Local 685 negotiates, on behalf of the membership, all matters concerning wages, hours, benefits, and working conditions with the Department. Since 1969, Local 685 has successfully negotiated every new contract with Los Angeles County political and bureaucratic leaders, effectively representing Local 685 members in every aspect of dealing with the Department.

AFSCME Local 685 is a member of the Coalition of County Unions (CCU), which negotiates a common fringe benefit contract that binds our employer to provide medical and dental insurance, pension and other retirement plans, paid leave, and other benefits to Local 685 members and other County employees represented by the unions affiliated with the Coalition.

Local 685 members are invested in the Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association (LACERA), and have a "defined benefit" pension plan that allows us to retire with security, knowing we will receive a guaranteed retirement allowance every month for the rest of our lives. Each member’s retirement allowance is based on three factors: age at retirement, years of service credit, and final compensation.