Unit 3’s Bargaining Team, representing our Professional Educators and Librarians, met again with the State on Tuesday, May 26, and Wednesday, May 27, to resume unit-specific bargaining negotiations for our 2026 Contract.
“We had productive, robust discussions with the State, and made great use of our time,” said Chair Bob Holtz. Our Bargaining Unit 3 team minimized downtime between sessions to keep discussions moving and reinforce the progress being made at the table, without losing momentum.
In our negotiations with the State, we tentatively agreed (TA) to language changes that further protect our members’ rights, and reinforces our professionalism covering the following Contract sections:
- 22.3.3 – Work Assignment Notification – Special Schools
- 13.6.3 – Performance Appraisal of Permanent Employees
- 10.19.3 – Positive Behavioral Support Training
- 22.8.3 – State Special Schools – Family Crisis Leave Bank
Additionally, the team proposed language changes to the following articles that the State is currently reviewing:
- 12.9.3 – Overtime Meal Allowance
- 22.6.3 – Tenure – Special Schools
- 25.2.3 – CDCR, OCE Additional Instructional Assignments
- 25.1.3 – CDCR, OCE 220 Day Academic Year Annual Modification
We also want to recognize the contributions of our subject matter experts, whose insight and expertise helped reinforce Unit 3 member priorities throughout negotiations. We extend our appreciation to Jeff Belo from Valley State Prison, whose contributions were instrumental during discussions at the table.
Additionally, from the California Department of Education, we recognize Amy Kimmerle-Haggard, from the California School for the Deaf, Riverside, who has worked alongside Ty Kovacs, from the California School for the Deaf, Fremont, to help ensure our State Special Schools members had strong representation throughout negotiations.
“We had constructive discussions on CDCR and CDE-related issues. I think the State gave us a lot to think about and we gave them a lot to think about,” added Alternate Vice Chair Alex Hamilton.
As unit-specific negotiations continue to unfold, our team remains committed to the priorities of our Unit 3 members. At every stage of these negotiations, we have kept your voices at the forefront, pushing forward proposals that reflect the realities of your work, improve working conditions, and strengthen protections across all classifications. We are proud of the progress made at the table and remain focused on carrying that momentum forward, especially as Main Table negotiations take place.
Holtz added, “Our work is not done. When time permits, we will continue to advocate for our Bargaining Unit 3 members and ensure we are meeting their priorities and needs, and staying firm in our commitment.”
Led by Chair Bob Holtz, the Bargaining Unit 3 team, including Vice Chair Barbara Guzman, Alternate Vice Chair Alex Hamilton, Ty Kovacs, and Kelly Godwin, has stayed engaged throughout negotiations to ensure member concerns are reflected in all discussions with the State.
And we will not stop fighting for what we deserve.
Unit 3 negotiations will continue to take place in due time as Main Table negotiations are now underway. As we transition into this next stage, we remain steady and strong in our efforts, ready to build on the work already accomplished and continue pressing forward on behalf of our members. 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.
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