SEA Rejects Contract

Both NH Political Report and the Union Leader report that the State Employees Association has soundly rejected the proposed contract from the state.

NHPoliticalReport.com

By a vote of 2708 to 1875 the membership rejected a plan that would require about 19 un-paid days off over the next year. Without a contract Lynch has threatened to begin a process of laying off as many as 750 state workers.

Mark Hayward in the Union Leader

“Even with the threat of massive layoffs, our members have stood strong for a fair and reasonable solution,” said Gary Smith, president of the State Employees Association.

He urged Gov. John Lynch to return to the bargaining table.

NH Political Report also has Governor Lynch's reaction to the vote.

"I am deeply disappointed the state employees union has rejected a contract that would have implemented furloughs and preserved jobs. Unfortunately, this vote means the state must now proceed with layoffs.

"Over the last few weeks, agencies have been developing plans for layoffs in the event the union rejected the contract. I will be meeting with department heads tomorrow morning to begin implementing those plans, which include notifying impacted employees this week and completing most layoffs by the end of October.

"I will continue to work with agency heads to help ensure these layoffs have as little impact on state services as possible."

SEA leaders urge defeat of state contract

Leaders of the State Employees Association are urging their members to reject the contract negotiated with state officials last week. James Pindell has reaction at NH Political Report.

"After serving in Iraq, in the fight against terrorism, I didn't appreciate coming back and being terrorized by the Governor and the Legislature," said Chapter 22 President Bruce Vanlandingham.

In the Union Leader, Mark Hayward reports that the bargaining unit is more concerned with the furloughs for 10,000 state workers than with the 750 possible layoffs if no deal is reached.

"It's not a good contract. It's not a good deal for the employees," Barwell said, minutes after 162 members of the bargaining senate voted last night. He said the voice vote was overwhelming, but not unanimous.

Barwell said the contract will be mailed on Thursday to members, and they can begin discussing it.

Diana Lacey, the head of the bargaining team, said the cuts do not provide enough job security for state workers and affect all public services provided by the state.

In the Concord Monitor, Shira Schoenberg gets reaction to the recommendation from the Governor's Office.

Colin Manning, spokesman for Lynch, said he still hoped union members would ratify the agreement.

"We continue to believe that it's important that state employees be allowed to vote on a contract that could save hundreds of jobs," Manning said.

"It is our hope that they approve this contract and that we can implement a well-structured furlough program and avoid laying off hundreds of state employees."

If the full union membership rejects the agreement, both sides could return to the bargaining table, or Governor Lynch could begin making layoffs to reach the $25 million in savings mandated by the state budget.

Senate GOP: Senate Democrats Stunt Charter School Growth

James Pindell at NH Political Report has a post detailing Republican efforts to save charter schools on the floor of the State Senate:

"The cap will have the effect of turning our backs on kids that stand to benefit most from this type of education. This will devastate the kids and their families and tarnish New Hampshire's reputation as being innovative and creative in educating our children," said Senator Carson (R-Londonderry).

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