Survey Results & Bargaining News
What You Need to Know About the Upcoming Negotiations
SLOCEA recently conducted Negotiation Surveys for both the Big Unit and the Trades, Crafts, and Services Unit, gathering critical feedback from members on their priorities for the upcoming contract negotiations. The results reveal a strong consensus on key economic issues, workplace conditions, and benefits, which will help guide our approach at the bargaining table.
Survey Participation & Response Rates
To ensure maximum survey participation, SLOCEA implemented an option for members to opt-in to receive electronic surveys this year. This pilot was extremely successful, with an 84.6% return rate for the electronic surveys. We intend to continue promoting this option for members, to ensure engagement is as accessible and streamlined as possible. For members who did not opt-in to the paperless survey, hard copies were mailed to the mailing address on file.
Below is a breakdown of surveys sent and returned.
Electronic Surveys: 215 returned out of 254 sent (84.6%)
Paper Surveys: 345 returned out of 1,273 sent (27.1%)
Total Surveys: 560 returned out of 1,527 (35.7%)
Overall, the response to the Negotiation Survey was very successful, with approximately 80 more responses received than during the 2022 Negotiation cycle. We are encouraged by the level of response and engagement from the SLOCEA membership and will continue to look for ways to engage and collect feedback from members.
Survey Results: What Matters Most to Members?
SLOCEA members across all units surveyed shared consistent priorities in their survey responses. This year’s feedback reinforces shared concerns and a unified vision for a stronger, more equitable contract.
Top Economic Priorities: Members overwhelmingly prioritized Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA), expressed concerns regarding under-market wages when compared with other Counties and the loss of buying power with inflation over the past several years.
Healthcare & Benefits: There is widespread concern over the rising cost of healthcare and the need for significantly increased County contributions to maintain family and dependent coverage.
Workplace Conditions & Job Security: Members raised issues related to safety, job security, retirement benefits, expanded leave options, and more flexible telework opportunities.
Upcoming Negotiations & Next Steps
Meanwhile, the County has notified SLOCEA that we can expect layoffs as departments cut programs to realign and balance the budget due to the County of San Luis Obispo's budget deficit. We understand that members are anxious about potential layoffs, and we are working hard to advocate for our members during this challenging time.
The County has informed SLOCEA that we can expect more information by mid-April about what programs and classifications may be impacted. As a government entity, the County has an obligation to bargain with SLOCEA over the effects of a layoff decision, including issues like severance packages, benefits and workload distribution among remaining employees. These negotiations will take place separately from the negotiations for the Big Unit and Trades Unit successor MOUs. SLOCEA will notify the membership when this process beings, and we will continue to communicate with our members as the situation progresses.
Now that Negotiation Surveys have been received and processed, SLOCEA’s Negotiating Teams are preparing for the first round of negotiations. Team members completed their training with SLOCEA General Counsel, Dennis Hayes, on March 13, 2025. The first bargaining session for both the Big Unit and the Trades, Crafts, and Services Unit is scheduled for April 21, 2025.
As outlined in our recent blog post, "New Year, New Contracts: Preparing for the Next Round of Negotiations," our approach to bargaining will focus on securing a fair and competitive contract that addresses the economic realities facing our members. SLOCEA is committed to fighting for meaningful improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions while also addressing the concerns surrounding potential layoffs.
Stay Engaged & Stay Informed
As negotiations progress, SLOCEA will provide regular updates to keep members informed of key developments and milestones. These updates will be posted to the Member Portal on SLOCEA’s website, so please ensure you have set up your log-in and have subscribed to receive email updates from SLOCEA. Member engagement is essential—your feedback, participation, and support help strengthen our collective voice at the bargaining table.
Stay tuned for further updates and thank you to all members who participated in the survey. Your voice matters, and together, we are working toward a stronger contract for all.