Sec. A-6. Additional step in salary schedule. Effective January 1, 2003, a new step 7 at 3% above the current highest step of the salary schedule is added as a market pay adjustment to be implemented consistent with the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

Sec. A-7. New employees; similar and equitable treatment. Employees in classifications included in bargaining units in section 1 of this Part who are excluded from collective bargaining pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 26, section 979-A, subsection 6, paragraphs E and F must be given similar and equitable treatment on a pro rata basis to that given employees covered by the collective bargaining agreement.

PART B

Sec. B-1. Transfer from salary plan program and special account funding. The salary plan program in the Department of Administrative and Financial Services may be made available as needed in allotment by financial order upon the recommendation of the State Budget Officer and approval of the Governor to be used for the implementation of collective bargaining agreements for state employees and for other economic items contained in this Act in fiscal year 2001-02 and fiscal year 2002-03. Positions supported from sources of funding other than the General Fund must be funded whenever possible from those other sources.

Sec. B-2. Authorization for reimbursement of costs associated with contract resolution. The Department of Administrative and Financial Services may be reimbursed from the salary plan program for the costs of contract resolution, administration, implementation and other costs required by the process of collective bargaining and negotiation procedures.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

Part A implements the cost items in the collective bargaining agreement reached between the State and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Council #93.

1. It reflects the costs from the General Fund to fund salary increases, market and pay equity adjustments and benefits.

2. It provides for a lump-sum payment in fiscal year 2001-02 for bargaining unit members.

3. It provides for the adjustment of salary schedules in fiscal year 2001-02.

4. It provides for the adjustment of salary schedules in fiscal year 2002-03.

5. It provides for a new step above the current highest step of the salary schedule.

6. It provides for similar and equitable treatment of probationary and other employees.

Part B authorizes use of the salary plan program to fund the collective bargaining agreement and other cost items, provides that positions supported from other funds must be funded whenever possible from those other sources and provides for reimbursement to the Department of Administrative and Financial Services for costs incurred in the process of collective bargaining, contract administration and related costs.