The deal includes the largest wage increase in over 20 years – 13% over 3 years, a one-time lump sum payment, as well as equity and realignment payments to bring position-to-market comparison and help combat understaffing.
Santa Clara County, Calif. – SEIU Local 521, the union representing more than 12,000 workers across the County of Santa Clara, including 9-1-1 dispatchers, social workers, county hospital staff, parks and roads, among others, reached a historic agreement on a successor contract. The tentative deal includes the largest general wage increase in over 20 years, a $1,200 one-time lump sum payment, equity raises, and additional wage gains for positions behind market comparison, like Public Health Nurses, to elevate recruitment opportunities to help overcome staffing shortages.
“Securing pathways to expanding public service and care for the most vulnerable in our community was a major priority for our union members. This deal includes financial commitments that will begin to overcome staffing shortages, increase educational resources, and expand equity for lower-wage earners made up of mostly women of color,” said Riko Mendez, SEIU Local 521 Chief Elected Officer. “Our union stood firm in demanding a fair contract, new gains, and protections for our members and families in Santa Clara County. We still have work to do to grow our way out of the short staffing and turnover exacerbated by the pandemic, but because of the resiliency and commitment of frontline county workers, we secured one of the best deals in the history of Santa Clara County.”
The tentative agreement averts a strike, which was authorized by Santa Clara County members in mid-June. Santa Clara County members represented by SEIU Local 521 will vote to ratify the new agreement in the next two weeks, followed by a formal ratification vote by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors.
##
Service Employees International Union, Local 521 represents more than 12,000 public-sector workers across Santa Clara County. Under a Community First vision, we are committed to making sure the needs of our community, and the vital services we provide our community, come first. We believe our communities thrive when residents, leaders, and workers recognize that we are all in this together when it comes to our safety, health, and well-being.
