This bill implements the cost items in the collective bargaining agreements reached between the State and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the Maine State Troopers Association, the Maine State Law Enforcement Association, the Maine Service Employees Association, the Fraternal Order of Police and any other certified bargaining representative for an executive branch bargaining unit and provides for equitable treatment for confidential employees and certain other employees excluded from collective bargaining. The bill specifies the costs from the General Fund and Highway Fund to fund salary increases and authorizes the transfer by financial order of available General Fund and Highway Fund balances as necessary. The bill provides for the adjustment of certain salary schedules in fiscal year 2025-26 and in fiscal year 2026-27 consistent with agreements ratified by October 31, 2023. The bill provides for similar and equitable treatment of confidential employees, probationary employees and other employees excluded from collective bargaining. The bill authorizes the use of amounts in the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Salary Plan program, up to $9,132,794, to fund the $2,000 lump-sum payment made in October 2024 from non-General Fund and non-Highway Fund accounts per the agreement for resolution between the State of Maine and the Maine Service Employees Association, SEIU Local 1989 effective August 29, 2024. The bill authorizes the Department of Administrative and Financial Services to be reimbursed up to $1,000,000 for resources necessary to conduct a study of the classification system for the executive branch of State Government, to be prepared and submitted by a consultant by December 31, 2025, as outlined in the agreement for resolution between the
44 State of Maine and the Maine Service Employees Association, SEIU Local 1989 effective
45 August 29, 2024. The bill directs the Commissioner of Administrative and Financial Services to offer for use special voluntary employee incentive programs for state employees, including a 50% workweek, flexible position staffing and time off without pay.