We’re happy to announce that CAPE has come to a 6-month tentative agreement with L.A. County for a new short-term contract through March 31, 2022.
By locking in this short-term contract, we secure our wages and working conditions while we gear up for a new long-term contract.
As part of our new contract agreement, we will meet with County-management in Department-level meetings to discuss critical issues facing our members such as open positions, staffing levels, contracting out, organizational matters and more in preparation for next year's negotiations.
As you remember, we recently ratified our new short-term Fringe Benefits MOU/contract where we secured:
- A 2.5% increase in the negotiated Choices contribution to cover most of the 2022 premium increases for the medical and dental plans available to employees that participate in the Choices Plan.
- A $1,000 one-time bonus for all full time County employees ($500 for part time employees).
- A $500 COVID appreciation bonus.
- Juneteenth as a paid holiday for all County employees; and
- The ability to carry over an additional $50 (up to $550) in unused Health Care Spending Account funds from the prior Plan Year to the next Plan Year.
Now that our contract protections are secure, we’re moving full steam ahead on a strong new long-term contract. Bargaining for our next contract will begin in January. With an earlier start date, we’ll not only be negotiating before the County has adopted their next budget but we’ll be integral in setting the tone for County union negotiations for the year.
Over the next few weeks, we will be conducting a new bargaining survey, open the search for new 2022 CAPE Bargaining Team members, and gearing up to make strong new proposals for improvements to our wages, hours and working conditions.
Remember, it’s important we all stay connected, involved and active in our contract campaign. We’ll continue to keep you updated as we move forward to a strong new contract.
