Siskiyou DSA Contract Ratified

Wednesday, March 05, 2008

UPEC affiliate, the Siskiyou County DSA, is pleased to announce it has settled a 7 month impasse with the County. The impasse began last summer, 2007, when the parties could not resolve basic pay issues that revolved around the DSA’s stated intent to bring salaries up to the average pay of comparable agencies, using a list that the County had previous recognized. An initial attempt to mediate a solution failed after a one day effort. DSA members raised dues to fund an impasse campaign that included media advertising, direct action at Board of Supervisor meetings and a community outreach program that culminated in a highly successful food drive during the holiday season launched in coordination with local faith-based groups. However, none of these activities resulted in an immediate settlement and the DSA settled in for a protracted labor dispute.

The Board of Supervisors decided to let matters sit rather than to unilaterally adopt a last, best offer (3% for one year is what was offered at impasse) but then, importantly, agreed to jump start the negotiation process in January, 2008 rather than waiting until the more typical April - May negotiation cycle tied to the County budget process per law when there is no contract in place. The earlier start to negotiations can be attributed to the efforts of DSA President Mike Karges who initiated many discussions with County Supervisors and administrative staff in the CAO’s office to advocate the DSA’s position.

The parties agreed to enter into mediation again, this time with a larger DSA team and very importantly, two of the Board of Supervisors. Also impacting negotiations was the developing State of California budget crisis which caused the DSA to be concerned about greeting a labor contract in place to guarantee raises and protect medical and retirement benefits as it appears the state budget problems may have an impact for several years.

DSA President Mike Karges provided the following summary of the settlement:

Term - through June 30, 2011
Salary - 6% March 2008, 4% July 2009, 4% July 2010
Uniform - Increase $175 to $825 annually
Holiday Pay - paid on a shift basis (8’s, 10’s, 12’s)
CTO - Increase the CTO bank from 150 to 300 hours
Shift Differential - increase from 2.5% to 3.5%
County paid Short Term Disability Program
Increase Resident Deputy Pay for Happy Camp deputies from $75 to $150 per month

UPEC negotiator Steve Allen assisted the DSA and commented on the settlement, “A labor negotiation impasse is a real test of whether the members will hold together or not. The DSA passed this test which led to the settlement. DSA President Mike Karges should be commended for stepping up and leading the Association through this very difficult impasse process to a successful conclusion.”