[O]ne day after a ruling came down in a drawn-out negotiation process for the next contract for state workers, Democratic gubernatorial candidates and others voiced support for the Vermont State Employees’ Association.
At a news conference Wednesday at the Statehouse, the union called on the Legislature to fund a 2 percent raise for workers in fiscal year 2017 and 2.25 percent the following year.
On Tuesday, the Vermont Labor Relations Board came down in the union’s favor after a contentious round of bargaining between the state and the VSEA.
“Showing support for state employees isn’t about giving speeches,” VSEA President Dave Bellini said to a room crowded with members, lawmakers and reporters. “You show respect and support by showing up and putting your money where your mouth is.”
Bellini recalled that in a tough round of negotiations during the recession, the union agreed to take a pay cut when it was recommended by a fact-finder. “Those days are over,” he said.
“This is the beginning of a new day, and we look forward to working with a new administration,” Bellini said. “And, boy, do we want a new administration.”
House Speaker Shap Smith, D-Morristown, vowed to support the union in the push to fully fund the union’s last best offer. Smith said the Legislature agreed to support the contract. Now, he said, it’s time to honor that agreement.
“Promises made, promises kept,” Smith said.
Gubernatorial candidate Matt Dunne, a former state senator and Google executive, applauded the final result in the contract process. He added, “My only concern is that it took so long.”
“I think it is absolutely critical that the next administration be one that works collaboratively with our hardworking state employees, but also puts us on a path of doing right by the way we manage state government and our budget, including going away from contracting out for things like our prison system,” Dunne said.
He did not provide specific recommendations on how the budget-writers could fully fund the contract, but he cited his experience working as a legislator.
“I hope that that process will not mean pitting the appropriate compensation for state employees against our most vulnerable,” Dunne said.
Peter Galbraith, another former state senator who is running for governor, also called on lawmakers to fully fund the contract.
“We’ve gone through a process, the decision has been made, and now it is time to fund it,” Galbraith said.
He also cited his experience in the Statehouse, saying he understands that lawmakers are faced with difficult choices when crafting the budget. He suggested finding the money by ending special interest tax breaks, among other things.
Sue Minter, former transportation secretary, could not attend the event but sent a statement supporting the union. As a state employee, she was a VSEA member for some time, and she cited that personal experience.
Sen. David Zuckerman, P/D-Chittenden, and Rep. Kesha Ram, D-Burlington, both contending for the lieutenant governor’s office, also spoke at the event in support of the union’s position.
The budget is currently in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
