After extended bargaining and the first unfair labor practice strike in decades, Alameda County Superior Courts workers have ratified a new contract. They voted by more than 93% to accept the new  agreement, which runs through December of 2026.

The new contract contains provisions designed to help the court address the long-standing staffing crisis that has delayed and deferred justice for the people of Alameda County, including a 3% COLA that will help recruitment, stipends, and improvements to benefits that will help retention. The workers also got a substantial improvement to premium pay for those who are forced to work out of classification, which has been a major issue for this chapter.

With the relatively short-term deal in hand, the Courts workers know there is still a lot to improve, and they’re already looking forward to their next contract. Chapter president Kasha Clarke said, “This contract was a huge hill to climb. We didn’t get everything we wanted, but with the hard work of the bargaining team and unity of the membership, with everyone staying the course and keeping the pressure on, we were able to get some big wins that will make a difference for our members and the community we serve.

“I’ll never forget our strike and the way it proved to management that we know how to organize, and we will organize, and we will shut the court system down to get what we need to do our jobs and keep the justice system working for everyone.

“For us, this is only the beginning. We know we’re going to have to keep the pressure on and keep fighting for what’s important to us, but all of our members know now that ’stronger together’ is not just a slogan, it’s the truth. We know now how much power we have to stand up and speak up.”