Coachella Valley Water District, Workers Strike Deal
On Aug. 9, the Coachella Valley Water District and the Service Employees International Union Local 721 ratified a new two-year contract for CVWD workers. Under the contract, employees will receive a 2% salary increase each contract year. Current employees will pay 2% toward their CalPERS retirement benefit this year and an additional 2% next year, while new hires will pay 8%. Previously, the district covered the entire 8% for employees. The eligibility requirement for retiree health benefits has increased from 10 years to 15 years of employment for new hires. The new contract requires eligible retirees to pay about 20% of their retirement medical premiums, as well as 20% of any future cost increases in the health plan. Previously, CVWD covered 100% of retirees' medical premiums.
- "Coachella Valley Water District Signs New Contract With Union" (Kaufmann, Palm Springs Desert Sun, 8/16).