TO: Board of Regents

FROM: Sue Hill, Director, Labor Relations and Personnel

RE: Approval of Tentative Agreement with Montana University System Maintenance Painters Union

DATE: May 18-19, 2000

Attached is a copy of the tentative agreement with the Montana University System Maintenance Painters Union. This union represents approximately 17 employees at UM-Missoula, MSU-Bozeman, MSU-Billings and Montana Tech. The bargaining unit will have ratified the tentative agreement prior to the May Regent meeting or this item will be withdrawn.

The salary and insurance increases under this tentative agreement are consistent with the other craft and classified employee settlements. Wages were increased by 3 percent plus 20 cents effective October 1, 1999; and by 3 percent plus 25 cents effective October 1, 2000. The employer contribution to health insurance increased by $15.00 per month in FY 2000 and by $10.00 per month in FY 2001. The tentative agreement also provides a $1.00 per hour differential for foreman.

Employees in this unit have been informed of the likelihood of a reduction in force so there was particular interest in strengthening the contractual job security provisions. The tentative agreement includes a new provision that restricts the use of temporary employees when permanent employees have been laid off. Employees in this unit who receive a foreman differential will not lose that differential because of a reduction in the number of full-time painter positions. The remaining language changes are not substantive.

I recommend approval of the tentative agreement with Montana University System Maintenance Painters Union.

 

xc: Commissioner Crofts
President Dennison
President Roark
Chancellor Sexton
Chancellor Gilmore

Proposed

Summary of Tentative Agreement

between

Montana University System Maintenance Painters Union

and the

Montana University System

 

 1. PREAMBLE (page 1)

Section 14.1 CONTRACT TERMS (page 27)

Section 14.2 NEGOTIATIONS SCHEDULE (page 27)

Change "1997" to "1999" and change "1999" to "2001."

2. Section 1.2.A TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES (page 1)

Add the following sentence: "No existing employees will lose their positions as a result of the employment of temporary employees."

3. Section 2.1.B PAYMENT OF DUES OR REPRESENTATION FEE (page 3)

Change "employers" to "employees" in first line. Add new second sentence as follows: "All present employees covered by this agreement who are members of the bargaining agent's labor organization shall, as a condition of continued employment, pay to the bargaining agent a representation fee as a contribution toward the administration of this agreement."

4. Section 6.2 LONGEVITY PAY (page 7)

Add the following new sentence: "Effective October 1, the longevity increment for the third (15-year) and fourth (20-year) increments shall be increased to 2 percent."

5. Section 7.2.D. CHARGES BY QUARTER HOUR (page12)

Change to read: "Sick leave charges shall be reported in increments of one-quarter (1/4) hour."

6. Section 11.14 DIRECTION FROM FOREMAN ONLY (page 22)

Add the following new language to this section: "If a foreman position has been established under this provision and there is a reduction in the number of full-time painter positions because of a layoff, the foreman's position shall not be discontinued. However, when the foreman resigns or retires, the employer shall not be under any obligation to hire a foreman."

7. Addendum A.I. WAGE RATES

Increase wages by 3% plus 20 cents effective October 1, 1999, and by 3% plus 25 cents effective October 1, 2000.

Increase Foreman differential to $1.00 above Journeymen.