Dear PCEA Member,
Your bargaining team has met with the City several times since our last update. Unfortunately, the City has still not demonstrated meaningful movement from its initial proposal. We have made it clear that the City’s offer fails to keep pace with the rising cost of living and does not adequately address the ongoing inequities between bargaining groups. The City cannot continue funding competitive increases for some employees while expecting PCEA members to fall further behind.
At today’s session, members of your bargaining team shared personal statements describing the reality of working for the City of Placentia during these challenging economic times. Employees spoke candidly about struggling to afford basic necessities such as rent, gas, groceries, and healthcare while costs continue to rise far faster than wages.
Many employees are being forced to make increasingly difficult financial decisions each month simply to stay afloat. Others are being actively recruited by neighboring agencies offering significantly more competitive compensation. Despite their dedication and loyalty to Placentia, many employees are questioning how much longer they can realistically afford to stay.
These stories matter. They help put a human face on the real impacts of stagnant compensation and demonstrate to the City Council the urgency of reaching a fair agreement that supports retention and recognizes the contributions of City employees.
To strengthen our message, we are gathering additional personal statements from members to share with the Council regarding the real challenges of working for Placentia in today’s economy. If you would like to contribute, please send your statement to Michelle at mtruong@ocea.org by Monday, May 4, 2026.
We are scheduled to meet with the City again next week and will continue keeping you informed as negotiations progress.
In Solidarity,
Your PCEA Bargaining Team
