Statement from Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez on AFSCME Local 199's ratification of new labor agreement

(MIAMI, September 25, 2014) – “I want to thank the members of AFSCME Local 199 for overwhelmingly voting in favor of ratifying a new labor agreement with my administration. The agreement - which was approved by approximately 97 percent of voting members - contains innovative ways for Miami-Dade County to manage its future employee costs while allowing for savings to be used to restore and enhance services.  In addition to tying cost of living adjustments (COLAs) to future growth in our property tax rolls, the agreement also gives AFSCME Local 199's approximately 9,000 members the option to choose the new SELECT Health Plan. This will save approximately $15 million in employee healthcare costs for the County and our taxpayers. My administration looks forward to working with all our employee bargaining units. Together we can ensure that Miami-Dade County is on a path toward future financial stability.”