Contract Includes Wage Increases, Employer-Paid Medical, and Salary Study
MARTINEZ, Calif., Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — More than 2,100 Contra Costa County workers have overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new two-year contract, averting a strike. The members of Teamsters Local 856, who work in health services, licensed vocational nursing, and general services and maintenance, had authorized a strike by 92 percent and were set to walk off the job before an agreement was reached in mediation last week.
The new contract includes cost-of-living increases, fully employer-paid health care, and importantly, a cooperative salary study of all Teamsters classifications that must be completed no later than 60 days prior to the expiration of the agreement.
“We have said throughout bargaining that the county has significant problems with its salary structure,” said Matt Finnegan, chief negotiator and Local 856 Director of Public Services. “The salary survey is an important part of this agreement. It gives us the ability to examine our classifications across the county and have that information in hand before we return to the bargaining table for the next contract.”
The new agreement is retroactive to August 1 and expires July 31, 2028.
“This contract is a testament to the solidarity and unity of Contra Costa County Teamsters,” said Peter Finn, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 856. “Their willingness to take action and withhold their labor resulted in an agreement that sets the stage for a much-needed overhaul in how the county determines compensation so the best employees can continue to serve the Contra Costa County community.”
Founded in 1949, Teamsters Local 856 is affiliated with the 1.3 million-member International Brotherhood of Teamsters and has grown to become one of the largest Teamster locals in California with over 20,000 members. For more information, visit teamsters856.org.
Contact:
Matt Finnegan, (707) 272-3415
MFinnegan@ibt856.org
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SOURCE Teamsters Local 856
