IT outreach program reaching high levels of participation

More than 900 IT professionals attended Local 1000's outreach program during the first five weeks of events.  That included 74 members during a single November 28th meeting at DCSS in Rancho Cordova.

"Everyone I talk to likes these events," said Clay Silva, a staff ISA at DOE and an outreach program presenter.  "The union is getting information directly to the members, and the members have an opportunity to provide their input and concerns."

The state is proposing a new classification system that consolidates the current IT classes from 19 to 6.  The plan also calls for a new exam and selection process for promotions.  The state is required to bargain with SEIU Local 1000 before a new system can be implemented.  Compensation will be one of the topics.  Formal bargaining starts in January.  The state has targeted July 2008 as the implementation date.

"The discussion section of each worksite meeting has been really valuable," said Margarita Maldonado, chair of Bargaining Unit 1 and an AISA at the Department of Justice. "It's helping the Union identify and prioritize IT concerns."

Many ITs are raising legitimate concerns about the states proposed new examination process.  Maldonado says the new exam system must make it easier, not more cumbersome, to recruit and promote qualified state candidates.

One major success behind these events is having members like Silva volunteer to be presenters.  These presentations, done by IT professionals familiar with the state's reclassification proposal, have made it possible to schedule multiple meetings at one time at different locations.

Check the IT pages at www.seiu1000.org for the next scheduled event in your area.