After refusing to settle for less than they deserve, AFSCME Local 1895 members secure a fair contract with the City of Lawndale.

In December 2023, the City of Lawndale administration put forward their last, best, and final offer (LBFO), which did not include a fully retroactive cost of living increase. The union responded to the LBFO asking the City to reconsider their offer of a partial cost of living increase or they would recommend members vote down the LBFO. The City decided not to reconsider. In January 2024, the Local provided the City with AFSCME’s ratification vote rejection notice. Realizing that the union was not going to back down, the City reconsidered and presented the Local a second last, best, and final offer, which they ratified in February.

Under the new 2-year agreement, members will receive a 4% wage increase, a $400 increase in monthly medical flex plan for 2024 and an additional $200 in 2025. Also, full-time employees will receive an additional $3,000 payment from the American Rescue Plan Act and part-time employees will receive $1,500.

AFSCME Local 1895’s unity ensured they were able to secure the contract they were fighting for. “I am extremely proud of how our members came together during this contract fight,” said Jared Chavez, president of AFSCME Local 1895. “We remained united for each other, and we were able to reach our goal.”