LAS VEGAS – Nevada’s state workers won their fight for their contract, but they’re not done.
Members of AFSCME Local 4041 spent months making phone calls, writing letters and lobbying lawmakers. Their persistence paid off last week as Gov. Joe Lombardo signed AB596 into law. This bill provides funding for collective bargaining agreements and state worker contracts for 2025-27.
But, for many AFSCME members, the victory was bittersweet.
They wanted lawmakers to provide 3% raises for state workers, as an arbitrator recommended. Instead, they received 1% raises and retention bonuses to help cover rising costs of living.
“While the wins here will make a difference for our members, and we are thankful to the elected officials who have stood by us during this fight, it is still disappointing,” said Latasha Hill-Burrell, a family services specialist at the Nevada Department of Welfare and Supportive Services.
“We keep critical services running for Nevadans everywhere,” she said. “After years of low investment in us, we deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.”
Michael “Sparky” Ahlmeyer, an equipment mechanic at Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno, said workers will continue to struggle — despite the modest raises and bonuses.
“We were asking for the bare minimum with our 3% raise to keep up with rising costs of living and PERS contributions,” he added, referring to the Nevada Public Employees’ Retirement System. “While the 1% raises and retention bonuses will help offset these costs, we’re still taking a pay cut when you count it all together.”
“Governor Lombardo’s own reckless spending put us in the budget situation that we’re in now,” he added. “State workers should be the priority in budget discussions, not an add-on at the end of the budget talks.”
While AB596 didn’t give state employees everything they wanted, it proves that standing together benefits workers in a powerful way.
“This is our union in action and making a difference in our lives,” Hill-Burrell said. “These wins are directly due to our advocacy work together, and only certified units with a contract will see these benefits this year and next.”