Press Release: July 8, 2011
Contact: Jerry Jimenez – (408) 219-9636
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. – Santa Cruz County workers ratified their contract today, with about 80 percent voting yes on the two-year agreement with the County.
Faced with a $14 million county deficit — and more deficits at the state level — county employees worked hard to seek solutions that saved jobs and protected services.
The result is a two-year contract (Sept. 11, 2011 – Sept. 10, 2013) that includes 18 furlough days this year, moves future hires to a more cost-effective retirement plan, and prevents pension ‘spiking,’ a practice opposed by SEIU that’s often used by managers to hike pension benefits.
The contract brings significant short- and long-term savings to the county that helped minimize layoffs and protect services.
“In these economic times, SEIU 521 members realize we all need to do our part to maintain services,” said Chapter President Veronica Rodriguez. “We feel we reached a fair compromise that works in the best interest of the County, the employees, and the community.”
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The Service Employees International Union is an organization of 2.1 million members united by the belief in the dignity and worth of workers and the services they provide. SEIU is dedicated to improving the lives of workers and their families and creating a more just and humane society.
For more information, visit www.seiu521.org
