(Mayor's message to LIUNA employees on Jan. 26, 2017)
Dear Colleagues:
As contract talks continue with your LIUNA leadership, I am providing you with an update on our progress.
This morning, my team presented a contract offer to your union negotiators that includes a 14% salary increase for full-time LIUNA employees over the next three years - 5% in year one, 4.5% in year two, and 4.5% in year three - and a one-time lump sum consideration of 2% of your annual salary.
Temporary and part-time employees would receive a 12% salary increase over the next three years – 3% in year one, 4.5% in year two, and 4.5% in year three.
Last August, Jacksonville voters overwhelming approved an existing half-penny sales tax as a potential funding source for our unfunded pension liability, but tapping into that funding requires closing our existing pension plans to new hires. Your pension benefits and those of retirees stay exactly as they are. However, existing employees will be required to raise their pension contribution from 8% to 10. For new hires, we must create sustainable new retirement plans that attract and retain quality new hires.
The retirement plan for new employees includes a 12% City contribution to an 8% employee contribution, effective immediately upon hire. Disability and death benefits are also provided to new hires.
This contract offer recognizes your service with well-deserved salary increases; maintains the pension benefits you’ve earned; creates attractive and sustainable retirement benefits for new employees; and secures Jacksonville’s long-term fiscal stability by resolving our unfunded pension liability for good.
Thank you for everything you do on behalf of the people of Jacksonville.
Sincerely,
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