Committee reviews $506,452 supplemental for Boston Public Health Commission SEIU contract; reclassifications and program staffing changes described

The Committee on Ways and Means reviewed dockets 1969 and 1970 on Nov. 24, 2025, which would move $506,452 from the FY26 collective bargaining reserve to the Boston Public Health Commission budget to cover the cost of a collective bargaining agreement with SEIU Local 888.

Dave Susak, representing the Public Health Commission labor team, said the agreement focuses on reclassifying and upgrading the lowest two pay grades to benefit the lowest-paid employees and adjusts the staffing mix for some programs. "We're changing the staffing mix ... switching from using public health advocates to using program coordinators," Susak said, describing a change intended to expand scope of work for certain positions in Healthy Baby/Healthy Child and related programs.

Susak also said the contract includes an employer-funded legal services plan for employees and adjustments to longevity awards to align with other city contracts. The administration described these provisions as targeted at the lowest-paid classifications and said they were part of a broader effort to bring equity to entry-level titles.

Councilors asked clarifying questions about specific reclassifications, the duration of the agreement and how it fits in the FY26 budget envelope. Jim Williamson summarized the fiscal context for all four dockets under review and noted the collective bargaining reserve and previously approved agreements.

The chair said he intends to bring the docket for council consideration at the next full meeting; the hearing adjourned without a vote. The administration and councilors indicated they would supplement the record with requested implementation details where needed.

Next steps: committee staff will receive the administration's follow-up materials; the Chair plans to place the supplemental appropriation on the next full council meeting agenda for a vote.