Maine Union Accuses Mills Administration of Bad-Faith Bargaining

Maine’s largest labor union representing state employees filed a formal complaint with the Maine Labor Relations Board on Monday, alleging that the Mills administration has engaged in bad-faith bargaining. The Maine Service Employees Association, Local 1989 of the Service Employees International Union, claims the administration has violated state laws governing the negotiation of executive branch contracts that expired on June 30. The Mills administration has stated its intention to dispute these allegations.

The union represents approximately 10,000 workers across various sectors, including administrative services, maintenance, professional-technical services, and supervisory roles. In a written statement, union president Mark Brunton expressed frustration over ongoing recruitment and retention challenges within the state government, attributing these issues to wage structures that he describes as uncompetitive.

“For years, workers have pleaded with the administration to address the widespread recruitment and retention problems,” Brunton stated. “We have offered various solutions to lower turnover rates and attract qualified applicants to join state service. We know what is needed to stabilize the services state workers provide, and that the people of Maine deserve.”

The complaint outlines several grievances, including claims that the administration prematurely declared an impasse without adequately discussing several union proposals. It further accuses the Mills administration of regressive bargaining practices, including the cancellation of bargaining sessions after the impasse was declared. The union is requesting that the board order the administration to retract its impasse declaration and to “cease and desist” from any actions that may constitute bad-faith bargaining.

In response to the allegations, Sharon Huntley, a spokesperson for the Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services, confirmed that the administration had received the complaint and firmly disputes the claims made by the union. “The state has not engaged in regressive bargaining and has been clear on its priorities throughout negotiations,” Huntley stated in an email. “The administration has made adjustments as part of good-faith efforts to reach an agreement.”

Huntley emphasized that Governor Janet Mills values the contributions of state employees and has committed over $1.15 billion in salary increases through the collective bargaining process during her tenure. This investment is reported to represent an average wage increase of approximately 24% across the state government.

“The governor has supported these increases and significant benefit improvements because they’re beneficial for state workers, and by extension, good for the people of Maine,” Huntley added. The administration plans to continue negotiations with the Maine Service Employees Association while defending itself against the claims presented to the labor relations board.

As the situation develops, the outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for state employee relations and the future of contract negotiations in Maine.