We want to share some good news regarding our 2021-2023 collective bargaining agreement. The Office of Financial Management (OFM) has deemed our Interest Arbitration Award financially feasible. This means that all economic components of the Award have been included in the Governor's 2022 supplemental operating budget.

As a reminder, through our Interest Arbitration Award, our Union won a general wage increase of 4% effective July 1, 2022 for all members of the bargaining unit as well as a one-time bonus of $1500 on July 1, 2022. We also successfully achieved range increases for 57 classifications. For details about the Award, please click here.

FUNDING ALLOCATED FOR NINE ADDITIONAL CLASSIFICATIONS

In addition to funding the economic improvements contained in the Award, the Governor has taken the highly unusual step of allocating funding in his budget for specific DOC classifications above and beyond what was awarded by the Arbitrator.

These include range increases for the following nine classifications:

  • Licensed Practical Nurse 2 (two salary ranges)
  • Licensed Practical Nurse 4 (two salary ranges)
  • Maintenance Custodian (two salary ranges)
  • Medical Assistant (six salary ranges)
  • Nursing Assistant Lead (six salary ranges)
  • Nursing Assistant (six salary ranges)
  • Registered Nurse 1 (two salary ranges)
  • Registered Nurse 2  (two salary ranges)
  • Registered Nurse 3 (two salary ranges)

It is a testament to our power as a Union that the Governor has improved on the Arbitrator's Award and moved to recognize these additional classifications.  

OUR CONTRACT MUST BE APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATURE

OFM's determination of financial feasibility and the Governor's budget proposal are important steps toward ensuring that the terms of our Interest Arbitration Award take effect. But the legislature still must vote to approve funding the Award. 

We need to make sure we are engaging with our representatives in Olympia in next year's legislative session, which begins on January 10, 2022. Stay tuned for more information about how you can get involved.