Ratification Results Are In – What Comes Next for GGCEA

Dear GGCEA Members,

The results of our contract ratification vote are in:
The Tentative Agreement has been approved by 59% of voting members.

This was not a landslide. It was a close, hard-fought decision.

Some of you voted “yes” out of hope or pragmatism. Others voted “no” out of conviction or frustration. Every vote reflected a personal calculation about what was acceptable, and every voice mattered in this process.

A 59% ratification tells us something important: this wasn’t a unanimous celebration—it was a majority decision made during a time of difficult choices. The margin means many members are disappointed, even angry right now. We hear you. This vote doesn’t mean everything is settled or that everyone’s needs have been met—it means a path forward has been chosen.

And now, we have work to do—together.

Before we look ahead, we want to acknowledge what you’ve already accomplished. When GGCEA members came together—by a majority—to reject the City’s Last, Best, and Final Offer, that act alone shifted the conversation. It sent a clear signal: even a modest deal wasn’t guaranteed.

The simple act of voting “no” was enough to bring the City back to the table and secure modest improvements. Those changes may not have gone as far as some hoped, but they would not have happened without that pushback.

That ripple effect may not be dramatic, but it is real—and it sets an important precedent. Next time we bargain, the City will know GGCEA members are paying attention and are prepared to stand firm when something doesn’t feel right. That creates leverage before negotiations even begin. Over time, these moments of resistance add up to greater strength—not just for our unit, but for all employees across the City.

Because of that, it’s important to remember one thing: the City benefits when we are divided. When frustration turns inward—at each other—we risk losing momentum in our real fight: demanding better from those in power. The only way to win lasting improvements is by coming back together and staying engaged, even when we don’t agree on every step along the way.

This contract is a floor, not a ceiling. There is more to fight for. And every difficult conversation we’ve had over the last few weeks has shown how deeply our members care—and how ready we are to do more in the next round.

We’ll be following up soon with details on contract implementation, timelines, and ways to stay involved as we build our strategy for the future. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about what this outcome means for you.

In solidarity,

Your GGCEA Negotiations Team

Publication Date: June 30, 2025