SMC Approves Raises For Thousands Of County Workers

REDWOOD CITY, CA — The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors has approved new three-year contracts with its two largest employee unions, guaranteeing raises for thousands of public workers through 2026.

SEIU Local 521 and the AFSCME represent nearly 3,700 regular employees and 1,140 "extra-help" workers.

According to the county, the contracts include 5 percent raises in each of the next two years, followed by a 4 percent boost in the third year. The county also agreed to increase its share of the cost of health care premiums, add two "wellness days" of paid time off, and recognize Cesar Chavez Day as a paid holiday.

"Our residents expect top-quality public service, and we firmly believe we have the best public service workers in the state," said Warren Slocum, the Board's president. "These pay increases will help ensure we can retain and attract a workforce that will continue to serve our community now and into the future."

Supervisors also signed off on resolutions extending similar benefits to managers, attorneys, and other employees not covered by union contracts. SEIU workers and employees covered by the resolutions will also be granted three days for "winter recess" each December through 2026.

According to the county, the new contracts will add an estimated $57 million in expenditures in the first year.