Bargaining Unit 21, the unit representing our Educational Consultants, Child Development Consultants, Librarians, Archivists, and Specialists, met again with the State on Monday, May 4, and Wednesday, May 6, to resume unit-specific bargaining negotiations for our 2026 Contract.
This week, we began conversations with the State about dealing with a 20% vacancy rate in Unit 21. As professionals in our fields, we continue to step up to ensure the work gets done despite these vacancies, particularly as FLSA-exempt employees. While we remain committed to maintaining the integrity of our classifications, this level of strain on our current employees underscores the need for sustainable staffing.
Additionally, we discussed the Hiring Above Minimum (HAM) policy, which allows the State to hire an employee above the standard minimum salary range for a classification, but is extremely limited and has been disproportionately and inequitably issued. This further contributes to the significant 20% vacancy, impacting our unit’s recruitment and retention.
To illustrate these challenges, we had subject matter experts shed light on the real issues facing our classification specifications. More specifically, Melissa Foote from the California State Library provided testimony on how Librarians at the State Library are professionals in their fields, yet lack competitive compensation when compared to other Librarians in the State. Additionally, Willow Germs from the Secretary of State Archives gave a thoughtful presentation, highlighting the importance of Archivists and the path into the classification, including the labor, specialization, and training required. Germs also acknowledged issues related to the classification itself, such as compensation challenges, starting at the bottom of the pay scale despite prior experience, limited advancement opportunities, retention issues, and the financial insecurity that ultimately drives people out of the field. Our observers this week were Gemma Searle from the Secretary of State Archives and “Bernie” Holman and Shirley Sekeres from the California Department of Education.
To address these issues, we proposed language changes to 3 professional development sections of the Contract. We dug into the classification specifications of Archivists, which have not been revisited in almost 60 years. This further highlights outdated standards that do not reflect modern workforce needs or advancements in technology, making the day-to-day work of Archivists more challenging.
In anticipation of the May Revise, we also introduced economic proposals to the State to precede discussions of how that money will be distributed. This also led to discussions on the classification specifications of Educational Consultants and the challenges they face.
As these conversations continue, we are also reminded that this week is Public Service Recognition Week and National Nurses Week. While we appreciate the acknowledgment of our members and the work that allows California to thrive, we must also recognize the gap between recognition and compensation. That’s why our Unit 21 Bargaining team, led by Chair Bobby Roy, Vice Chair Danielle Fiore, Alternate Vice Chair Melissa Tyler, Joycelyn Ward-Richardson, and Monica Grimes, will continue to have thoughtful and purposeful conversations with the State to uphold the integrity of our classifications and to fight for fair compensation, professional acknowledgment, and respect for our workers.
Unit 21 returns to the table next week on Monday, May 11. We’ll share updates on negotiations regularly, so be sure to watch your inbox every Thursday morning around 9 a.m. for the latest bargaining news and opportunities to stay involved throughout this fight.
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