NEGOTIATIONS BEGIN

(2/7) In an unprecedented move, MTA was asked to sit at the bargaining table last week given just a five day notice. What we heard, to no one’s surprise, is the Administration needs to capture a little over $8 million over the next three years.  Of course the fastest way to capture $8 million dollars is through your pocket.  The initial proposal is for all employees to take six furlough days.  A furlough day would amount to closing the district down.  Doing some quick math, six furlough days would be 6/180ths of your pay or 1/30th.  If you make $60,000 you stand to lose $2,000.  The initial proposal would not affect step and column.  If you were to receive a step this year – people at the top of the guide would not get a step... again – you net lose stands in the neighborhood of $260.  This of course is before the expected increases in insurance premiums.

MTA would like to see a tighter budget before our members are asked to make involuntary contributions of any kind.  In addition, we look forward to getting additional language to cover working conditions.  We will be polling our members over the next several weeks for input. 

 

DONATED DAYS

(2/7) The number of members who stepped forward to donate days for Pat Cahill was truly unbelievable.  The good news is that we now have language in place.  The bad news; because of the time frames involved, Pat was unable to take advantage of the out pouring of your generosity.  To all those who donated days, your totals will remain unchanged.  We do have another member who may be needing our assistance, and further details will follow.