On February 18, 2026, the statewide JLMC meeting brought together Unit 15 Food Services representatives and State leadership to discuss key issues affecting culinary staff across agencies. Topics included ServSafe certification expectations, Fire Mission Pay, uniform standards, morale-building ideas, and clarity around hiring and exam list access. The conversation focused on improving consistency, supporting staff, and preparing for upcoming bargaining priorities.

ServSafe Certification & Training
We reviewed expectations for ServSafe certifications and basic food-handling training. While requirements differ across agencies, everyone shares the goal of strong food safety, allergen awareness, and sanitation. Some agencies already require certification within 30 days of hire, and renewing certification with required training while others are reviewing their policies for consistency.

Fire Mission Pay
Fire Mission Pay remains a major priority heading into bargaining. Culinary staff continue to provide critical support for Fire Camps by cooking meals, managing hydration, assisting logistics, ordering supplies, and tracking inventory. More clarity is needed on what qualifies someone as a “resource” a term used in other bargaining unit contracts as well as what training should be required, and this will be explored further.

Uniform Standards for Culinary Staff
Members raised concerns about inconsistent uniform requirements and reimbursement practices. A uniform advisory group is currently reviewing standards and working on updates. There is strong interest in clearer, more consistent guidelines that align with the MOU, particularly regarding reimbursement.

Fire Camp Cooking Competition Proposal
A fun proposal was introduced: friendly cooking competitions between camps or regions to build morale and camaraderie. Ideas ranged from local cook-offs to regional brackets with firefighter judges. The concept received positive feedback, but planning, logistics, and budget considerations need to be evaluated before moving ahead.

Hiring & Exam List Clarification
Questions surfaced around access to Cook Specialist exam lists, put together by CalFire. It was confirmed that these eligibility lists are statewide and not restricted to any particular department. If any department is having difficulty accessing the list, they should reach out to their hiring staff or CalHR for assistance.

“Coming into my first JLMC meeting with the State, I expected the usual tension I’ve experienced at other tables. Instead, I was genuinely impressed. The conversation was collaborative, not combative. The State not only gave us a voice they truly listened. It felt like we were working together, side by side, to make real improvements in our working conditions.”
— Frank Hickman, CDF Cook Specialist II

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Do not wait. Take action now:

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Your job. Your union. Your fight. Victory starts with you.

Meet Your Unit 15 Food Services JLMC Team

The Food Services JLMC brings our voices to the table to enhance our career growth and working conditions through better communication and accessibility.

Your team:

• Kevin Quaife
• Eric Muray
• Susanna “Susie”’ Redfearn
• Frank Hickman
• Jesse Aranda
• Justin Marcel Smith

To learn more, visit Unit 15 – SEIU Local 1000
Member Resource Center: 866-471-7348