Unions, Governor Begin Negotiations

Capitol Currents:

It will probably lack the drama of the current showdown between public employee unions and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, but today in Salem contract negotiations got underway between Governor John Kitzhaber and the unions that represent thousands of state employees. A spokeswoman for the governor confirmed that Kitzhaber made "an initial economic offer" today but said that "all parties have agreed to close negotiation sessions" as well as to not reveal any details. However, some items that may be discussed include a possible end to state contributions to employee retirement plans, as well as possible employee contributions to health insurance premiums, or perhaps another round of furlough days.  The state is facing a $3.6 billion budget shortfall.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width="1" height="1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3320471128493510714-4185405383613264848?l=www.capitolcurrents.com" alt=""/></div>

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