This week, OCSEA District Stewards for ODOT, ODOT union bargaining team members and OCSEA Staff attended a statewide informational meeting yesterday with ODOT District managers to learn more about the impact of ODOT Highway Technician Modernization. This is an agreement between the agency and the union negotiated during the agency-specific bargaining process this spring.
The ODOT agency-specific agreement involves a revision to the HT Series, aimed at expediting employees’ progression through the series and streamlining the process. The significant updates will not only mean automatic (and quicker) progression and more money in the pockets of nearly 700 union Highway Technicians but will also mean:
- More targeted training
- More advancement opportunities (including a new HT6 position)
- Choices in career paths
- Consistency in staffing
- Increased construction inspection pool
- Better retention
- Elimination of mid-season reclassifications (especially in preparation for construction season)
These changes, including automatic progression and pay increases for impacted HTs, will go into effect on July 28, 2024. HT3s not wanting to perform construction inspection must sign the HT3 Advance Waiver to opt out of advancement to HT4 by July 22.
HT Modernization Rollout events (see below) will also be held at each ODOT District in July. There will be two sessions (9-11:30am & 12-2:30pm) held per district. All HT2s and HT3s in construction must attend their assigned district event. Impacted employees will be contacted by their LRO about which session to attend. These events will include break-out session by level so HTs can ask specific questions about how the rollout will impact them.