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.
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.
Arbitration win says CDCR retaliated against Local 1000 steward
Victory includes back pay for nearly two years of missed overtime
Stewards are at the core of Local 1000’s power, the crucial connection between the members in the workplace and the union. So when one of our representatives is treated unfairly for doing the work of the union, they’ve picked a fight we’ll take to the mat.
President Obama clears way for Local 1000-supported retirement program
Federal hurdles removed for Secure Choice
A key component of Local 1000’s vision for Retirement Security for all Californians can move forward thanks to action by President Obama. On July 13, the President ordered his Labor Secretary, Tom Perez, to create a set of rules for states by year’s end that will make it easier for them to set up and run retirement savings programs for workers without access to 401(k) plans.
The future of the state work force is diversity
President Walker outlines a vision to recruit, retain and promote women and people of color in state service
Local 1000 is taking an active role in shaping the future of the state work force and is working to ensure that the employees who carry out California’s business reflect the diversity of the populations they serve.
Generational shift coming
As the baby boom generation approaches retirement and millennials estimated to reach 75 percent of the work force in 10 years, the union and state lawmakers have identified an important opportunity to influence the future face of state work.
Young DLC opening doors to the next generation of state workers
The Young DLC (Driving Leadership and Change), a 35-and-under group of members who meet regularly to engage with the state workers of their generation, is one example of Local 1000’s commitment to creating a path to state service that is truly open to all Californians. Among its many outreach activities, the Young DLC hosts a number of career-building workshops designed to help state workers and prospective employees navigate the sometimes confusing path to working for California.
Union pressure leads to settlement win at State Fund
Department implemented production standards without union input
Local 1000 stopped the State Compensation Insurance Fund (State Fund) from implementing a serious violation of our contract by introducing performance standards in the workplace without notifying and bargaining with the union. As a result of our pressure, State Fund has agreed to suspend the controversial program and meet with Local 1000.
EDD workers share the burden with coworkers facing reduced hours
Spreading the cuts lessens the negative impact
Seventy Local 1000 members at the Employment Development Department (EDD) stepped up to soften the blow for some of their coworkers who faced reduced hours. As a result, what would have been a major reduction in work and pay for a few people was distributed among a larger group for a much less significant negative impact.
Building Strength for our 2016 contract
In just one year, the working conditions, wages and benefits of Local 1000 employees will be governed by a new contract—our current contract expires on June 30, 2016—and preparations are already underway by our bargaining teams to build negotiating strength.
More than 200 elected members from various classifications in our nine bargaining units meet regularly to map out strategies and a timeline for negotiations, which will begin in the spring of 2016.
Salaries Increase
2.5% July 1
Hard-fought contract wins continue to pay off for represented employees
Local 1000-represented employees will receive a 2.5 percent salary increase beginning July 1. This is the second portion of an across-the-board pay raise negotiated in 2013 that totaled 4.5 percent. State employees will see the higher amounts in their August 1 paychecks.
“These increases over the last two years are much-deserved and well-earned after state employees shared the pain of recession and the state’s fiscal crisis,” said Yvonne R. Walker, Local 1000 president.
Steward retaliation case a win for Local 1000
Adverse actions removed after union challenges manager’s actions
Swift and decisive action by Local 1000’s legal department shut down a hostile manager’s suppression of our members’ right to conduct union activities at Department of Social Services (DSS). The union’s determination to not let bullying behavior stand forced DSS to agree to completely withdraw spurious charges against our members.
“We’ll do whatever it takes to get these kinds of bogus adverse actions removed,” said Tamekia N. Robinson, vice president for organizing/representation. “There’s no way we will tolerate bullying of our stewards.”
Deadly pension initiative bypasses collective bargaining
Hard-earned retirement, medical benefits under attack
A new ballot initiative filed last week to appear on the 2016 ballot, would bypass the collective bargaining table and effectively freeze retirement benefits for Local 1000-represented employees at the current contract level, requiring voter approval for any enhancement of those benefits.
Any alterations in cost of living adjustments, pension calculations, changes in vesting or lowering the age of retirement eligibility would all be subject to a statewide vote—even if they are successfully bargained in a contract.
CCHCS making the switch to electronic record keeping
Local 1000 members will take part in pilot program
Local 1000 members are monitoring the implementation of a new electronic records system that will streamline health care services in state prisons. Called Electronic Health Records System (EHRS), the system will begin its rollout in October.
Opening up to a world of possibilities
Monterey County member steps up to become honored activist
When Jose Eric Alcaraz joined Local 1000, he got more than workplace representation; he discovered a conduit to the larger community issues he had wanted to be involved with all his life. “It’s the outlet I needed,” Alcaraz said.
New attack launched on public employee pensions
Ballot initiative threatens state worker retirement security
A coalition of anti-union, anti-public employee groups, including the National Right to Work Committee, launched their latest attack against public employee pensions and the hard-earned retirement security of state workers.
Their misleading campaign, called the “Voter Empowerment Act of 2016,” would undermine collective bargaining and require voter approval for changes to pensions and other retirement benefits, including medical insurance. The initiative will soon move into the signature-gathering phase and will appear on the ballot next year.
CTF teacher learns how Politics Matter to state workers
Legislative fellowship invigorates political activism for Central Coast steward
Maureen Thompson is returning to her job with a fresh outlook on Local 1000’s work after completing a three-month legislative fellowship at our Sacramento headquarters.
Thompson’s fellowship opened up a new world for the member who has already served the union as a job steward, District Bargaining Unit Representative (DBUR) for District Labor Council (DLC) 741 and delegate to the Monterey Bay Central Labor Council.
Thompson gained a sharper perspective on the challenges Local 1000 faces in this time of big money anti-labor attacks.
Local 1000 Stewards Meet with New State Controller
Free-ranging discussion promises cultural shift at SCO
On Wednesday, May 13, State Controller Betty Yee met with Local 1000 stewards from her department to talk over their concerns and set a fresh tone of openness and cooperation in her new administration’s relationship with its workers.
Steward training develops new leaders
Members step up to provide real representation
In Anthony Harrison’s workspace at EDD, he keeps a sign that says, “The changes we seek in our communities begin with us.” Harrison says the sign sums up this view of making the world a better place: involvement is everything. And Harrison wants to be involved.
Secure Choice board considers retirement plan options
Working to meet the needs of millions of workers with no pension
Local 1000’s work to provide retirement security for all Californians continued on April 27 as the California Secure Choice Board met to discuss the best options to help millions of private sector workers save for retirement.
“It is an incredibly complex job to create a savings system for workers, but it is extremely rewarding to know that our state is showing leadership in helping millions of workers gain retirement security,” Walker said.
Progress on Unit 4 program tech reclassification
Local 1000’s ongoing campaign to update the job specifications of nearly 4,000 Program Technicians (PT) got a boost when the state agreed to jointly interview workers about their duties in several key departments.
Local 1000 monitoring upcoming budget revisions
Increased revenues may revive spending for vital services
Next week, the governor will announce his May Revise proposed budget for 2015-16, with updates based on tax revenues collected through April of this year.
“Local 1000 will carefully scrutinize the evolving budget and work to restore spending on the vital services our members provide,” said Yvonne R. Walker, Local 1000 president. “Once again, politics matter as we work to improve the lives of all Californians.”
May Day highlights struggle of working families
A time to focus labor’s role building a stronger middle class
For people in more than 80 countries this Friday, May 1, is a national holiday that honors labor and working people. It is often referred to as International Workers’ Day, Labor Day or just May Day.
Although May Day is not a legal holiday in the United States, SEIU and many unions as well as our allies use May 1 to highlight issues of income inequality, worker dignity and, especially in recent years, immigration reform.
Healthy, sustainable communities are part of our Purpose Statement
For Crystal McCray and several thousand other Local 1000 members in a variety of departments, every day is Earth Day.
“I’m proud that my state job is to promote environmental justice and foster healthy communities,” said McCray, a sustainability coordinator at the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) in Sacramento. “My work at CalEPA is consistent with my values and our Purpose Statement at Local 1000. We work every day to promote the quality of life in our state.”
Fight for $15 Day of Action
Recap
Local 1000 members joined thousands of low-wage workers and their supporters in rallies and marches across California on April 15 to mark the Fight for $15 and a Union National Day of Action.
“Let there be no mistake.In California, we will have $15 and a union. Local 1000 will be in the street for as long as it takes until we get what we need for working people.”
—Yvonne R. Walker, Local 1000 President
Local 1000 members join nationwide fight to strengthen the middle class
On Wednesday, thousands of people are joining fast-food workers, retail employees, child care workers, home care providers, airport workers and adjunct professors in rallies up and down the state and in more than 60 cities across the nation to demand fair pay for hard work: $15 and a Union.
“No one working full-time should have to live in poverty,” said Yvonne R. Walker, Local 1000 president. “We stand with these workers to ensure their prosperity and their ability to provide a dignified living for their families.”
Call to Action for Working Families
On April 15, Local 1000 will be out in full force on the National Day of Action in the Fight for $15 and a Union, demanding that corporate America pay all workers a living wage. Local 1000’s commitment to economic justice for all Californians means we stand strong for fair wages.
FIGHT for FIFTEEN on 4-15
Mark your calendar to join the National Day of Action “4/15.” To find a rally near you, visit the Local 1000 website seiu1000.org/april15
Come out to make our voice even stronger and help us make history!
Local 1000 Pushes to Expand Quality, Affordable Child Care
High cost of child care an economic justice issue
“In today’s economy, when having both parents in the workforce is an economic necessity for many families, we need affordable, high-quality child care more than ever. It’s not a ‘nice-to-have.’ It’s a ‘must-have.’ So it’s time we stop treating child care as a side issue, or as a women’s issue, and treat it like the national economic priority that it is for all of us.”
-President Barack Obama
Cesar Chavez’s Fight Continues
Current campaigns mirror earlier struggles
Local 1000 members honored Cesar Chavez by marching and participating in a variety of events remembering the labor leader on March 28 in Sacramento, Davis, Los Angeles and Fresno.
In Sacramento, Local 1000 members and staff attended an event to honor Chavez on Saturday, March 28. The crowd marched from Southside Park to the Capitol. Speakers addressed issues such as immigration reform, economic justice and the fight for clean, healthy communities for working families.
DDSD Stewards Organize to Force Formation of JLMC
Disability Determination Service Division forced to accept JLMCs
By enforcing our 2013 contract, a determined group of stewards has forced their division of the Department of Social Services (DSS) to accept joint labor management committees (JLMC) statewide and at all of its regional offices.
Local 1000 fought for JLMCs through a stewards’ grievance, affirmed by CalHR in a March 10 decision entitling 1200 DSS employees in the Disability Determination Service Division (DDSD) to actively participate in workplace change.
Call to Action for All Working Families
On April 15, Local 1000 will be out in full force on the National Day of Action in the Fight for $15 and a Union, demanding that corporate America pay all workers a living wage. Local 1000’s commitment to economic justice for all Californians means we stand strong for fair wages.
Bobby Roy
Taking the Local 1000 Path to Success
The strongest steel is forged from the hottest flame. Like in the case of Bobby Roy, an Education Programs Consultant with the California Department of Education, life’s turns can feel like Hell, but the heat can forge your strength and push you toward success. It also helps if your army in battle is Local 1000.
In 2000, Bobby Roy’s mother, a preschool teacher at the YMCA, died and left the 21-year old with their South Sacramento house and the care of his grandmother. His mother also blessed him with a concrete goal for survival.
DMV HEAT Team Signs Up 1000 New Members
We are growing stronger together
In a huge win, Local 1000’s DMV “HEAT Team” signed up 1000 new members.
“Our DMV HEAT Team is doing some amazing work,” said Local 1000 President Yvonne R. Walker.
“Our DMV member leaders are setting an example—and raising the standard—for everyone in Local 1000. It really shows the power of effective workplace organizing.”
Local 1000 takes the lead to IGNITE! change in the labor movement
"Economic justice for all" theme of national conference
A Local 1000 delegation joined other SEIU members, staff, officers and non-union workers from across the country for the IGNITE! Sparking Leadership Conference March 7-10 in St. Louis. IGNITE partici-pants spent four days sharing their stories, exploring the connections between economic and social jus- tice, and visualizing what it would mean to win $15 an hour for millions of workers.
Local 1000’s 2015 Legislative Agenda fights for working families
Bills advance worker rights and social justice
Local 1000 is sponsoring several bills this year that avoid contracting out public services, eliminate mandatory overtime for nurses, better deploy our prison libraries and librarians, and end the state’s practice of letting employee-misconduct investigations drag on for years.
“Our legislative focus is to build on our members’ strengths, so we have the power to better working conditions and to ensure social and economic justice for all Californians,” said Local 1000 President Yvonne R. Walker. “These bills will directly improve the lives of workers we represent.”
A Leader Is Born
From member to steward and community activist
Hannah Konnoff grew up with a mother who was active in the civil rights movement, a feminist and an anti-war protester. Although she had been raised to act on her values, life compelled Konnoff to put her activism on the back burner.
“I just kind of got wrapped up in trying to survive,” she said.
BU 21 uses JLMC to win reclass fight
School bus drivers play critical public safety role
The crucial safety role of California Department of Education’s (CDE)’s Bus Driver Training Specialists will finally be recognized with new classification specifications and job titles, thanks to a hard-fought, years-long campaign by Bargaining Unit 21. The job specification revisions and the change of title to “Transportation Program Consultants” were finalized at a State Personnel Board hearing on March 5, 2015.
Bargaining team preparing for the future
Working to build power for 2016 negotiations
Building power in the community, facing challenges and developing union leaders were key themes of last week’s meeting of the Statewide Bargaining Advisory Council (SBAC) in Southern California.
Nearly 200 elected bargaining representatives from up and down California—including the 60-plus members who negotiate our contract with the state—meet three times each year to develop strategies for bargaining and to understand and respond to issues that affect our lives at work and at home.
Members rally to help crime victim
Donations of time and cash aid Shannon Pree's long recovery
When Shannon Pree was the victim of a horrific violent crime last November, her manager at the California Science Center in Los Angeles knew who to call for help: Local 1000.
Pree’s brothers and sisters at Local 1000 heeded the call, donating cash and hundreds of hours of catastrophic leave as this single mother of three daughters recovers from multiple surgeries.
On March 2, Bargaining Unit 4 leaders surprised Pree at work, presenting her with the donations and reminding her that everyone at Local 1000 has her in their hearts as she undertakes her long recovery.
Members meet face-to-face with Capitol leaders
Building relationships to make 'politics matter' more
More than 50 elected officials and key state agency executives met with Local 1000’s elected member leaders at a Capitol reception held Feb. 23.
The annual event allowed more than 100 member leaders from the union to meet and talk with state leaders about a range of issues affecting our work, our families and our communities.
Local 1000 Wins Across-The-Board Bonuses at SCIF
Union pushes back against
two-tiered award system
Thanks to an agreement negotiated by Local 1000, nearly all represented workers at the State Compensation Insurance Fund (SCIF) will receive a 2.4 percent performance award this year. Announced on February 20, the annual award will go to everyone who is qualified to receive it.
Retirement Security Woes Affect Us All
Secure Choice Board moves forward on implementation
A Local 1000 member leader testifies about the retirement problems her family is facing even though they have a secure retirement through CalPERS.
Theresa Taylor, a longtime Local 1000 activist who was elected to the CalPERS board last year, told the California Secure Choice Retirement Savings Investment Board of her family’s struggles because her husband became disabled.
Members Give Back to the Community
Tax preparation event helps dozens save money and file early
For the third year in a row, Local 1000 provided free tax preparation and filing assistance in Sacramento Feb. 7 for more than 50 union members and community residents.
The participants, who make $50,000 a year or less, had their income taxes prepared for free by a trained community volunteer under the federal government’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
All of the volunteer tax preparers were Local 1000 members and staff who received special training.
Leadership Apprentice Program for Stewards builds our Leaders for Tomorrow
New graduates prove program value
Local 1000’s comprehensive training program for new stewards is entering its second year as graduates are already reporting success at their worksites.
The Leadership Apprentice Program for Stewards (LAPS), which began last year, was developed to provide new stewards the tools they need to be more effective leaders in their workplaces and in their communities.
Union Update: December 17, 2014
Organizing for success in new department
Unit 11 win offers continuing education on the job
Local 1000 leadership elections coming in 2015
Union Update: December 10, 2014
Fighting to build a stronger middle class
Turning an uncertain future into opportunity
Local 1000 contract now available as eBook
Union Update: December 3, 2014
Big arbitration victory for special schools workers
Helping young people get their foot in the door
Secure Choice Board moves ahead on innovative retirement plan
Local 1000 is making pension security a priority for all Californians
The state of California is moving forward with efforts to design a retirement-savings program for workers who do not have a pension or a savings plan through their employer.
The California Secure Choice Retirement Savings Investment Board voted on Jan. 26 to hire a law firm to help design the plan and to seek federal approval. Under SB 1234, the Local 1000-sponsored legislation that created Secure Choice, the board will present its final recommendations to the governor and Legislature for approval.
Building Leadership to Win the Future
Local 1000 leaders and strategic partners commit to organizing to rebuild the middle class
Working together to build a stronger, more responsive union, more than 300 member leaders, staff and community allies came together in San Diego Jan. 16th and 17th at Local 1000’s annual Real Time Strategic Change conference.
Responding to a changing political and economic landscape, the two-day meeting focused on developing member activists and leaders.
Program helps workers prioritize fitness, eating right
For Regina Schumaker, the day-to-day grind of work, family responsibilities and stress were wearing her down. Like many of us, taking time to eat right and to exercise took a back seat to simply getting everything done on her daily to-do list. Unlike most of us, Regina also had to deal with the added emotional pain of being recently widowed and facing a future without her life partner.
Governor’s proposed budget shows stability
Salary increase for state employees part of funding
proposal
Local 1000 members will be pleased to know that Gov. Jerry
Brown’s budget proposal for 2015-16 includes funding for the 2.5
percent salary increase secured by our 2013 contract.
Voices of 2014
“It feels good to step up and serve where I can, and I’m proud of
our union’s commitment to the community embodied in our Purpose
Statement”.
–Brenda Ferguson, DMV, Sacramento
“Our legal victory follows an organizing victory here. For the
first time this group of mostly deaf employees mobilized. We
fought back.”
–Zena Anderson, Night Attendant, California School for the Deaf,
Fremont
Member Organizing made the difference in 2014
Grassroots activism was at the heart
of our wins and
advances
Local 1000 members up and down the state took action on many
different fronts in 2014 to build successful campaigns that
protected our hard-earned contract rights, improved working
conditions and elected lawmakers who respect and support working
families.
Using the power of grassroots organizing, members came together to build strength at their workplaces and in their communities to solve issues that affect their lives, and the lives of their families, friends and colleagues.
Keeping Our Commitments
Message from the President
In 2014, we made a difference. We fulfilled our promises. We stayed true to our Purpose Statement. In December of 2013, several hundred of us met in San Diego and we pledged to use our collective power to defend the rights of state workers on the job and to fight for fair wages and retirement security for all. Over the last year, we have vigorously enforced our contract rights at every level, and we received our two percent wage increase in July.
Our Commitment to Real Representation
Fighting for members' rights starts with stewards
Protecting our members’ rights in the workplace is at the core of Local 1000’s mission. How we represent our members can vary a great deal from answering simple questions about workplace rules in the contract to defending the interests of members in complex litigation at arbitration or in civil court.
You asked; the MRC Answered
Have a question you need a quick answer to?
Your Member Resource Center (MRC) is here to respond to a range of inquiries. The MRC provides a toll-free service weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Whether you’re looking for information about worksite meetings, how to interpret contract language or who your Local 1000 steward is, your answers are just a phone call away.
Call Mon. – Fri. | 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. | 866.471.SEIU (7348)
SEIU Local 1000 Member Resource Center deals with range of member queries
Since it opened five years ago, Local 1000’s Member Resource Center (MRC) has fielded more than 426,000 calls from members, including over 67,000 so far in 2014.
Queries at the call center a block from the Capitol in Sacramento are usually simple requests such as the location and time of a union meeting or question about pay dates or holidays–most calls are resolved in less than three minutes. However, the calls can also involve distraught members who have just come from an upsetting confrontation with a supervisor.
Working families win big in California elections
SEIU-endorsed candidates prevail in more than 80% of races
Working families were the real winners in last week’s election. The grassroots organizing effort of hundreds of Local 1000 volunteers overcame record-low voter turnout–and the millions of dollars spent by wealthy interests–to elect a long slate of lawmakers who share our values and will fight for the middle class.
More than 80 percent of SEIU-endorsed candidates won or retained their offices, with wins in all eight statewide races, including the re-election of Gov. Jerry Brown, John Chiang as our new state Treasurer and Alex Padilla as our Secretary of State.
Union’s rights upheld at PERB
Local 1000 activists at Pelican Bay prevail in unfair labor practices claim
After enduring months of intimidation and ridicule by management in an effort to quash their protected union activity, in October two Local 1000 stewards prevailed on their complaint of an unfair labor practice against the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Millennial workers facing retirement challenges
Secure Choice Board learns about student debt time bomb
Younger workers–including state employees–are facing added challenges to their retirement plans, according to testimony at the California Secure Choice Retirement Savings Investment Board.
Politics Matter: Grassroots effort helps election victories
During the month of October, Local 1000 members and staff had conversations with tens of thousands of voters about issues important to working families. In the five weeks leading to Election Day, during more than 3,500 volunteer shifts, we made calls and knocked on doors for candidates up and down the state.
Health care workers win 4/10 flexibility at CDCR records center
Victory shows how JLMCs can be effective
California Corrections Health Care Services (CCHCS) workers at the Health Records Center in South Sacramento have won new schedule flexibility in their work week. Now these employees are able to choose four, 10-hour days (4/10s) as a work week rather than the standard eight hours, five days a week.
Volunteers poised for final election push
Join members as we get out the vote for candidates who support working families
Local 1000 members and staff are making a final important push between now and Election Day Nov. 4 to ensure that we reach as many voters as possible to encourage them to cast ballots in critical races throughout California.
Members are finishing up five weeks of phone banking tonight and tomorrow evening. This weekend begins four straight days of walking precincts to talk with targeted voters about what’s at stake in this election and why their vote matters.
Member activists lead the political effort
Grassroots phone banking, precinct walking will make the difference
Local 1000 members all over California are volunteering to make phone calls and to walk precincts on behalf of candidates committed to strengthening the middle class and to expanding opportunities for all.
Most members volunteer after work or on Saturdays to have one-on-one conversations with voters. Some, like Brenda Ferguson, are taking weeks or months away from their state jobs to work full time as member political organizers. Ferguson helps train new volunteers and supports them in phone banking or precinct walking activities.
Members meet with EDD director on the front lines
Local 1000 a partner for progress at EDD
Local 1000 member leaders recently concluded a series of statewide worksite visits with Patrick Henning, the recently appointed director of the Employment Development Department (EDD). Local 1000 worked with Henning so he would hear first hand what frontline workers have to say about unsustainable workloads, use of permanent intermittent workers and how high stress levels have affected them on the job.
We Don’t Let Up
Politics matter to us
every Election Day
When I look around today and see what’s going on in our country, I see how easy it is to become discouraged by all the negative forces that are working against us and working families everywhere. Attempts to derail the Affordable Care Act, attacks against our pensions and stiff opposition to lifting the minimum wage for low-wage workers can make it seem like we’re pushing uphill with no end in sight.
DGS Washes its Dirty Laundry
Local 1000 wins settlement for DGS custodians
More than two hundred custodians working in the Department of General Services (DGS) will each receive $300 in a settlement that represents a victory for Unit 15 workers who are required to wear a uniform at work. The settlement covers “laundering and associated expenses” after several DGS custodians in southern California filed grievances complaining that the uniforms that they were handing over to the department for washing were coming back dingy and soiled. The cost of rewashing their uniforms –at home–began to add up.
Union Update
September 24, 2014
Thousands like you will make their voices heard Nov. 4
Leading by Helping Others
Union Update
September 17, 2014
Doing whatever it takes for $15 / hr and a union
Have you mailed your CalPERS ballot yet?
Union Update
September 10, 2014
100+ new union members at DMV
Making politics matter for workers, working families
Union Update: July 9, 2014
September 03, 2014
Local 1000 endorses Theresa Taylor for CalPERS
Settlement reached in long-standing grievance over electronic monitoring
Union Update
August 27, 2014
CalPERS Election Ballot in the mail August 29
Unit 14 printers keep the ink flowing
Union Update
August 20, 2014
450 PI positions converted to full time status at Covered California
Local 1000 steps in to fix coverage gaps
Union Update
August 13, 2014
SCIF auditors win million-dollar OT settlement
“This bill could save lives”
Union Update
August 6, 2014
Learning legislative advocacy first hand
Building community alliances
Union Update
July 23, 2014
Members Giving Back, helping people seeking state jobs, promotions
Local 1000 contract now available as eBook
Union Update
July 16, 2014
Members build support for Secure Choice
Fighting for a diverse state workforce
Union Update: July 9, 2014
Keep fighting for working families
Prison librarians push for reclassification
Union Update: June 25, 2014
Member meets President Obama
Helping others motivates Member leader
Union Update
June 18, 2014
Members made a difference in June primaries
Creating a healthier, more productive workplace
Union Update
June 11, 2014
Local 1000-sponsored bills pass big hurdle
Local 1000 Nurses back bill to limit OT
Local 1000 gains ally in BOE building fight
Union Update
June 4, 2014
Local 1000 endorses Theresa Taylor for CalPERS board
Secure Choice Retirement program draws national focus
Grassroots effort brings out the vote
Union Update
May 28, 2014
Salaries to increase 2% July 1
Make our voices heard June 3
Fighting for better jobs in our communities
Union Update
May 21, 2014
Local 1000 wins million dollar settlement for correctional dental assistants
Voting by mail has never been easier
Local 1000 Nurses call on Legislature to stop mandatory overtime
DMV activist honored as Unionist of the Year
Union Update
May 14, 2014
Sacramento stewards meet new EDD Director
Member testifies: Will our daughters ever be able to retire?
Members knock on doors to say “politics matter”
Union Update
May 7, 2014
Elections 2014: Primary season kicks off with grassroots action
Organizing leads to reclassification win
Local 1000 leading the way towards retirement security for all
Union Update
April 30, 2014
Local 1000 backs bill to track public subsidies to corporations
Thousands will make their voices heard June 3 – Join us!
Union Update
April 23, 2014
Members push for improved preschool educatIon
Boosting upward mobility
Know Your Rights: Weingarten Rights
Union Update
April 16, 2014
Mayor Julian Castro inspires local activists, calls on Fresno members to step up efforts against inequality
Local 1000 and allies promote legislation to reduce income inequality
Union Update
April 9, 2014
Secure Choice Board developing plan for retirement security for all
Young Professionals connect and march forward together
Union Update
April 2, 2014
Member gets job back & rebuilds his life
PT classification study moves forward
Member Profile: Shelia Byars – Seeing the bigger picture
Union Update
March 19, 2014
Organizing victory at new prison medical facility
CalPERS — Governor take steps to strengthen retirement security
Campaign focuses on gender disparity in retirement security
Union Update
March 12, 2014
Looking forward at the Capitol
Members provide tax assistance
Program technician classification survey launched
Union Update
March 5, 2014
Building relationships to rebuild the middle class
The winning ticket- grass-roots organizing
Members rally to reduce inequality in education
Union Update
February 26, 2014
Governor orders ‘immediate’ hiring & retention of EDD staff
Know your rights: Premium vs. regular holidays
Investing in the future: Putting college within reach for Local 1000 families
Union Update 2014
February 19, 2014
Grassroots organizing yields quick results for CCHCS members
Member voices shape the 2014 elections
Union Update
February 12, 2014
Engaging our future member leaders
National anti-labor group seeks to silence working families
State Fund employees enjoy 2nd year of performance awards
Union Update
February 5, 2014
Retirement Security: The big picture
You asked; the MRC answered
2014 Mileage Reimbursement Rate
Union Update
January 22, 2014
Gov. Brown’s 2014 budget blueprint
Campaign for program technicians moves forward
Budget proposal highlights
Union Update
January 15, 2014
A quick look back, as we march forward in 2014
Real Representation: Success at the Bargaining Table – New Contract Signed
Union Update
December 20, 2013
Income Inequality: We must rise to this challenge
Highlights from RTSC 2013: Local 1000 leaders set sights on reducing income inequality
Union Update
December 4, 2013
Reed initiative: New proposal, same attack on working families
The alternative to pension attacks: retirement security for all
Wall Street repays CalPERS
New safety program for Napa State Hospital
Union Update
November 20, 2013
Legislators investigate EDD system failures
A commitment to help Californians in need
Member Resource Center: Frequently Asked Questions
Union Update
November 13, 2013
Single Mom, Member Leader
Contract Enforcement Victory
Disabled Member Receives Assembly Recognition
Union Update
November 6, 2013
Fighting secret money with organizing
Unit 20 activist appointed to state LVN regulatory board
ducators at state special schools organize for stipend increase
Union Update
October 30, 2013
Alert: Retirement security under attack
Members give back to Fresno community
Union Update
October 23, 2013
Anti-outsourcing bill becomes state law
New laws to reinvest in prison education
Members back low-wage workers
Union Update
October 16, 2013
CalPERS election victories
Gov. signs 2 bills that improve public services and protect jobs
Members urge Congress: ‘Get back to work on crucial issues’
Union Update
October 9, 2013
Legislative victories for California
Health care: members on the front lines
Local 1000 members volunteer for healthier neighborhoods
Union Update
October 2, 2013
Member experience shows need for AWOL bill
Contract enforcement training: Stewards gain new tools to protect our hard-earned rights
Union Update
September 25, 2013
Priority bills on governor’s desk
LA members plant seeds of collaboration in the community
Union Update
September 18, 2013
New Union Hall opens in Los Angeles
Local 1000 Steward Development Program Announced
Union Update
September 11, 2013
Why we support fast food workers
Labor Day: A time for unity
CalPERS to host retirement fair in Los Angeles area
Union Update
September 4, 2013
Walker appointed to Secure Choice retirement board
New contract provision: Outsourcing task force made permanent
Know your rights: Contracting out
Union Update
August 28, 2013
Immigration reform benefits us all
Relief in sight for troubled BOE building?
Cast your vote to protect retirement security
Union Update
August 21, 2013
March on Washington 1963-2013: Why we must keep marching
Your Questions Answered: Our Member Resource Center (MRC) handles thousands of calls from members each month
New contract provisions: Increases in travel reimbursement
Union Update
August 14, 2013
DMV members prevail in fight for updated classifications & better pay
New Contract Protections: Expedited Mini-arbitration procedure to help resolve grievances more quickly
Union Update
August 7, 2013
Members enjoy pay raise & end of furloughs
New Contract: Seasonal employees gain pay raise, new guarantees
CalPERS offers equal benefits to same-sex married couples
Union Update
July 31, 2013
$250,000 overtime arbitration win for RNs
New contract shortens dependent vesting
Personal Leave Program 2010/2012 Professional Development Days: What you need to know
Premium vs. regular holidays
Union Update
July 24, 2013
New contract extends member power
Contract Enforcement Resources: Member Resource Center provides answers, education & assistance
CalPERS to host retirement planning fairs
Member Discounts = Summer fun!
Union Update
July 17, 2013
Putting our new contract to work
Dignity Clause Strengthened
Victory for seasonal employees
Union Update
June 26, 2013
Make Your Vote Count: Ratification Voting has Begun Statewide
2013-2016 Tentative Agreement: New Contract FAQ
Union Update
June 19, 2013
Tentative agreement reached! 4.5% salary increase for all members
Understanding our wage increase
Highlights of the Tentative Agreement
Contract Ratification: Be sure your vote counts!
Union Update
May 29, 2013
Take action for economic security: Are you “all in” for a wage increase?
Member Strength Profile: Zena Anderson
Know Your Rights
Union Update
May 22, 2013
Are you ‘all in’ for a better contract?
We’re walking for our health — and our health benefits!
Helping members fund college
Successful grievance leads to back pay
Union Update
May 15, 2013
Fighting for retirement security
Member strength profile: Robert Mancia Fighting for justice – at work & in the community
Union Update
May 8, 2013
Members ready to step up
‘I’m all IN’: June 5 Rally
Member profile: Teddy Vallejos: Immigration reform hits home for member
Union Update
May 1, 2013
Bargaining team on the road again
New bill to give Legislature oversight on outsourcing
Union Update
April 24, 2013
United for a better contract
Health care effort brings new Unit 4 jobs to Central Valley
Members volunteer at creek week cleanup
Union Update
April 17, 2013
Members go purple as our team bargains for a contract
A call for immigration reform
Union Update
April 10, 2013
Make it a purple day & support our bargaining team
Bargaining news channels
Organizing for victory in 2013
Union Update
April 3, 2013
Support your bargaining team: Purple up for the first day of negotiations on April 10
Bargaining Timetable
Employment Development Department: EDD members win arbitration on scheduling PLP time
Know Your Rights: You have the right to participate in union meetings
Union Update
March 27, 2013
Final preparations for contract negotiations
Tentative bargaining timetable
Federal budget sequestration: Members tell Congress to restore vital funding
California Health Benefit Exchange: Fed health care act yields state jobs
Union Update
March 20, 2013
Bargaining team compiling input from thousands of members
Legislation 2013: Local 1000 fights for working families at the Capitol
Union Update
March 13, 2013
Contract meetings scheduled at 192 worksites
California Correctional Health Care Services: Local 1000 secures options for prison health employees
Union Update
March 6, 2013
Contract Tour rocks the Capitol
Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board: Representation pays off
Know Your Rights: Your union contract protections
Union Update
February 27, 2013
Central Valley members rally behind new contract campaign
Our Bargaining Process
Union Update
February 20, 2013
First stop on Contract Tour 2013: Members step up in San Diego
Let’s get active: Bargaining meeting draws newly active members
Helping members help their families: Local 1000 assists students in finding financial aid for college
Union Update
February 13, 2013
Town hall meetings are coming your way: Your contract starts with you
Member Resource Center: “I am thankful my union went to bat for me.”
Strength in diversity
Union Update
February 6, 2013
2013 Bargaining Town Hall Meetings
Know Your Rights: Your Union Contract Protections
Members lobby legislators
Contract Questions … answered by the Member Resource Center
Union Update
January 30, 2013
Contract Campaign 2013: It starts with you
How the state budget affects you
Taking action to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Mileage reimbursement rate increases for 2013
Union Update
January 23, 2013
Bargaining team prepares for contract negotiations
Brown proposes balanced budget
Outsourcing victory at CalPERS adds 86 jobs
Top 5 questions answered by the Member Resource Center