Union rejection to reopen contracts may trigger cuts

As part of her budget reduction package, Gov. Chris Gregoire asked state employee union leaders to reopen their collective bargaining contracts so the state could reduce the amount it spends on monthly health care premiums.

The state currently allocates $850 monthly per employee. Reducing that to $807 would boost the employee’s contribution from 15 to 25 percent of the total premium cost and save the state $28 million.
We were disheartened that leaders for the Washington Federation of State Employees rejected the request out of hand. Union leaders missed an opportunity to engender public support for state workers. By refusing to renegotiate, union leaders have fostered the false criticism that state workers are not sharing in the sacrifices that the recession has forced upon other Washington residents.