Member Survey Update: Collective Bargaining

Our thanks and gratitude to all members who took the time out of their busy lives, to complete and return the pre-negotiations surveys recently sent to home addresses. Although the results of the surveys were still being compiled at press time, the high level of member participation was notable.

Of course, the survey results will help guide our negotiating teams in working towards goals that are consistent with the collective objectives of the employees represented at the bargaining tables.

As a refresher, the Memorandums of Understanding (“MOUs”) for all our County bargaining units will expire at the end of June 2022. The MOU for Los Osos CSD (“District”) Miscellaneous Unit, will also expire at the end of June. Our goal is to reach agreement with the County and District on successor MOUs, prior to the expiration of the current MOUs, if possible.

Although the collective bargaining process is typically an arduous one, this bargaining cycle could be especially so, given the severe inflationary pressures currently impacting our members. As an example of what our members are currently experiencing, as I write this article, I just paid $5.89 a gallon for regular gas. One year ago (March 2021) I paid $3.70 gal. Two years ago (March 2020) I paid $2.96 gal. Overall, the rate of inflation nationally is at its highest level in 40 year (since 1982). Economists and the media were reporting a rate of 7.9% for the 12-month period ending February 2022. In addition to the cost of gasoline, the cost of just about every other commodity, including food, had reached historically high levels. 

In short, our negotiating teams have much work to do in this current bargaining cycle.          

Also at press time, SLOCEA and the County and District, were in process of working out a date for the first negotiating sessions. Members should stay tuned for further updates as the negotiation process moves forward. Non-confidential updates will be published in the County Blade, and SLOCEA’s social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). However, more substantive, and confidential updates will only be published in the Association’s members only portal. Members who have not registered to access the portal are urged to do so immediately. This can be accomplished by going onto www.SLOCEA.org, clicking the “Member Portal” icon and then follow the registration instructions.

God Bless!

Pat McNamara

Executive Director