Negotiators for Washington Governor Chris Gregoire and the union that represents state government’s largest group of employees have struck a tentative pay deal.
The proposed new contract would reverse the 3 percent pay cuts of the past two years. The two-year contract would also promise the possibility of a 1 percent raise in the second year of the contract if state revenue rebounds faster than expected.
Negotiations on health benefits for the coalition of unions representing about 60,000 workers are continuing separately.
The wage deal would affect about 30,000 employees from all over state government, including prisons and state parks. (AP)
