Our Unit 3 team is making thoughtful progress for the Professional Educators and Librarians we represent, as we work to improve their economic status and the working conditions they face.
“We have more than a dozen proposals we’re close to reaching agreement with the State on,” said Bob Holtz, Unit 3 Bargaining Chair. “Our team is being thorough and rigorous in our approach to move us closer to achieving a good contract.”
Today, we received five counterproposals from the State and presented five counterproposals of our own. In addition, we presented a proposal to continue contract section 5.19.3, the Bargaining Unit 3 Classification and Compensation Committee, which allows us to keep working on pay parity and equity for a variety of classifications. And, we presented a proposal for several Special Salary Adjustments (SSA).
Still at issue: the academic calendar. This important contract section defines work schedules and leaves opportunities for the entire school year for our teachers. Over time, Unit 3 has lost its voice in developing the calendar, and it’s now unilaterally implemented by the Office of Correctional Education (OCE).
“The simple fact is that OCE needs teachers to implement and run their programs,” said Barbara Wheeler, Unit 3 bargaining team member. “They are either given the time off that they need, or they will take the time that they need. Educational programs would suffer and more importantly, the students will suffer.” Negotiations on this issue are still underway.
Here’s an example: Starting Monday, this year’s calendar has a two-week vacation break scheduled. Without a union voice in creating it, it’s inflexible and difficult to create exceptions.
But our Unit 3 bargaining team is committed and will be bargaining through this vacation to ensure a good contract for those they represent.
You can read the details of these and all current contract articles at contract.www.seiu1000.org
Unit 3 returns to the table next week, on Tuesday, June 27. However, with just ten days remaining until our contract expires, bargaining sessions could happen at any time.
To keep updated, and to see updates on other bargaining unit contract sessions, please visit the Contract Action Center page at www.seiu1000.org
There’s real truth to the Local 1000 slogan, Stronger Together. We only win a great contract with a strong Local 1000 membership. So, if you’re not already a member, we encourage you to join us today.
And be sure to save your spot for the upcoming June 22 Rally at the Governor’s Office in Los Angeles here.