Labor Union Gets Contract First Time in 3 Years

For the first time since June 30, 2016, Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA), Local 777 has a contract. On Tuesday, March 26, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to ratify a two-year employment agreement with Union employees.

“I am pleased Riverside County and LIUNA came to a resolution that is fair for employees and the needs of the county,” Board of Supervisors Vice Chair V. Manuel Perez said in a prepared statement. “We look forward to working out agreements with our other bargaining groups as well.”

A key element of the agreement includes a one-step merit increase for all employees who are not at the final step. This change is a reduction from two-steps at 5.5 percent increase in pay to one-step at 4 percent, and result in savings of more than $3 million over the term of the contract.

The bottom three steps of the salary ranges will be eliminated. This brings the starting salary ranges in line with compensation from comparable counties for similar job functions. There is no increase to the top of the pay range and no cost-of-living adjustment awarded. Additional costs associated with this contract are attributed to one additional week of paid leave, which expires at the end of the contract, and additional funds towards family and two-party medical premiums. The costs for this fiscal year are $2.7 million, and $3.6 million for next fiscal year.

“Throughout this entire process, I have advocated for a balanced approach to negotiations,” Third District Supervisor Chuck Washington said in a prepared statement. “I believe that LIUNA has worked in the best interests of their members and the County by coming to the table with honesty and integrity. I am pleased that we have arrived at a win-win agreement.”

Negotiations continue with three other labor unions, including Riverside Sheriffs’ Association (RSA), Riverside County Deputy District Attorney Association (RCDDA) and United Domestic Workers (UDW). Service Employees International Union and RSA are currently working without a contract.