AFSCME Local 1180 members who work for the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma, are celebrating new wage gains from last year’s contract negotiations as the adjusted pay hits their paychecks.
“I’m excited to see my next paycheck!” said AFSCME member and park employee Lainee Carner. “And I’m excited to get back to the negotiations table this year with even more gusto.”
While Local 1180 walked away from the 2025 negotiations with higher benefits and workplace standards, one thing was missing: a raise. This was due to a major budget deficit facing the city last summer.
But last year’s contract was far from a loss. It secured historic wins such as improved scheduling, a fairer pay scale, union time at worksites, and a new unit won its first contract. It finally included parental leave — a benefit already changing lives for the better.
“I didn’t get paternal leave with my first child,” says Carner. “I had to use every bit of vacation time I had. We won leave in our last contract and it made all the difference when having my second child. We won that, our efforts changed my family’s life.”
These victories were the result of a multi-layered strategy. Each negotiation team consisted of members who were actively educating and mobilizing workers on the job, off the clock, and in the union hall.
Additionally, Local 1180 members prioritized a robust political program to ensure workers were supported at City Hall. Members held one-on-ones and “Meet Your Candidate” meetings, which led to the endorsement and election of Mayor Monroe Nichols — Tulsa’s first Black mayor and a staunch labor ally.
Together, the union members and the mayor worked out a contract with landmark wins for workers and a critical stipulation: if the city’s finances improved, workers would receive a wage increase based on the adjusted budget.
Now that the budget has shifted into the black, the mayor has followed through by announcing a 2%-2.5% raise for workers covered by AFSCME Local 1180.
“I am proud to represent my workplace and my union,” says Carner. “We defined worker power, and we defined the difference we can make in each other’s lives on and off the job.”
Contract negotiations for this year have already begun, and AFSCME members are holding conversations about worker priorities and building their negotiations strategy.
“Join a negotiations team, reach out to a steward, or start by ensuring you and your co-workers vote in the contract elections,” says Carner. “When you know what’s going on and what’s on the table, you’re ready to fight for what you deserve.”