Tulare County, we reached a deal!
Read more on the tentative agreement we reached and learn when and how to vote.
We’re pleased to announce we reached a tentative agreement (TA) on a successor contract. Congratulations to our SEIU 521 members for a well-deserved contract!
We fought a long and hard battle, that resulted in major wins we haven’t seen in decades. Our collective efforts including petitions, presentations to the Board, and overall engagement helped reach a strong tentative agreement we believe builds a stronger more supportive County system.
Your Tulare County SEIU 521 Bargaining Committee is recommending a YES vote to accept the TA!
“It’s not about the money, its about the principal of how the County values our workers. This win in bilingual pay, was something we desperately needed. It’s taken us over 2 decades to make this happen, and I am so proud of our union.” Jany Pena, Legal Office Assistant III
“I’m happy to see such a significant increase at our first table, and I’m excited for future tables where I hope our union can grow even stronger. I encourage you all to get involved with our bargaining process. It’s very eye-opening.” Thomas Morgan, Library Assistant
“There were some articles that didn’t directly impact me, but I was so proud to stand in solidarity with my fellow co-workers in achievement in bilingual pay and differential pays. We still have some work to do, and I hope to see you all more involved with our amazing union.” Teresa Delgadillo, Self Sufficiency Support Supervisor
Tentative Agreement Highlights:
- Improvements to our New Employee Orientation process that includes allowing our union to spend 30 minutes of new hire onboarding and informing our workers of our members rights, and labor law implementations of employee’s rights to access their union.
- A 4% wage increase for this year, and another 3% wage increases for next year. If approved, our wage increases would go into effect during the first full pay period in July, 2023 and July 2024.
- A $25 additional increase contribution to the employee Family Health plan
- An additional $250 contribution to deferred comp
- A $0.13 increase in bilingual pay resulting from $40 a pay period to now $50 a pay period
- Additional equity pay increases for the following classifications:
- Maintenance Worker III (2%)
- Self Sufficiency Counselor (3%)
- Self Sufficiency Counselor- Lead (3%)
- Self Sufficiency Resource Specialist (3%)
- Self Sufficiency Supervisor II (5%)
- Social Services Worker I (3%)
- Social Services Worker II (3%)
- Social Services Worker III (3%)
- Social Services Supervisor I (5%)
- Social Services Supervisor II (5%)
- Social Services Worker III- CWS Lead (5%)
- A Child Welfare, Social Workers, Emergency Response differential pay increase from 4% to 10%
Click here to view the complete Tentative Agreement
Even though we were able to fight for a strong contract this year, there’s no time to become complacent or apathetic to the work that still needs to be done for our County. There’s still work to do to continue to improve our wages, working conditions and health and safety for all. We MUST continue to stay involved with our union to keep up and grow our momentum. Here are some comments from some of our bargaining team members.
To finalize the new agreement between our union and the County, the tentative agreements must be voted on by our members before they can come into effect.
Ratification Vote Schedule & Tentative Agreement Informational Worksite Meet-Ups
METHOD OF VOTING
The ratification vote will be held online via ElectionBuddy, which is an electronic format that sends you a custom ballot to both your phone via text, if we have your number and permission to text you, and to your personal email. If you’re not opted-in to receive union updates, click here to get signed up asap.
ELIGIBILITY TO CAST A VOTE
Only full dues-paying members are eligible to vote on the offer. If you are not a current member or are unsure, or to avoid receiving a provisional ballot, sign up to become a member here: www.seiu521.org/membership.
CAN’T FIND YOUR BALLOT?
If you can’t find your ballot, look into your personal email address spam folder, or search in your email inbox “SEIU” or “Election Buddy”, or call union office at (559) 635-3720 or email communications@seiu521.org
VOTE TIMELINE
Start: Thursday, June 8 at 7 a.m.
End: Friday, June 9 at 4 p.m.
Informational Worksite Meet-Ups
Your SEIU 521 Tulare County bargaining team members will be visiting the following worksites to educate our members on the tentative agreement and will be available to answer any questions you may have.
Monday, June 5th we will be visiting the following sites at the following times:
- Visalia Courthouse @ Breezeway 11am – 1:30pm
- Visalia District Office @ Breakroom 3pm – 5pm
- Tulare District Office @ Breakroom 11am – 1:30pm
- Fairway @ Breakroom 1st floor 11am – 1:30pm
- TPC @ Breezeway Picnic Table 3pm – 5pm
Tuesday, June 6th we will be visiting the following sites at the following times:
- Dinuba District Office @ Breakroom 11am – 1:30pm
- IHSS Bldg. @ Breakroom 3pm – 5pm
- Visalia Government Plaza @ 1st Floor Lobby (next to elections office) 11am – 1:30pm
- CWS Mooney @ Breakroom 3pm – 5pm
Wednesday, June 7th we will be visiting the following sites at the following times:
- Porterville Government Plaza @ Main Building Hallway 11am – 1:30pm
- Lindsay District Office @ Breakroom 3pm – 5pm
- Professional Development Center @ Outside Main Door Entrance 11am – 1:30pm
- Visalia Health Center @ Breakroom 3pm – 5pm
- Hyde @ Breakroom 11am – 1:30pm
- Visalia Child Support @Breakroom 3pm – 5pm
Congratulations again, and we look forward to meeting you in person to answer any questions.
In unity,
Your SEIU Local 521 Tulare County Bargaining Team
