Unit 3 teacher Pamm Handel says “union power is all about solidarity”
29-YEAR MEMBER POINTS TO WINS ACHIEVED BY ACTIVE MEMBERS

When Pamm Handel retires this month, after a long career as a Unit 3 teacher at DJJ, she’ll be leaving behind the dual legacy of dedicated state worker and highly-engaged union leader.

She’s worked in special education at a number of Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) facilities. A union member from day one, she became a steward nearly 20 years ago and has been active in bargaining two contracts as well as other Unit 3-related issues, along with representing the interests of colleagues in the worksite. 

Among her many contributions to her union and her coworkers, she’s most proud of the 2006 negotiations to improve the academic calendar and raise wages for CDCR’s teachers and librarians.  She also played a key role in Local 1000’s efforts to mitigate the impacts of closures of three DJJ facilities and ensure impacted workers were provided every opportunity to continue their careers.

“Every win, every advancement we’ve achieved is because of a strong, active membership,” she said. “There is always strength in numbers.”