Unit 20 Bargaining Update
Unit 20 Members Share their Work and Submit Special Salary Adjustment Proposals

Local 1000’s Unit 20 bargaining team met with state negotiators on Monday, July 8 to share with state negotiators the work that they do, and the value of that work to the residents of California Medical & Social Specialist employees. 

The Unit 20 team introduced themselves, and we invited 9 different subject matter experts from different Medical and Social Service occupations to share their experiences with the state.  

After the presentations, we submitted special salary adjustments for Pharmacy Technicians, Respiratory Care Practitioners, Dental Hygienists, and Dietary Technicians.  

Despite record surpluses at the state level, many of our bargaining unit employees reported that low pay and a high cost of living was making it difficult to make ends meet and provide for themselves and their families. 

They told their personal stories of employees having to work second or third jobs, living in their cars, or relying on family members for financial support. Many reported that they weren’t able to spend time with their families and that the current path was unsustainable.

The management responded by saying that they had heard our concerns, and would be advocating on our behalf. Many of the members present reported that the stories moved both teams to tears. 

“In the fifth largest economy in the world, we know California can do better,” said Luisa Leuma, chair of Unit 20, “We need to build a California for All, and it has to start with our state workers”. 

Bargaining Unit 20 represents over 5,000 state employees in approximately 54 classifications. Those employees work in the prisons, veterans homes, developmental centers, state hospitals, special schools, and other departments for the state of California. The work that they do, and the dedication with which they do it, help make this state a California for All.