43 jobs saved; SPOC ratifies “understanding”

A news release from the governor’s office has the details:

GOVERNOR CULVER’S STATEMENT ON STATE POLICE OFFICERS COUNCIL’S SUPORT FOR JOINT EFFORT TO SAVE 43 PUBLIC SAFETY JOBS

DES MOINES— Governor Chet Culver released the following statement on the State Police Officers Council (SPOC) announcement that their members have voted to approve an understanding to protect 43 SPOC state jobs.   These jobs were subject to layoffs pursuant to Governor Chet Culver’s 10 percent across the board budget cuts mandated by Executive Order 19.  The affirmative vote means that these positions are now protected from layoffs through the end of the current fiscal year (June 30, 2010). The 43 positions include 20 state troopers, 20 gaming enforcement officers, one fire inspector and two special agents in the Division of Narcotics Enforcement.

Next week, SPOC President Mark Bowlin and Governor Culver will sign a Memorandum of Understanding that binds each side to the provisions of the measure approved by SPOC membership.   

Governor Culver’s statement follows:

“Thank you to the members of State Police Officer’s Council for supporting this understanding. I know that this was a difficult decision by the members but it demonstrates the spirit of shared sacrifice among fellow Iowans.  Today’s decision means that between now and June 30, 2010, all 640 SPOC members will take five days off without pay and forgo the state match to their deferred compensation and the savings will be used to avoid laying off 43 of their fellow council members.

“I also want to thank the leadership at SPOC, including SPOC President Mark Bowlin and his negotiating team, for their work to help save important public safety jobs and to help balance the state’s budget. There is still more work to do, but today’s vote is an important step toward building a brighter future for our state.”

“With today’s decision, SPOC joins the 3,500 non-contract employees, who are taking 7 days off without pay, and all agency directors, who are taking a 10% cut in pay, in supporting the state’s efforts to save jobs while balancing the state budget.