Frequently Asked Questions

• Am I a represented employee or an unrepresented employee?
  • Employees in job classifications EG2 and EG3 are represented by SASDEA.

• I’m in EG2 or EG3 but I’m not a member of SASDEA. Am I unrepresented?
  • You are represented by SASDEA.

• If I am not a member, what does that mean for me?
  • If you are not a member, you can still provide input for negotiations. We are negotiating your contract on your behalf whether you are a member or not.

• How much are membership dues? When will membership dues start?
  • Membership dues are $45 per month ($22.50 will be collected from the first two paychecks of each month). Membership dues will be collected from paychecks after a contract is in place.

• What are the benefits of being an SASDEA member?
  • Membership provides you with the following:
    • Access to legal representation with Goyette, Ruano & Thompson
    • Free consultations on non-work-related issues with Goyette, Ruano & Thompson
    • Assistance with contract and grievance issues
    • Assistance with resolving payroll issues
    • Contract negotiations on your behalf
    • Input on meet-and-confers on SacSewer Policy changes
    • The ability to vote on EA matters and officers
    • The ability to vote to accept or reject a proposed contract

• Will I start receiving the 4.5% COLA on June 29, 2025?
  • No, only unrepresented classifications will receive the 4.5% on June 29, 2025. Contracts are being negotiated for EG2 and EG3, and a COLA and pay increase will take effect after ratification by SASDEA members and approval by the SacSewer Board of Directors.

• Will I receive a COLA for this year?
  • Yes. We are negotiating an increase in total compensation, and a COLA for 2025 will be included.

• Will there be retroactive pay after negotiations? How long will negotations take?
  • No. We requested this from SacSewer and SacSewer would not agree to retroactive pay. We are working to conclude negotiations as quickly as possible. We are aiming to complete negotiations by September 2025.

• How long will the contract last?
  • The contract will last 3-5 years. SacSewer intends to offset the negotiating years for each Employee Group. In the future, only one contract will be negotiated per year. The first contract will vary between 3 and 5 years, and future contracts will be for 3 years. As unions conclude negotiations, they will choose the length of the contract on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Are the Board Member and Representatives compensated for union work?
  • No. Board members and representatives are paying for EA costs with their own money.

• Who is our legal counsel and labor representative?
  • We have a contract with the firm Goyette, Ruano & Thompson. Our legal counsel is Brandon Largent.