This morning Governor Kulongoski announced several steps he is taking to reduce our burgeoning budget deficit. Prior to the public announcement, this information was communicated to executive management, presumably statewide.

For those who haven't heard, here's a brief rundown of the cuts:  read more »

The Oregon budget committee revealed their proposed budget cuts today.

Their proposal has to deal with a shortfall of $800 Million to make up by June 30^th, 2009. Part of the money is coming from the Federal Aid package of $330 Million. Another $125 Million is coming from "other state accounts." Exactly which accounts that is, isn't clear from the reports seen.  read more »

SEIU has offered up the Governor's recommended furlough days to try and jump-start bargaining. While it hasn't worked yet, the mere fact of the furlough days represents a pay cut. If we are faced with a pay cut, don't we have at least two options? How do you prefer to get the fuzzy end of the lollipop?

EDIT: Fixed the percentages to represent that the pay cut is 1.5(38)% for two years.

SEIU 503 held a bargaining press conference this afternoon at the Capital.  read more »

On Sunday, February 8^th, 2009 there was a Bargaining Conference in Eugene.

Reports indicate that the topic of why we didn't take the initial offer put out by the Governor's office was not given much coverage. The primary answer was that until we have a ratified contract, DAS can pull out of even a Tentative Agreement. And the Bargaining Team felt that they thought DAS would pull out.  read more »

Before I was forced to take some time off for a personal emergency, we were on-track to signing a tentative agreement that, while not perfect, was far better than I had ever expected we could negotiate for the coming biennium. Now, upon my return, I discover that DAS "made a mistake." The offer is off the table, and a new one, with 10 mandatory furlough days, sits in its place. What happened?!!?  read more »