STATE, COUNTIES REACH TENTATIVE AGREEMENT WITH HGEA

April 5 - Governor Lingle announced the Public Employers (the State and the four counties) and the Hawai`i Government Employees Association (HGEA) have reached a tentative agreement in their negotiations involving six bargaining units representing nearly 26,000 state and county government employees. The terms of the settlement, which are subject to a ratification vote by the HGEA membership, proposes a 4 percent annual pay increase with step movements.  The total cost for the contract, which is effective July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2009, is approximately $183.2 million.

"This agreement is fair to our employees and recognizes the important role they play in achieving good results for the public," Governor Lingle said. "It also assures no disruption in public services and fits within our six-year financial plan," she added.

• Watch this news conference here.