Somerville Finalizes New Contract with SMEA Unit D

Somerville has signed a new union agreement that will raise pay and modernize benefits for Unit D employees — from ISD and Parking staff to social workers, specialized Police Department clerical staff, and DPW custodial and facilities supervisors — who keep Somerville’s day-to-day services running. The newly signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) covers Fiscal Years 2023 through 2025. 

“When City Hall runs well, the whole local economy is stronger,” said Mayor Wilson. “That starts with the basics: strong services, a stable workforce, and fair union contracts that help us recruit and retain the people who keep this city moving. I’m grateful to Unit D and our team for the good-faith work that brought us to signing today.”  

Key provisions include: 

• 3% retroactive cost-of-living adjustments for both FY23 and FY24 

• One additional week of vacation 

• Transition to a vacation accrual system, improving consistency and flexibility 

• Increases to the longevity bonus 

• Eligibility for the City’s new paid FMLA benefit 

View photos of the contract signing with Mayor Wilson and SMEA Unit D here. 

As part of the market adjustment, starting rates for FY25 will increase by an average of 13%, while existing employee rates will increase by an average of 14%. 

The MOA will now be submitted to the Somerville City Council for funding approval. 

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.