Unit 15 Bargaining Update: June 4, 2026

Major Win: Article 13.9.15

Letters of Instruction and Work Improvement Discussions

We made major gains in how LOIs and WIDs are handled.

Key improvements:

• LOIs and WIDs will now have an expiration date, they will not follow you forever
• They must be issued within 30 days of the incident
• Employees have the right to submit a rebuttal
• Issues can be grieved up to CalHR, taking final control out of the department

This is a big shift toward fairness, transparency, and accountability.

Major Win: Article 20.4.15

Post and Bid Procedures (Unit 15)**

We protected what matters and made it easier to use.

What this means for you:

• The intent of Post and Bid remains unchanged, despite pressure from the state
• The process is now clear, streamlined, and easier to understand
• It is organized by department for quick reference
• Clearly outlines all types of postings:
  • Annual
  • Continuous
  • Lifetime

This makes it easier for every member to navigate opportunities and protect their rights.

“We held the line. The state pushed hard, but we made it clearer, stronger, and easier for members to access,” said Garth Underwood, Unit 15 Vice Chair.

Major Win: Article 13.22.15

CDCR and CCHCS Training**

Training was a top priority from day one, and we delivered.

New requirements include:

• Day-one training must include:
  • Basic institutional security
  • Incarcerated person supervision
  • Staff relations
  • Cook chill training
  • Food service handbook training
• The department must provide 40 hours of non-custody training within the first 3 months

This ensures new employees are prepared, safe, and set up for success.

 “We made it clear, you cannot just drop someone into a prison environment without proper training. This is about safety and professionalism,” said Eric Murray, Unit 15 Chair.

Proposals Rejected, Opportunities to Organize

Not every proposal was accepted this week, but these moments create opportunities for member action.

Lifting and Workplace Safety Proposal

We proposed limiting lifting to 50 pounds and requiring proper training. The state rejected it.

What this means:

• This issue does not go away
• It needs to be raised at site health and safety committees
• If not resolved, it can be escalated to statewide committees

“This is where member voices matter most. We need you raising these issues at your worksite,” said Francis Viera, BUNC Member.

Custodian Workforce Preservation Proposal

We proposed protections to prevent custodians from layoffs tied to telework changes. The state rejected it.

What we learned:

• The state plans to bring more employees back into offices starting July 1
• DGS is working to increase staffing levels
• The state would not limit management rights or guarantee no layoffs

We sent a clear message that Unit 15 will fight to protect custodial work and prevent contracting out.

Protecting Our Work

We are continuing to push hard against any contracting out of civil service work.

If you see or hear anything happening at your worksite:

• Email the Unit 15 inbox: [email protected]
• Contact the Member Resource Center 866-471-SEIU

Your eyes and ears are critical.

Economic Proposals Moving Forward

Good news, the state is advancing key economic proposals to the main table.

Highlights include:

• Special Salary Adjustments
• Fire Mission Pay
• Weekend Differential
• Regional Pay Differential
• Savings Plus enhancements

This is a major step toward improving compensation and long-term financial security.

“We are not just fighting for protections, we are fighting for real economic gains that recognize the value of Unit 15 work,” said Kevin Quaife, BUNC Member

📣 Stay Engaged and Get Involved

This contract fight is not just happening at the table, it is happening at every worksite across the state. 

Here is what we need from you:

• Attend your site meetings and speak up about issues
• Join your regional calls and stay informed
• Participate in health and safety committees and raise concerns
• Report contracting out concerns immediately
• Talk to your coworkers and keep them engaged
• Attend the June 4 steward meeting

Your involvement directly strengthens our position at the bargaining table.

“When members are active and engaged, it gives us the power to push harder and win more,” said Karen Maddox-Long, BUNC Member.

This is an exciting and demanding process, and real progress is being made because of your support.

You have a strong team of elected leaders and bargaining members across the state fighting for Unit 15’s needs every day. But the strongest tool we have is an engaged membership.

Stay involved. Stay informed. Keep backing your bargaining team.

In solidarity,
Your Unit 15 Bargaining Team