As we prepare to kick off the first of our seven scheduled Town Halls this Saturday in Sacramento, I’m excited by all of the activity around our headquarters as we prepare to gather in person again. I’m also encouraged by the reservation numbers we’re already seeing. If you have not done so already, be sure to reserve your space for a Town Hall near you, and let us know what you want to see in our upcoming contract.
In other news…
HR 1’s
I have received inquiries in regards to the HR 1’s filed against myself and the three Vice Presidents, which are covered under current Policy file language (9.0.02, 9.1.01 and 9.2.00). Per our policies and procedures, and under the direction of the Board, the Union is in the process of properly addressing all 201 HR 1’s that we’ve received. Given the large number of filings and the availability of hearing officers, this has taken time but it is underway. In comparison, in a typical year we process approximately one complaint each month.
Board of Directors Meeting
Our next regular Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for March 17-19 in Sacramento, with Monday, March 20, set aside as a political lobby day. This will be the first in person Board meeting in three years, something we once took for granted, and something to which we can now look forward. A hybrid option will also be available for Directors who choose not to participate remotely.
Governor Newsom’s Budget Announcement
With the 2023 state budget proposal announced, our Research and Political Departments have begun the analysis and contract campaign planning work they do to support contract negotiations. However, while we have excellent staff in all of our departments working toward the 2023 Contract Campaign, it’s critical for you to participate as well. There’s no shortage of work to be done as we move forward towards a new contract.
Committee on the Future of Local 1000
We recently engaged a consultant, Kurt Edelman, to lead the Committee on the Future of Local 1000, along with a facilitator on the Board to assist with the meeting work. The committee will begin meeting in the next 2 to 4 weeks. The goal is to examine our local and develop an internal structure that leads to short- and long-terms wins for the state employees we represent. Much of the focus for our immediate work will be in preparation for the September 15-22 Board of Directors meeting. With a Union election on tap for 2024, we need to do everything we can to continue our democratic governance and prepare for a smooth functional election cycle.
I hope to see all of you soon at a Town Hall.
William (Bill) Hall
Board Chair, SEIU Local 1000
[email protected]