After kicking off bargaining for our unit-specific table on April 22, members across the state remain engaged and active as Bargaining Unit 20 (BU 20) moves through bargaining with the State. BU 20, which represents medical and social services professionals including LVNs, CNAs, Teaching Assistants, Laboratory Technologists, Respiratory Care Practitioners, Counselors, and Medical Assistants, continues to advocate for a strong contract that reflects the essential work performed across California’s institutions.
Since bargaining began on April 22, BU 20 has been actively presenting contract proposals to the State across multiple bargaining sessions, guided by member feedback gathered through surveys, worksite conversations, and prior engagement.
Proposal Activity to Date:
- April 23, 2026: Presented 5 proposals
- April 27, 2026: Presented 7 proposals
- April 28, 2026: Presented 17 proposals
- May 5, 2026: Presented 6 proposals
Total proposals presented: 35
These proposals include both new submissions and contract provisions that maintain protections already in the existing contract, while advancing key priorities identified by members. The intent is to reflect that the proposals are focused on strengthening and preserving current contractual protections, in addition to introducing new language where needed.
Tentative Agreements (TAs) Reached:
The State returned the following article sections as Tentative Agreements (TAs), confirming agreement to maintain existing contract language:
- 5.18.20 – Labor Management Committee (California School for the Deaf – Riverside)
- 9.19.20 – Light/Limited Duty Assignments
- 10.5.20 – Safety Orientation
- 10.20.20 – Assaultive Response Training
- 10.25.20 – Infectious Disease Control
- 10.38.20 – Rest Areas
- 12.18.20 – License or Certificate Renewal Fees
- 12.22.20 – State Special Schools Field Trip Expenses
- 12.23.20 – Laboratory Services and Deliveries
- 19.18.20 – Rescinding Approved Time-Off
- 19.32.20 – Overtime distribution at the California School for the Deaf, Riverside
These agreements reflect the preservation of current contract language without modification.
“A Tentative Agreement means we’ve successfully preserved existing protections while allowing us to move forward to more complex issues,” said BU 20 Chair, Heather Markovich. “This keeps the focus on the priorities members have identified.”
During the May 5 bargaining session, the following proposals were formally presented to the State for consideration. These items have not yet been agreed to and are still awaiting a response from the State.
- 11.21.20 Workforce Stability Stipend – Certified Nursing Assistants, Class Code 8185, at Veterans Home of California – West Los Angeles and Veterans Home of California – Yountville
Provision updated to also include Redding as a covered location. This change reflects specific workforce needs at these facilities. The provision is intended to address ongoing staffing and recruitment challenges. It focuses on improving CNA staffing levels in facilities that are experiencing higher vacancy and workforce stability issues.
- 13.31.20 20/20 Programs
The group also reviewed the 20/20 workforce program, which allows employees to reduce work hours while attending school with full pay. The state will be asked to develop and formalize this program within the next year.
- 19.9.20 Exchange of Time Off – Multi-Shift Operations
(Swap) Provision was included and aligned within the broader post and bid framework to support employee movement and scheduling flexibility. The provision focuses on strengthening and expanding employees’ ability to swap shifts with one another to improve scheduling options. A key change discussed was removing probationary restrictions so that employees on probation are also able to participate in shift swaps, making the process more inclusive and flexible for all staff.
- ARTICLE 20 – POST AND BID
Part of post and bid language was strengthened to improve employee opportunities and flexibility. Changes include a continuous bid process, higher percentages of union positions, and increased mobility within facilities, while maintaining balance between union and management positions.
Bargaining Process & Table Dynamics
The bargaining team also expressed concerns regarding the pace and flow of negotiations with the State’s representative. While clarifying questions and review of proposals are expected as part of the process, the team noted ongoing delays in returning responses to submitted proposals, which has impacted the overall momentum at the table. The bargaining team continues to emphasize the importance of timely responses to maintain progress and ensure productive negotiations within the limited bargaining timeline.
Members are encouraged to wear purple, stay engaged, participate in workplace actions, and remain informed as bargaining continues.
BU 20 team will continue meeting with the State at the bargaining table on scheduled bargaining days (Tuesdays and Thursdays) throughout this bargaining cycle. Updates and progress reports will be communicated every Thursday to ensure state workers stay informed and engaged as negotiations move forward.
BU 20 Bargaining Team
Heather Markovich, Chair – CCHCS
Sarah Kirkendall, Vice Chair – CCHCS
Ricky Barnes, Alternate Vice Chair – CalVet
Helen Rangel – CCHCS
Silas Wagner – State Special Schools