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ARTICLE 8 - LABOR-MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES

8.01 - Agency Committees

In each agency, there shall be a statewide committee consisting of an equal number of Union and Employer representatives. In each agency that operates with institutions/geographic districts or regions, there shall be a committee consisting of an equal number of Union and Employer representatives per institution/geographic district or region unless otherwise mutually agreed upon by the parties. The statewide agency committee will meet at least two (2) times per year but shall receive, upon request, quarterly progress reports. The institution/geographic district or region committee shall meet at least four (4) times per year.

8.02 - Committee Purpose and Agenda

The purpose of these committees is to provide a means for continuing communication between the parties and to promote a climate of constructive employee-employer relations. This would include, but is not limited to, such activities as to:

A.     Discuss the administration of this Agreement;

B.     Notify the Union of changes contemplated by the Employer which may affect bargaining unit employees;

C.     discuss the future needs and programs of the Employer;

D.     Disseminate general information of interest to the parties;

E.      Give the union representatives the opportunity to discuss the views of bargaining unit employees and/or make suggestions on subjects affecting those employees;

F.      Give the parties the opportunity to discuss the problems that give rise to outstanding grievances and to discuss ways of preventing contract violations and other workplace conflicts from occurring. (the parties agree that the discussion of individual grievances is not an appropriate topic for Labor/Management committees);

G.     Proposed work rules will be an appropriate subject for discussion; and

H.     Such other items as the parties may mutually agree to discuss. All committees will be co-chaired by a Union and an Employer representative. The agenda for each meeting shall be jointly prepared by the co-chairpersons in advance of the meeting. The parties are committed to a timely completion and distribution of the minutes. The minutes shall not be construed as constituting a binding agreement or negotiations between the parties.

8.03 - Time Off

Unless mutually agreed otherwise, such meetings shall be held during normal work hours. Agencies which have provided the use of agency vehicles or which have paid mileage reimbursement shall continue the practice.

8.04 - Labor-Management Relations

The Employer and the Union recognize that the character and quality of the Union-Management relationship in each agency has an impact upon productivity and quality services. Accordingly, the parties agree to support joint labor-management training in skills and concepts which may contribute to increased Union-Management understanding and cooperative relationships.

8.05 – Joint Information Technology (IT) Committee

The parties shall each appoint four (4) members to a committee to review, discuss and examine the information technology environment as it applies to the state system.  Topics such as, but not limited to, classifications, job groupings, career paths, education and skill sets that are necessary to meet the information technology services needs of state agencies may be examined.  The committee shall meet as often as mutually determined that there is a need.