Laguna Niguel Negotiations Update: TENTATIVE AGREEMENT REACHED
Dear OCEA member,
On April 25 the negotiations team reached a tentative agreement on the terms and conditions for our MOU!
Recall that in previous meetings the OCEA negotiations team represented the voices and experiences of OCEA members in Laguna Niguel and made our priorities clear. Our previous meeting on April 20th concluded with multiple tentative agreements on several important topics including enhanced benefits, expanded protections, and improvements to work/life balance. The team left last Thursday’s session "cautiously optimistic that bargaining is headed in the right direction."
The momentum that was felt on April 20 continued at our meeting on April 25. The OCEA team continued to represent the priorities of OCEA members and the City listened and has recognized the hard work of Laguna Niguel staff! Your OCEA Negotiations Team has reached a tentative agreement on the terms and conditions of a new memorandum of understanding with the City and recommends a "Yes" vote to ratify the agreement. Here are the main deal points:
Four Year Term: July 1, 2023 to July 1, 2027. This will provide OCEA members with peace of mind and security.
Wage Increases: 3.5% (Year 1) | 3.0% (Year 2) | 3.0% (Year 3) | 3.0% (Year 4)
Pay for Performance Increase: 3% (Meets) | 4% (Exceeds) | 5% (Outstanding) Increases takes effect July 1, 2024
Signing Bonus: 2.0% Lump Sum Bonus (6/30/23)
NEW Dental/Vision: The City will pay 100% of dental and vision premiums for employee only (HMO and PPO).
NEW Flexible Work Schedule: Employees in good standing may request to work in alternative schedule, including a 9/80 schedule, or a 1-day per week telecommute schedule option.
NEW Paid Holidays for Part-Time Workers! PERS eligible employees working in a full-time classification shall observe the following holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day.
NEW Part-Time Optional Benefits Plan (Cafeteria Plan) The City shall provide part-time ACA eligible CalPERS positions with the same annual CalPERS minimum employer contribution as full-time employees, to be applied toward monthly medical benefit premium.
NEW Enhanced Union Rights - OCEA will now have access to binding arbitration in the rare instances of disagreement with the City over MOU provisions.
NO TAKEAWAYS The tentative agreement does not include ANY takeaways for OCEA!
Voting on the tentative agreement will take place on Tuesday, May 2 beginning at 12:00 p.m. There will be a general membership meeting to review the agreement, answer any questions, and to vote on the agreement. The meeting will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 2 at the Crown Valley Community Park. Lunch will be served.
In the meantime, please reach out to a member of the OCEA Leadership Committee if you have any questions about the agreement or need to inquire about proxy voting. Be on the lookout for a more detailed overview of the tentative agreement and a meeting flyer. Again, the OCEA team unanimously recommends a “Yes” vote on this agreement.
In Solidarity,
OCEA
Publication Date: April 26, 2023
