Your bargaining team met with the county today. We received their initial financial proposal  which was for two years: 2% wage increase in year one, and 2% in year 2. We asked why there was no third year. The County said there is too much unknown financially with H.R.1 (the Big Beautiful Bill) and that the California Governor may make changes. So when the state withholds funding for county programs, the mandate to provide those services does not go away. Which means the County then needs to make cuts. When the federal government withholds funding, their intent is that those services go away. Either way, each is not good for us.  

So your bargaining team counter-proposed with 7% in the first year, and 7% in the second year, with an undetermined benefit for the employees in year 3. This was done to try and get the County to possibly give something that the members really want in that third year in lieu of a raise (think increased time-off, holidays, or better health care premiums).  

The County then came back and gave the union a package proposal.The union rejected the package as it is too early in the process for this as we feel that we have too many important proposals that have not been addressed. As always, until any proposal is agreed upon it is just that, a proposal. Your bargaining team is committed to getting everyone the best contract possible. Our next meeting with the County is Wednesday, May 13, and then every Wednesday thereafter until the end of June.

Please watch out for worksite meetings to speak with your bargaining team member or field staff and get additional updates/questions answered or email SJCBargaining2026@seiu1021.org