Council 4 Higher Education Contract Negotiations Update, 2005-2006

Local 1214-Charter Oak State College

The Local 1214 Negotiating Committee will meet on the following dates at Charter Oak State College, 55 Manafort Dr., New Britain, CT:

§         Dec. 15, 2005 at 3:30 p.m.

§         Dec. 22, 2006 at 11:30 a.m.

§         Jan. 17, 2006 at 3:30 p.m.

§         Feb. 10, 2006 at 12:30 p.m.

§         Feb. 15. 2006 at 3:30 p.m.

§         Feb. 22, 2006 at 3:30 p.m.

The Negotiating Committee consists of Jason Jakubowski (President); Louisa Martin (Member) and Chief Spokesman Paul Wallace. We will remain in contact with bargaining unit members to provide updates. For further information, contact Paul Wallace at (860) 612-3816.

Local 2480-Connecticut Community Colleges

The Local 2480 Negotiating Committee will meet on the following dates at the Congress of Connecticut Community Colleges, 907 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford, CT:

§         Dec. 13, 2005 at 1:00 p.m.

§         Jan. 5, 2006 at 9:00 a.m.

§         Jan. 13, 2006 at 9:00 a.m.

§         Jan. 23, 2006 at 9:00 a.m.

§         Feb. 15 at 3:30 p.m.

§         Feb. 22 at 3:30 p.m.

The Negotiating Committee consists of Bill Chagnon (President), Douglas Fichtel (Treasurer) and Chief Spokesman Paul Wallace. We will remain in contact with bargaining unit members to provide updates. For more information, contact Paul Wallace at (860) 612-3816.

Local 1588-Department of Higher Education Staff

The Local 1588 Negotiating Team will meet on the following dates at the Department of Higher Education Administrative Office, 61 Woodland St., Hartford, CT:

§         Nov. 10, 2005 at 2:30 p.m.

§         Nov. 25, 2005 at 2:30 p.m.

§         Dec. 12, 2005 at 2:30 p.m.

§         Jan. 18, 2006 at 12:00 noon.

The Negotiating Team includes Jacqueline Johnson (President), and Chief Spokesman Paul Wallace. We will remain in contact with bargaining unit members to provide updates. For more information, contact Paul Wallace at (860) 612-3816.

Previous Higher Education Updates:

Dec. 2005: Changes In Defined Contribution Plans

            The Comptroller's Office has made significant changes in the administration of the Alternate Retirement Program (ARP) and 403(b) Plan. The changes are fully explained in the transition booklet links below.

            Effective January 1, 2006, the State will introduce an enhanced program for the Alternate Retirement Program and 403(b) Plan that includes a new menu of 24 investment options from well known mutual fund and insurance companies; lower fees and expenses; centralized administration, financial counseling and education; and improved compliance with IRS regulations. ING will be the administrator for the State’s ARP and 403(b) Plan beginning January 2006.

            If you are participating in both the State’s ARP and 403(b) Plan, you will receive a transition booklet for each Plan.

For the 403(b) Plan, you will be required to take action by December 15, 2005, so please read your transition booklet(s) carefully.

            The Comptroller's Office and ING are mailing information to all affected employees and will hold information sessions around the state. Meeting schedules can be found on the State of Connecticut defined contribution plans Web site at www.CTdcp.com.

            You can call the plan administrator during the transition at 1-800-784-6386 for answers to your specific questions.

§         Click here for the ARP Transition Booklet.

§         Click here for the 403(b) Transition Booklet.

§         Click here the state’s website on defined contribution plans.

§         Click here for the Comptroller’s website.