We CAN do something about it!
The Arizona Republic recently compared the salaries of Arizona state employees with comparable jobs in Arizona cities and counties, states in the region and across the nation, as well as in the private sector. The findings were not surprising, but are certainly disturbing. State employee salaries average almost $16,000 less than their counterparts in Colorado and just under $5,000 less than Utah state employees!
State pay is so non-competitive that Arizona lost 7,000 employees last year alone. That not only impacts the delivery of state services, but it also “cost taxpayers millions of dollars in hiring, training and lost experience according to a new analysis by the Department of Administration.” (Arizona Republic, August 26, 2007).
State employees already know they are underpaid. The real question is “what can we do about it?” Well, in August, SEIU state members met with three legislators to learn more about the state budget process – that’s where all the decisions are made regarding salary and benefits for state workers.
All three legislators we met with – Republican Pete Hershberger, and Democrats David Lujan and Jackie Thrasher – support increased salaries for state employees, and we have other elected allies, as well, including Governor Napolitano.
We’re going to continue working with the legislature in the coming months and through the 2008 session. And while we all understand that the current situation MUST change, the only way we can convince our state representatives is by being strong enough to make sure they not only HEAR us, but actually ACT on our behalf.
And that means membership. With a strong and united membership, state employees can influence WHO is in office and WHAT they do while there. Join with your co-workers NOW.