Unit 15
Allied Service Workers
Who We are
Unit 15 includes civil service custodians who clean various state buildings, laundry workers, supervising cooks, and food services workers in the prisons and other state institutions.
Unit 15 Leadership & Updates:
Unit 15 Bargaining Unit Negotiating Committee (BUNC)
Quarterly Newsletter
Unit 15 Joint Labor Management Committees:
Correctional Supervising Cooks JLMC
Custodians JLMC
Food Services JLMC
Upward Mobility JLMC
Our contract is the agreement between SEIU Local 1000 and the State that outlines our pay, our benefits, and our rights! Our bargaining team is gearing up to negotiate a new contract and what we win depends on how strong and united we are.
Here are the priorities our Bargaining Unit 15 team is bringing to the table:
Strong, Meaningful Raises
- A strong General Salary Increase (GSI) and Special Salary Adjustment (SSA) are essential for fairness, stability, and for keeping experienced staff in our institutions.
- A strong raise is also a sign of respect for the essential work Unit 15 workers perform every day.
Making Differentials PERSable
- Our jobs are physically demanding and often done in harsh institutional environments, which makes retirement security critical.
- Making recruitment, retention, and other differentials PERSable helps with retention, strengthens career longevity, and ensures members can retire with dignity.
Better and Lower‑Cost Healthcare, Dental, and Vision
- Lower premiums and better plan options reduce stress and improve wellness for our families.
- Stronger healthcare, dental, and vision benefits also support retention. Workers stay when their benefits are reliable and affordable.
Staff Wellness
- Heavy workloads, short staffing, and stressful environments take a real toll.
- Wellness means safety, rest, respect, proper staffing, effective training, reliable equipment, and access to mental‑health support.
Inside Unit 15
Staying Safe, Staying United: A Message to Our Fellow CSCs
This past weekend, one of our fellow Correctional Supervising Cooks at the California Institution for Men was attacked by an incarcerated individual. First and foremost, our thoughts are with our colleague and their family. This incident is a...
Correctional Supervising Cooks Vacation Bid Training – August 21
This training for Correctional Supervising Cooks will review how to conduct the annual vacation bid process. The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) language will be reviewed and strategies will be shared on how the process can be conducted to be...
Upcoming Implementation of Biometric Time Clocks at Your Worksite
SEIU Local 1000 has received notice from DGS of its plans to implement biometric time clocks at worksites in Sacramento sometime this summer. Since 2022, your union has been actively engaging with the State and your department to discuss this...
Message from the Chair – Summer 2025
As we head into the heart of summer, I want to take a moment to wish everyone a happy, healthy, and safe season. Whether you're taking some well-deserved time off or continuing to serve Californians through the hot months, your dedication does not...
Tis the Season for Post and Bid!
It’s that time of year again—post and bid season is officially underway! For our members in CDCR and beyond, this is a critical opportunity to ensure transparency, fairness, and access to job opportunities across departments. If...
The Power of Unionism: Why Your Voice Matters
What is Unionism? According to the dictionary, unionism is defined as the policies and practices of labor unions, particularly those concerned with protecting and furthering the rights of workers. Throughout history, the power of unionism has...
Correctional Wellness Team Elevates the Profession at National Conference in Boston
The Correctional Wellness Team from California made a powerful impact at the recent “Elevate Our Profession” and National Medal of Honor Conference held in Boston, Massachusetts. The two-day event brought together correctional professionals from...
A Safer Workplace for All: Sharps Containers Now Required in State Restrooms
We’re proud to announce a significant win for the health and safety of our custodial staff and all state employees: the inclusion of Section 10.39 – Sharps Disposal in our latest Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Under this new...
DFW – RTO Update
Our Union team met and conferred with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 regarding their plans to implement return to office guidance requiring employees to work in-office four days a week. In our...
DGS (FMD Uniform Policy) Meet & Confer Report
Our Union team met and conferred with the Department of General Services (DGS) regarding changes to the FMD Uniform Policy. FMD wanted to change the uniform policy to include a waiver, which would have violated your rights. Our Union team fought...
Know Your Rights!
In today's ever-evolving workplace, it's crucial to be aware of your rights as an employee. Understanding these rights empowers you to make informed decisions and ensures that you are treated fairly and respectfully. Here are some key rights...
April 2025: Unit 15 Statewide Upward Mobility JLMC Meeting
The Bargaining Unit 15 Upward Mobility Joint Labor Management Committee (JLMC) met on April 2, 2025, with State Department representatives from CalHR, CCC, EDD, DSH, CHP, CDCR, CalVet, DMV, and DGS, to discuss their upward mobility programs. These...
CDE proposed Special Schools Academic Calendar 2025-2026
Members of Bargaining Unit 3 as well as Bargaining Unit 20 met with the California Department of Education on March 18th, 2025, regarding the proposed Academic Calendar for 2025-2026. We went into the meeting with...
March 2025: Unit 15 Food Services (non-CDCR) JLMC Meeting
The Food Services Joint Labor Management Committee (JLMC) met on March 25, 2025, to discuss the impact of the new budget on food services, equipment updates, and changes in food service methods. Budget Concerns Transitioning to Cook/Serve Method...
Recent Updates from Unit 15
Celebrating the Achievements of Unit 15 Over the past year, Unit 15 has made remarkable strides in our mission to protect and enhance state work. Our dedicated efforts have not only strengthened our membership but also ensured the smooth...
February 2025:Unit 15 Statewide CSC Food Services JLMC Meeting
Our Union’s Bargaining Unit 15, representing Statewide CSC (Correctional Supervising Cook) Food Services, recently met with CalHR, CDCR, and CCHCS to address various issues affecting our operations statewide. We raised concerns on the following...
Important Retirement InformationDSH Food Services
We are reaching out to you to let you know you will be receiving a letter from DSH in the next few days. This is to inform you that DSH Food Services Technician’s Classic Retirement will be changing to Safety Retirement. You will have the option...
Membership Matters: 2024 in Review
As we close out 2024, it’s time to reflect on the significant milestones and achievements that have defined this year for Unit 15. This year has been pivotal, showcasing our collective strength and commitment to improving the lives of our members....