CAPE Contract 2026

After more than a year and a half at the bargaining table, your CAPE Bargaining Team has reached a Tentative Agreement with Los Angeles County.

This was not easy. It took persistence, unity, and the collective strength of CAPE members who showed up, spoke out, and stayed engaged throughout this process. Because of that, we were able to hold the line and move this agreement forward.

Here is what we won: 


WAGES & BONUSES

  • $5,000 Ratification Bonus (within 45 days of ratification)
  • 2% COLA + $2,000 Bonus in Year 2 (effective 10/1/2026)
  • 5% COLA in Year 3 (effective 10/1/2027)

NEW REVENUE SHORTFALL PROTECTIONS

New language ensures the County cannot unilaterally cut our future raises, even in a budget crisis.

NO CONCESSIONS. NO TAKEAWAYS.

Not a single benefit, protection, or right was given away.

STRONGER JOINT LABOR-MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE FOR REAL RESULTS

Establishes a stronger, more effective structure that centers member voices and demands County accountability to continue the work on critical issues.

Topics include Telework, Career Paths and Lateral Transfer Opportunities, Artificial Intelligence, Employee Lists for New CAPE-Eligible Employees, Safety, Work Schedules, Overtime, and Outside Employment for Surveyors.

PROTECTED ALL SPECIAL PAY PRACTICES

Every one of these Special Pay Practices was fully protected in this agreement:

CAPE DELEGATE PROGRAM EXPANSION

The CAPE Delegate Program will now be funded at 30 hours per year — giving our member leaders more time to represent you.

FRINGE BENEFITS (ALREADY WON)

CAPE, united with the Coalition of County Unions (CCU), previously secured a new Fringe Benefits contract –  locking in a 3-year agreement (through June 30, 2028) that delivers significant, long-term gains for members, including:

  • An 8% annual increase in the County's Choices healthcare contribution (24% over three years)
  • Increased County buydown of medical premiums for two-party and family plans — $2.3 million each year for three years
  • Maintained Retiree Medical Benefits through the life of the agreement
  • A new 401(k) benefit beginning January 2026, in addition to the existing 457 Plan

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

This is a Tentative Agreement but to lock it in, we need to vote to ratify it.

In the coming days, you’ll receive full details of the agreement along with voting instructions. Our CAPE’s Bargaining Team will host a CAPE Contract Zoom Info Session on April 28 at 12pm, as well as numerous “Contract Hub” events at workplaces across the County.

We don't get it until we vote for it.

Stay connected at capeunion.org/cape-contract-2026 for updates.

 

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