July 2, 2007

Additional information on MAPE's tentative contract agreement

MAPE and the governor's team reached a tentative agreement on a new two-year contract just before midnight on June 30. Below are a few features of the new contract:

• 3.25 percent across the board wage increase each year of the two-year agreement -- effective July 1, 2007, and July 1, 2008.
• Progression steps each year of the contract for those members who qualify.
• Incorporation of pharmacy benefit manager pioneered by the unions into health-care plan will yield lower drug copays for most members.
• We cut the governor's health-care cost demand by half. We reduced the governor's premium cost demand by more than half.
• More information to follow.
• July 9 -- MAPE Board of Directors will consider the negotiations team's recommendation that MAPE members accept the new contract.
• Following Board consideration, contract information meetings will be held across the state. Members are encouraged to attend to receive additional information and get their questions answered.
• Here's the timeline for contract balloting:
  • July 20 -- ballots go out no later than this day.
  • Aug. 3 -- ballots returned.
  • Aug. 6 -- ballots tabulated.