Holiday Message

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To all those who make up the family of Bargaining Unit 3:

On behalf of the members of the Bargaining Unit Negotiation Committee (BUNC) and the members of the Statewide Bargaining Advisory Committee (SBAC), I extend to you all our best wishes for a happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year. 

Regardless of whether you celebrate, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or, even the very few who might celebrate the Saturnalia, I hope that you and your families find this a time of joy, celebration, renewal and reflection.  I urge you all to take stock of what you have and be thankful for the blessings you have received during the past year. 

During the coming months, the members of the SBAC and the BUNC will be working hard to put your concerns into proposals for better wages, working conditions and benefits that will be negotiated with the State.  I ask that you all seriously consider making recommendations to your District Bargaining Unit Representative (DBUR), answer the surveys that will be coming in your emails and attend one of the town hall meetings that will be held throughout the State.

I have been visiting institutions in District Labor Councils (DLC) which do not have DBURs, encouraging all I speak with to consider becoming stewards and volunteering to become the DBUR for that DLC.  I am encouraged by the number of you who have agreed to take part in the activities that will signify your support of the team’s efforts to achieve the “Best Contract Ever!”  So far, I’ve only been able to visit the schools at NCYC (OH Close, and Chad), CCHCF, MCSP, Folsom, CSP-Sac, VYCF, Pine Grove YCC, CCC, CMF, CCC and HDSP.  After years of stagnating wages, governors wanting to balance the state budgets on our backs and the rising cost of living, we all need to recognize that we must stand together.

Again, relax and enjoy this holiday season and the beginning of the New Year!

Bruce Theel
Chairman, Bargaining Unit3
SEIU Local 1000

Remember, if students in 18th century France and Russia of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, could create change by taking to the streets, why shouldn’t the teachers of our bargaining unit stand up for themselves and be counted?

P.S.  The regular monthly e-newsletters will resume in February 2016.