Today’s Unit 17 bargaining session was both brief and productive. We reached a tentative agreement that protects previous hard-fought language and exchanged and discussed two other counterproposals.

With today’s tentative agreement on contract section 19.9.17, our Registered Nurses maintain their rights to exchange hours of work with other employees of the same classification at the workplace. It’s a quality-of-life opportunity that our represented employees will continue to enjoy.

Two other issues were discussed today: discussions are back-and-forth on post-and-bid language for vacant positions at DDS and DSH. And, we’re still pressing the State for agreement on a new proposal to offer a seniority-based pay differential for Unit 17 employees with significant tenure with the state.

Here are some things you need to know:

Where does bargaining go from here?

Watch this July 13 video message from Irene Green, Local 1000 Vice President for Bargaining.

Unit-specific bargaining, along with negotiations at the master table, are being scheduled on a day-to-day basis. When there’s activity at the table, we’ll email and post the results, often on the same day. Click here to read all the recaps of bargaining activity.

What is the status of our contract?

As you know, we have not yet reached an overall tentative agreement on a new contract with the State. Our rights are still protected under the terms of our previous contract, which expired on June 30. Please remember that the $260 health care stipend had a June 30 sunset clauseand will not be included in your August paycheck. That issue is part of our current negotiations.

You can read about your current contract rights in this mobile-friendly, searchable database.

What actions can I take to win a good contract?

As the bargaining team works to achieve meaningful progress at the table, it’s important that we keep our focus on Union solidarity and strength building. In order for our demands to be heard, SEIU Local 1000-represented employees need to stand together. So, we encourage you to sign up for our next action on July 25, 26, and 27 when we picket CalHR in Sacramento. Click here to register.

 Stay informed with all the bargaining news at our Contract Action Central web page