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LA County members stand united and vote to approve new contract

The ballots have been tallied and the official vote count is in!

With 98% casting their ballots in favor of ratification, LA County members voted overwhelmingly to approve a new, three-year contract.

Last night’s vote results mean that tens of thousands of LA County members are one step closer to locking in salary increases of 10.75% (or more), a one-time $1,000 bonus as well as guaranteed health and dental coverage.

Additionally, many members will receive “inequity” salary increases negotiated by their respective Bargaining Units.

Now that LA County members have voted to accept the new contract, here are the next steps we anticipate will be taken:

  • The LA County Board of Supervisors is expected to accept the results and approve our contract. SEIU 721’s goal is to make sure this step takes place in time for the holidays – or by the December 14, 2018 payday.
  • All permanent, full-time employees will receive at least the 10.75% pay increase plus the $1,000 one-time bonus. Part-time employees will also receive the $1,000 bonus.
  • The salary increases are distributed over the three years. The first increase of 2% is retroactive to October 1, 2018. The half step will be the new top step of our salary schedules.
  • The $1,000 one-time bonus will be paid to employees on the first payday after the agreement is ratified by SEIU 721 members and approved by the LA County Board of Supervisors.

Stay tuned as we take these next steps together. We’ll keep you posted on our Union’s progress!

(NOTE: Today’s vote does not affect members of BUs 311, 312 and 702 – nor does it affect LACERA or LA County Courts employees, whose members bargain separately.)

Categories: Los Angeles County
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County employee

So when do we get our bonus?

kgregory

Our goal 12/14.

Ricardo Villapando

Join the discussion..the latest email i got from our union coordinator is we “should be getting the money on December 14th”. the key word here is “should be”.

Minnie

Join the discussion…on the Dec 14 paycheck will it also reflect the 2% increase? Would we get the 2% retropay starting from Oct 2018?

Ashley Jauregui

So it has been unclear in regards to the $1000 bonus. In the contract it stated that all members were receiving the $1000 bonus. When I asked questions in regards to the $1000 bonus also applying to recurrent and temporary employees I got the response it did apply to “all employees”; however upon reading this article it states “all permanents… plus $1000 one-time bonus”. So if possible can someone clarify this aspect, because the wordage being used is unclear in defining this detail.

kgregory

Part-time employees will receive the bonus!

Mona

I am hearing part- time employees will only receive 500. Is this true?

County employee

It also says Part time employees will receive it. It could’ve been updated. I don’t remember what it said when I initially saw it

John Piraino

Part time employees will receive a 500 bonus.

Dexter

Only full-time employees will receive the bonus.

kgregory

Incorrect.

Norma

do megaflex employees receive it too?

helpless

what positions will only get the $500 is that fair?????Megaflex is already losing out on the medical benefits to be capped, loss of money.

PDubs Gal

We’re not losing on the cap. Not 2019 at least. If there is to be a change to the cap for Mega, it’ll be in 2020. That being said, there are 2 different types of Megaflex, exempt and non-exempt so perhaps the distinction in the $500 vs $1k lies in that.

MegaFlex Member

Does the flex cap only apply to the Options benefit plan members? Is there a Choices plan…does the cap also apply to them? I’m a megaflex member and I’m wondering if the cap will be forced on us. So far the mindset is to “wait and see”. I’m curious if the County opinion is that if they capped the Options members, they should also cap megaflex. Does it usually work that way?

kgregory

Part-time employees will receive the bonus!

Christian

Do we know which agenda date this will appear before the BOS?

Jaleesa Jimenez
Christian Collins

I see it. Thanks..however i dont see where it was approved?

C Collins

Thx

Giancarlo Carini

So us court employees are bargaining separately. And where is the progress? 2%+2% over two years won’t cut it. If the midterms were any indication, it is time for our union to play hardball. We didn’t win back the House by playing nice.

Giancarlo Carini

There are so many things wrong with this statement. The republicans don’t stand for you. Get a hint. The problem in this country is the GOP.

Giancarlo Carini

You seem to try to blame everyone for your own shortcomings and lack of an argument. Get a grip on reality. I am not the one that needs work on my reading comprehension. But keep thinking everyone is bad, when only one side is (the one that occupies the White House).

Giancarlo Carini

Keep swinging and missing.

Giancarlo Carini

You crave the last word. Whatever. You can shroud yourself in ignorance all you want. Have fun. Oh and the left stands for the people. You are just a Trump enabler.

Again, don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

Giancarlo Carini

Yes. He must have the last word. And seriously considering your 2020 vote? You aren’t independent. I am actually not registered under either or any political party. You are no independent.

Thanks for proving my point.

Giancarlo Carini

Also it wouldn’t surprised me if you were paid to troll on this site from some Antiunion source. People are getting paid to disrupt opposition activities. Sometimes being paid from sources outside the country.

john

The feds have done their job by providing at least a temporary tax cut. It needs to made permanent BUT the demonrats will be in charge of the house and have promised to try and take it away. President Trump can prevent that. The demonrats currently in charge in Kalifornia have voted YES on every tax increase they have. Some republicans have also. I don’t trust either party but I trust our president and distrust every demonrat. Plus a lot of republicans. BTW corporations DO NOT pay any taxes, they raise the price of their product to cover taxes that… Read more »

Tillman

What was the second largest employer in this state? Where did they leave too?

John

This contract sucks. Give us the money already. Turnover rate will remain high. County will still provide bad service. Very sad.

NEWBLOOD

Wow, finally someone I agree with 100% The contract sucks, we need a change in leadership for our union (NEW PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT) WE NEED A PEOPLE TO FIGHT FOR EMPLOYEE’S RIGHTS. Not go along to get along. Stop hiring people to answer the 800 that do not know how to answer the member questions.

THE UNION NEED NEW BLOOD. THE OLD BLOOD IS DRIED UP AND USELESS.

aprilnp81

You can go work somewhere else you know? No one is making you work for L.A. County.

Employee

What was the final results for the Fringe Benefits agreement? That is the worst part of this contract. We will be losing money!

kgregory

Both the fringe and bargaining unit TAs were ratified overwhelmingly by members.

Peter Cheng

The Board Letter from CEO dated 11-20-18 for Board approval only shows 7% salary increase. That was disappointed. Union, please clarify how much is the salary increase? Why the Board letter is showing only 7%?

kgregory

Don’t worry. The 7% salary increase reflected in the Board letter is just the “general salary movement.” In addition to this “general salary movement” the agreement includes an additional 1% salary increase (effective 1/1/20) and an extra 2.75% salary step (effective 1/1/21) for a total of 10.75%. Many SEIU 721 classifications will also receive additional “inequity” salary increases on top of the 10.75%.

Oscar Ortiz Jr.

Even with the raises and inequity raises. I will be at the same pay after 3 years. Rent ,Bills everything goes up in the county. Im looking for new employment. Private is giving bonuses and overtime. The county is getting so bad.

County employee

bye

Keyboard Captain

Yep, inflation is expected at 3.9% a year. Most places rent goes up 3%, we have our new gas tax (you pay more at pump + all cost of goods will go up). All those bonds passed which means more debt, guaranteed tax hikes in the future. People did this to themselves. As for pay it’s the same anywhere.

helpless

so those who have 5+ years of services still have to wait 2 + years before we get the 1/2 step salary raise?

kgregory

All SEIU 721 members will receive the extra 2.75% once they have been at top step for one year. Bargaining units have different step systems, but most SEIU 721 members have 7 current steps. The new step will be step 8. Those with 5 years of service today will reach top step in 2021 which is when the new step becomes effective.

helpless

sorry but you indicated two different timeframes….”All SEIU 721 members will receive the extra 2.75% once they have been at top step for one year” those who have already reached top step, does that mean they will get it with the Dec. check? or “Those with 5 years of service today will reach top step in 2021 which is when the new step becomes effective.” does this mean in year 2021 you get a check? Please clarify.

helpless

why did the union fight to wait three years for this step raise? Most retirement plans you have to work 1 to 3 years on your highest compensation, this puts off any planned retirement or any promotions that puts you back on step 3 or 4 if employees want this 2.75% increase they wait is longer??????

Erika Carrillo

Will the $1000 be added to our regular paycheck? or will it be paid as a separate check?

kgregory

The $1000 bonus will be added to the regular paycheck.

isaac

So that means it will be taxed with our normal pay which means if you get a reasable normal pay check you going to be taxed big time so that 1000$ will be more like 400$.. sucks

Keyboard Captain

It will be taxed as a bonus, which is a lot more taken out.

john

It could have been negotiated by both parties to be tax free. I have worked jobs before where they have done that. The incompetence of the union to fight for that is even more upsetting.

john

they paid the tax

Crystal Robinson

There isn’t going to be a $600 deduction for taxes. Get real. When you see your paystub, just subtract your normal amount. That’ll tell you how much you actually got. Be THANKFUL for the job you have to go to everyday and for the UNION who has done all this for us. Did you get out there to fight for the workers? Didn’t think so.

Isaac

1st of all crystal . I was just messing around about the 1000k to 400$ I was being funny but I can see you don’t have a sense of humor.. 2nd of all you don’t know anything about me and the job I have !! I have worked my butt off to get where I and no union got me here I did!! 3rd I walked the last 2 times they have asked me I was even on the news talking about our jobs..For your information. So you might want to keep your accusations to you self. Thank you and… Read more »

ramiro

so since its going to be added along with the first check of the december does that mean that its also going to be taxed?

County employee

All at once or split up? I hope not split up because I heard last time people only got like $60 from the $500 be3cause of it being split and taxed each “payment”

Employee

Has the BOS and the union reached an agreement, has everything been finalized?

Bethany Rants

Do we know which board meeting date this is supposed to be voted on? I saw something in the agenda for the meeting on November 27th, but it just mentioned the benefits like bereavement and such, not raises and the bonus… Or is are the raises and bonuses included in with that vote?

Bethany Rants

So I will receive it in my check on December 15th?

Tehillah

Pages n Aides get 1,000 too? Plus inequity pay?

Keyboard Captain

So those that did not receive equity pay, who should we contact to ensure we receive equity pay. It is obvious LA City is receiving more than any LA County employees, but also some positions private sector vs county. Not waiting three years either for a new contract.

john

I have called my county supervisor (Hilda solis), SEIU, the county ceo, 2 other offices and have been told NOTHING. It was on the agenda for the 20th. Did they approve it???? No one knows – I guess no one but the pawns care. Solis’ office says it is still under discussion like they will not approve it. CEO office gave me a couple of different answers which told me nothing. SEIU just keeps saying 14dec. NONE OF THESE ANSWERS ARE SATISFACTORY!!!!!!! Let’s get the lead out (get a move on – do your job and get this passed). If… Read more »

Guest

It was on the agenda for Nov. 20th but was held because “members of the public” requested it be held. There is a video from that board meeting on the BOS website. It’s around 11 minutes into the video. There are no other answers beyond that.

john

none of this answers my comment. The bos and the union knew the answers to my question (and everyone else’s question who was asking) and REFUSED to respond. That is not being helpful to the employees and members. That is being disrespectful and rude. Plus lying to us.

MARTHA RUIZ

I think SEIU 721 Union, Is doing a great job, you have to give them credit for everything they do. Everyone be patient, we will get it, just wait. Thanks Union Reps.

Rosie

Has it been approved by the board?

Rossee

Thank you

Jorge Torres

Hello Admin,
How soon before the MOU’s are updated on your site with the new contact details, asking for a friend 🙂 BU432

Tiffany Murphy

Sooo, any bonus updates? How’s Dec 14th looking?

Stephanie

No update has been given , please update us . We would like to know what is going on with this contract. Are you guys still aiming for the 1,000 bonus to be added to our checks on December 14 ?

john

What’s going on – still waiting

Tiffany Murphy

Right..

Talesha Small

Hi, is there an update? Is this approved now and happening on the December 14th paycheck?

Suz G

Any updates on whether the board of supervisors approved our contract?

part timer

As a part-time employee when do you think the bonus dispute amount will be resolved?

john

I spent about an hour on the phone with the secretary to the union vp this evening. The most I could get out of her is that they are afraid to notify the members of ANYTHING pertaining to the contract approval, $ amounts, bonus, when paid, ETC for fear of offending someone that will upset that they made a mistake. All they have to do is say yes it was approved by the criminals at the bos and we will be paid if we were still employed on the 27th. But they are afraid to even do that. I am… Read more »

Guest

What mistake did they make?

john

They failed to notify us that a decision had been made and refused to tell the members that the contract was finalized.

This was the question everyone was asking. and both the bos and union refused to respond and were perfectly happy to keep everyone in the dark.

Mikel

Did the contract get approved yet? I didn’t receive a bonus on the Dec. 1st check, so is it happening on the 15th?

helpless

some megaflex will receive only $500 bonus, what items are those?

Metoya McCullough

Good Afternoon, I wanted to know is there any way that I can receive a tentative agreement regarding the new contract for bargaining unit 111 for the Clerks?

Jorge Torres

We got our raise, changes are visible in Ecaps #unionstrong

Angry

I didn’t get a raise! I’m making a whole step less than I was! This is BS

County Worker

It’ll show in your NEXT check.

Suz G

I did not get my raise or the bonus with this paycheck. On 11/20, some members of the public asked the BOS for the item regarding our contract to be held until the next BOS meeting. There was a BOS mtg on 11/27 and there is another one scheduled tomorrow. Hypothetically, if the BOS approves it tomorrow (unless it has already been approved I am just not aware), then will it be approved in time to be out on the 12/15 paycheck.

Confused

Ecaps is showing that I went from $15/hr (which I’ve been making since July 1st) to $14.12/hr with a start date of 10/1/18. Somebody messed up.

Guest

i know of 3 different people with 3 different increase start dates, 10/1/18, 11/1/18, and 11/11/18.. why is that? what are the start dates based on.

Bethany Rants

Just so everyone knows… According to the BOS meeting statement of proceedings, the contract was approved.

https://www.lacounty.gov/sop/
It’s under 41-B on page 45 of the November 20th proceedings.

Bethany Rants

Under that statement of proceedings there is also an attached Board letter that is marked adopted. It includes the bonus and is stamped adopted and signed by Zavala.

Suz G

Thank you for clarifying. It is appreciated. I wonder why SEIU does not update their “Latest News” Section to reflect BOS approved..Nonetheless, I appreciate all the hard work.

Mikel

If you became a full time county employee after October 1, 2018, do you still get the bonus? I believe I started around the 9th of October.

Yvette

How will the retro check work? When will we receive that payment?

franco

besides the bonus, when will I see the pay increase. some have seen it in ecaps I have not. I am not mega flex.

MRetallick

You will need to read the TS for your specific bargaining unit for the increase schedule: https://www.seiu721.org/vote-contract-18.php

you can also find answer to many of your questions on our FAQ page https://www.seiu721.org/2018/10/la-county-ta-forget-the-rumors-get-the-facts.php

MRetallick

You will need to read the TA for your specific bargaining unit for the increase schedule: https://www.seiu721.org/vote-contract-18.php

you can also find answer to many of your questions on our FAQ page https://www.seiu721.org/2018/10/la-county-ta-forget-the-rumors-get-the-facts.php

MRetallick

You will need to read the TA for your specific bargaining unit for the increase schedule: https://www.seiu721.org/vote-contract-18.php

you can also find answers to many of your questions on our FAQ page https://www.seiu721.org/2018/10/la-county-ta-forget-the-rumors-get-the-facts.php

Worker

When will we get the 1000 bonus I
At first I heard December 14 and now the last pay check of the year. So when is it ?

County

It says above in BOLD that part-time employees will receive a $1000 bonus, but now there’s a rumor that part-time employees will only receive $500? This information is duplicitous and misleading.

LIBRARY AIDE

SO THEN LIBRARY PAGES AND AIDES ARE ONLY GETTING $500 FROM WHAT I’VE BEEN READING ON THE COMMENTS SO FAR…?

Troy Dela Cruz

Will the retroactive increase be added on to the Dec. 14th payroll as well

KAREN HALLMAN

So my question is did this get ratified and are we gonna receive this money on the December 15th paycheck

KAREN HALLMAN

Join the So sorry for reposting a question that has already been answered discussion…

MRetallick

The contract has been ratified, LA County members are scheduled to receive the bonus on their Dec 15th paycheck.

Curious

Does anybody know why Rec Svc Leaders, Cashier-clerks, and Custodians didn’t get a raise?

Maribel Andrade

Join the discussion..Who said you didn’t get a raise? It’s on your individual BU Contract.

Curious

My salary in ecaps is still showing the same rate that I’ve been making. No change. Same with my pay stub, no difference besides the $1000 bonus. I’m trying to figure out why.

Guest

Start with your BU Contract to see if you were to receive Inequity Pay. Compare your previous paystub to the new one, and it should show your new “Salary Rate”. Calculate your previous salary and add the additional increase and that will give you your new salary. On your paystub under “Earnings Information-Prior Pay Periods” is where the additional/retro pay is reflected.

Curious

There is no additional/retro pay on my paystub. My salary did not change. I have compared it with previous stubs. The only difference is the addition of the MOU LP SUM of $1000. Everybody else in the same item as me is seeing the same thing. No raise. Do I have to argue with HR and Payroll again? Is this a mistake on their part? On Dec. 3rd, when everyone else saw their salaries go up in ecaps with the 2%+ raise, mine went down. Somebody miscalculated the increase as being from the previous salary schedule instead of calculating from… Read more »

MRetallick

If you have questions about your individual TA please contact Member Connection and they can help answer your questions 877-721-4YOU

Guest

Join the discussion…It’s on your individual BU Contract.

Guest

Join the discussion…It’s on your individual BU Contract https://www.seiu721.org/vote-contract-18.php

Genesis Jimenez

But why are we getting tax on our bonus. $500 just became $350 or less.

MRetallick

Bonuses along with any income are subject to State and Federal taxes.

Genesis Jimenez

30% is too much… i knew it was too good to be true…

Guest

So part time workers are only going to receive the $500? I keep reading about some dispute, but when will those negotiations take place?

helpless

That is why the bonus should have been on a separate check so it wouldn’t have been taxed so much along with the 2% increase!!!!

MRetallick

Bonuses along with any income are subject to State and Federal taxes.

D. Davis

Does the one time $1000 payment apply to SEIU Local 99 members?

Jackeline Tierrablanca

Any word on our other 500