Today, Riverside County workers have an official memorandum of understanding.

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors voted to ratify the SEIU Local 721 contract, which will represent all 6,000 county workers, ending a five-month-long negotiation process.

But workers agree this is just the beginning and efforts to promote a more efficient county government must soon start. 

"We have ratified our contract with well over 90 percent approval, but the work isn't done. This is the first step of many that will lead to a much better Riverside County," said Catherine Eide Nelson, an SEIU 721 bargaining team member. 

The vote passed 3 to 1, with one dissention from Supervisor Bob Buster.

District 2 Supervisor John Tavaglione voiced his support and the need to continue a working partnership as the state budget continues to squeeze local governments.

"We've started a new day," Tavaglione said. "There is a lot of work left to do with the state's continuing deficit - the need for all of us to work together in the coming years is critical."

Supervisor Marion Ashley, of District 5, thanked the SEIU negotiation team and strong membership for providing quality services in tough times.

"We appreciate the SEIU employees for doing their part for serving and delivering services consistent with the funds available," he said. 

In the new contract, members gained overtime rights, limited furloughs and a fairness agreement among all county employees.

• View the MOU by clicking here.