Unit 1 Alert: Bargaining Update – May 29

The Unit 1 bargaining team – representing Professional Administrative, Financial and Staff Services – presented a series of powerful witnesses to support our proposal to address equity adjustments for Unit 1 classifications.

The presentation included eight witnesses representing different classifications or department. 

“They all testified that our pay parity proposal is important,” said Brenda Modkins, chair of Bargaining Unit 1. “These were very thorough presentations. We talked about how we train employees to do this work and then they leave to go to private companies or other public agencies – state salaries are just not keeping up.”

“We also talked about the frustration of working side by side with contractors who do the same work but are getting paid much more than us,” Modkins added. 

Among the presenters were an operations research analyst from the Department of Water Resources, an environmental planner from Caltrans, a system software specialist III from the California Technology Agency, an auditor from the Franchise Tax Board, a correctional case records analyst from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), an associate right of way agent from Caltrans and two personnel specialists – one each from CDCR and the Employment Development Department.  Also testifying were members of the bargaining team who are in these classifications.

“We’re still awaiting responses from the state on our pay parity proposal and many other proposals that are priorities for Unit 1 members,” Modkins said.  

Unit 1 goes back to the table on Friday.  
We are also encouraging all of our members to RSVP for the June 5 “I’m All In!” rally at the Capitol – an action that will tell everyone that we are all in for Local 1000, all in for a fair contract and all in for quality public services for Californians.