Contract Extension Helps Maintain Services and Protect Jobs
After months of negotiations, Monterey County workers ratified a contract on June 15 with about a 90 percent YES vote to extend the contract.

Faced with a $42 million county deficit, 85 percent of members surveyed said they had wanted a contract extension to protect services and protect jobs.

Monterey County workers on Monday voted to extend their contract for one full year with no changes to wages or benefits.

This will help maintain local services as the county braces for state and federal cuts that can reach up to $99 million.

"We're doing our part to save services," said Ben Franklin, Monterey County Chapter President of SEIU Local 521. "We understand this is a difficult time and everyone needs to share in the responsibility."

SEIU 521 represents over 3,000 members in over 100 job classifications in Monterey County.

We answer the emergency calls, care for the most vulnerable, protect public health, check for food safety, ensure safety of recreational waters, guarantee the safety of drinking water, manage hazardous materials, support local agriculture, keep buildings roads and bridges safe, and provide many more critical services to the community.

In addition to extending the contract, county workers will continue to work with the board of supervisors to find other ways to maintain services until the economy improves.

"Our work isn't over," said Chapter Vice-President Maria Castillo. "The economy is expected to improve. But until then, we all have to work together to maintain services."

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