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Session: State Capitol, Room 416 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Toll Free: (877) 465-3719 Phone: (907) 465-3719 Fax: (907) 465-3258 Send E-Mail Interim: 119 N Cushman Street, Suite 211 Fairbanks, AK 99701 Phone: (907) 456-5081 Fax: (907) 456-8245 |
April 24, 1999
Dear Constituents of District 32:
Recently many people have sent public opinion messages opposing HB 153 because they are under the impression that this legislation in some way alters the collective bargaining process. That's not true. HB 153 does not pertain to employees working under an existing collective bargaining agreement.
HB 153 is an Act relating to leave for certain state employees. Currently there are no provisions in state law providing for a maximum amount of annual leave that may accumulate for state employees not covered by a bargaining unit. General government bargaining unit (GGU) employees, with the exception of correctional officers currently have a 60-day cap on accumulated annual leave.
HB 153 brings parity to annual leave policy for state employees, while limiting the financial burden placed on the State for cash-in liabilities when an employee retires or is separated from service with the state. The bill caps annual leave at 450 hours. On June 30,1998, under the current policy for unlimited accumulation of annual leave, the value of that leave was $96.5 million.
Sincerely,
Representative John Coghill