Stewards lead the way doing real representation
When our members find themselves facing conflict in the workplace over contract language, their first line of defense is their Job Steward. Across the state, hundreds of SEIU Local 1000 members have stepped up to act in the role of advocate for their coworkers, receiving regular and thorough training in our contract and the codes and regulations that protect our rights and working conditions.
Many issues are solved through informal meetings with management. When we’re unable to reach a solution, we will file a grievance and initiate a process that brings to bear the full resources of our representational staff, which includes specialists at our Union Resource Center and our Union’s team of labor attorneys.
Recently, our representational team recorded wins where our members’ rights were violated, or where the member needed just a little more help:
WIN: Workstation fixed after management’s long lack of response
A DMV worker in Central California has an appropriate and ergonomic workstation after receiving help from our Union Resource Center. Repeated requests for a fix—over a two-year time frame—were ignored by management. Working with the office manager and DMV’s regional administrator took additional months, but the desk and printer are now up to par.
Win: Lagging health and dental benefits resolved quickly
A CalTrans employee, working on the Coast, contacted the URC in mid-April frustrated that he hadn’t been able to sign up and receive the medical and dental benefits for himself and his family that our contract guarantees. He submitted a summary of his issues in obtaining the benefits, and our team pressed the agency’s HR department, along with its Labor Relations officer. Just two weeks after reaching out, our member’s benefits were secured, backdated to January 1, 2022.
Win: URC action reverses pay error, back pay collected
Members sometimes encounter errors and omissions in their pay calculations, and when an EDD employee found 3 errors, she asked for help. Since August of last year, the member hadn’t received her MSA, her Range Change to Range B, or her bilingual pay. Overtime earned at the wrong rate compounded the error. Working with Labor Relations at EDD, the problem was solved in just 4 days, and our member was made whole with nearly $3,000 in back pay and a now-correct pay warrant.
Questions about your Contract? What you can do:
Know Your Rights: Use the mobile-friendly contract search tool at contract.seiu1000.org
Contact the Local 1000 Member Resource Center (MRC) at 866.471.SEIU (7348) Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.