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r? <br /> Working Together LOCAL 152.AFL•CIO ~~67_ <br /> for Hawaii , s I <br /> Hawaii Government Employees Association <br /> 495 Manono Street, Hilq Hawaii 9672Q Phone (808) 935-6841, FAX (808) 961-2437 <br /> i ~~1: i / ~ <br /> December 17, 1997 <br /> Q~~~, . ; I <br /> Testimony o£Yiolet Ralbarino~Unit 44_Negotiator and_~hairpersQn, Speaking in Favor of <br /> Resolution 189-97 Relating t9 Eunding_of Oo;tt Items forBargaining IInits 43, Q4, 63 and 84 <br /> I am writing to encourage your approval of the negotiated cost items of these contracts. As a <br /> <br /> member of Unit 04, White Collar Supervisors, single parent, and negotiator of our unit, I can <br /> <br /> personally vouch that contrary to perception we aze not overpaid. It took eight and one-half <br /> years of service as of December 1996, with moderate pay increases to earn under $25,000. Of <br /> that amount $6,400 went to taxes, Medicare and Social Security, $4,100 to personal health, <br /> home, and car insurances to protect my health and humble possessions. Church, charities and <br /> adult children in financial hardships accounted for another $3,000. I do not live luxuriously, <br /> much needed home repairs are being ignored because there is bazely enough income to cover <br /> monthly living expenses. Majority of the people whose pay increase you are determining are <br /> clerks and receptionists who aze of a lower salary range than my own. <br /> As a negotiator, I was present for the arbitration hearing on reopeners for the 93-97 contract and <br /> observed the Union and Employer attorneys present their cases to the arbitration panel; who then <br /> determined the final outcome. We finally received retroactive pay in September, 1997. It was a <br /> costly process which could have been avoided had we been able to mutually negotiate a <br /> settlement as we have tried to accomplish by accepting this employer proposal. Not all of the <br /> negotiators voted in favor, however, once the votes were cast, we democratically went forth in <br /> support and favorably presented the proposed contract to our members. They in tum by majority <br /> vote ratified this contract that appeazs before you today. <br /> I appeal for a favorable vote in writing rather than in person because during the busy travel <br /> season at the airport, our section is restricted from using vacation leave until January 6, 1998. It <br /> is one of the small little-known sacrifices made by civil servants that connect a public need to a <br /> specific service. I ask that you honor the good faith efforts made to reach agreement and help us <br /> avoid another demoralizing and costly arbitration proceeding for both civil servants and fellow <br /> taxpayers. <br /> VIOLET BALBARINO <br /> Unit 04 Negotiator and Chairperson <br /> SOS <br /> ~ Presented cm ~"101- <br /> DEC 1 7 199 <br /> Ret. Dane <br /> <br />