Candlelight Vigil Held in Hopes of Pushing Labor Negotiations Along

County and union representatives negotiated behind closed doors today, while hundreds of workers were expected to assemble for a candlelight vigil and push for resolution of a labor contract affecting roughly 55,000 county employees.

It was the second day of intense negotiations, according to spokesmen for both sides. Neither was able to say just what the sticking points were, because the principals weren't able to step away for updates.

"No one's leaving the room; meals are being delivered," said SEIU spokesman Lowell Goodman.

But the last word was that the county was aiming to cut some of the $458 million it pays to maintain health care benefits for retired workers while the union sought to maintain retiree benefits and ensure that current workers' wage increases aren't eroded by increasing health care premiums.

County Chief Executive Officer William Fujioka has offered the same terms already agreed to by other county unions: a 2 percent wage increase this year, 2 percent next year and 2 percent in April 2015. According to union leaders, hikes in health care premiums could more than offset the gain in wages.

The county offered to pay premium hikes for current employees if union members would agree to some cuts in retirement benefits for future hires. The current package is a "generous" PPO insurance plan for employees and spouses in perpetuity, with a lifetime $1 million cap, according to a county spokesman.

But labor leaders objected.

"(The county is) holding the health care plans hostage in order to slash retirement benefits," Goodman argued at the time.

A host of other non-economic issues have also been pressed by the union. Perhaps the most visible of these has been the push to hire more social workers to reduce caseloads.

SEIU leaders have filed a lawsuit seeking to enforce a maximum 30 cases per social worker agreed to in previous contracts. Larger caseloads result in less follow-up and make it harder to keep children safe, according to the union.

The vigil was prompted by those non-economic concerns.

There are "so many proposals that would benefit the community," Goodman said. "The vigil is a chance for us to show solidarity with community leaders."

Those proposals include a stronger rideshare program for residents and a plan to close property tax loopholes for corporations. County officials have said all these issues lie well outside the scope of any union contract.

SEIU 721 represents social workers, nurses, parks workers and librarians, among others, whose contract expired Oct. 1.

But bargaining has stalled over health care and other issues over the last several weeks. Union members have authorized their leaders to call a strike if necessary.

"Historically, the second day of bargaining is probably where they make or break (the contract)," Goodman said.

Discussions were expected to go late into the night.

"We're trying to get this wrapped up as soon as possible," said Fujioka spokesman Ryan Alsop.

-- City News Service