Two of the unions representing state workers stage events near the Capitol to express their concerns about wages. One union has launched legal action over pay. The Service Employees International Union has gone to court over the decision to exclude parole and probation officers from the $1,200 across-the-board pay hikes most state workers are receiving. Union Attorney Greg Campbell says the raises are being denied because many of these workers are actively involved in the union. The officers did receive some additional money in December, when other state workers received none. Campbell says this was not a cost-of-living increase, but rather an adjustment due to changes in job duties and responsibilities. Another union – the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) – held a rally, later, to support proposed increases that benefit its membership. But AFSCME’s Chief Negotiator Paula Bentley complains it’s not enough. AFSCME blames the Legislature for the lower wages.
