A deal has been struck. A strike has been averted.
This week, the City of Milpitas and the MidCon (Mid-Management and Confidential) employees bargaining unit have come to terms on a tentative single-year agreement which will keep essential services flowing to the public.
Mayor Carmen Montano had this to say about the deal: “This agreement represents a balanced outcome that values our employees’ hard work while maintaining the City’s long-term fiscal stability. We are grateful to MidCon for their collaboration and commitment to finding common ground.”
The contract will span the timeframe from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The parties had to balance the dual aims of fair compensation and fiscal responsibility. But the workers will come out with a 5% salary increase, as well as varied tiers of longevity pay for those who’ve clocked 9 years of service (an added 1% increase), 14 years (2% more), and 19 years (3% more). Plus, each bargaining unit member shall receive a single lump sum of $2,450 once the City signs.
“We are thrilled that we were able to reach an agreement and believe that the solidarity and the will of our members made it happen,” Ryan Heron, MidCon’s union representative from United Public Employees of California (LUNA) Local 792, shared with The Beat. “None of this could’ve happened without them standing together and demanding to be heard.”
MidCon employees had been seeking a 10% pay increase, after years of receiving smaller pay increases than other city bargaining groups. The unit was contemplating a potential strike earlier this Fall, after the City countered their request with a 3% increase. An independent fact finder had recommended that the City improve its offer.
“The agreement is largely along the lines of what the neutral factfinder recommended. It’s not everything we wanted, but it is enough for now, and we will have another attempt to go back to the bargaining table early next year,” said Heron.
Come their December 2, 2025, meeting, the Milpitas City Council will consider adopting the agreement. MidCon members have already united on their side by way of a vote.
“The contract will span the timeframe from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.” So, less than 8 months from now the two parties must negotiate again. Why does that sound like kicking the can down the road? The City is facing a big fiscal problem in less than 2 years, and I still don’t hear any talk about actually resolving the problem.