THOUSAND OAKS : Contract Would Give City Workers a Raise

Thousand Oaks city employees will receive a 2.5% salary increase effective this month if the City Council on Tuesday approves a two-year contract with about 240 workers.

In addition to this year’s raise, the proposed contract would boost salaries by up to 4% in 1994-5, under a cost-of-living formula linked to the Consumer Price Index.

Workers would also enjoy long-term disability insurance, dental and vision care, and life insurance. And the city’s contribution to health care would increase to a maximum of $400 a month in 1994 and $425 a month the following year. Another provision would amend the city’s sick leave policies so retiring employees receive full credit for all unused sick days.

Under the proposed contract, the city’s personnel rules would also be changed. To set lay-off procedures, employees would be reviewed as “unsatisfactory,” “improvement needed,” or “meets job standards,” and their seniority would be computed. The city could only lay off workers in set order, and would have to rehire them in order as well. The last to be laid off would be the first to be rehired.

“The negotiations process can be described as professional and amicable,” City Manager Grant Brimhall wrote in a memo to the City Council. “While there were periods of intense discussion and argument, for the most part the parties attempted to resolve issues of mutual concern.”

City employees have been working under a memorandum of understanding since their last contract expired over the summer. If approved by the council, the new contract would extend until June 30, 1995. The city is still negotiating with a union representing management-level employees.