City of Inglewood workers unanimously ratify impressive contract

The hardworking employees of the City of Inglewood have ratified a new union contract with impressive wins.

The 4-year contract was ratified unanimously by members of AFSCME Local 960, who work as professionals and managers in every city department from administration, public works, and finance department to the library, information technology, and development department. 

It includes impressive wins, such as a 28% wage increase over the life of the contract, matching contributions towards the employee’s 401(a) plan, and hazard pay for specific classifications.

“We proposed hazard pay, and this was one of the items that we had to fight for up until the conclusion of negotiations because the city didn't want to do it at all,” said Derrick Deconinck, President of AFSCME Local 960. “So now we have about a dozen, maybe 13, classifications that are going to be receiving over $1,000 a year in hazard pay.”

Additionally, the contract includes an increase in bilingual pay, increase in education reimbursement, and an increase in employees’ annual sick leave cash out. 

This contract is a great example of the union difference. For Deconinck, it will allow him to retire in a few years with peace of mind. “I've got better benefits here than in any job I've ever had,” said Deconinck. “I get along with people here better than any job I've ever had. I love the people that I work with.” 

Deconinck is extremely proud of what the bargaining team was able to achieve for Local 960 members during this round of negotiations. “I was proud of the fact that we got a unanimous ratification vote,” said Deconinck. “There were enough people that saw the same thing I did, which was, that this is an outstanding contract and worth voting yes on that. That's my feather in the cap moment.”