We have won a 4% COLA increase!

It has taken us years to restore what we lost during the economic downturn and to then build on top of that for a stronger future.

One of the key pieces came in December when we turned out and ratified a tentative agreement with Miami-Dade County that guaranteed a 1% cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) in October of this year. If tax revenue estimates came in high enough that COLA increase stood to go up to 4%.

Well, we have seen how when we stand united we win better job security, better benefits like partial paid parental leave and now we have won a 4% pay raise effective the first pay period of October.

Per a letter sent to AFSCME Local 199 President Se’Adoreia Brown from Mayor Carlos Gimenez late last week:

Dear Ms. Brown:

On May 31, 2016, Property Appraiser, Pedro J. Garcia issued the Preliminary Certification of Taxable Value for Miami-Dade County showing an overall increase in property values where the combined County-wide and UMSA figures reached the 13 percent threshold required for a four (4) percent cost of living adjustment (COLA) in your collective bargaining agreement. Although the June 1, 2016 report is only a preliminary one, and not the final activating property report expected to be issued on July 1, 2016, I am confident that your members will receive a four (4) percent COLA effective the first pay period in October 2016.

Once again I want to thank you for trusting the process, and working with me and my Administration in improving labor relations and attaining benefits in a responsible and sustainable manner. I enthusiastically look forward to our working together to make Miami-Dade County a better community for our citizens and employees.

Help us keep the momentum going by signing your membership card today by clicking here or letting us know of a coworker who you think is reading to join by emailing us at afscmelocal199@gmail.com.