Your Unit 11 bargaining team returned to negotiations with the state today, and our discussions focused on making sure the state understands the important work our unit members do and their rights under the contract.
We gave a presentation to the state about the outdated and inconsistent Laboratory Assistant and Laboratory Assistant, Correctional Facility specifications and the inadequate pay the classifications are receiving. We began working on updating these classification series in conjunction with the state based on language we won in the last contract.
Your Unit 11 bargaining team returned to negotiations with the state today, and our discussions focused on making sure the state understands the important work our unit members do and their rights under the contract.
We gave a presentation to the state about the outdated and inconsistent Laboratory Assistant and Laboratory Assistant, Correctional Facility specifications and the inadequate pay the classifications are receiving. We began working on updating these classification series in conjunction with the state based on language we won in the last contract.
To illustrate the outdated and inadequate specifications, three lab assistants came to the table served as subject matter experts to address long-standing issues in their classifications. Bargaining unit members Aruna Abeygoonesekera (CDPH) and Ann Hutson (CDCR) were joined by member Kelle Lowe (DDS) to describe the scope of their day-to-day responsibilities. Our lab assistants pointed out that many of their duties are now outside of their current job specifications and explained that those specifications are woefully out of date and inconsistent with current practices.
We offered a remedy by proposing a package to the state with three connected proposals that would update specifications for Laboratory Assistants and Laboratory Assistant, CFs series as well as adjust the salaries of both series.
The state has been a willing participant in the specification committee and we look forward to continuing the dialog with them about this issue.
In addition to the above discussions, the state’s team rejected two of the proposals the Unit 11 team had proposed earlier in negotiations. They rejected:
- CalTrans night work specification: This would have compelled the state to justify why inspections couldn’t be done during the day. Even though the state rejected the proposal, they agreed to do a one-time JLMC to address scheduling issues and to make these inspections safer. The state agreed this is a priority, but stopped short of agreeing to change the contract. We are confident they will work constructively with us on the issue.
- Unit-Specific Standby: We proposed moving the Unit 11 Dept. of Fish & Wildlife specific standby provision into the language that governs standby for the whole union. The state felt the change wasn’t needed and clarified that any time a Unit 11 person is called back to the hatcheries, they should be on scheduled time and receiving hourly wages.
We also had a lengthy discussion on safety footwear reimbursements for departments not covered under article 12.11. The state again agreed that this article only covers Caltrans and DWR, no other department should be utilizing the provision. Together with the state, we confirmed that departments not covered should have no changes made to their past practices, and if departments do make any changes, it should be grieved.
The Unit 11 team goes to the bargaining table on Monday, June 6, when we will continue moving toward our final contract.
Rally for Our Contract on June 8!
Local 1000 members from all over the state will rally at the State Capitol on June 8 to show the governor and the legislature that we’re fighting for a great contract. We’re uniting with one voice and one goal: a great contract that includes a pay raise, creates more professional development, improves working conditions and ensures healthy and safe workplaces.
The rally will be held on the west steps of that capitol starting at 11am and food will be provided. Join us to show the state that this is Our Union, Our Contract, Our Future!
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