New Year, New Contracts: Preparing for the Next Round of Negotiations

As the new year unfolds, so does an opportunity to prepare for what lies ahead in 2025: the next round of collective bargaining. In the coming year, SLOCEA will be at the bargaining table for the Trades and Big Units at the County, as well as Unit 19 at the Superior Court.

At SLOCEA, we know that strong contracts are built on a foundation of collaboration, preparation, and strategic foresight. Ensuring the best possible outcomes for our members requires an early and comprehensive approach to negotiations. Here’s how we plan to prepare and why your involvement is key to our success.

Gathering Member Feedback

The cornerstone of any successful contract negotiation is a clear understanding of our members' needs and priorities. SLOCEA will begin this process by actively engaging with you—our members—to collect feedback on what matters most. Surveys will be sent out to all SLOCEA members to gather this critical information for the Negotiating Teams.

If you have elected to receive a digital survey, these will be emailed to your personal email address in January. If you have not elected to receive digital or paperless surveys, they will be mailed to home addresses in a bright neon colored envelope. Please take a few moments to complete these surveys and return them to SLOCEA.

Whether it’s wages, pension contributions, health care costs or workplace safety, every concern you share helps shape the priorities we bring to the negotiation table. Your voices ensure that our proposals reflect the real challenges and aspirations of our diverse membership. The earlier we gather this input, the better equipped we’ll be to advocate on your behalf.

Researching Comparative Data

Preparation is power when it comes to negotiations. In preparation for 2025, SLOCEA staff have already begun to dive into the data to build a strong foundation for our proposals. This involves researching market trends, analyzing wage and benefit comparisons, and staying up to date on employment conditions both locally and across similar organizations.

By leveraging this information, we can craft compelling arguments that demonstrate why specific changes are necessary and reasonable. Data-backed proposals not only strengthen our position at the bargaining table but also help us anticipate counterarguments and develop effective responses. This comprehensive approach ensures that the proposals we make are justified and aligned with member needs.

Setting Negotiation Priorities

With member feedback and data analysis in hand, the next step is to establish clear negotiation priorities. These priorities will guide every aspect of the bargaining process, from initial discussions to final agreements.

By focusing on the issues that matter most, we can direct our resources and efforts toward achieving meaningful results. This collaborative process not only strengthens our collective voice but also demonstrates our commitment to representing your interests effectively.

Why Member Input is Vital

Your participation is not just valuable; it’s essential. Collective bargaining is a team effort, and the strength of our Association lies in the unity and engagement of our members. When you share your feedback, attend meetings, and stay informed, you empower us to negotiate with confidence and clarity.

Member involvement also sends a powerful message to employers. It shows that we are a cohesive and determined group, committed to achieving fair and equitable contracts. The more engaged our membership, the stronger our negotiating position becomes.

Looking Ahead

As we gear up for 2025, let’s make this a year of unity and collaboration. Together, we can ensure that SLOCEA enters the next round of negotiations ready to secure the best possible outcomes for our members.

Stay tuned for updates on upcoming surveys, site visits, and opportunities to get involved. If you have questions or ideas, don’t hesitate to reach out to the SLOCEA team. Thank you for your commitment to SLOCEA and for being an integral part of our collective strength.