The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) contract for 2020 has been a hot topic among government employees and taxpayers alike. Negotiations for the new contract began in late 2019 and concluded in the early months of 2020, resulting in a number of significant changes affecting thousands of public employees.
One of the most notable changes in the 2020 AFSCME contract is an increase in wages. Across the board, union members will receive a 2.5% pay raise, with some members eligible for additional “progression” raises as they continue working in their positions. The increased pay scale is expected to provide a needed boost to public employee morale and incentivize workers to stay in their current roles long-term.
Another major change in the 2020 AFSCME contract is improved maternity leave benefits. Under the new contract, pregnant employees will receive up to 12 weeks of paid leave, an increase from the previous 8 weeks. Additionally, new parents (both mothers and fathers) will now be eligible for up to 6 weeks of paid parental leave, a significant improvement from the previous zero-week benefit.
The 2020 AFSCME contract also includes important provisions for paid time off (PTO) accrual. Under the new contract, PTO will accrue at a faster rate for all employees, with more PTO provided to those with longer tenure at their jobs. This change is expected to improve employee work-life balance, with workers able to take more time off for personal reasons without fear of losing valuable PTO time.
Lastly, the 2020 AFSCME contract includes several provisions related to healthcare benefits. For example, employees who have been with their employer for more than 10 years will now be eligible for lifetime retiree healthcare benefits. Additionally, the contract includes more flexibility in healthcare plan options, allowing workers to choose the plan that best suits their unique needs.
Overall, the 2020 AFSCME contract represents a major step forward for public employees and the communities they serve. With improved wages, maternity and parental leave benefits, PTO accrual rates, and healthcare benefits, government workers are better positioned to provide high-quality services to their constituents while also enjoying fair compensation and benefits.