SEIU Local 221and NHA Sign Contract

SEIU Local 221 and Neighborhood House Association (NHA) today jointly held a public ceremony at NHA’s administrative headquarters to announce the signing of a labor contract, through June 30, 2013, involving nearly 400 NHA employees.

“This contract offers workplace enhancements that will allow our members to continue to provide quality service to children enrolled in Head Start programs in San Diego,” said SEIU Local 221 President Eric Banks. “Our bargaining team worked very hard to ensure this contract would positively impact the lives of NHA employees and the community they serve.”

"This contract is important because everybody should be treated fairly and have a voice," said NHA employee and Local 221 Bargaining Team member Belvia Gipson. "A contract helps resolve problems and issues."

Key components of the mutually beneficial agreement include:

• A 3.09% COLA wage increase, implemented July 1, 2009
• A 1.84% COLA wage increase starting July 1, 2010
• No increase in health care premiums through 2011
• Fiscally responsible contract agreements
• Successful labor consolidation with SEIU 221 over the next three years

Front row from left: Worksite Organizer Micaela Albujar-Leon, Bargaining Team Members Belvia Gipson, Diane Sabeghi, Sandra Gutierrez. Back row: SEIU Local 221 President Eric Banks

The contract signing was attended by SEIU 221’s president and bargaining team, as well as NHA’s president and other executives.