TABLE TALK
The negotiators met on October 8 and 9. On October 8 the parties explored possibilities for making negotiations more productive. Two heated exchanges found the State’s lead negotiator pulling her team out of negotiations – each time for a couple of hours in duration. There were no agreements and the State cancelled our previously scheduled session for Wednesday October 15th.

On October 9, with a different lead negotiator at the helm, the State explained to PEF in more detail their health insurance proposals and the parties discussed PEF’s need for dental and vision benefit improvements. With the earlier cancellation of the main table negotiations, we decided to use October 15th to schedule another meeting to continue our dialogue on Health Benefits issues. At that session, negotiators will respond to questions raised this past week, give greater clarity regarding priorities and in general continue the natural process of bargaining.

ON-TAP
The Union and Employer Reps meet on Tuesday October 14 and Wednesday October 15 to discuss the SED Schools and Health Benefits, respectively.