By The Associated Press
OLYMPIA — The 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.
