It is of limited use to compare the outcome of a labor contract concluded in 2026 with ones from 2022. As I'm sure you remember, in 2022 the Council was led by Nikki Bas. Along with Rebecca Kaplan and Carroll Fife, they happily agreed to raises for the non-sworn unions that the City could not possibly afford. I think of those years as "the bad old days." Remember the manufacturing of "income" from the hoped-for sale of the Coliseum in order to balance the budget? I think we can view this new labor agreement with Police as a positive sign that the current Council is being more fiscally responsible in its labor negotiations than the preceding Council. I fervently hope that the Council continues this trend in the current negotiations with the other bargaining units and keeps labor costs within the City's ability to fund them.
Pat -- Thank you for your comment. The article's Figure 1 also compares OPOA's 2022 contract (3% annual raises, compared to 4.7% annual raises for the non-sworn unions that same year).
I agree that the city's structural budget deficit is very concerning, and indicates a need for city council to exercise financial caution to control costs -- including its payroll and pension liabilities -- while prioritizing core service delivery such as public safety, cleanliness, infrastructure, and quality of life for every Oaklander.
Thank you again for writing in; the discussion is very much appreciated.
While you refer to the agreements with other unions in 2022, it would be helpful to see how this OPD contract compares to the current negotiations with the other civil service unions. Any information or intel about where negotiations stand for the 2026 MOUs with Local 21, SEIU etc.? That's the comparison worth seeing - are they going to be the same, or more or less generous?
Hi Tamar -- Thank you for your comment. As far as we know, there have been no announcements of tentative agreements or terms for the other union contracts under negotiations. The city council has met repeatedly in closed session with those negotiations listed on the closed session agendas, but no further details have been made publicly available. As soon as more information is available, we will be sure to provide an update. Thanks again for writing in.
It is of limited use to compare the outcome of a labor contract concluded in 2026 with ones from 2022. As I'm sure you remember, in 2022 the Council was led by Nikki Bas. Along with Rebecca Kaplan and Carroll Fife, they happily agreed to raises for the non-sworn unions that the City could not possibly afford. I think of those years as "the bad old days." Remember the manufacturing of "income" from the hoped-for sale of the Coliseum in order to balance the budget? I think we can view this new labor agreement with Police as a positive sign that the current Council is being more fiscally responsible in its labor negotiations than the preceding Council. I fervently hope that the Council continues this trend in the current negotiations with the other bargaining units and keeps labor costs within the City's ability to fund them.
Hear! Hear! I've always said that Kaplan and the Sheng bloc are one of the worst things to happen to Oakland.
And, is this the Pat Kernighan, as in the former D2 representative?
Pat -- Thank you for your comment. The article's Figure 1 also compares OPOA's 2022 contract (3% annual raises, compared to 4.7% annual raises for the non-sworn unions that same year).
I agree that the city's structural budget deficit is very concerning, and indicates a need for city council to exercise financial caution to control costs -- including its payroll and pension liabilities -- while prioritizing core service delivery such as public safety, cleanliness, infrastructure, and quality of life for every Oaklander.
Thank you again for writing in; the discussion is very much appreciated.
Thanks for this. Fine, useful analysis that appears to be accurate. Esp good to use the footnotes for verification of the facts. REGARDS
Scott -- Thank you for the compliments; they are very much appreciated.
While you refer to the agreements with other unions in 2022, it would be helpful to see how this OPD contract compares to the current negotiations with the other civil service unions. Any information or intel about where negotiations stand for the 2026 MOUs with Local 21, SEIU etc.? That's the comparison worth seeing - are they going to be the same, or more or less generous?
Hi Tamar -- Thank you for your comment. As far as we know, there have been no announcements of tentative agreements or terms for the other union contracts under negotiations. The city council has met repeatedly in closed session with those negotiations listed on the closed session agendas, but no further details have been made publicly available. As soon as more information is available, we will be sure to provide an update. Thanks again for writing in.
Why does this state there are "no retention bonuses" when there is clearly a schedule for such bonuses (between 2%-15% of base pay) under the section "Longevity Premium Pay" (p. 10) in the report here: https://oakland.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15830792&GUID=2310C0DB-8DCD-473B-BA35-DD6D772BF02C ?