Long Beach Council approves new contract for Civil Service Employees Association

The Long Beach City Council convened on June 3, 2025, to discuss significant developments regarding the collective bargaining agreement with the Long Beach Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA). The meeting highlighted the culmination of months of negotiations, resulting in a new contract that has received overwhelming support from CSEA members.

Council President Finn opened the session by expressing gratitude to CSEA President John Mooney and his executive board for their collaborative efforts during the negotiation process. He emphasized that the agreement reached is fair for both city employees and taxpayers, reflecting a balanced approach to labor relations.

The council then addressed an amendment to the memorandum of agreement, specifically adding the term "seniority list" to the document. This amendment was unanimously supported by the council members, who acknowledged the importance of clarity in the contract language.

Public comments followed, with several residents voicing their support for the new contract. One speaker, a former CSEA member, praised the union's history of cooperation and highlighted the necessity of modernizing the city's timekeeping system, which had previously resulted in significant payroll discrepancies. He noted that the new contract maintains health benefits for all unions involved, reinforcing the commitment to employee welfare.

Another resident, James Hodge, commended the leadership of John Mooney and the CSEA, recognizing the union's strength and the vital role it plays in the community. He urged the council to support the contract, emphasizing the importance of strong advocacy for workers' rights.

As the discussion progressed, council members expressed their satisfaction with the negotiation outcomes. Council member Bendo remarked on the long-term nature of the contract, which aims to reduce the frequency of negotiations. Council member Reinhart echoed this sentiment, noting the positive cultural shift within the city and the high approval rating of the agreement among union members.

The council unanimously voted in favor of the amended contract, with all members acknowledging the hard work and dedication of both the city management and the union representatives. President Finn concluded the meeting by reiterating his appreciation for the collaborative spirit that led to the successful agreement, marking a significant step forward for both the city and its employees.

Overall, the meeting underscored a commitment to fostering a cooperative relationship between the city and its workforce, setting a positive precedent for future negotiations.