Carson : Contract Terms Imposed

After more than eight months of unsuccessful contract negotiations, the City Council this week imposed a settlement on its largest employees union.

Despite objections by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 809, council members approved a 3% salary increase beginning Jan. 1. Employees, whose contact expired June 30 but has been extended during negotiations, have been asking for at least 4.5%, retroactive to June 30.

The city-imposed resolution covers an indefinite period, although the union--which represents about 220 of Carson’s estimated 300 permanent workers--is expected to attempt to negotiate a contract for the fiscal year beginning in July, city officials said.

The resolution maintains the current level of city support for health insurance--about $286 a month--and improves the city’s last offer on long-term disability insurance.