COMPENSATION
UPEA will lobby the legislature to fund a substantial pay increase to recruit and retain quality employees. Based on the 2023 legislative survey, a majority of members chose compensation as their highest priority. UPEA will advocate for a 5% COLA and a 2% targeted increase and fully fund the medical increase.
HEALTH INSURANCE
Plans & Premiums
UPEA will advocate for the Legislature to fully fund any health insurance increase. The current structure of health insurance co-pays, co-insurance, deductibles, and other plan benefits funded at the same rate. Premium increases or benefit changes should be applied equitably between the Star and Traditional plans. UPEA also supports equal marketing of both the Traditional and Star plans.
Mental Health Benefits
UPEA will lobby to secure enhanced mental health benefits including increased coverage, additional providers, and educational resources to guide employees through the mental health treatment process.
RETIREMENT
The Utah Retirement System (URS) is not proposing a retirement contribution rate increase for either the Tier I or Tier II retirement systems.
UPEA will support legislation to increase the retirement benefit for Tier II URS members.
CAREER SERVICE SYSTEM
The Career Service System provides due process rights and protections for schedule B employees. UPEA will aggressively lobby against any further changes to the career service system.
PAYROLL DEDUCTION
UPEA will lobby against any efforts to eliminate an employee’s ability to have UPEA dues deducted from their paycheck’s automatically following voluntary enrollment.
LEAVE BENEFITS & PAID TIME OFF
UPEA will protect, or support enhancements to, the current leave structure.
PRIVATIZATION
UPEA has an interest in preserving efficient, effective, and responsible governmental functions. UPEA will evaluate all moves to privatize any functions currently being conducted by public employees.
POST-RETIREMENT EMPLOYMENT
During the last five years, legislators have sponsored multiple bills to modify the post-retirement re-employment benefit. UPEA supports enhancing post-retirement legislation for the benefit of its members.