WHEN IS A Deal NOT A DEAL?
Sandy Cutler, SAC  Co-chair 

We all know that our state is in a financial crisis and we all know that the governor and the legislature have frantically attempted to balance the state budget. But at what cost? This balancing act has fallen heavily on the backs of state work workers. Not once, with the increase in medical insurance deductibles, but twice, with the lack of funding for contracts, some languishing for more than a year.

According to Webster’s dictionary “a bargain is an agreement between parties to a transaction settling what each shall give and receive..ex. contract”. A contract is a deal. In essence, they all mean the same thing. Therefore, the slogan adopted by the coalition of higher ed unions “Keep your word- A deal’s a Deal” is germane. A deal is a deal.

Where does this reneging on a contract leave public higher ed employees?

The governor and legislature should make no mistake in appraising our indignation and concern regarding this violation of  contracts . This reneging on contracts bodes ominous consequences for all contract funding!  A contract bargained and ratified in good faith that is not funded, is a contract broken. When the governor reneges on a contract it implies a state government that will resort to guile and arrogance when any contract to be funded is before them.

This lack of funding a contract and maintaining the integrity of bargaining is a harbinger of promises made and promises broken.

Questions are now raised about future contract bargaining. Why bargain if the only part of the bargain that the state will honor is the workload?  Will mistrust and uncertainty rule in future negotiations?

We are at a critical, defining moment in the history of bargaining with the Commonwealth. We must all stand firm in our belief that “ an injury to one is an injury to all” and that solidarity is essential in the “ fight to make it right.” This legislative body and the future governor must bring back the integrity of bargaining through funding of all contracts, without delay.

We will continue this struggle with tenacity and unity. We believe that abuse of any contract creates the possibility of abuse of all contracts.

The question still looms before us. Is a bargain only in effect in good times? A bargain is an ethical and moral agreement between vested parties. When did ethics loose its meaning and flagrant disregard for funding a contract become the means to balance the state budget? When did the word “contract” have attached to it..  “Maybe..”

When is a deal not a deal?