Contract Update and Public Safety Binding Arbitration Measure 

This week, many things are happening in the County regarding bargaining. Some general member unions have settled on a 3-year deal, including a zero for the first year with a signing bonus, but have realized they made a bad deal and are now reopening on certain items. Local 1014 refused to take a bad deal for our members; we will not settle for a signing bonus without any real money in the contract.  

Public safety unions—Local 1014 / ALADS and PPOA (Sheriff’s), and LACOLA (Lifeguards)—and building trades unions remain at the table, and in solidarity in our efforts to do better and bring home a contract we can all support, as we did in fringe for our benefits contract. We are patient and strong in our position regarding our interests, needs, and funding. As of right now, we are scheduled to meet on December 11 and December 18 for bargaining with the County. We will update you on the outcomes of those meetings in the coming weeks. 

We have also increased our leverage and ability to mitigate stalemate at the table by bringing forward a Public Safety and Building Trades Binding Arbitration Initiative. This measure will go before the voters next November and provide a binding arbitration process, much like a court, but with neutrals selected by both labor and management to make fact-based, finance-based ability-to-pay decisions for contract bargaining items when an impasse occurs, or to provide enough incentive to settle before arbitration to get deals done. Initial polling shows very strong support for public safety because we cannot strike. Also, voters support a neutral, independent structure to resolve budget and contract issues fairly.

We will keep you informed of any final contract table meetings for the end of the year, and we have also opened it up to non-sworn units representing Dispatchers, Prevention, Health Haz Mat, and Inspectors. Stay united and stand in solidarity with us and all of public safety as we continue to work towards a fair contract for us all.

In keeping with our commitment to bring the Union to you, we’re restarting Regional General Membership Meetings throughout the year.

With big news and a lot happening in the East End, we’re coming to Pomona. Join us for important Union updates and a focused discussion on the issues impacting Battalion 15. This is a great chance to get the latest information, ask questions, share concerns, and connect directly with your Union leadership—right in your region.

Come out and be part of the conversation. When members show up, we stay informed, stay engaged, and stay strong together.

ATTN PLAN C MEMBERS:
What 1014 Members Need to Know about the Retiree Medical Trust

Beginning with the 12/15/2025 County paycheck, Plan C employees hired on or after July 1, 2014, will start contributing $25 per pay period ($50/month) to the Coalition of County Unions (CCU) Retiree Medical Trust (RMT). This is a protected, union-designed benefit created to help Plan C members build meaningful retiree medical support—especially during the expensive years before Medicare. 

To make sure you understand what this means for you—and how the RMT can support you long-term—1014 is encouraging all Plan C eligible members, hired on or after July 1,2014, to attend our Retiree Medical Trust webinar next Thursday, Dec. 11, at 10:00 a.m. It’s the best opportunity to get clear answers and feel confident about how the program works.

Once you’re vested (after 5 years of contributions) and you separate from County service, the Trust can provide lifetime monthly reimbursement benefits for eligible retirees—reimbursing actual medical expenses up to your calculated monthly benefit level. 

Eligible expenses can include: 
·      Medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums
·      Deductibles, copays, and other out-of-pocket costs
·      IRS-approved medical expenses (Publication 502)
·      Long-term care insurance
·      Certain eligible expenses for your spouse and dependent children

The Trust may also provide survivor benefits, meaning your spouse and dependent children may be eligible for benefits after your passing, depending on plan rules. Plan C employees do not receive County-subsidized retiree medical, and the Trust’s structure relies on universal participation within participating bargaining units to keep the program affordable and actuarially sound. 

This program didn’t happen overnight. Following serious County attempts to cut retiree medical benefits in 2013, unions fought back. They worked through years of negotiations, planning, legal and actuarial setup, and a membership vote to create a sustainable solution—especially for employees hired on or after July 1, 2014, who previously lacked retiree medical subsidy support.

COMING SOON! NEW Local 1014 Health Plan Benefits (Coming in 2026)

Big news—starting January 1, 2026, Local 1014 Health Plan members will have access to two new benefits designed to make it easier to prioritize your health and get to the care you need.

$900 Annual Wellness Reimbursement
Members can receive up to $900 per year in reimbursement for eligible wellness expenses. This benefit works similarly to an FSA, offering flexibility to invest in your health using IRS/FSA eligibility standards for qualifying items.
Examples of eligible expenses may include:

• Fitness equipment (weights, yoga mats, resistance bands, vital sign wearables like OURA Ring)
• Smoking cessation programs
• First aid supplies
• Over-the-counter medications
• Click here to view the full list of eligible expenses. 

LACFD CHAPLAINS BENEVOLENT FUND

• Spiritual Support – Chaplains assist during the passing of a loved one by providing emotional and spiritual care, and coordinating services, celebrations of life, and funerals.
• Financial Assistance for Families of Critically Sick or Injured Members – Helping with travel, lodging, and unexpected expenses while families support their firefighter.
• Department Memorial & Ceremony Support – Assists with costs related to official memorial services and honors.
• Support for Families Traveling to Memorials – Ensuring families attending fallen firefighter memorials do not bear the burden of travel, lodging, registration, or other necessary expenses.