Monterey County Chapter Wins 12% Wage Increases, Cesar Chavez Paid Holiday, & Increased County Contributions to Healthcare Plans
Following a major field campaign that involved thousands of members and over four and a half months of contract negotiations, the SEIU Local 521 Monterey County bargaining committee reached a Tentative Agreement (TA) with the County of Monterey on a new 3-year deal.
The Tentative Agreement, which is pending ratification by members and the Monterey County Board of Supervisors includes the largest annual wage increases in at least 20 years – 12% over 3 years, as well as, longevity pay increases for workers with more than 10 years of service ranging from 2.5% to 5.5%.
The agreement adds Cesar Chavez Day (March 31), as a new paid holiday, beginning in March 2025. In addition, workers secured significant County contribution increases to healthcare insurance plans – a major union priority amidst the national attention related to healthcare costs in the Monterey County region.
“Our proposals to address healthcare costs and the vacancy crisis finally broke the log-jam with management. From public safety and child protective services to behavioral health support and road maintenance, our new agreement overcomes long-standing issues like healthcare and wages which will strengthen our ability to stabilize retention and build up a thriving Monterey County workforce.
– Harriet Stevens, Monterey County Chapter President
“Monterey County can be the best place to live, work, and raise our families – our members wholeheartedly believe this, and it’s what guided our team to reach a fair agreement. As county workers and members of this community, we have a responsibility to safeguard and expand the life-saving services our neighbors rely on – this new agreement invests in that commitment and I’m proud of the selfless unity we showed to achieve it.”
– Alicia Metters, Monterey County Social Worker and SEIU 521 Regional Vice President.
The deal between the County and union averts a strike authorization vote which began on Tuesday, August 27 and was set to conclude on Thursday, August 29.
A ratification vote by union members of the SEIU Local 521 is set to begin next week, followed by a ratification period by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors.