Unit 3’s Bargaining Team, representing our Professional Educators and Librarians, met with the State last Thursday, May 14, and again for two consecutive days on Tuesday, May 19, and Wednesday, May 20, to continue unit-specific bargaining negotiations for our 2026 Contract.
During our sessions with the State, the Bargaining Unit 3 team remained steadfast in advocating for our members. The back-to-back bargaining days especially helped build momentum at the table, allowing us to carry discussions forward, reinforce our priorities, and strengthen our leverage as we worked to make meaningful progress with the State.
With this momentum, our team was able to pass language on the following sections:
- 16.6.3 Special School Teacher Layoff
- 22.10.3 Coaching/Advisor Stipend
- 22.3.3 Work Assignment Notification – Special Schools
- 22.4.3 Personal Leave Days – Special Schools
- 22.5.3 Extra Duty Assignment – Special Schools
- 22.6.3 Tenure – Special Schools
- 22.8.3 State Special Schools – Family Crisis Leave Bank
- 22.XX.3 Extended School Year
- 11.XX.3 State Specific Schools Recruitment & Retention Differential
Additionally, Unit 3 reached a successful tentative agreement (TA) with the State covering the following sections:
- 16.6.3 Special School Teacher Layoff
- 21.11.3 Class Size
- 22.4.3 Personal Leave Days – Special Schools
- 8.21.3 Leave
- Side Letter 17.3
- 25.15.3 Application of DJJ Salary Schedule to CDCR
As we continue these conversations and move closer to the conclusion of unit-specific bargaining, we remain firm in our stance and committed in our work to advance member priorities. We are focused on building on the progress made at the table and pushing forward proposals that improve working conditions and reflect the needs of Unit 3 members across all classifications.
Led by Chair Bob Holtz, the Bargaining Unit 3 team includes Vice Chair Barbara Guzman, Alternate Vice Chair Alex Hamilton, Ty Kovacs, and Kelly Goodwin, all of whom are working tirelessly to ensure our members are represented, heard, and fought for at the table.
“We want to recognize the relentless work of our bargaining team, who continue to bring the voices and priorities of Unit 3 members directly into the room at every session, including Alex, who has been deeply involved and highly engaged throughout this entire process,” reiterated Chair Bob Holtz.
We will continue fighting for what we deserve.
Unit 3 returns to the table next Tuesday, May 26. We will also be meeting with the State on Wednesday, May 27, for the Main Table updates, where will begin negotiating common language in our 2026 Contract. 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.
Join SEIU Local 1000 today and help strengthen our collective power at the table.