CARSON CITY, Nev. – AFSCME Local 4041 and the State of Nevada announced today that they’ve reached a tentative collective bargaining agreement that includes both economic and non-economic provisions and covers four of the 11 bargaining units established for state employees.
Before the agreement is submitted to the Nevada Legislature, AFSCME members must ratify it. Additionally, the State Board of Examiners will meet to approve the agreement, and Gov. Steve Sisolak will submit budget amendments to the legislature to effectuate the economic provisions.
The state workers covered by the agreement include those in the following units: labor, maintenance and custodial; professional health care; non-professional health care; and category III peace officers/corrections officers.
The tentative agreement between AFSCME and the state is the second collective bargaining agreement reached by the state and a labor organization following the passage of collective bargaining for classified state employees during the 2019 legislative session.
Previous AFSCME Now coverage of the Nevada collective bargaining law can be found here and here.
Statement from AFSCME International President Lee Saunders:
“When working people have the freedom to form a union, they are able to negotiate for a fair return on their labor and also for the resources their communities need to thrive. Nevada state employees dedicate themselves every single day to providing the very best in public service, and this tentative agreement repays that sacrifice with a fair deal. I want to give a shoutout to our bargaining team, who were powerful, persuasive advocates for themselves and their AFSCME family. And I am grateful to Governor Sisolak and his representatives for negotiating in good faith. This is a moment decades in the making. Because they stuck together through adversity, Nevada state workers can now make their voice heard and have built a strong foundation for the future.”
Statement from AFSCME Local 4041 President Harry Schiffman:
“Members of Local 4041 are excited to have reached this milestone, more than 20 years in the making. We are proud of the dedication and determination state employees have shown over the years to make collective bargaining a reality. This contract lays a strong foundation to improve working conditions for state employees and the services we provide to our communities for generations to come. When workers have a voice on the job, we are able to perform at our best and ensure that the community receives the quality services it deserves. As the largest union for Nevada state employees, Local 4041 is committed to building on this historic achievement and ensuring a strong and secure future for quality public services and the workers who provide them."
Statement from Nevada Department of Administration Director Laura Freed:
“Both sides worked diligently to find common ground and reach meaningful compromises. We absolutely value our state employees and the critical services they provide to Nevadans, and this agreement recognizes that while also honoring the responsibility we have to ensure state programs are administered efficiently and effectively. I am incredibly proud of the work of our team and grateful to AFSCME’s team for their professionalism and good faith throughout the negotiation process.”