AFSCME Local 3061 has ratified a new union contract with the City of Ontario with 98 percent of voters voting ‘yes’ to ratify the agreement. Last night, Ontario City Council approved the 3-year agreement.
Last month, AFSCME District Council 36 reported that AFSCME Local 127 ratified one of the largest contracts in California history. Now, just a few weeks later, another Council 36 local has ratified another historic contract with even bigger raises.
Members will receive a 27.5 percent wage increase over 3 years. Additionally, members will see an increase in their boot allowance to $300 and a 55 percent increase in their employer deferred compensation contribution. Furthermore, members will receive a $2,000 signing bonus, bringing the total compensation to 30.25 percent for the 3- year contract.
The efforts to secure a strong contract didn’t just begin when negotiations started. The work began several years ago, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. AFSCME Local 3061 ramped up its involvement with local politics and the community. The Local held multiple community events, made breakfast for the community, distributed backpacks to school kids, and participated in other City of Ontario events. They also prioritized electing union-friendly candidates and passing beneficial measures. “We interviewed candidates and got involved in the elections in 2022 and elected labor friendly councilmembers and mayor,” said AFSCME Local 3061 President Reuben Reyes. “We also got involved with the passage of Measure Q, a 1% sale tax measure. We knocked on doors, talked to voters, and emphasized the importance of investing in the community and the services everyone relies on.”
Building political power is crucial for public sector unions because the lawmakers we elect can vastly affect union jobs. Building support within the community and from elected leaders can be the difference union members need to secure strong contracts. “This contract is possible because our members got involved and did the work. Our Union Representative Luis Schmidt has been a great mentor and instrumental with empowering and helping our members, executive board, and negotiations committee to achieve this historic contract win,” said Reyes.
