A three-year labor agreement was ratified today by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, with all but one of the 11 units that represent workers with AFSCME Local 829 signing on to the deal.
The 10 AFSCME units agreeing to the contract represent about 800 employees in various county departments. The Human Services Unit did not ratify the agreement, and the county says it “remains hopeful” that a deal can be reached with that unit. County officials say they are prepared in the case workers in the unit go on strike.
Negotiations have been ongoing since July of last year, and the most recent contract expired in October. The agreement between the county and the majority of the union’s units helped to avert a two-day strike earlier this month.
The ratified agreement includes cost of living increases to salaries of 4 percent effective this past Sunday, another 2 percent on Oct. 6 and another 3-percent on Oct. 4, 2020.
The package also includes equity increases of 1 percent effective this past Sunday, and 2-percent on Oct. 6. There’s also a longevity pay of 1-percent after five years of service, and increased longevity pay of 1 percent at 10 and 20 years of service, and 2 percent at 25 years. Certain classifications will receive additional equity increases and other specialty pay based on market conditions.
The new salaries and other changes will cost $27.8 million over the three-year contract term.
“I am pleased that the County and AFSCME have reached a meaningful and mutually beneficial agreement that lets us move forward together,” said Board President Carole Groom. “Our employees are the foundation of the County’s work and I’m proud we share the same commitment to public service.”
Photo courtesy of San Mateo County
