2012-2013 Labor Negotiation Updates

The County of Sonoma is committed to an open communications philosophy within the organization and the public. The information below on the ongoing labor negotiations between the County and its bargaining units will be updated periodically so employees and the public have a clear understanding of what is being considered.

During the 2012-2013 negotiations with all the bargaining units, the County is proposing to reset key factors that increase total compensation: (1) adopt a lower cost pension plan for new employees; (2) eliminate “spiking” opportunities for current employees; (3) to the extent possible, convert pensionable into non-pensionable pay; and (4) permanently reduce the overall total compensation levels by 3.0%. Currently, the County is meeting with SEIU and SCLEMA in an effort to mutually agree on the best way to meet the County’s goals." As the negotiations progress, the County will continue to provide public information on this website.

During the 2012 – 2013 negotiations with all bargaining units, the County will propose the following:

1. A lower cost pension plan for new employees
2. Eliminating “spiking” opportunities for current employees
3. Redirecting pensionable compensation into non-pensionable pay
4. Reducing total compensation by 3% which equals approximately 5% in salary only

What’s New!

• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between the County of Sonoma and related agencies and (SEIU) Service Employees’ International Union 1021 - March 19, 2013 - August 31, 2015

  • Memorandum of Understanding (PDF: 10.85MB)
  • Board Summary Report March 19, 2013 (PDF: 150kB)
  • Amendments to the Salary Resolution 95-0926 - Summary Report March 19, 2013 (PDF: 278kB)
  • Salary Resolution No. 95-0926 - Attachment A (PDF: 769kB)
  Posted: March 19, 2013
• Status of County Negotiations
  
  • Status of County Negotiations Chart (PDF: 17 kB)
  Posted: March 1, 2013
• CPI vs COLA and Pension Increases
  At the SEIU bargaining table on February 6, 2013, the County distributed a comparison of the CPI versus County paid COLAs and Increased Pension Costs over a 10 year period. The data demonstrates the County’s contributions toward COLAs and pension costs have been 20.91% greater than the CPI increase over the ten year period, and 4.53% greater over the most recent five year period.
  • CPI vs COLA Chart (PDF: 40 kB)
  Posted: February 8, 2013
• Information to SEIU Represented Employees Regarding Possible Strike
  SEIU has communicated it will strike on February 28, 2013. In the event employees strike, the County will be prepared to maintain services to the public. As part of this preparation, after reviewing the information with SEIU, the County sent a letter to SEIU represented employees regarding the possible strike.
  • Memo to SEIU Members from Human Resources (PDF: 354 kB)
    
  Posted: February 8, 2013
• SEIU Negotiations Scheduled on February 6, 2013
  • Strikes During Negotiations Not Legal (PDF: 145 kB)
    In response to SEIU’s threat to strike, the County sent a letter to SEIU’s Chief Negotiator explaining that strikes during negotiations are not legal.
  • SEIU Response (PDF: 29 kB)
    SEIU’s Chief Negotiator Responded to the County that SEIU intends to participate in negotiations in good faith.
  Posted: February 4, 2013
• SEIU & County of Sonoma Tentative Agreement (PDF 10.87 MB)
  Posted: December 5, 2012
• California Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013
  • California Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013 - Initial Summary (PDF: 187 kB)
  Posted: September 19, 2012
• On Tuesday, August 14, 2012, the Board of Supervisors authorized a resolution of intent to change compensation
  and benefits for employees covered by the Salary Resolution and Ordinances. Read More. (PDF: 170 kB)
  Posted: August 23, 2012
• SCLEMA Negotiations Sessions Schedule
  Posted: July 31, 2012
• SEIU Negotiations Session Schedule
  Posted: July 31, 2012
• Negotiation Update: Service Employees’ International Union (SEIU), Local 1021
  Posted: June 22, 2012
• Negotiation Update: Service Employees’ International Union (SEIU), Local 1021
  Posted: June 13, 2012
• Negotiation Update: Service Employees’ International Union (SEIU), Local 1021
  Posted: June 6, 2012
• Additional Questions added to the Frequently Asked Questions page
  Posted: June 6, 2012
• Negotiation Update: Service Employees’ International Union (SEIU), Local 1021
  Posted: May 18, 2012
• Letter from the County Administrator to all Labor Organizations Leadership, May 16, 2012 (PDF: 79 kB)
  Posted: May 17, 2012
• Negotiation Update: Service Employees’ International Union (SEIU), Local 1021
  Posted: May 14, 2012

Sonoma County Labor Contracts Expirations