Pubdate: Wed, 30 Jun 2004
Source: San Jose Mercury News (CA)
Copyright: 2004 San Jose Mercury News
Contact:  http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/390
Author: Dion Nissenbaum, Mercury News Sacramento Bureau

PRISON GUARDS TO DEFER RAISES IN POSSIBLE DEAL

SACRAMENTO - California's 31,000 prison guards could be asked to defer 
raises over the next two years to help the state balance its budget, but 
would eventually receive a full pay increase under a deal being fine-tuned 
by state and union negotiators, legislative sources briefed on the deal 
said Tuesday.

New details emerged from contentious talks at the prison guard union's West 
Sacramento headquarters as Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger confirmed Mercury 
News reports that the state is close to a deal with the influential group.

Although the proposal would save the state less than a third of what 
Schwarzenegger had sought, the Republican governor called it a "huge 
victory" for California.

"Every time someone sits down and negotiates and gives up something it is 
great news for the state, and it will make it possible for us to balance 
the budget," Schwarzenegger told reporters.

Legislative leaders offered muted praise for the deal.

"It's a modest step forward," said state Sen. Jackie Speier, the San Mateo 
Democrat who has been a leading critic of the contract. "The administration 
took some action. Not as much as we would have liked, but $108 million 
beats a blank."

Under terms still being finalized, the state would phase in two scheduled 
pay raises over the next two years so that guards slated to get a 11 
percent raise when the new budget takes effect would instead see an 
immediate 5 percent increase. The remainder would take effect in six months.

The same formula would be used next year for an expected 6.8 percent raise 
so that in January 2006, guards would end up with the full amount they are 
slated to get under the current contract.

Both sides remained in prolonged talks Tuesday and the deal could still 
face challenges in the Legislature and among rank-and-file prison guards.

Lance Corcoran, executive vice president of the California Correctional 
Peace Officers Association, said he remained hopeful that a deal could be 
worked out.

State Sen. Gloria Romero, D-Los Angeles, called the proposal a "step 
forward" that should help lay the groundwork for more serious talks with 
the union when the contract expires in 2006.

"We need to plan for the future," she said. "Is this as far as I would have 
liked to go? No. But does it represent some progress? I think so."
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D