SEIU 1021 members in the Napa City Employees Association (NCEA) have ratified a new four-year contract with the City of Napa, securing meaningful wage increases, stronger workplace protections, and improved benefits through the power of collective bargaining.

The agreement delivers a compounded 14.91% wage increase over four years, along with improvements to retirement benefits, vacation cash-out options, compensatory time off, and years-of-service credit. Streets Maintenance Worker III employees also secured a 6% classification adjustment, while Community Service Officers assigned training duties will receive additional compensation.

The contract also positions workers to have a voice in how emerging technologies are implemented on the job. Members secured new contract language establishing ongoing labor-management discussions regarding artificial intelligence (AI) and future generative AI policies. In addition, the agreement strengthens workplace health and safety by requiring compliance with state and federal safety laws and creating a formal grievance process for Cal/OSHA violations.

Workers also won an important quality-of-life improvement by adding Juneteenth as a recognized holiday while maintaining a total of 15.5 holidays through a combination of holidays and personal leave benefits.

Cody Weiss is a Parks Maintenance Worker 3 Crew Lead for the City of Napa, and said “The city of Napa is a world class destination city, and our workers provide the backbone to the City to function and attract all those who come here. This contract reflects the hard work we all do every day for this city and through the combined efforts of our members’ participation in the bargaining process, we were able to achieve a fair and beneficial contract.”

“This contract provides strong wages in face of inflation, leave benefits and stronger safety processes. We also achieved a stepping stone into getting ahead of the threat of artificial intelligence being implemented in a way to subvert union jobs in the City through a formalized process of open communication in formulating AI policy with the City. I am proud of this contract, proud of the board for all their help, and I am proud of our members who came to our aid when we asked them.”

The newly ratified agreement reflects the strength of workers standing together throughout the bargaining process. By remaining united and engaged, NCEA members secured a contract that invests in the workforce, protects members on the job, and ensures City of Napa employees continue to have a voice in shaping the future of their workplace.