City of Riverbank Reaches Agreement With Largest Employee Bargaining Unit to Increase City Services and Address Long-Term Finances

RIVERBANK, Calif., Sept. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The City of Riverbank and its Miscellaneous Bargaining Group, represented by the Laborers' Local 1130, an affiliate of the Northern California District Council of Laborers, have reached an agreement in their labor negotiations. 

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Riverbank City Manager, Pam Carder, stated, "Although the process was sometimes contentious and took longer than either party would have liked, the result of the agreement will increase customer service to the citizens of Riverbank while also addressing a long-term financial issue for the City."

The agreement reached will be valid until June 30, 2013.  Employees have agreed to pay their contribution to the Public Employees Retirement Plan (PERS) which equals 7% of their gross pay and eliminate the ability to cash out sick leave and obtain reimbursement for tuition for the term of the agreement.  In return, the City will credit the employees with 2 additional floating holidays and agree to not contract out any current positions unless a temporary contract is used to fill a position that is vacant and that contract is for less than one year.  Both parties agreed to reopen the agreement for fiscal year 2012-13 to discuss possible cost of living increases only.  The agreement is retroactive to July 1, 2011 and the City agreed that employees could make up the PERS contributions equally over the life of the agreement.

Laborers' Local 1130 Business Manager, David Gorgas commented, "In these challenging economic times, it was important for our membership to communicate their commitment to the citizens of Riverbank by reaching this agreement."  Gorgas went on to say, "We were all particularly impressed with both Mayor Madueno and Vice Mayor O'Brien's hands on approach to resolving our differences.   I have to commend long term members and chief negotiators, Ilda Saldana, Chris Smith and Curtis Myer for their commitment and dedication to this entire process which likely led to our unanimous ratification vote."

City of Riverbank Mayor, Virginia Madueno, stated, "I am very glad that we were able to reach consensus with our largest bargaining group.  Although the process took some time, this time was needed in order for both parties to adequately understand the position of the other.  Once we were able to do that, we came to an agreement that is in the best interest of both parties."

With over 35,000 Laborer members and 1,700 signatory employers strong, the Northern California District Council of Laborers is on the forefront of construction industry a powerhouse of workers and employers who are proud to build Northern California.

SOURCE Northern California District Council of Laborers