Statewide Bargaining Team Building Momentum for 2023 Negotiations

With contract negotiations coming in the spring of 2023, building a stronger membership was the focus for the October 15-16 virtual meeting of the Statewide Bargaining Advisory Council (SBAC).

Membership is key to winning a good contract, and when we go to the bargaining table, it’s important to have a membership roster that’s as big as possible. It sends the strongest possible message to state negotiators that we are “all in” for a good contract, one that values our contribution to California.

More than 100 member-elected bargaining representatives from up and down California—including the 60-plus members who negotiate our contract with the State—meet regularly to develop strategies for bargaining and to understand and respond to issues that affect our lives at work and at home.

On Saturday, SBAC members participated in interactive sessions and trainings designed to advance the organizing skills necessary to build a strong membership, led by Vice President for Bargaining Irene Green, our Bargaining Unit Chairs, and Local 1000. Staff.

On Sunday, the teams who negotiate for the 10 bargaining units Local 1000 represents met in individual breakouts to continue developing strategies for negotiations in 2023.

Moving forward, the team will begin scheduling town halls and distributing surveys to ensure we stay abreast of worker concerns as we draw closer to bargaining our new contract.