Today at bargaining we expressed disappointment in management's economic proposal. We spent time today addressing the importance of our living wage proposals and the need to continue the insurance subsidy for part time employees.

   We heard eloquent and moving testimony from members who are struggling to make ends meet.

   Nathan Allen is a full-time hardworking custodian at Hillcrest. He testified about his desire to earn enough money so that he can support his family without relying on assistance. Currently, he receives both food stamps and public housing assistance.

   Grace Lewis is a full time office assistant from the Employment department. She provided details of her monthly budget, which included only one "luxury": her telephone.

   Although she owns a car, she cannot drive it because she has no money in her budget to pay for gasoline or insurance. She relies on the food bank and her church to make it through the month.

   Management listened politely, but their response was unsatisfactory. Their "solution" to the problems of low wage workers was to suggest that these workers solve their problems by seeking promotion to higher paying positions.

   Beth Crowe from the Department of Revenue spoke about the need to continue the subsidy for part-timers' health insurance. Beth works part time out of necessity, because she is responsible for the care of a chronically ill family member.

   She can't work full time, nor can she pay the huge increase in out of pocket premiums that would result if the State’s proposal to eliminate part timers’ subsidies were to take effect. Without the subsidy, Beth testified, her situation would become desperate.

   We also submitted written testimony from other workers who were unable to take time off of work to attend.

   We concluded our presentation by reminding management that the States proposal of 1% in October in each year is insulting. We asked that they reconsider their position.

   They indicated that they would not likely have another proposal on wages until May.

   Please keep the pressure on management with worksite actions to express to all levels of management that the State's wage proposal is inadequate!