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County employee team OKs contract Members will vote in August By JILL BRISKEY The bargaining team for the Jackson County Employees Association gave its tentative approval to a contract Thursday night which could end the threat of a strike. If accepted by the association, employees would be awarded pay raises and receive better insurance and retirement benefits in January 2002. "It's not a deal until the members vote," said union organizer Barbara Kellogg. "It's a very good offer." The existing contract between the employees association and the county ended June 30 but was later extended. The latest contract was first presented to the bargaining team Tuesday, said Deputy County Administrator Dave Kanner. "I think we made a good offer. I think it's appropriate, since (county employees) are our most valuable resource," Kanner said. "It provides for a substantial increase in take-home pay." Kanner said the new contract includes the following: Wages will be raised to meet the Consumer Price Index's 12-month average. The county would pay employee medical insurance during the first year and allow for future increases if rates rise. Part-time employees who cannot afford insurance will be eligible for a major medical insurance plan, paid for by the county. The county will pay a 6 percent contribution toward the employee retirement plans. Additional details were not available Thursday evening. Kellogg said there were some mixed reactions among the bargaining team regarding the offer but the group will recommend the contract to the association. "There are some concerns. (Reactions) are mixed," she said. "We certainly feel it was a good enough offer that our members should vote." The association will vote to either accept or turn down the contract during the week of August 6. If accepted by a majority, the contract will be brought before the Jackson County Board of Commissioners for ratification, Kellogg said. Kanner said he is relieved that the bargaining process, which began in January, may soon come to an end. "When you get into these situations, unfortunately there's no way of knowing how long it takes to get to 'yes.' " The employee association represents about 650 workers. It includes all county employees except management, sheriff's department and "confidential employees" such as executive secretaries. During a "pre-strike" meeting July 3, attended by several hundred association members, 98 percent voted to reject the county's original contract and strike if the mediation processes ended in a stalemate. Mediation began July 6. If the new offer is unacceptable, Kellogg said another bargaining session will be held Aug. 3, or the association could choose to strike. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.