Calling for Action on Our DOT OJE Agreement

Urging Support to Help Lead for Economic Recovery

SEIU State Council Director Paul Filson and P-4 Council Members Bob Reilly, Linda Li, and John Fasolo Ask State Representative Diana Urban to Support Quality Public Services

We moved the Administration's Office of Policy and Management (OPM) to approve an Objective Job Evaluation (OJE) Agreement negotiated with the Rell Administration for our P-4 Council members working for the Department of Transportation (DOT). This Agreement improves the quality of transportation services for Connecticut residents by improving recruitment, retention, and training for the agency's engineers and inspectors.

Though the General Assembly failed to act before adjourning their 2008 session, and we were unable to move lawmakers to take up the Agreement over the summer, we successfully negotiated splitting key provisions in late-October. The new Increased Workweek form for eligible members is now available, which must also be counter-signed by a Council Steward.

Shortly after the 2009 session was underway, we moved legislators to support the voluntary 40-hour workweek provision. Our members helped them understand how it can better position the DOT to take advantage of resources for infrastructure projects in President Barack Obama's economic recovery package.

The Appropriations Committee adjourned its January 22 public hearing on the agreement without a vote, effectively clearing the way for the provision to go into effect on February 13. Members who signed-up for the voluntary increased workweek can begin working 37-1/2 hours each week now, and increase to 40 hours beginning June 19.

 40-Hour Resolution legislative status

 Blog entry on successful efforts to build legislative support for an expanded workweek

 DOT 40-hour workweek agreement fact sheet

Increased Workweek Voluntary Election form

DOT OJE Agreement

Blog entry on negotiations to split agreements and implement reforms now 

 Press release announcing our call for a legislative action on the agreement

 Letter to legislative leaders urging special session to act on the agreement

 Blog entry on post-session status and next steps

Text of the original agreement

Letter from the negotiating committee recommending ratification