July 22, 1999

ITEM 104-107-R0799 Approval of Tentative Agreement with Montana Public Employees Association

THAT: The Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education approves the tentative agreement with Montana Public Employees Association.

EXPLANATION: See attached memo to Board of Regents from Sue Hill, Director, Labor Relations and Personnel.

ATTACHMENTS:

a. July 16, 1999 memo to Board from Sue Hill

b. Tentative Settlement Agreement

ITEM 104-107-R0799

MEMORANDUM

TO: Board of Regents

FROM: Sue Hill

DATE: July 16, 1999

RE: Approval of Tentative Settlement Agreement with Montana Public Employees Association

Attached is the tentative settlement agreement with Montana Public Employees Association (MPEA). MPEA represents approximately 1,500 classified employees at The University of Montana-Missoula, Montana Tech of The University of Montana, Montana State University-Bozeman and Montana State University-Billings. The MPEA bargaining unit is the largest in the university system and negotiations with MPEA typically establish the salary pattern used for classified employees throughout the system.

Under the tentative agreement with MPEA, wages will increase by 3 percent plus 20 cents per hour effective the first pay period that includes October 1, 1999, and by 3 percent plus 25 cents per hour effective the first day of the pay period that includes October 1, 2000. The longevity allowance was also increased from 1.5 percent to 2.0 percent for the third (15-year) and fourth (20-year) increments. Insurance contributions were increased 15 dollars per month (to $285.00) for fiscal year ending June 30, 2000, and to $295.00 per month for fiscal year ending June 30, 2001.

The bargaining unit already ratified the tentative agreement which is ready for approval by the Board of Regents.

xc: President Dennison

President Malone

Chancellor Sexton

Chancellor Gilmore

Tentative Settlement Agreement

Between

OCHE and MPEA

This tentative settlement agreement has a do pass recommendation from both parties. This tentative settlement agreement is subject to a ratification vote by each party’s membership or controlling board.

April 22, 1999

A. Entry, Market (Midpoint) and Maximum Rates (Pay Structure)

Effective the first day of the pay period that includes October 1 in Fiscal 2000 and Fiscal 2001, increase the entry and midpoint rates by the following amounts, and adjust maximum rates according to the current statutes:

STRUCTURE

Grade

Increase

5

.00%

6

.25%

7

.50%

8

.75%

9

1.00%

10

1.25%

11

1.50%

12

1.75%

13

2.00%

14

2.25%

15

2.50%

16

2.75%

17

3.00%

B. Salary Adjustments

Effective the first day of the pay period that includes October 1, 1999 increase the employee’s base salary by 3 percent plus 20 cents per hour and effective the first day of the pay period that includes October 1, 2000 increase the employee's base salary by 3 percent plus 25 cents per hour.

C. Insurance Contributions

Increase Montana University System insurance contribution by $15 per month beginning July 1, 1999, and by $10 per month beginning July 1, 2000.

D. Revision of Longevity Allowance

Revise the statutory longevity allowance (2-18-304 (1), MCA) by increasing the 1.5% longevity increment to 2% for the third (15-year) and fourth (20-year) increments.

E. Article VIII, Section 5 Bargaining Pool Leave

Add the following language: "If this bargaining pool leave costs the employer time and a half wages, the bargaining pool will be deducted at a 1 1/2 rate."