Mark on Labor Issues, Part 4

17. When compared to other states, the salaries of Florida’s non-management employees rank among the lowest in the nation. Would you make increasing the salaries of Florida’s state workers a priority?

"Yes, I support many of AFSCME’s efforts to raise salaries for state employees, to minimize the rising health care charges to retired public employees and to expand civil service protections which have been taken away under the Bush administration."

18. Which of the following changes to the Florida Retirement System do you support?

"Yes, five year vesting of benefits.
Yes, a twenty-five year full retirement program.
Yes, 3 years highest wage average as opposed to five year."

19. Public employees in Florida do not have the right to strike. The current method of negotiations impasse resolution makes true collective bargaining difficult to achieve. Under the procedure, a Special Master may make non-binding recommendations, but local government bodies frequently reject those favoring the workers. Would you support or oppose legislation that would impose the recommendations of the Special Master?

"I would support binding arbitration rather than the current non-binding system."

20. The Unemployment Insurance Program is designed to stabilize the economy during periods of economic downturn and to provide partial wage replacement to workers during periods of temporary unemployment. Historically, maximum benefit amounts have been adjusted by the legislature, but these adjustments are irregular. Would you support or oppose legislation that would eliminate the need for such adjustments by providing a maximum weekly benefit amount equal to 66 2/3 percent of the statewide average weekly wage?

"Yes, I would support this legislation."

21. To receive unemployment compensation benefits, Florida’s unemployed workers must overcome some of the most stringent qualification requirements in the country. Would you support or oppose legislation that would make benefits available to a broader segment of the unemployed population through the use of an alternate base formula?

"I would support this legislation."

22. Workers’ Compensation benefits have taken a grievous downturn since 1990. No longer does the workers’ compensation law represent an agreement between employers and employees. . Benefits continue to be cut, the scope of eligibility for benefits has been narrowed and many permanently injured workers are left without hope of receiving decent compensation for their work-related disability. Would you support workers’ compensation reforms that return it to its original intent by benefiting injured employees instead of providing breaks for insurance companies, hospitals and lawyers?

"I would support this legislation."

23. Contractors’ rates for workers’ compensation are based on worker classification and gross wages paid. This method of rate setting is extremely unfair to contractors who pay their employees high wages and subsequently are charged higher premiums than their low-wage counterparts. Will you introduce and support legislation that uses hours worked instead of gross payroll as a basis of premium costs?

"I would support this legislation."

24. Would you introduce/support legislation to protect pensions and other benefits from being used to offset workers’ compensation benefit payments?

"I would support this legislation."