Title
Adoption of Resolution Approving a Letter of Understanding Between the Alameda City Employees Association (ACEA) and the City of Alameda Regarding an Addendum to the ACEA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to Include Part-Time Library Classifications and Outline Provisions. (Human Resources 10025060)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Adam Politzer, Interim City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Alameda (City) and the Alameda City Employees Association (ACEA) have reached agreement on a Letter of Understanding incorporating specified part-time Library classifications through an addendum to the ACEA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The Addendum applies to the following part-time Library classifications: Library Technician (Part-Time), Library Associate I, Library Associate II, Library Specialist I, and Library Specialist II. Upon ratification and City Council approval, these employees will transition to just cause employment status and will be covered by designated provisions of the ACEA MOU.
ACEA has ratified the Addendum.
BACKGROUND
In August 2025, part-time Library classifications requested representation under the ACEA. Following negotiations between the City and part-time Library staff, the parties reached agreement on the terms under which these classifications would be incorporated through an addendum to the ACEA MOU.
The proposed Addendum focuses on the applicability of specific ACEA MOU provisions and establishing operational terms tailored to part-time Library employees.
DISCUSSION
The proposed Addendum applies to the following part-time Library classifications: Library Technician (Part-Time), Library Associate I, Library Associate II, Library Specialist I, and Library Specialist II. Upon approval, employees in these classifications will transition to just cause status.
The proposed Addendum incorporates specific sections of the ACEA MOU, including Recognition, Association Security, Access to Work Locations, Use of City Facilities, Bulletin Boards, City Rights, No Discrimination, Overtime Authorization, Right of Discharge or Discipline, Personnel Files, and Pay Claims. All other MOU provisions do not apply unless expressly incorporated.
The proposed Addendum establishes key employment terms applicable to the covered part-time Library classifications. Employees will serve a twelve (12) month probationary period, with the ability for the Human Resources Director to extend probation for up to six (6) additional months and for the City Manager to approve extensions beyond that period when necessary. Upon completion of probation, employees will be subject to just cause protections.
Additionally, the proposed Addendum also defines eligibility for holiday pay, including requirements that employees be regularly scheduled to work on the holiday and in paid status on the workdays immediately preceding and following the holiday. Special provisions are included for the day before Thanksgiving, recognizing operational differences within the Library.
Covered employees will receive jury duty pay for hours required to serve that fall within their regularly scheduled working hours. Eligible employees may receive bilingual pay consistent with the City’s Bilingual Pay Policy. Funeral leave provisions are established consistent with City practice, including up to three (3) regularly scheduled working days for immediate family members and limited use of accrued leave for non-immediate family members.
The proposed Addendum establishes discipline procedures consistent with Section 7-4 of the City Charter and provides due process protections, including pre-disciplinary notice requirements and appeal procedures. A grievance procedure is also established, with final review authority resting with the City Manager. Finally, the Addendum outlines reduction-in-force procedures based on length of service and provides reemployment rights for a defined period following layoff.
ALTERNATIVES
City Council may consider a number of alternatives, including:
• Approve the resolution as recommended. The City has bargained in good faith and reached agreement with ACEA regarding the inclusion of part-time Library classifications under defined terms.
• Deny the resolution. Staff does not recommend as it would delay implementation of the negotiated agreement and prolong uncertainty regarding employment status and representation for affected employees.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The Addendum does not include across-the-board wage increases. Fiscal impacts are limited to the application of holiday pay eligibility, funeral leave, and other benefit provisions as described. These costs are expected to be absorbed within existing departmental budgets.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action is consistent with the Alameda Municipal Code.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action does not constitute a “project” as defined in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 and therefore no further CEQA analysis is required.
CLIMATE IMPACT
There are no identifiable climate impacts associated with this report.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution approving a Letter of Understanding between the Alameda City Employees Association (ACEA) and the City of Alameda regarding an addendum to the ACEA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to include Part-Time Library Classifications and outline provisions.
Respectfully submitted,
Noelle White, Human Resources Director
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Ross McCarthy, Finance Director
Exhibit
1. Letter of Understanding on an Addendum between ACEA and the City