Public Hearing on the Fiscal Impact Study of the Tentative Collective Bargaining Agreement with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and Consideration of a Resolution indicating City Council’s Good Faith Commitment to Appropriate the Funding Necessary to Implement the Agreement. [ROLL-CALL VOTE].

The City Council held a public hearing and is considering a resolution to make a good faith commitment to appropriate funding for the tentative Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Local 3001, District Council 20. This agreement covers Administrative & Technical employees and was ratified by AFSCME membership on December 17, 2025.

Agreement Details:

• Parties: City of Alexandria and AFSCME, District Council 20, Local 3001.
• Duration: Effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029.

Key Financial Impacts & Benefits:

• Wage Adjustments: Includes a 3% increase for FY2027 (effective July 1, 2026), 2.75% increase for FY2028 (effective July 1, 2027), and 1.5% increase for FY2029 (effective July 1, 2028).
• Longevity Bonuses: One-time bonuses of $1,000 for employees at the top step for 5-9 years, and $3,000 for those at the top step for 10+ years, paid starting July 1, 2026.
• Boot Allowance: An annual voucher of at least $200.00 per pair, up to two pairs per year, for employees requiring protective footwear.
• Overtime & Special Pay: Defines overtime at 1.5 times the regular rate, standby pay (e.g., 4 hours for weekend/holiday standby), and call-back pay (minimum 2.75 hours at 1.5x rate).
• Benefits: Maintains existing healthcare, dental, vision, and group term life insurance plans, and allows continued participation in the Defined Contribution Plan.

Other Significant Provisions:

• Union Rights: Grants official time for union representatives, allows use of City email for official union business, and provides for new employee orientation presentations.
• Reductions in Force (RIF): Outlines procedures for RIFs, including sick leave payouts (e.g., 5% for 0-5 years up to 25% for 20+ years) and severance pay (e.g., 2 weeks for 0-5 years up to 6 weeks for 20+ years).
• Dispute Resolution: Establishes a multi-step dispute resolution procedure, including arbitration.
• Training & Development: Addresses position reviews, job placement, educational reimbursement, and training for new technology.

City Council's resolution, if adopted, indicates its commitment to fund these obligations, subject to annual budget appropriations.