Click here to read a summary of the new contract.

This membership vote means that a strong majority voted to settle. For most state workers, this will mean raises of 8-9% over the next two years. We are especially pleased to win weekend and shift differential boosts for direct care staff in our Veterans' homes, regional centers, and the Beatrice State Developmental Center. Another step forward is upgrades for highway maintenance, construction workers, and mechanics.

One disappointment is not being able to convince the Governor that there are more high turnover/low paid jobs that need to be upgraded. In the union's opinion it is wrong to allow full time, permanent workers of the State of Nebraska to make below poverty wages. Veteran's homes in Omaha, Norfolk, Grand Island and Scottsbluff, the State Development Center in Beatrice, and Regional centers in Lincoln, Hastings and Norfolk all hire people at less than living wages.

At present, NAPE members and staff are working hard to help pass two legislative bills sponsored by Senator Chris Beutler that will guarantee all State employees a living wage.

Health insurance was the most difficult issue the bargaining team negotiated. We hope that this spring Governor Johanns bargains as strongly with the insurance companies as he does with his own employees.

Bound copies of the contract will be printed in the near future and distributed to all NAPE/AFSCME members. Copies will also be made available to non-members at a nominal charge.

For more information, contact the NAPE office.

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