Details are emerging about the tentative contract between Governor Jerry Brown's administration and SEIU Local 1000, a union that represents 95,000 state employees.
The deal calls for an 11.5 percent raise over three years starting next July, and a $2,500 signing bonus upon ratification. But it also requires union members to begin contributing to their retiree healthcare benefits. The contributions will begin in 2018 and phase in over three years. Governor Jerry Brown says the contract is a careful use of taxpayer dollars.
"The economy is uncertain. The revenue stream is not everything we would like, so we do need some prudence. I've always said that and we've had the seven fat years and we may be coming into the seven lean years, so that dictates how I look at all these things."
SEIU had scheduled a strike for Monday over stalled contract talks, but the walkout was called off on Friday because the union said the two sides were making progress.
The tentative contract that was reached still needs the approval of union members and the state Legislature.
- Capital Public Radio Staff
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