Many observers feel one of the biggest problems with the county’s shrinking funding base is that it is exacerbated by the continuing spiraling upward of overly generous salary and pension packages and while we don’t begrudge hard-working people a fair salary and retirement plan, it is another issue adding to county funding problems (along with the incorporations) eventually impacting the Parkway.
An except.
County revises offer to unions
Move intended to avert a strike by thousands of public workers scheduled for next week.
By Ed Fletcher -- Bee Staff WriterPublished 12:01 am PDT Monday, August 28, 2006
Sacramento County labor negotiators are pushing hard to avert a walkout threatened by thousands of county employees Sept. 5.
The job action is expected to mobilize a range of county employees, from social workers to assistant district attorneys.
But there appears to be some movement.
A new county offer prompted labor leaders representing the county's nurses to take the proposal to the membership.
"We think it's an excellent contract," said Steve Lakich, the county's chief negotiator. He declined to spell out the details of the contract, but said it would keep salaries and benefits "competitive" with the labor market. The membership is expected to approve or reject the contract Tuesday.
Union officials did not return calls for comment Friday.
To help fill vacant jobs and slow the high turnover rate among the nursing ranks, the county at one point had offered an equity raise approaching 20 percent over the life of a five-year contract. It's not clear if that offer has changed.
