Wash. state employee union negotiations continue

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Washington state is still negotiating with state workers on health benefits and associated costs.

Even though a Monday deadline has passed, talks are still continuing. If the coalition of unions and the state reach a deal, the Legislature could approve the extension of the agreement date. If no agreement is reached at all, the provisions of the existing contract continue for the next year.

A tentative agreement has already been reached on a separate economic contract with most of the unions, who have either ratified a plan to restore recent pay cuts or are currently in arbitration.