Negotiations Halted at Leisure Village

The union representing Leisure Village maintenance workers has declared an impasse in negotiations, saying the workers are being asked to accept reduced wages and less job security.

The declaration came after union and Leisure Village officials met Wednesday to discuss final offers.

After the meeting ended with each side accusing the other of refusing to negotiate in good faith, workers resumed picketing.

Workers had picketed last weekend in front of the Camarillo retirement community when they refused the village board’s offer that would allow the subcontracting of work to nonunion companies and increase health coverage premiums by $47 per month. Workers characterize the insurance hike as a wage cut because they have received no salary increases for four years.

“The board said if the workers didn’t take the offer, that they would implement it anyway,” said Blanca Gallegos, spokeswoman for Service Employees International Union Local 399. “So basically, the workers’ vote didn’t count for anything.”

Board negotiators were prepared to resolve differences when they entered the session, said Larry Drapkin, Leisure Village’s attorney.

“The union made a proposal, which, rather than attempting to bridge the gap, went just the other way,” Drapkin said, adding that the proposal included wage increases and health premium reductions that would cost $450,000.

The employer pays about 80% of the health care premiums--$195 per month for each of the 40 workers--and the average wage is $9.79 per hour, Drapkin said.

“The employer is trying to establish a balance recognizing that most employees doing this type of work earn much less,” Drapkin said.

Workers will not strike because they fear being fired, Gallegos said. However, they have vowed to continue picketing from 4:30 to 6 p.m. daily until the board agrees to resume negotiations.