Side Letter Ratified for Unit 19 at San Luis Obispo Superior Court
In addition to the Los Osos CSD and SLO County employees in the Big Unit and Trades, SLOCEA also represents the Supervisor unit (Unit 19) at the San Luis Obispo Superior Court of California.
With the current MOU for Unit 19 set to expire on September 30, 2024, the Court proposed a one-year extension side letter agreement in response to anticipated economic shortfalls in California’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
The Court’s initial proposal included several key benefits:
A 2% permanent reduction in employee pension contributions, with the Court covering this reduction and any potential pension rate increases in 2025.
Increases to cafeteria contribution amounts.
Increased vacation accrual rates and expanded bereavement leave.
Permanent establishment of the Alternative Work Schedule pilot program.
SLOCEA’s negotiating team, which included Counsel Paige Chretien, Executive Director Emily Landis, Senior Labor Representative Theresa Schultz, Labor Representative Brooke Daphne, and Unit 19 representative Teresa Collins, engaged in four negotiation sessions with Court representatives from July 23 to August 14, 2024. A tentative agreement was reached on August 14.
Key Points of the Tentative Agreement:
Extension of the current MOU through September 30, 2025.
Permanent implementation of the Alternative Work Schedule Program.
A permanent reduction of the employees’ share of pension contribution by three percentage points, resulting in a 3% or more increase in take-home pay, depending on the employee’s tier and pension rate.
The Court will absorb 100% of any pension rate increases for the agreement’s duration.
Increased Cafeteria plan contributions for Employee only, Employee+1, and Employee+ Family.
Implementation of a Post Employment Health Plan (PEHP), funded by half of outstanding sick leave balances (up to 720 hours).
Expanded bereavement leave language.
Additional Leave:
A Supervisor Leave Bank, with a one-time deposit based on service time.
Up to 56 hours/year of voluntary unpaid leave.
Increased vacation accrual rates and vacation cash-out from 40 to 80 hours.
Longevity recognition, including $500 or 2 paid days off starting at 10 years, and every five years thereafter.
Increase in Personal Leave days from 4 to 5 per year.
“Me Too” Provision: If, during the duration of the side letter agreement, the Court grants any monetary or salary increases to non-SLOCEA-represented Court employees (excluding Interpreters and Commissioners), SLOCEA-represented employees will receive the same percentage increase.
Ratification ballots were distributed to Unit 19 members on August 15, 2024, with returns due by August 22. The tentative agreement was ratified by the unit, and SLOCEA notified the Court on August 23, 2024.
SLOCEA is pleased to have secured a comprehensive agreement that enhances benefits for our members, even amidst California’s budget challenges.
Emily Landis
Executive Director