Governor announces pay plan deal with unions

HELENA (AP) — Gov. Brian Schweitzer says state workers will get a four percent raise over two years beginning in 2012 under a proposed deal with employee unions.

But the first pay raise the workers have seen in two years may not be enough to cover anticipated increases in health insurance costs that they will also face.

Schweitzer said Wednesday the agreement is a good deal for the state and was the product of tough negotiation.

Union leaders say they are encouraging their members to approve the proposal. After that, it would go to the Legislature early next year for approval.

The plan calls for a 1 percent raise in January of 2012 and a 3 percent raise in January of 2013.

HELENA (AP) — Gov. Brian Schweitzer says state workers will get a four percent raise over two years beginning in 2012 under a proposed deal with employee unions.

But the first pay raise the workers have seen in two years may not be enough to cover anticipated increases in health insurance costs that they will also face.

Schweitzer said Wednesday the agreement is a good deal for the state and was the product of tough negotiation.

Union leaders say they are encouraging their members to approve the proposal. After that, it would go to the Legislature early next year for approval.

The plan calls for a 1 percent raise in January of 2012 and a 3 percent raise in January of 2013.