Our Bargaining Unit (BU) 3 team held the ongoing statewide 5.19.3 Classification and Compensation Committee meeting on October 30th, to address issues impacting represented workers in Unit 3.
In this meeting, we focused on gaining a clearer understanding of how vacation, leave, and related processes are handled for Bargaining Unit 3 teachers within the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and the Department of State Hospitals (DSH), and to identify possible inequities or inconsistencies we can work towards remedying.
We learned that vacation is currently determined by seniority, with instructors allowed up to 30 days off. Lower-seniority teachers often have limited options, especially during December, when many senior staff take extended leave.
We addressed the ongoing recruitment and retention problem for librarians statewide. Our discussion referred to MOU Section 11.19.3, which allows for recruitment and retention (R&R) stipend. We have requested to see the vacancy rates and any prior R&R requests to determine if similar issues exist in DDS, DSH, and CDE.
Lastly, we discussed credential clearing. Teachers hired with preliminary credentials face high costs to clear them due to the lack of state-sponsored induction (BTSA) programs. This will be an ongoing topic as the State explores what assistance can be offered.
As always, if you have questions or concerns you wish to bring to your Bargaining Unit Chair, please send an email to: [email protected]
In Solidarity,
SEIU Local 1000, Bargaining Unit 3