Unit 3’s Bargaining Team, representing our Professional Educators and Librarians, met with the State on Thursday, May 7, and Tuesday, May 12, to continue unit-specific bargaining negotiations for our 2026 Contract.
Negotiations resumed this week with our team advocating strongly for our members. As Unit 3 Chair Bob Holtz reiterated, “We continue to pursue our members’ priorities.” Holtz added, “We had substantial discussions on the language we proposed, and we’re holding firm.”
During our discussions with the State, we tentatively agreed (TA) to “roll over,” or preserve current language covering two contract articles, maintaining our hard-fought rights won in previous negotiations:
- Article 5.19.3 – Bargaining Unit 3 Classification and Compensation Committee
- Article 9.19.3 – Light/Limited Duty Assignments
As these conversations develop, we are building on the progress we’ve made while staying focused on advancing new proposals that improve working conditions and reflect the needs of our members across Unit 3.
Unit 3 returns to the table today, Thursday, May 14, to make proposals on behalf of our State Special Schools. We will be joined by Amy Kimmerle-Haggard from California School for the Deaf, Riverside, serving as our subject matter expert to provide insight into the day-to-day challenges facing our members and help inform discussions on how these issues can be meaningfully addressed through negotiations.
We remain steady, focused, and firm in our approach and will continue fighting for what we deserve at every opportunity. These conversations give us the leverage to advocate on your behalf and secure the priorities you outlined that govern our wages, protections, and working conditions.
Next week, we plan to have back-to-back negotiation days with the State on May 19-20, allowing us to maintain momentum, reinforce our priorities, and keep pressure consistent at the table. We’ll share updates 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.
Unit 3 was energized by the strong turnout on our most recent CDCR call. Keep an eye out for our next call, expected on the first Wednesday of the month.
Join SEIU Local 1000 today and help strengthen our collective power at the table.