Santa Paula Workers Say YES!

Santa Paula workers unanimously voted yes on Feb. 4 to a one-year contract that increased wages and benefits by 13%.  More than 90% of the entire bargaining unit attended a lunchtime meeting in order to vote on the contract.

The Bargaining Team comprised of Scott Brown, John Dunn and Chair, Manuel Ruiz.  The team credits a unified workforce and new city leadership for helping produce a quality contract.  “I’ve been a member of the union for almost 22 years but have never been involved with negotiations.  I was voted on to the committee by my co-workers and I really wanted to get them something they deserved” Ruiz explained.


Highlights of the contract include:

•    10% increase for health benefits
•    2% COLA for all workers
•    1% PERS Contribution from the City
•    2-3% additional wage increase for five job classes
•    Increase for tuition ($1500 per year) & safety boots ($200 per year) reimbursement

The contract also included language for more classification studies and shorter timeframes for career advancement along with opportunities for financial incentives for training and certification programs before the contract expiration.