The United Public Employees of California LiUNA Local 792 which represents approximately 1,000 County employees in the County “General Unit” announced that it has reached an impasse in negotiating a new labor contract with Shasta County.
The parties have held several bargaining sessions after beginning negotiations last year. The prior contract expired at the end of December 2022.
• Pay increases are in dispute. When the County was not doing as well financially,
the employees helped the County maintain public services by paying 7% out of
their checks toward retirement. It is not fair that the County did not agree to fully
restore this cut in pay when its budget numbers significantly improved.
• The inflationary rate remains at or above 8%, which has impacted the ability of
the employees to meet the necessary costs of living. Other government
employers and public agencies (e.g., 8.7% increase in 2023 for Social Security and
Veterans Administration) have provided more reasonable pay increases.
• Of particular concern, employees started paying $162/month more for family
medical insurance in January which has hit families hard.
• Employees are asking for a 15% pay increase to help their families deal with these
rising costs. The County is offering 7% over three years. UPEC representatives
will ask the Board of Supervisors to reconsider its offer at upcoming Board
meetings.
