How to Be Involved and Stay Informed During Contract Negotiations

Staying involved and informed about what’s going on with your labor union is always important, but it is especially vital during contract negotiations. As many of you know, SLOCEA will be entering into contract negotiations for our County-represented units this spring. That includes the Public Services, Clerical, Supervisory, and Trades bargaining units. During negotiations, our members’ active engagement is the force that steers our Negotiating Teams as they advocate for your rights, benefits, and working conditions.

This round of contract negotiations will be particularly critical for members who have faced new and taxing challenges in the last few years. As a result of rising healthcare costs, increased retirement contributions, and the ever-climbing cost of living, more members than ever are experiencing financial difficulties. Due to the County’s ongoing recruitment and retention issues, employees are finding themselves increasingly overworked and understaffed. Further exacerbating the issue is the growing trend of a top-heavy organizational structure, with more management positions being added while line staff positions sit vacant. These factors highlight the urgency of securing a fair contract that addresses the real and immediate needs of the County’s workforce. To do that, we need committed and meaningful member participation.

Member Participation

During the last round of negotiations in 2022, only a small fraction of SLOCEA members actively participated in the negotiations process. Before going to the bargaining table, we send out a pre-negotiations survey to members to help us identify the top priorities for the next bargaining cycle. In 2022, only 480 out of 1,479 members (32%) responded to our survey. Once a tentative agreement had been reached, members were sent a summary that highlighted important elements of the potential new contract and were asked to vote on whether to ratify the new agreement. Of the 1,479 members who were sent a ballot, 772 votes (52%) were returned. 

This demonstrates that only a small percentage of members are active in this essential decision-making process. Beyond negotiations, only an estimated 19% of our members read our newsletter, The County Blade, each month, and 6 of the 19 positions on SLOCEA’s Board of Directors lie vacant. With such a critical negotiation cycle coming up, we humbly ask our members to speak up, engage, and have a say in the future of their employment.

How to Stay Informed and Involved

1. Participate in the Pre-Negotiations Survey

• This survey is your chance to share your priorities with the Negotiating Team. A new feature for members this year is the ability to opt-in to receive a digital survey, making the process easier for members and saving time and resources.

2. Visit the Portal for Live Updates

• During negotiations, updates are posted within 24 hours of each negotiation session. You can see what was discussed at each session by logging into SLOCEA’s “Members Only Portal” which can be found on SLOCEA’s website, slocea.org.  

3. Check Your Email for Negotiation Alerts

• At the conclusion of each session, SLOCEA will send out an email to members directing them to the Members Only Portal for updates. If you don’t receive SLOCEA emails, you’re missing out on critical updates. Make sure we have your email address on file by calling our office or emailing us at info@slocea.org. 

4. Read The County Blade

• Confidential negotiations updates are only available through the Members Only Portal, but you can stay informed about broader SLOCEA matters by reading The County Blade each month. Note: You can also win a $5 gift card to Starbucks if you’re one of the first five members to “Find Feathers” (See Page 1 for more information).

5. Connect with Union Representatives

• Speak with your bargaining unit’s Negotiating Team member, your worksite Steward, or a member of the Board of Directors to stay in the loop.

6. Vote on the Tentative Agreement

• Your vote is your voice. If or when a tentative agreement is reached, it is crucial that you fill out and return your mail-in ballot. This contract will shape the future of your employment, so make sure your opinion counts.

Your job is important to you, so staying informed about your employment contract should be a top priority. By actively participating in the negotiating process, you further the goal to secure better benefits, fair pay, and a stronger workforce in SLO County. Now is the time to get involved, stay informed, and make a difference for yourself and your colleagues.

In solidarity,

Brooke Daphne

Brooke Daphne

Labor Representative II