Tuesday, Mar 26, 2019
 by 
Christa Bigue
  • The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors at today’s meeting approved a new three-year agreement with the Human Services Unit represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 829.

    Graphic that spells out news

    The new compensation package mimics that accepted by 10 of the 11 AFSCME bargaining units last month, providing pay increases for cost of living adjustments, and increased longevity and equity adjustments for classifications behind market or considered difficult to fill.

    “I am pleased the Human Services Unit and the County reached a fair and mutually beneficial agreement that lets us all return focus to those we serve in the community,” said Board President Carole Groom.

    AFSCME represents 1,706 represented employees in varied classifications across departments. The Human Services Unit represents 915 employees in departments including the Human Services Agency, Health, the Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office.

    Significant changes for employees in the Human Services Unit include:

    • Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA)/Equity Increases of 12 percent total: 5 percent effective March 24, 2019, 4 percent effective Oct. 6, 2019 and 3 percent effective Oct. 4, 2020.;
    • Longevity pay: 1 percent after the equivalent of five years of service and increased longevity pay of 1 percent at 10 and 20 years of service, and 2 percent at 25 years;
    • Specified classifications receive additional equity increase and other specialty pays based on market conditions.

    The County is also assembling an organization-wide labor management committee to review the County’s retiree health and additional benefits.

    The Human Services Unit accepted the new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last week and the Board of Supervisors approved the agreement at its regular March 26, 2019 meeting.