Union Update Newsletter
Union Update Newsletter
Union Update, Local 1000’s weekly newsletter, provides members with the latest union news including organizing and enforcement victories, political activities, union campaigns, member profiles and special events.
Local 1000 Vice President Tamekia N. Robinson named to California Pay Equity Task Force
Appointment reflects leadership on gender equality and economic justice
As a reflection of her unwavering commitment to gender equality and economic justice, the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls (CCSWG) has appointed SEIU Local 1000 Vice President for Organizing/Representation Tamekia N. Robinson to the California Pay Equity Task Force.
Women On The Front Lines For Environmental Justice
Celebrating Women's History Month
Berta Cáceres (March 4, 1971-March 3, 2016) was a Honduran environmental activist and leader of the indigenous Lenca people there. She led a decade long internationally-waged battle to stop a dam being built on the Gualcarque River, a body of water which is sacred to the Lenca.
Women On The Front Lines Of Social Justice
Celebrating Women's History Month
Fannie Lou Hamer (October 6, 1917—March 14, 1977) grew up poor as a sharecropper in Mississippi, but she went on to be one of the most inspirational leaders of the Civil Rights Era whose fierce activism on behalf of voting rights inspired generations of activists.
PDD & PHDs – Use Them Or Lose Them
Professional Development Days
All employees accumulate two Professional Development Days (PDD) during each fiscal year (July 1 – June 30). Those days are separate from any other provision afforded under the contract. PDD days are to be used at the employee’s discretion and are to be requested and approved in the same manner as vacation and annual leave. For more information, see Article 13 of your contract.
Women on the Front Lines of Economic Justice
Celebrating women's history month
Frances Perkins, (April 10, 1880- May 14, 1965) became the first woman in the nation to serve in a Presidential cabinet, being named Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Secretary of Labor in 1933 and serving until 1945. She was the principal architect of key New Deal programs including Social Security, unemployment insurance, laws regulating child labor, a federal minimum wage, and the 40-hour workweek.
Local 1000 Celebrates Black History Month
California's African-American Influence
The month of February is a time when America can take a moment to recognize its strongest foundation—its diversity. The fact that everyone in Local 1000 is different and comes from a different background unifies us.
Our Local 1000 Purpose Statement makes it clear that we want to “… give our members—and all Californians—the opportunity to have a good life, live in sustainable communities and enjoy the fruits of social, economic and environmental justice,” just as these African-Americans showed leadership in California:
Building Strong Worksite Representation
Steward training program developing new advocates and leaders
Local 1000 stewards are the building blocks of the collective power of our union. Up and down the state, nearly 1,000 of our members have stepped up to take a pledge to enforce our contract and improve workplace conditions, while engaging their coworkers to become active and support our Union’s pursuit of social and economic justice.
In 2015, just over 150 new steward candidates successfully completed our Leadership Apprentice Program for Stewards (LAPS) program. In 2016, we want to triple the number of LAPS graduates.
Building worksite networks for a stronger union
Teresa Hubbard is standing up to make a difference for all
Teresa Hubbard joined the “1000 for Local 1000” challenge because she is ready to make a stand for herself and her coworkers in her workplace. By joining a Worksite Action Team (WAT), Hubbard and other 1000 for Local 1000 member leaders are gathering strength and creating a solid organizing structure that will put pressure on the state to take our demands seriously as we bargain the 2016 contract—and beyond.
Honoring Leaders Who Moved From Words To Action
A Letter from President Walker
Black History Month gives us an opportunity to remember the accomplishments of ordinary people who recognized that change doesn’t just happen but comes only when we are willing to risk ourselves for justice. Ordinary people exhibiting extraordinary bravery in the arena of civil rights, economic and social justice.
Contract enforcement fight ends in $25K settlement at DPH
State department ignored seniority preferences for overtime assignment
A Bargaining Unit One member received a $25,000 lump-sum settlement in arbitration after a grievance filed with the support of Local 1000 members and staff was denied at every level. The member, a Health Program Specialist I at the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), was being denied extra work assignments—Duty Officer Positions–that were rightfully his due to seniority.
Victory ensures safer, healthier working environment for Ironwood LVNs
Temporary relocation caused heat exhaustion, slips and falls for members
Bargaining Unit 20 LVNs working at Ironwood State Prison have been assured of safer and healthier working conditions during prison construction after filing a grievance and ultimately winning a settlement during arbitration.
Pension Foes Look to the Future to Attack Members’ Benefits
Former San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed and former San Diego Councilmember Carl DeMaio, two failed politicians obsessed with taking away public employee pensions, have withdrawn their 2016 antipension ballot measures.
Bullied Department of Public Health Employee gets New Management Team
Union representation made all the difference for an employee of the California Department of Public Health in Sacramento whose hostile supervisors had made her work environment unbearable.
Governor releases 2016-2017 state budget proposal
“One of our prime responsibilities is the people that work for us.”
—Governor Jerry Brown
Governor Jerry Brown introduced his proposed 2016-2017 state budget on January 7, setting the tone for the upcoming legislative session and for the season of bargaining that will result in a new contract for Local 1000-represented state workers.
Union Update Newsletter returns January 6, 2016
Due to the end of the year, the weekly newsletter will be on hold until the new year. Expect it back on Wednesday, January 6, 2016. Until then, we wish you safe travels, happy holidays and a wonderful new year.
Collective power delivers results
Union clout fixes delays in SSSB claims
Local 1000 leveraged our collective power to get relief for members at the State Special Schools who were struggling with delays in State Special Schools Benefit (SSSB) funds. SSSB funds are a type of unemployment benefit for employees of the State Special Schools run by the California Department of Education (CDE).
Local 1000 members and staff met several times over the past eight months with department representatives. The union forced management to identify what was causing delays and to find ways to minimize those delays.
Members will make the difference
President Walker announces 2016 contract campaign focus: take action
Local 1000 has launched its 2016 contract campaign with these words from President Yvonne R. Walker: “Our contract will be about the strength and the power of our members to win something amazing.”
Speaking to members statewide on a conference call for Local 1000 stewards and hundreds more who heard the call at listening parties, Walker looked forward to the upcoming negotiations feeling confident about the preparation that’s gone before.
Fighting the growing retirement security crisis
Local 1000 is spearheading a coalition of labor, faith and social justice groups to expand programs that address the growing retirement crisis facing millions of Californians.
Last month, our union cohosted a coalition-building event that released research reviewing this growing crisis and what Californians will face at retirement age without new policies to change the future.
Contract enforcement reverses sick leave denials
Two representation wins for members who were initially denied sick leave prove, once again, that the collective strength of Local 1000 can make all the difference for members facing the indifferent bureaucracy of state government during a time of personal need.
Holding politicians accountable for immigration reform
Community coalition mobilizes to create power, rebuild families
Local 1000 members and community partners stood up for stronger action on immigration reform at a press conference held November 20—the one-year anniversary of President Obama’s executive actions on immigration—calling on working families to hold politicians accountable for policies that tear families apart and weaken our economy.
Adverse actions withdrawn at CDCR
Real representation clears wrongfully accused LVNs
False accusations are painful and can damage reputations. So when two LVNs at the California Correctional Institute in Tehachapi were blamed for a discrepancy in a pill count after their shift, Local 1000 mobilized our legal and representation resources to help these two members clear their names.
The Contract and Beyond
SBAC identifies collective power as key to success
Local 1000’s Statewide Bargaining Advisory Committee (SBAC) met on November 14 and 15 in San Jose to plan, train and outline visions and strategies to ensure our members’ priorities are moved forward at the bargaining table and beyond. Central to the gathering was the challenge for members to come forward and present a strong, united front to secure the best contract possible.
Workers Training Management
Covered California workers discover the power of membership
The Fresno Action Committee, the Joint Labor Management Committee (JLMC) for the Fresno Covered California office, is building a voice for workers to demand respect at that worksite. A recent meeting resulted in management conceding a number of items, including the right of workers to have a coffee and water club, to monitor their cell phones for emergencies and to have ample time to check emails and study.
Members mobilize to end salary disparity at California School for the Deaf
Football coaches paid less than half as much as counterparts at hearing schools
Local 1000 members at the California School for the Deaf (CSD) took action to protest unfair coaching salary schedules that have deaf coaches being paid less—sometimes as little as half—than the salaries of their hearing counterparts at other schools. During the CSD Fremont homecoming game against rivals CSD Riverside on October 17, members created an organized presence, setting up a booth and handing out “Support Our Coaches” stickers and fliers to call attention to the unequal pay.
Stand Up! Speak Out!
National Day of Action — Nov. 10
By taking collective action, we will make $15 and a union a central economic demand of our time. We are marching on city halls this time because city halls are the local symbol of our nation’s broken political system. We are joining together to elect and hold accountable politicians who support the middle class and a living wage for all workers.
To join us at the Sacramento or Oakland actions or to find a November 10 action near you, visit us at seiu1000.org/nov10
Celebrating Respiratory Care Week
We celebrate Local 1000’s respiratory therapists and the important work that they do
A dedicated group of Local 1000 members who provide lifesaving treatment under challenging conditions are being honored this week, along with thousands of their professional brothers and sisters across the nation.
This week is Respiratory Care Week. Our Respiratory Therapists work up and down the state in correctional facilities and state hospitals and deserve thanks for their efforts to help patients experience a healthier quality of life.
Taking it up a notch
Transforming the next generation of member leaders as we prepare for bargaining
Nearly two dozen member leaders from across the state gathered at Local 1000’s Sacramento office October 12–16 to participate in a dynamic new leadership development program. The program is designed to recognize and mentor effective leaders to build Union power and solidarity as we prepare to bargain a new contract as well as fight off continuing attacks on the union.
Pension attack fails, new threats launched
After a dangerous and deceptive pension initiative failed to gain support, right-wing extremists Chuck Reed and Carl DeMaio have come out with two new proposals that continue their efforts to degrade the hard-earned pension benefits of public employees.
While their new approach appears to dial back the threat to current workers, the new attacks are just as dangerous. Everyone who cares about the economic security of California as a large segment of our population moves toward retirement should take this multi-pronged attack very seriously.
Another victory against bullying
A supervisor at DGS has been reassigned and no longer manages workers after Local 1000 won a grievance against workplace bullying.
Local 1000 is committed to creating and maintaining emotionally healthy workplaces for the state workers we represent. We recognize that hostility and unprofessionalism are unsafe working conditions and we take these threats to our workers seriously.
Two DGS employees came to the union to get relief from an oppressive situation that was making the workplace unbearable for them.
Protecting upward mobility
Steward helps force management to update personnel file
Local 1000 provides crucial representation to our members, not only at the bargaining table, but by backing up workers in the day-to-day interactions with management bureaucracy that can affect career advancement.
One of our members at Child Support Services recently experienced just that kind of support after coming to the union for assistance with getting management to remove outdated performance-related materials from his file. The contents of a state worker’s supervisor’s file can have a major impact on their ability to promote and take advantage of career opportunities.
Members organize for workplace safety
Emergency call light system repaired after a march on city hall
Thanks to the efforts of Local 1000 members advocating for patient safety at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP), the long-broken emergency call light system there has been repaired.
Retirement Security for All Californians
Local 1000 member shares struggles as retirement board designs relief plan
The Local 1000-supported goal of creating a retirement safety net for Californians with no workplace plan came nearer its goal on September 28 as the Secure Choice Retirement board considered detailed information about how that state-run plan should work. Local 1000 was there to make sure our members’ voices are heard as important decisions are made on this groundbreaking program.
CalPERS open enrollment period has started
Educate yourself on your coverage options and changes
Open Enrollment for CalPERS members started September 14 and ends October 9. Changes made during this open enrollment period take effect January 1, 2016. During this time, eligible employees may:
Enroll in a CalPERS health plan if you don’t currently have CalPERS health coverage
Connecting Common Values
Papal visit forums focus on opportunities for economic and social justice
Pope Francis’ first visit to the U. S. since being elected to the papacy in 2013 provided Local 1000’s Latino/Latina Committee with the opportunity to host two nights of discussion on the visit’s significance. Called “Connecting Common Values: Income Inequality, Environment, Immigration, Race” the forums were held September 15 and 22 at Local 1000’s Sacramento Field Office in partnership with Sacramento Area Congregations Together (ACT).
Members organizing for respect
Unit 15 movement for dignity takes root at Napa State Hospital
The movement for dignity and solidarity in Bargaining Unit 15 is growing at Napa State Hospital. A large worksite action organized by custodians there is calling public attention to unsafe conditions and forcing management to the table to address a variety of worker concerns.
Holding politicians accountable
As a member political organizer in San Diego, Tammy Endozo has listened to many politicians talk about what they would do if elected. As a legislative fellow working out of Local 1000’s Sacramento office, she’s had a chance to see how many of them actually hold to the promises they’ve made. It’s been an eye-opening experience for her, reinforcing the importance of members being involved and active in the electoral process.
Settlement forces state to correct holiday pay error
Members organize to enforce contract
Eleven CalTrans toll collectors have been made whole again after Local 1000 forced a settlement to correct the way the Unit 4 members were being compensated when working on premium holidays.
Representing her coworkers in and out of the worksite
Steward Wandra Pitts understands how personal challenges can affect our work lives
Local 1000 Steward Wandra Pitts believes her work representing her coworkers doesn’t stop at the office door.
An Associate Government Program Analyst at CalPERS, she’s halfway through a year’s union leave, working at Local 1000’s Union Resource Center (URC), solving problems for members facing challenges in the workplace.
Heeding the Call
New steward uses Local 1000 to extend her community impact
When Meghan Burkhart was growing up in the San Joaquin Valley, her father worked in the migrant farm camps. That influence gave Burkhart two important perspectives on the world: that we are tied to the land by the food we eat and that the hands that provide the labor can join together to raise each other up.
So when Burkhart entered state service two years ago working in the call center at the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), signing on with the union that represents 95,000 state workers was as natural to her values as buying California-grown produce.
Task Force recommends minimum wage increase
Battle for economic justice continues on many fronts
Last week, Sacramento’s Income Inequality Task Force recommended an increase in the city’s minimum wage to $12.50 an hour by 2020. The recommendation will now go before the City Council for review and public comment before a final decision is reached.
“We have raised the debate about income inequality and will continue the fight for fair wages throughout California so that no one who works full time lives in poverty,” said Yvonne R. Walker, Local 1000 president.
Organizing for dignity
Custodians at Yountville ignite movement for respect in Unit 15
Organizing by our members at the Yountville Veteran’s Home is changing a culture of disrespect and abuse there and sending a message to other worksites in Bargaining Unit 15 that solidarity works and that we are always stronger together.
Members speak out on income inequality
Local 1000 activists join community leaders to fight for fair pay for all workers
Scores of Local 1000 members were joined by community activists from across the Sacramento region August 25 for a town hall addressing the growing wealth disparity in our economy and what working people can do to stand up for each other.
Making a positive change in workplace conditions
Steward organizes coworkers to institute telework option at Dept. of Insurance
When Annie Chao took a poll of her coworkers at the Department of Insurance (DOI) in Los Angeles, she found that many had a desire to telework.
A new steward out of the Leadership Apprentice Program for Stewards (LAPS), Chao immediately put her training to work researching options that would help meet that need. LAPS had provided her with a steward toolkit of organizing actions to win important workplace rights for her coworkers.
“I started with the contract,” Chao said. “I found there’s a provision in there for teleworking.”
Income Inequality Affects Us All
City task force examines the real economic impact of minimum wage
As the possibility for narrowing the income gap comes closer to reality for low wage workers in Sacramento, Local 1000 members are pushing to keep the needs of the working families top-of-mind for the city’s decision makers. At the third meeting of Sacramento’s Income Inequality Task Force on August 12, our members took their turn at the public comment podium to give voice to the real experiences of working Californians—and their community partners—who struggle to live on minimum wage.
Pension attack takes next step
Attorney General releases official summary; signature gathering underway
The deadly 2016 pension-gutting ballot initiative designed to bypass collective bargaining and threaten the retirement security of all public employees has passed another milestone, receiving a official title and summary from California Attorney General Kamala Harris.
Titled the “Public Employees. Pension and Retiree Healthcare Benefits. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.” the ballot measure “eliminates constitutional protections for vested pension and retiree healthcare benefits for current public employees.”
Here is the official title and summary of the Reed/DeMaio Initiative
The Attorney General of California has prepared the following title and summary of the chief purpose and points of the proposed measure
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES. PENSION AND RETIREE HEALTHCARE BENEFITS. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
Fighting workplace bullying
Joel Chan uses the tools of representation to take on abusive managers
There’s a word for managers who yell, play favorites, deny hard-earned working conditions and trample the rights of workers who engage in union activities: bullies. And when your boss is a bully, you need someone to be a champion for you. For an increasing number of our members, that champion is Joel Chan.
Stewards, officers meet with FTB Executive Officer
Building relationships to build a better workplace
At a first-time meeting between Franchise Tax Board (FTB) Executive Officer Selvi Stanislaus and 20 Local 1000 stewards from that department, the union set out our road map to creating a cooperative, mutually-beneficial environment for workers and management.
“We’re here to build a relationship with FTB leadership based on support and collaboration,” said Yvonne R. Walker, Local 1000 president. “We can accomplish a lot together by communicating on critical issues and working together to find solutions.”
Members push for upward mobility in Unit 15
JLMCs mark progress at multiple departments
On July 23, the Unit 15 Upward Mobility Team met with the state’s representatives in a Joint Labor Management Committee (JLMC) as part of a continuing dialogue about gaps in the various departments’ upward mobility programs.
Along with Chair Jesse Aranda (DSH), the team is comprised of Garth Underwood (CDCR), Shavone Brown (DGS) and Ellis Washington (EDD), as well as staff from Local 1000’s contract department.