Committee forwards ordinance to provide COVID‑19 retention pay to select healthcare workers

The Rules Committee on Dec. 5 voted to forward to the full Board of Supervisors an ordinance that would amend memoranda of understanding to provide COVID‑19 worker retention pay to certain classifications working in hospitals and skilled‑nursing facilities, with an effective date of Jan. 31, 2023.

Artis Graham of the Department of Human Resources told the committee the city has met with the requisite unions, submitted the proposed MOU language, and is prepared to proceed with implementing state‑funded retention payments that would include a range of classifications (including trades, security and other classifications that support healthcare facilities). Committee members indicated a desire to move the item quickly; Chair Peskin said time was of the essence and moved the item to send to the full board with a positive recommendation. Roll call recorded aye votes by Supervisor Chan, Supervisor Stephanie and Chair Peskin; the motion passed without objection.

The item will return to the full board for final action and any implementing MOU language will be subject to the negotiated terms with the unions referenced by the Department of Human Resources.