The police contract question
Oakland’s police officers received a 14% base-pay increase over five years under a contract approved in September, with longevity pay also set to rise for senior officers, according to Oakland Report. The agreement also contains a provision tying police compensation to more favorable deals reached by other city unions. Whether the firefighters’ proposed 16% increase activates that provision is unresolved: The Oaklandside reported that the city attorney had not responded to its inquiry by publication.
Firefighters’ agreement awaits council action
The proposed five-year agreement between Oakland and IAFF Local 55, which represents about 500 firefighters, includes a 16% wage increase and what the city called a “modest pension pickup agreement.” City officials announced the tentative deal, which still requires City Council approval, The Oaklandside reported. Union leader Seth Olyer said the proposed contract would not close the gap between Oakland firefighters and regional departments in pay, benefits, and working conditions, the outlet reported.
Costs and vacancies frame the negotiations
The city has said health care and pension expenses are increasing by 6% a year and contributing to Oakland’s structural deficit, according to The Oaklandside’s contract report. A staffing report cited by the outlet found that more than 15% of firefighter positions were vacant as of September. The same report put the citywide vacancy rate at about 18%, with roughly 768 of 4,293 full-time jobs budgeted and vacant, The Oaklandside reported.
Other city labor talks continue
Oakland is also negotiating with the Confidential Management Employees Association and IBEW Local 1245, according to The Oaklandside. IFPTE Local 21 has warned it will hold a one-day strike on Nov. 5 if it has not reached a deal by then. Members of IFPTE Local 21 and SEIU Local 1021 have held strike-authorization votes, the outlet reported.
