Seiu Bargaining Unit 1 Agreement

SEIU Bargaining Unit 1 Agreement: Understanding the Key Points

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is one of the largest and most influential labor unions in the United States, with over 2 million members across various industries. SEIU Bargaining Unit 1 represents state employees in California, covering a wide range of job classifications such as administrative support, information technology, health care, and social services.

SEIU Bargaining Unit 1 recently reached a new agreement with the State of California, covering a period from July 2020 to June 2023. As a professional, I will walk you through the key points of this agreement, specifically highlighting how it impacts SEIU members and their benefits.

Wages and Salary Increases

One of the most significant aspects of the SEIU Bargaining Unit 1 agreement is the wage and salary increase provisions. Under the new agreement, SEIU members will receive a 2.75% wage increase effective July 1, 2020, followed by another 2.5% increase on July 1, 2021. Additionally, members will receive a 2% general salary increase on July 1, 2022.

These increases will also apply to employees who are at the top of their salary range, meaning they will receive a cash payment equivalent to the percentage increase. This is a significant win for SEIU members, as it ensures that even those who are already at the top of their pay scale will receive some sort of increase.

Retirement Benefits

The SEIU Bargaining Unit 1 agreement also includes significant retirement benefit enhancements. Effective January 1, 2021, the state will contribute an additional 0.5% of a member`s salary to their defined benefit retirement plan, which will be fully vested after three years of service. This increase in retirement contribution will apply to both CalPERS and CalSTRS members.

Additionally, the agreement provides for an increase in the employer contribution to the Retiree Health Fund. The employer contribution will increase by 0.75% of pay over the term of the agreement, with the first increase effective July 1, 2020.

Other Benefits

SEIU Bargaining Unit 1 members will also see enhancements to their healthcare benefits. The agreement includes no increase in premiums for the duration of the agreement, with an option for members to enroll in a lower-cost plan. Additionally, members will have access to a new wellness benefit program, which will include incentives for healthy behaviors.

The agreement also includes provisions for employee development and training programs, an important benefit that will help members grow professionally and expand their skills.

Conclusion

Overall, the SEIU Bargaining Unit 1 agreement is a significant win for members, providing for wage and salary increases, enhanced retirement benefits, and other valuable benefits. As a professional, it`s crucial to highlight these key points to ensure that SEIU members and other interested parties can easily understand the implications of the new agreement. With these benefits in place, SEIU members can continue to make valuable contributions to the state of California, secure in the knowledge that their contributions are valued and appreciated.