RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond city workers gathered on Monday to celebrate the implementation of a contract that will hopefully transform workplace conditions across the city. Richmond city workers and their union representatives from SEIU Virginia gathered to attend a press conference on Monday, July 1, to discuss a historic agreement that will guarantee benefits for workers including raises, enhanced workplace safety measures and improved work-life balance. Richmond city workers at historic contract conference (Photo: Paul Nevadomski/8News)Richmond city workers at historic contract conference (Photo: Paul Nevadomski/8News)Richmond city workers at historic contract conference (Photo: Paul Nevadomski/8News)Richmond city workers at historic contract conference (Photo: Paul Nevadomski/8News) This change came amidst many recent challenges regarding the city's finance department, highlighting a critical need for fair and comprehensive labor agreements. "Our city employees should not have to beg for a high quality of life -- and that means that we should continue as the city to invest in our employees," said Mayor Levar Stoney at the press conference.