Association seeks to eliminate involuntary downward reclassification in Article 11

During review of Article 11, the association proposed removing language that allows involuntary downward reclassification (reducing an employee’s classification or pay without their consent). Negotiators said involuntary down‑classing is unfair when an employee applied and was hired for a particular job, and the association argued such changes resemble a 'bait and switch.'

The proposal would keep voluntary reclassifications intact and add protections around temporary out‑of‑classification assignments so that employees performing higher‑level duties receive pay that matches the step and rate for that higher classification. The association also asked for clear effective dates for classification changes and mutual agreement language between employer and association.

The parties discussed temporary assignments and the expectation that an employee working out of classification should continue to be paid at an appropriate rate and that paid holidays during that assignment be included when computing pay. No formal agreement was reached; both sides agreed to continue negotiating the precise language and placement of these protections within the CBA.