembly has already enacted the budget although the council could discuss pay raises in the future.
Jackson arrived to the meeting late and came in during an "argument" between state officials and union leaders. Although she said the discussions were "a little heated," she said the first meeting laid the groundwork for future discussions.
"Working together with union representatives, I want to find a way to make work much more meaningful and the work environment much more palatable for state employees," Jackson said.
Dave Burtch is a representative of the United Autoworkers, one of the groups that won representation on the council through an election in 2003.
He said the first meeting included "good conversations" and he's optimistic about making improvements for state employees.
"I think it has huge potential," Burtch said.
However, one of the first issues Burtch addressed was the master settlement agreement that was originally negotiated between Patton and the unions.
The agreement recognized the unions and authorized an election to determine membership on the advisory council.
Burtch said he was disappointed state officials were not ready to sign a new agreement on Wednesday, as expected.
"What I thought we were getting from this administration was erasing those last four years," Burtch said.
Eddie Jacobs, special adviser to the governor, said the agreement needed to be modified because some elements were no longer applicable. He suggested forming a subcommittee to address the necessary changes.
Carol Klingle Smith, of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, expressed concerns about having free access to state employees. She said supervisors have tried to prevent state employees from meeting with union organizers.
"That sends a clear message to employees that management doesn't want them talking to you," Smith said.
Dan Egbers, executive director of the Office of Legal Services at the Personnel Cabinet, said it's difficult to investigate complaints without specific details about the any alleged violations.
Burtch said he hopes they can have finalize the master settlement in the next few days and engage in other discussions soon.
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