IBEW Local 1245 members at Merced Irrigation District have ratified a new four-year agreement. The agreement includes a 3% general wage increase in each year of the agreement, along with a lump sum payment of $1,500 at the time of Board approval due to protracted bargaining.
The classic employee contribution for the retirement plan will remain the same for the term of the agreement. For those on the PPO, there will be a small increase in year two for the premium contribution, but for the remainder of the years it is unchanged. There will be a small increase in employer contribution in year two those who have the HDP, while the District continues to pay the full premium. There will also be a small increase to the medical opt amount to match the language in the agreement.
Additionally, multiple articles in the agreement were cleaned up, including the removal of agency shop language and the incorporation of new language surrounding new hire orientation. We also updated the sick leave language to reflect current law regarding when sick leave usage can begin. Bargaining for the union were members John Ellet, Ryan Fields, Tony Vega, Brian Acree, Leland Spratling and myself.
–Sheila Lawton, IBEW 1245 Business Rep