by Neil Mariotti, Chairman, IUPA-FL Local 6000

PBA has put on their website information about the next contract they have negotiated with the state. I’ve taken the time to read the 2003 – 2006 contract negotiated by IUPA Local 6000 and the new one. The good news is that they have not changed anything in the contract that is of much consequence. That’s a good thing. This past contract was the most employee friendly that many of us have ever seen. Only two changes are noticed and they are minor. First, we have 48 hours instead of 24 hours to seek representation in grievances. Second, only four PBA members may attend negotiation meetings when before it was eight.

Many were concerned that there would have been big concessions made to the state in an effort to conclude a contract and we are very happy that was not done. We still have 14 days before our shift can be changed, we may still save up to 100 in FLSA comp time (a benefit negotiated by IUPA).

The problem I have with PBA is there was no advance notice. Our votes are needed by April 14th, 2008 and as of April 1, 2008 we have not received any advance notice or even a summary of what the contract says unless you happen to check the PBA website. A contract is a very important document, as noted by the President’s message to us. A brief overview of benefits would have been helpful. That’s if any information is even going to be sent to us.

I will be voting in favor of the contract. I encourage you too also. Remember however, a contract is only as good as the unit that enforces it. If you are the victim of a contractual violation I encourage you to ask PBA to help you with your grievance. The measure of how good a unit is can be measured by how well it represents a member when that member has been wronged. Will they fight to the very end to make sure your rights are protected? Will they put as much effort into one member’s plight as they do in any other area? For all our sakes let’s hope so.

Posted April 2, 2008