Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Six AFSCME locals representing more than 10,000 Los Angeles City workers ratified new contracts with robust wage increases and other benefits. AFSCME locals 741, 901, 2006, 2626, 3090 and 3672 began negotiations with the city in August 2023 as a part of the Coalition of Los Angeles City Unions, which negotiates benefits for all Los Angeles city employees represented by AFSCME, the Laborers (LIUNA), the Operating Engineers (IUOE), the Los Angeles/Orange County Building Trades, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and the Teamsters. Union members ratified the tentative agreements in March.
The workers secured a 22% cost-of-living adjustment over the five-year life of the contract, allows members to cash out all of their unused sick time from their 100% sick time bank when they retire, increases the minimum pay of employees to $25 per hour by 2026, provides 12 weeks of parental leave, allows workers to cash out unused personal leave at the end of each calendar year, among other benefits.
“I have been with the city for 20 years, and never have I had a contract of this magnitude,” said Larry Gates, president of Local 3090. “In speaking with my members, almost all are overwhelmingly excited and grateful for the hard work and dedication of the negotiations committee.”