Tulsa Workers Celebrate Wage Gains from AFSCME Contract Negotiations

Boost in Wages for Tulsa Workers: AFSCME Local 1180 Celebrates Contract Success

The employees of Tulsa, Oklahoma, represented by AFSCME Local 1180, are reveling in the benefits of their recent contract negotiations as their revised salaries begin to reflect on their paychecks.

Park employee and AFSCME member Lainee Carner expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I’m excited to see my next paycheck!” She added, “And I’m excited to get back to the negotiations table this year with even more gusto.”

In the 2025 negotiations, while Local 1180 secured enhanced benefits and workplace standards, a pay raise was initially absent due to the city's budget deficit.

Despite this, the previous year's contract resulted in significant victories, including better scheduling, a fairer pay scale, and the introduction of parental leave, which has had a transformative impact on families. “I didn’t get paternal leave with my first child,” Carner said. “We won leave in our last contract and it made all the difference when having my second child. We won that, our efforts changed my family’s life.”

The success of these negotiations was attributed to a strategic approach, with teams actively engaging and mobilizing workers both on and off the job. Local 1180 also focused on a strong political program, which involved meetings with candidates, ultimately supporting the election of Monroe Nichols, Tulsa’s first Black mayor and a supporter of labor rights.

In collaboration with the mayor, union members established a groundbreaking contract that included a clause for wage increases if the city's financial situation improved. With the budget now stable, the mayor has announced a 2%-2.5% pay rise for AFSCME Local 1180 members.

Carner expressed pride in her role, stating, “I am proud to represent my workplace and my union. We defined worker power, and we defined the difference we can make in each other’s lives on and off the job.”

As new contract negotiations commence, AFSCME members are actively discussing their priorities and strategizing for future discussions. Carner encourages involvement, saying, “Join a negotiations team, reach out to a steward, or start by ensuring you and your co-workers vote in the contract elections. When you know what’s going on and what’s on the table, you’re ready to fight for what you deserve.”