Rodney Woodill, SEA Chapter 65 President stated the talks broke down over a union security clause and employees rights in the discipline process. Several of these suspensions are being appealed at the present time. In bargaining, the union withdrew a proposal on discipline, which had been on the table since last October. The Union replaced it with a one-page proposal on employee investigations similar to current language in the State Department of Corrections contract. According to Woodill, in addition to the change on discipline the Union also modified its proposal for a three year contract to a one-year pact in hopes of reaching agreement.
Wages remain an issue in the negotiations.
The union has proposed adding steps to the salary schedule, but Woodill says that most issues in dispute are about worker s rights. Bargaining team directed SEA negotiator Bill McCann to notify the NH Public Employees Labor Relations Board of the impasse and request the appointment of a mediator.