City of Lemon Grove workers ratify first contract

After 18 months of negotiations, workers with the City of Lemon Grove have approved their first collective bargaining agreement.

The workers, who are part of AFSCME Local 127, negotiated a strong contract that will resolve many of the issues employees have faced throughout the years. “The reason we reached out to the union [AFSCME Local 127] is because we had so many problems over the years with the City and different management,” said Nicholas Carrasco, a member of the bargaining team. “We never had a voice, and we always felt very marginalized with the City making us do all kinds of crazy stuff for very little amount of money.”

The contract guarantees a 6% wage increase over two years, an annual comp study with the Union’s input, a 5% merit increase per year, $650 per year for bilingual pay, and premium pay for certain licenses and certificates. 

The 2-year contract also includes a 36-hour work week, two hours of paid time to vote in primary, general, and special elections, $1,000 of tuition reimbursement per year, ten weeks of paid parental leave for the birthing parent, four weeks of paid parental leave for the non-birthing parent, and an increase in health benefits.

During negotiations, workers fought hard to secure a fair contract. Members began reaching out to City Council members to build relationships with them and get them involved. They also spoke at many City Council meetings to call attention to the issues they faced. Their actions helped push negotiations forward and they secured a strong contract. “This contract is a very good foundation for our rights, and we’re excited to build on it,” said Carrasco. “Overall, it feels good to be a part of the Union. We now have a brotherhood and sisterhood.”