News

Over the last few months, your negotiating committees for Units 2, 3, 4 and 13 have all had initial meetings with the Employer to discuss negotiations proposals for the collective bargaining agreements effective July 1, 2013.

Each bargaining unit committee has submitted a package of proposals to the Employer, aiming to strengthen the provisions in the contract and the rights of employees. Unfortunately, a majority of the Employers’ proposals are clearly “takeaways,” seeking to reduce and restrict your contractual rights and benefits.  

As it is unlikely that we will reach an agreement on a new contract soon, we will likely be at “impasse” with the Employer on February 1. The impasse procedure outlined in Chapter 89-11, HRS, provides a timeline for the resolution of contract negotiations. If a voluntary settlement cannot be reached, we will proceed through the process of arbitration for a final and binding decision.

Your negotiating committees remain committed to obtaining the best possible contract, through a voluntary settlement or at final and binding arbitration. Each bargaining unit negotiating committee will meet again in the coming weeks to discuss and determine the relative priorities of items in its package of proposals.

Please visit the Members Only section of the HGEA website at www.hgea.org to view a summary of your unit’s and the Employers’ proposals for the upcoming contract period beginning July 1, 2013.

We will continue to provide updates to members via eBulletin and our HGEA website.