After failed mediation, Lane County is implementing its final offer for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 2831 Nurses Unit. The contract is effective tomorrow, December 29, 2011.

“We’re disappointed that we were unable to reach an agreement through this negotiation process and mediation,” said Madilyn Zike, Lane County Human Resources director. “Though we prefer to work collaboratively, the County is going forward in its effort to manage rising health care costs, which means implementing the new health plans.”

The County’s final offer includes:

• No wage increase for Fiscal Year (FY) 2011-12
• 1 percent wage increase for FY 2012-13
• For FY 2013-14, the contract will be re-opened for wages and insurance only
• During fiscal year 2011-12, all employees represented by AFSCME will be furloughed without pay for one day
• Effective January 2012, employees will have the choice between a point of service plan (the “Co-Pay Plan”), and a high deductible major medical plan with a health savings account (the “HSA Plan”).
• For all employees who elect the HSA Plan, the County will deposit an amount equivalent to the annual deductible, based on their enrollment as individual or family, into the employee’s health savings account for the term of this contract as follows: In February, 2012, the County will deposit the full amount for that plan year. Beginning January 2013, the County will begin depositing 1/12 of the annual deductible amount in monthly installments.

The County’s final offer, the health insurance plan design information, and an overview of the compensation history can be found at www.lanecounty.org under “AFSCME Nurses Unit” under the Current Issues tab.

Background

Contract negotiations between Lane County and the AFSCME Local 2831 Nurses Unit began March 1. The parties began mediation with the Employment Relations Mediator as required on November 2 and were unable to reach agreement. On November 21, Lane County sent notice to the Employment Relations Board (ERB) for the State of Oregon stating that the parties had reached an impasse in those negotiations. 

The primary issue between the parties is the health insurance plan. Although this plan design change does change the insurance coverage of AFSCME Nurses, the County will continue to pay the full cost of monthly insurance premiums for members and their dependents.

Other unions moving to the new plans in January include AFSCME General, which represents a variety of positions throughout the organization, the Lane County Prosecuting Attorney’s Association (LCPAA), Lane County Public Works Association Local 626 (Local 626), Lane County Administrative Professional Association (Admin-Pro), non-represented employees (which includes managers and supervisors), and retirees.

A total of 1,038 employees out of Lane County’s approximate 1,400 employees are moving to the new plans. With the AFSCME Nurses unit included, the County expects to save about $2 million per year in health care costs.

Contacts: Lane County Administrator Liane Richardson, 541-682-4203; Lane County Human Resources Director Madilyn Zike, 541-682-3689

Amber Fossen

Public Information Officer

Lane County Government

125 E. Eighth Ave.

Eugene, Oregon 97401

541.682.3718

541.359.9143 (cell)

www.lanecounty.org

www.facebook.com/LaneCountyGovernment