While State negotiators remain unresponsive to our proposals, our Unit 14 bargaining team pressed forward today to advance career mobility and improve working conditions for the Printing and Allied Trades employees we represent.
“The State’s not being an active partner in bargaining our new contract,” said Robert Vega, Unit 14 Chair. “We’re frustrated because we have a number of proposals, some presented a month ago, which remain unanswered.”
The Unit 14 team has repeatedly committed to being available at any time to negotiate. Our current contract expires in a little over three weeks.
Some incremental progress was made today. “Our members have told us that job protections and job opportunities are important, along with a pay increase” added Vega.
We proposed a new language that keeps the graphic design work within our bargaining unit by ensuring their exclusive use of Adobe Creative Suite software. Our goal is to stem the persistent and pervasive use of this Adobe software by non-bargaining unit personnel.
In addition to this proposal, we’re seeking greater transparency and accountability from the State by filing an information request to ascertain how widespread usage of this program is.
Also today, we reached tentative agreement with the State on two contract sections governing career growth. They are “rollovers” that preserve the previous contract wins:
- 13.11.14 – Upward Mobility
- 13.12.14 – Posting of Vacancies and Job Openings
You can read the details of these and all current contract articles at contract.seiu1000.org
Unit 4 will return to the table on Tuesday, June 13. In addition, we’ve made it clear to State negotiators we’re ready to meet at any time to foster progress. To see updates on other bargaining unit contract sessions, please visit the Contract Action Center page at seiu1000.org
There’s real truth to the Local 1000 slogan, Stronger Together. We only win a great contract with a strong Local 1000 membership. So, if you’re not already a member, we encourage you to join us today.
And be sure to save your spot for the upcoming June 8 March to the Governor’s Mansion here.