The 3,900 county employees represented by SEIU will be subject to a 2.3 percent pay cut by way of six furlough days under a new contract imposed by San Joaquin County.
18 months ago, various bargaining groups came to the table with the County in an effort to secure concessions that would prevent further financial erosion at the county. However, SEIU has not been able to reach an agreement with the County and failed to respond to the Last, Best, and Final Offer which was made last week. As a result, the County declared an impasse and moved forward implementing its terms.
The SEIU president said the move wasn’t necessary and was a public relations decision more than one based on public policy.
From Lodi News-Sentinel:
Most San Joaquin County employees will face six furlough days per year after county labor negotiators declared an impasse in labor negotiations.
The furlough days will constitute a 2.3 percent salary decrease, according to an email sent to the media by the county shortly before 6 p.m. Monday. About 3,900 employees represented by Service Employees International Union will be affected.
The impasse was declared because SEIU didn’t respond to what county officials call their “last, best and final offer,” according to county Human Resources Director Cindy Clays. County negotiators say they assume that the union rejected the offer.
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