1962-1967
• Policy of state payment for moving expenses of transferred employees.
• A mileage reimbursement for state employee traveling expenses.
• Contributions by the state to employee health insurance premiums.
• Establishment of a short vesting period (4 years) for the retirement plan.
1968-1972
• WPEA added Grievance Representation to its service offerings.
• Developed a Political Action Committee (WPEA-PAC).
• Helped negotiate changes in State Personnel Rules.
1979
• State employees won an 11.5% increase in wages.
• Increase in per diem reimbursement.
• Increase in mileage reimbursement.
1975-1985
• Helped negotiate salary increases: a
total of 47.5% increase occurred over the period.
• Dental insurance program added to state employee benefits package.
• State health insurance contribution rose from $30/Month to $110/Month.
• 1984 once again played an active role in negotiating changes in State Personnel
Rules.
1983-1989
• Defeated a bid to eliminate longevity pay.
• Defeated a bid to reduce the state insurance contribution.
• Defeated a bid to expand the Governor’s furlough authority.
• Won early retirement for state employees.
• Won job sharing.
• Helped pass Cost of Living Adjustment legislation.
1991
• 100% paid retirement for employees.
1996
• Defeated incumbents threatening employee benefits in bid for reelection to legislative seats.
2001
• Passed across-the-board salary increase of $130.65
• Passed an increase in retirement cost of living adjustment to 3% plus changes in
the multiplier to 2.125% and 2.25%.
2002
• Successful in electing 3 state officials that were endorsed and supported by WPEA-PAC.
2003
• Passed 85% paid single or family health insurance.
2004
• 3% External Cost Adjustment (ECA) for all employees on July 1, 2004.
• $4.7 million market adjustments to positions not at 90% of entry target hiring
rate.
• $1.5 million for LPNs and Nurses 3, 4, 5.
• Funding for $40 Longevity for every 5 years of time in service.
• 85% funded state health insurance maintained despite rising premiums.
2005
• State contribution to health insurance premiums continue at 85%.
• 3.5% External Cost Adjustment for all employees on July 1, 2005.
• Longevity pay is funded at $40 through June 30, 2006.
• Study of funding options for retiree health insurance and associated costs.
• 17% raise for Laramie County School District #1 classified employees.
2006
• $41 Million appropriated to the 3.5% External Cost Adjustment
• $8 Million Appropriated for employee salaries and benefits as follows:
$4 Million – jobs agency does not have
adequate funds-attract/retain
o
$4 Million to “address existing market inequities.”
• $50,000 to Management Council – study “retired state health insurance.”
$40 Longevity pay funded through June 30,
2006.
• 85/15 Health Insurance Coverage
o
$498.84 for single coverage
o
$1,210.86 for employee plus family
• 14.29% raise for School District #1 classified
employees and the maintenance of previous contribution levels for health and retirement.
• Vision Service Plan (VSP) Eye Insurance offered to WPEA members.
2007
• $4.0 Million allocated not to exceed 2% External Cost Adjustment (5.5%)
• $3.3 Million appropriated – retired state worker health insurance as follows:
o
Pre-Medicare $11.50 per month for each year of service
(30 years)
o
Post-Medicare $5.75 per month for each year of service
(30 years)
• 6-months Health Insurance coverage for dependents of state worker killed or passed
away while employed.
• Rehire retired workers if agency pays full retirement costs to system
• Licensure/Certification included in PDQ with Board consultation & input
• Purchase of service credit for retiring employees – modifies calculations;
removes amount limitation.
2008
• 4% External Cost Adjustment for each year of biennium
• $6 Million 2007-2008 market pay adjustments/inequities compensation carry-over
for distribution
• Longevity remains at $40 per each five years of service
• State Contributions to health insurance:
o
Dec. 1, 2008 – Nov. 30, 2009: Single $561.80 per month; Employee +1 $1,112.79; Family $1,479.54
o
Dec. 1, 2009 – Nov. 30, 2010: Single $652.29 per month; Employee + 1 $1,294.16; Family $1,479.54
• $6.7 million for retirees health insurance for period July 1, 2008 – June
30, 2010
• Retiree health insurance benefit account – state agencies, UW, judicial and
community colleges pay 1% of employee salaries into account to fund future retirements – does not affect
ECA benefits
• 4.3% ECA block grant allocation to schools; affects K – 12 school employees
2009
• 4% External Cost Adjustment; blocked 3rd reading amendment to eliminate
ECA for 2nd year of biennium
• Longevity changed in statute to reflect $40 per each five years of service
• 3.7% ECA block grant allocation to schools; affects K – 12 school employees
2010
• Retirement contribution paid by
employer increased from 11.25% to 12.69% for both state & school workers to stabilize retirement corpus; workers contribute
1.43%. State worker pay system implemented March 1st; includes performance
bonus.
• Kept
school health insurance matching ability at 92% employer/8% employee.
