The Unit 20 Bargaining Team signed 21 tentative agreements today, including language to minimize the number of hours between shifts at the state special schools where split shifts are utilized.

The remaining 20 tentative agreements continue protections that we gained in previous contracts.

The state presented counter proposals on post and bid for Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) and overtime scheduling for LVNs in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).

Today, Local 1000 returned to the negotiating table to meet with representatives from the state and continue bargaining for our new contract. The state spent the last two weeks reviewing the proposals we gave them in April - 31 Master Table proposals affecting all Local 1000-represented employees, and 50 different proposals affecting our nine individual bargaining units.

During that same time, the bargaining team took this opportunity to host seven town hall and 158 worksite meetings up and down the state. They updated members and encouraged them to become active because each member is critical to a successful contract fight. Before and after each town hall meeting, bargaining team members spoke one-on-one with attendees, connecting with them on a more personal level to hear their comments and answer their questions.

Dear Unit 20 employee:   Today our bargaining team met with the state to present proposals, which pertain specifically to our unit. These proposals seek to protect our existing contract language and improve our unit specific interests.   Unit 20 opened by raising issues on the importance of work and life balance. Here are the highlights of the proposals presented today: Ensures the State shall make every effort to avoid split shifts, and shall consider alternative scheduling methods prior to implementing a split shift. Employees in specified classifications shall be entitled to educational leave to obtain continuing education at the employee's discretion. Training requests must be granted within three requests. Strengthens language regarding mandatory overtime scheduling.   In Solidarity,   Rionna Jones Unit 20 Bargaining Chair     Stay informed throughout the bargaining process - there are several ways for you to keep up-to-date on the latest news and information:  Our Bargaining Central web page - online at seiu1000.org Timely email blasts as developments occur Regular reports from the Channel 1000 news Call our toll-free bargaining hotline - 1-855-814-1205 Text '1000' to 787753 to receive immediate text updates straight from your bargaining team

Hundreds of bargaining unit member leaders recently met on October 6-7 in San Diego to discuss critical campaigns for Local 1000. Representatives came from all areas of California to discuss the importance of the November election and make over 3,400 calls to urge a NO vote on Proposition 32.  
 
We heard from speakers from our coalition partners such as the League of Women Voters and the Center on Policy Initiatives regarding the importance of partnering to defeat anti worker propositions and campaigns.  
 
We discussed the implementation of our side letter agreement and were given an in-depth review of common violations since July 2012.
 
In addition, with contract bargaining approaching, member leaders discussed best practices for prioritizing diverse and critical issues. Preparation for bargaining will take center stage at our next Statewide Bargaining Advisory Committee meeting in January 2013. Please click here for the full bargaining unit report.

Bargaining Unit 20 October 2012 SBAC [PDF]