REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the City Manager to execute the Side Letter Agreement that amends the 2019-2024 Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Santa Clara and the Miscellaneous Unclassified Management Employees (Unit 9), that incorporates the terms of the Side Letter Agreement
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
BACKGROUND
The City of Santa Clara and the Miscellaneous Unclassified Management Employees (Unit 9) reached an agreement on a Memorandum of Understanding (hereafter, "MOU") in November of 2020 with a term of December 15, 2019 to December 31, 2024. As part of the MOU, the parties agreed to revisions in the Vacation Accrual and Usage section of the MOU that would be effective December 25, 2022. The revisions include a maximum vacation accrual cap of 480 hours in the current vacation accrual balance and moving any accrued vacation hours over 400 to a separate Temporary Supplemental Vacation Accrual balance that must first be utilized. If an employee leaves or retires from City service, any unused Temporary Supplemental Vacation Accrual hours will be cashed out upon the employee's retirement or other separation from City service.
In a letter dated April 28, 2022, Unit 9 expressed concern that a significant number of Unit 9 employees have vacation accrual limits above 400 hours. When the City and Union agreed to the vacation revisions, it was understood that from November 2020 to December 2022, employees would work with their supervisors and be encouraged to utilize their accrued vacation. However, due to a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the COVID-19 pandemic, workload demands, managers stepping in to cover duties of other vacant positions, and the citywide vacancy rate of approximately 17%, many managers have been unable to take time off. Unit 9 requested to explore options to address this concern.
The letter also expressed concerns with the City's current performance e...
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