After roughly five months of tense negotiations, the Simi Valley City Council unanimously approved Dec. 1 an updated labor contract for workers represented by the Service Employees International Union.
The three-year agreement — reached after SEIU 721 authorized a strike to oppose what they considered unfair labor practices at city hall — will cost the city just over $5.9 million. The city hoped the updated terms would better recognize employees’ contributions to the city, address salary parity with other municipalities and improve employee retention and recruitment, according to the agenda report.
Council members did not discuss the item before voting, and union representatives did not respond to interview requests by press time. The proposal will return to the council Dec. 15 for a final vote.
The union’s previous contract, which was for a two-year period, expired June 30.
Carson Acosta, the tri-counties regional director for SEIU 721, told The Star in September that the city had stonewalled the chapter, canceling several bargaining sessions, refusing to offer counterproposals and silencing advocates.
He said the roughly 270 chapter members, primarily public works employees, administrative workers and police dispatchers, deserve a higher wage that allows them to live in the community where they work.
Under the new contract, effective from July 1 through June 30, 2028, members will receive a 3% raise each year.
Employees will also receive $2,406 each month in flexible benefits as well as a one-time bonus of $1,000.
In late October, the council also approved two updated labor contracts with the city’s police unions, expected to cost an additional $4.7 million over the next two years.
Makena Huey is an investigative and watchdog reporter for the Ventura County Star. Reach her at makena.huey@vcstar.com. This story was made possible by a grant from the Ventura County Community Foundation’s Fund to Support Local Journalism.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Simi Valley council approves $6M labor contract for 270 workers
Reporting by Makena Huey, Ventura County Star / Ventura County Star
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