Republican leaders say state union contract appears workable

Republican legislative leaders say the contract accepted by the largest state employee’s union is “reasonable.” House Republican Leader Chuck Gipp of Decorah says it appears to be status quo and something they can deal with.AFSCME members approved a two-year contract which calls for two percent pay raises in each year. Gipp says the pay deal had been an uncertainty, and lawmakers were wondering how much money would be required. The Governor guessed at a figure when he drew up his proposed state budget last month. The deal also calls for temporary layoffs rather than unpaid furloughs for workers, and employees on temporary layoff would retain their benefits and continue to accrue sick leave until they’re recalled.