Arbitrator issues split-decision in union contract dispute

Source: Sioux City Journal

Rod Boshart

DES MOINES | Members of Iowa’s largest state employees’ union will pay a share of their monthly health insurance premiums while receiving wage increases of about 6 percent over the next two fiscal years, an arbitrator ordered Saturday.

The independent arbitrator's decision broke an impasse between state and union negotiators.

Under the binding decision handed down by arbitrator Curt Behrens, members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees will pay a minimum of $20 per month in premiums for their state health insurance coverage for the first time in nearly 40 years, AFSCME Council 61 President Danny Homan said. “In my opinion, this is a big deal,” he said.

The health insurance issue was a major sticking point in reaching a new two-year collective bargaining pact.

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