State doctors reach
contract agreement
Negotiators for the
Schwarzenegger Administration have reached tentative agreement on a new 2-year
contract with the union representing State physicians, psychiatrists, and
dentists.
The Union of American Physicians
and Dentists represents 1,600 doctors employed at prisons and youth
correctional facilities, mental health hospitals, developmental centers,
veterans homes, and the departments of social services and health services.
Under this agreement, State
doctors will receive a 3.5 percent cost-of-living increase effective July 1, 2006, plus a second COLA next July of 2 to 4 percent,
depending on the consumer price index. In addition, beginning Jan. 1, 2007, the top of their pay range will increase by 7.5
percent (10 percent for podiatrists).
Other key provisions:
·
Pension benefits for new employees will be
based on their highest three-year average salary, rather than the highest
single year that applies to current employees.
·
New employees who enroll dependents under their State
health plan will be subject to a two-year vesting period before they qualify
for the full employer health contribution for dependent coverage.1
·
The State's contribution to employee
health premiums will be reduced from 85 percent of the average premium to 80
percent.
·
The State will reimburse continuing
medical education expenses up to $1000/year, up from the current reimbursement
level of $500-700/year.
This agreement now goes to the
Legislature and union members for ratification.
Click here for a
summary.
DPA creates
and administers compensation, benefits, training programs, and the
classification plan, and advocates for the interests of the State employer.
