Back to Home Print This Page Email This Page

The Choice is Clear

There is Power in Numbers
In 1998, the Arizona State Legislature (HB 1354) promised to bring state employee compensation to within 5% of market compensation – meaning state workers’ wages and benefits would be competitive with employees in the broader economy. The Arizona Department of Administration Advisory Recommendation on State Employee Salaries reaffirmed that promise in 2005 and in 2006. 

Going UpBut it hasn’t happened. In fact, over the past nine years, compensation for state employees has continually lost ground to increases in the cost of living and is now lower than every state in the nation, except Florida.

Going UpThat’s one reason why the employee turnovers hover just under 20% annually – a situation that costs the state a staggering $58 million!

It’s also a reason why all too often state employees are forced to choose between buying gas or school shoes, day care or grandma – and whether they wouldn’t be better off looking for a job in the private sector or with a city or county.

Going UpThe choice is pretty clear. We can either continue to wait and hope that the legislature acts on our behalf – or we can join together and become strong enough to influence the debate.
 
For the the two state employees profiled here, sitting back is not an option. And it’s not an option for the 1,100 new members who have signed up since June!

Join now. There’s never been a better time to stand up!