We are entering our fourth week of bargaining with the State for a contract that respects, protects, and pays the workers who have kept California running. The bargaining team for Office and Allied Workers represented by Local 1000, Bargaining Unit 4, went to the table on May 16 to reiterate to the State that the needs of their workers should be the priority at the table.
The sections we sent over for rollover included the following:
- 11.21.4 – Recruitment and Retention Differential for Accounting Clerk Series
- 11.23.4 – Out of State Pay Differential
- 11.37.4 – Dictaphone Differential
- 11.38.4 – Calendaring Differential (CUIAB)
You can read the details of these and all current contract articles at contract.seiu1000.org
After rollovers were sent, the team discussed our items that have not been responded to, and the State had nothing to offer. The State has taken a long time returning any articles, even those that would create new protections for our state workers. “The articles that have not been addressed by the State are infuriating,” said Chair Karen Jefferies. “For example, section 10.XX.4, Transportation and Disposal of Bodily Fluids, and 10.XXX.4, Wellness and Recovery Time, are two important sections that address our core issue of protection in the workplace. Bargaining Unit 4 employees across departments are being asked to do tasks that are outside their job specs and beyond their work capacity, which creates risks of danger for employees.” Our members need protection,” said Jefferies
“We take a lot of time with our language and make sure that it’s complete and in compliance with our member’s needs,” said bargaining team member Terry Gray. “We expect the State to either counter or TA the proposal, and the State is not doing the work.”
The bargaining team will continue to negotiate with the State to ensure that their unit’s needs are met by their employer.
Unit 4’s next meeting with the State to win a contract that Respects Us, Protects Us, and Pays Us is set for May 23. To read about what happened in Monday’s Bargaining Unit 11, 20, and 21 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.