Prohibited Practice Complaint settlement reached

As you know, in February 2024, MSEA filed a Prohibited Practice Complaint with the Maine Labor Relations Board alleging that the State violated labor law by failing to complete the Comprehensive Compensation and Classification Study required under contract and law. We are pleased to announce that, while the State has contested our allegations, and while neither side has admitted any wrongdoing, the parties have reached a resolution that provides a reasonable path forward.

Specifically, in order to resolve this matter, the administration has agreed to make a $2,000 lump-sum payment to all full-time State employees in October 2024, with pro-rata payments for part-time, intermittent and seasonal employees. See additional details on this payment below.

Additionally, the State has agreed to retain an outside consultant to conduct a classification study with the goals of modernizing our classification system, ensuring that positions are appropriately classified, and addressing inequities throughout State government. The consultant shall produce a report by the end of 2025, after which the parties shall bargain regarding the consultant’s findings and recommendations.

While this resolution and the forthcoming classification study are important steps in addressing longstanding issues with our compensation and classification system, a lot more needs to be done.

Over the next few months, we will be conducting our bargaining survey, building our bargaining team and getting ready to begin contract negotiations in just four months. Be on the lookout for further communications about how to participate.

Details on the $2,000 lump-sum payment provision in the Prohibited Practice Complaint settlement, as described in the settlement agreement:

• “In recognition of the time that will be necessary to undertake and complete the Classification Study, effective on the first Cycle B and Cycle A payday of October 2024, full time employees in pay status will receive a one-time two-thousand-dollar ($2,000) lump sum payment, less applicable taxes and deductions.
• “The payment will be pro-rated for seasonal and part-time employees. Intermittent employees covered by this Agreement will be eligible on a pro-rated basis based upon the hours worked in the twelve months immediately prior to September 1, 2024.
• “Any employee on unpaid leave or seasonal employees who are off-season as of October 2024 will receive their respective payment upon their return to pay status.”

When we unite together, we can accomplish more than we can alone. If you haven’t yet done so, become a member – join MSEA today.

In Solidarity,

Mark A. Brunton
President
MSEA-SEIU Local 1989
5 Community Drive
Augusta, Maine 04330
207-624-0630