A message from PSO President Rick Scalf and PSO Bargaining Chair Chad Hunter.
Dear Friends,
As the PSO Bargaining Committee returns to the table to exchange proposals with management, our team is guided by feedback from our members, our shared values, and our commitment to our members’ wellbeing and ISTA’s future success. We’ve crafted a strong proposal focused on the following areas:
Closing the Salary Gap
Over the course of the last decade, the value of a position at ISTA has continuously declined. Wages have lagged far behind the cost of living, and following the collapse of ISTA’s trust, our members surrendered key retirement benefits to keep the union afloat.
Last year’s contract was a first step in restoring what was lost, and as ISTA reported to it’s members earlier, it didn’t interfere with the steady growth of the union’s assets. Now, we’ve prepared a fiscally responsible proposal that continues to close the gap by securing equitable raises for all PSO members and guaranteeing that access to healthcare won’t prevent a secure and timely retirement.
Creating a Family Friendly Workplace
Indiana PSO believes that family-friendly workplaces are stronger workplaces. Supporting employees at home means better focus, loyalty, and well-being on the job, and more importantly, it’s what all workers deserve in their day-to-day quality of life. Unfortunately, in a recent climate survey of it’s members, PSO found that nearly half reported that their job has negatively impacted their marriage or other family relationships.
That’s why PSO is calling for ISTA to provide its staff with the same parental leave it advocates for its own members, to eliminate unnecessary residency requirements which force families to relocate or choose between career, and to restore full funding of our Health Savings Accounts so our members aren’t burdened with the fear that they won’t be able to meet their families’ needs in a crisis.
Increasing Transparency
PSO believe that ISTA is at it’s strongest when everyone – staff, management, and members – are engaged and informed in the work and direction of the union. That’s why we’re advocating for a contractual guarantee of regular Labor / Management discussions, the elimination of barriers that make it difficult for observers to attend open meetings of ISTA’s Board of Directors, and a reformed hiring process that guarantees input from both PSO and local ISTA affiliates.
Thank you all for your continued support. We look forward to a productive bargaining session and will continue to keep you informed of our progress.
In Solidarity,
Rick Scalf, PSO President
Chad Hunter, PSO Bargaining Chair
