TO REMAIN A STRONG UNION, WE NEED ENGAGED MEMBERS

Here are just a few ways you can be active within YOUR UNION:
  • Run for office in your chapter and attend your chapter meetings,
  • Join a committee of interest,
  • Attend one of our many social activities and meet other members!
Below are some of the wins you’ve won as engaged members of the State Employees’ Association!

Bedford Police Reach Contract Deal!

Bedford Police Union achieved 100% membership during this contract campaign. Negotiations and Mediation were unsuccessful in getting to an agreement. Members were called to action and a campaign rally was held. The chapter spent their own funds on shirts and a committee helped to make signs for the rally. Nearly 50 members turned out for the rally including members from other SEA and Town of Bedford bargaining units. Several citizens spoke to the Town Council in favor of police employees receiving a fair contract. Less than 24 hours later an offer was received that increased wages that also addressed important conditions of employment. Membership voted to accept the offer by an overwhelming majority. The 3-year agreement increases wages by an average of 16% over the life of the contract.

House votes for one-time $500 payment to state retirees

Last Session, House Bill 1535 went to the House Finance Committee with the cost-of-living allowance. It came out amended to include a one-time $500 payment for state and municipal retirees who have been retired at least five years and whose annual salary was $30,000 or less. Proponents of the change cited the more than $70 million price tag of providing the cost-of-living allowance. We are working on getting a permanent COLA through the legislature this year.

Sununu’s Budget Proposes Big Raises for State Workers

All 10,000 state employees would see a 10 percent raise in July and an additional 2 percent raise next July, which has been through the collective bargaining process, under the governor’s budget.

In all it means an increase of $100 million spent over the biennium.

Currently, there is a vacancy rate in state jobs at 20 percent.

“This budget changes that,” Governor Sununu said.

Rich Gulla, president of the State Employees’ SEA/SEIU Local 1984 strongly supported the focus the governor’s budget has on workforce retention.

“We are looking forward to supporting the historic and meaningful raise for state employees in Governor Sununu’s budget every step of the way,” Gulla said. “We have survived the global pandemic together, and we are very thankful that the Granite Stater’s tireless and steadfast efforts are being recognized in this budget. We also wholeheartedly agree with Gov. Sununu that New Hampshire’s workforce runs the most efficient government in the country. It is a fact in which we should all share the pride and profound respect.”