Despite not being scheduled for a meeting, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors gathered to approve labor contracts for staff covered under the Service Employees International Union and other groups.
On Tuesday, the board unanimously approved four new contracts, including pay increases and changes to health benefits.
In his comments, First District Supervisor Das Williams said that contracts such as these were important to helping the workers upon the county relies.
“These are some of our lowest-paid workers … and definitely have faced many challenges in [this] high inflation environment,” Williams said.
He added that by increasing wages and benefits, the county would be able to remain competitive with other jurisdictions and allow staff to continue to work in Santa Barbara County.
David Green, president and executive director of SEIU 721, issued a statement that stated: “Thanks to Santa Barbara SEIU 721 members’ tireless organizing and action, we secured a landmark agreement that uplifts our members, their families and the vital public services Santa Barbara County residents rely on.
“We are heartened the Board of Supervisors voted today to approve this strong new agreement, one that includes 10% raises over the life of the term, additional inequity adjustments for several classifications, and other improvements to union rights and vacation language.
“This victory is a testament to our members’ grit and determination, and we’re thrilled that they secured an excellent contract that reflects the valuable work they do every day.”
Now that the vote has been approved, workers will receive an immediate 4% increase in pay. Additionally, the contract includes annual increases of 3% for the next two years. The contract will be valid until 2027.
The contract also will include equity increases for certain roles, boosting salaries 3%.
The contract outlines health benefits for workers, such as mandating that new employees are eligible for medical and dental benefits at the beginning of the first month after their initial paycheck.
SEIU is one of the largest unions in Southern California and claims a membership of 95,000. The union covers public employees who work in courts, mental health, foster care, street services, sanitation and more.
The board also approved contracts for other county staff, including management and unrepresented workers, the Engineers & Technicians Association and the Deputy District Attorneys Association.
Management, appointed executives and confidential unrepresented employees will receive a salary increase of 4.5%.
The Engineers & Technicians Association’s new contract will increase salaries 4.5% with an annual increase of 3% over the next two years.
The Deputy District Attorneys Association also received salary bonuses. The current salary will immediately increase 4.5% and increase 3% in 2025 and 2.8% in 2026.
The contract also sets up pay increases based on performance reviews.
Supervisor Bob Nelson seconded the motion to approve the contracts, calling them “fair and well thought-out.”
He said there was a lot in the contracts to be proud of, and that there is a narrative that many county employees are overpaid. He said that’s not true and that many workers could make more work in the private sector.
“Many of these people are also the people that are responsible for protecting some are most vulnerable in our community, including our [children],” Nelson said. “Welfare Services and others need advanced education to be able to get certifications needed to do these really important central jobs that can only be done through governance.”
