Largo Commission ratifies three-year contract with Communication Workers of America

The City of Largo Commission on Oct. 21 ratified a three-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the Communication Workers of America Local 31 79 that runs from Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2028.

Staff told the commission the agreement was ratified by the bargaining-unit membership by 125–3, or 98 percent of the 128 employees who voted. City staff highlighted a market-analysis-based review that added one position to the pay plan, produced nine reclassifications, five title changes and one additional full‑time equivalent position. The contract includes a 7 percent wage increase in fiscal year 2026 and 3 percent increases in fiscal years 2027 and 2028. Officials also noted language clarifications on reimbursements and scheduling of personal option time.

Dawn Smolowitz, who identified herself as a leader of the local CWA unit, thanked city negotiators and HR staff for collaborative bargaining and credited both sides for reaching the agreement in a timely fashion. “We were grateful for the opportunity and experience, and we’re looking forward to three positive years,” Smolowitz said.

Commissioners asked staff what lessons were learned during negotiations and which job classifications were affected; staff described improved communication, the presence of a CWA staff representative at the table, and the market analysis that drove reclassifications. The presentation also noted that emergency communications dispatchers have petitioned to change representation and will remain status quo until the Public Employee Relations Commission rules on that matter.

A commissioner moved to ratify the CBA; the motion was seconded and approved unanimously, 7–0.

The commission’s action completes the local ratification step; contract implementation details such as payroll timing and any reclassification effective dates will be handled by the city’s human resources and finance teams as described in staff materials.