After months of negotiating, City of Maywood employees voted to ratify their first union contract.

These essential workers, who provide vital city services as executive assistants, maintenance workers, accountants, and much more, won a contract that will improve working conditions and raise wages.

Highlights from the three-year contract between the City of Maywood and AFSCME Local 4319 include 2.5% cost-of-living adjustments each year of the contract retroactive to July 2022, the establishment of a pay scale, an increase from 5% to 10% for additional duties pay, and a $3,000 one-time payment for essential workers. “One of the most impressive items we secured in this contract is our essential workers payment of $3,000,” said Shirley Quinones, AFSCME Local 4319 member. “This payment coupled with the negotiated raises will really benefit my co-workers and myself.”

A major non-economic win that the local secured is a catastrophic leave policy. The catastrophic leave policy allows members who are experiencing times of a catastrophic illness or injury to themselves or members of their immediate family to take leave. Members can also contribute at least eight hours of leave to another employee eligible of catastrophic leave. “The catastrophic leave policy is a big victory for AFSCME Local 4319 members,” said Cory Cordova, AFSCME District Council 36 business representative. “It provides relief during what could be a tumultuous time for members.”

This new contract will not only yield better wages and a more equitable workplace, but it will also provide a seat at the table with management and a voice on the job. “Now that we laid the foundation, we will have something to fall back on. It’s not just hearsay, it is policy,” said Quinones. “We are extremely proud of what we have accomplished.”