Earlier this week, AFSCME members from around the state voted to save nearly the jobs of nearly 500 state employees spread across many state agencies, including corrections, human services, revenue and public safety.
Governor Culver worked for weeks with AFSCME leaders to reach an understanding that would maintain these positions and help balance the budget – and the members ratified it in a vote that concluded last week.
This was a historic vote and an important step forward for the state of Iowa.
AFSCME members had been asked by state officials to take five unpaid days off and sacrifice retirement contributions in exchange for the promise of no layoffs for the next seven months. Here is some information about the understanding from the Des Moines Register:
Governor Culver praised the workers and AFSCME, saying:
I don't think we can underestimate the importance of what was done in a very collaborative way between labor and management in this state
Last week, the State Police Officers Council made a similar sacrifice:
The understanding between the State Police Officers Council and Gov. Chet Culver’s office is expected to save 43 positions, including 20 state troopers, 20 gaming enforcement officers, two special agents in the Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and a fire inspector.
Culver also thanked the members of SPOC for approving the measure:
I know that this was a difficult decision by the members but it demonstrates the spirit of shared sacrifice among fellow Iowans.