Contra Costa County had hoped to become home to the State’s health care call center. However, County officials were unable to strike a deal with a union that had held out for higher wages. The 205 jobs for the call center now move on to another county.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 512 had asked for 12.45 percent higher wages and stuck by that request. Despite efforts Assembly Speaker John Perez and the State-level AFSCME, no deal was reached. At the end of the day, however, the costs were going to fall on the County as the State will not reimburse costs it deems ‘excessive.’

The Board seemed frustrated at the outcome as they voted to reject the proposed call center.

Now, the State is once again searching for locations that could supplement call centers in Rancho Cordova and Fresno.

Read the full article at the Contra Costa Times.