COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Employee and Public Services

 

DATE:

September 9, 2002

   

BOARD MEETING DATE:

September 24, 2002

 
   

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

   

FROM:

Mary Welch, Employee and Public Services Director

   

SUBJECT:

Memorandum of Understanding with the Organization of Sheriff's Sergeants (OSS)

 
 

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the Organization of Sheriff's Sergeants (OSS).

 

Background

In 1999, the County entered into a seven year agreement with the OSS which will expire in October, 2006. This agreement provides that either party may reopen on up to two issues (excluding wages, longevity pay and health, dental and vision benefits) in August 2000, 2002, and 2004. The OSS waived their right to reopen in 2000. This year, the OSS elected to reopen and proposed implementation of a 3%@50 retirement benefit and enhanced retiree health coverage. During the negotiations process, the OSS agreed to withdraw their proposal on retiree health in exchange for the County's agreement to discuss this matter in December, 2002.

 

Discussion

The County concluded negotiations with OSS on Monday, August 12, 2002 and OSS ratified the County's offer on August 28. The following summarizes the major elements in the Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding:

· Implementation of the 3% @ 55 retirement benefit effective January 1, 2003, contingent on reaching agreement with other Safety unions by November 8, 2002 or upon enactment of legislation enabling implementation of retirement benefit changes by individual bargaining units.

· Implementation of the 3% @ 50 retirement benefit effective January 1, 2005.

· Agreement by both parties to forego any other 2002 reopeners.

· Agreement by the OSS that all represented employees will share in the cost of the enhanced retirement benefit at the rate of 2% in 2003, 3% in 2004 and 5% upon implementation of the 3%@50 benefit.

 

Vision Alignment

This item keeps the commitment of responsive, effective and collaborative government through goal number 20; government decisions are based on careful consideration of future impact, rather than temporary relief or immediate gain.

 

Fiscal Impact

The initial cost of the changes is approximately $380,700 with an ongoing cost of $757,200.