for our 2016 contract begin in April, and Local 1000’s 63-member bargaining team is in place and deep in preparations, training and strategizing to bring the 95,000 state workers we represent the best contract we’ve ever had.

The bargaining team represents the union at the negotiating table and is made up of members from the nine bargaining units represented by Local 1000. Issues that affect all represented employees such as pay, benefits and retirement are negotiated at the master table while each of the nine bargaining teams negotiate unit specific issues.

Unit 4: Office and Allied Workers Bargaining Unit 4’s 7-member (plus three alternate) team negotiates on behalf of more than 24,000 state workers in numerous professional classifications including program/tax technicians, key data operators, word processing technicians, stock clerks and other classifications. This unit also represents toll collectors and DMV employees across the state. The Unit 4 bargaining team receives support from staff in our Contract Department, researchers and attorneys who work with the bargaining team on contract language and bargaining strategies.

Members of the Unit 4 bargaining team have been attending town halls and gathering input from members, identifying key issues that will guide the development of unit-specific and master table issues. Unit 4 Chair Sophia Perkins says the bargaining process is about being a member and being involved. “I’m thankful that our members used their voice by coming to town halls and filling out surveys. I know that members will be standing behind us when we go to the table. And, when we get a great contract, they’ll use their voice to vote for its ratification.” She adds, “If you’re not a member, you can’t participate in the ratification vote … join us today!”

Click here for information about becoming a member.