An Update on Furlough Grievances

By Rebekah Padgett
     
As we wrap up our third month of furloughs/temporary layoffs, we're learning more about how employees are being impacted.  In July and August, staff working innovative work schedules (such as 9/80 or 4/10) are getting an extra 1-2 hour "ding" above the 8 hours that other full-time staff are receiving.  Whether we chose innovative work schedules to minimize traffic under the commute reduction program or for other reasons, it's unfair to receive this penalty.  We've filed grievances to rectify this inequity.  The grievance was presented at a hearing and we are awaiting a response from Ecology management.
  

A memorandum of understanding between state agencies and the union doesn't fix all of the issues that have come up, but it does set out some fixes to furlough implementation.  For example, those on the 4/10 schedule are allowed to change their schedule for furlough weeks to a 5/8 schedule.  Those on the 9/80 schedule can make a similar schedule change for furlough weeks for September and October, though this is a pilot so we don't know what will happen come November.
    

Finally, Article 34.6 in our contract doesn't allow for the state to reduce employee hours below 20 hours per week. Part-time staff working under 25 hours per week are being forced under the 20 hour mark by the furloughs.  Falling below 20 hours a week ends up impacting retirement eligibility for these individuals.

More grievances have been filed over this issue. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact a union steward in your region. ■

Grievances related to furloughs (number of employees)

• Spill responder exemption: 7
• Part-time below 20 hours: 2
• Alternative Schedule: 78.