Unit 3: Professional Educators and Librarians
Our Fight Begins Now for a California for All!
A Message from President Walker
Yesterday, July 18, 2019, our Local 1000 bargaining team brought to the table proposals that addressed four of the most important issues identified by our members: health care, housing, transportation justice and a livable wage. Listen to President Yvonne R. Walker explain how the fight begins now for a California for All!
Unit 3 Bargaining News for Monday, July 15, 2019
Unit 3 Pursues Pay Schedule Fairness for CTE Workers and Work Schedule Respect
Local 1000’s Unit 3 Professional Educators and Librarians returned to the bargaining table on Monday, July 15, 2019 in their pursuit of a more equitable pay scale and scheduling policies that respect the family and personal lives of people who provide services such as rehabilitation programming for the state’s prisoner population, educational instruction for deaf students and diagnostics for persons with disabilities.
Unit 3 Bargaining News for Monday July 8, 2019
Unit 3 Propose and Pass Four Special Salary Increases to State
Monday, July 8, marked the first 2019 meeting between the Local 1000 Unit 3 bargaining team and state representatives as they began the process of negotiating another great contract for union members. Serving teachers and librarians across California from Blythe to Weaverville, the Unit 3 team made four presentations to the state advocating for the interests of SEIU 1000 members and their families, with the goal of creating a California For All.
UPDATE: Contraband Interdiction Pilot Program (CIP)
On January 25, 2019, our Union met with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) to discuss the implementation of the Contraband Interdiction Pilot Program (CIP) at the California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF) at Corcoran.
UPDATE: Learning Management System (LMS) Pilot Program
On February 8, 2019, our Union met with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to discuss the implementation of a pilot program of a new Learning Management System (LMS) operated from State and Inmate owned JPay tablets at five (5) institutions.
These institutions include:
GeoPay Task Force Presents and Releases Report
Our fight for economic justice continues as we set the stage for contract negotiations.
On February 27, our GeoPay Task Force presented the acting director of CalHR and a team of state representatives with an in-depth report recommending solutions to the economic challenges many state workers face caused by the high cost of living in the communities they live and work in throughout the state of California.
Bargaining Unit 3 Enewsletter
Hello everyone,
This is the first of the Bargaining Unit 3 bi-monthly informational letters. As in past newsletters, this e-publication will be used to keep Unit 3 members informed about what is happening, our contractual rights and how to enforce our contract. Of course, I want you to contact me with anything you may want to add: an explanation of a specific contract section, giving a shout out to someone or a special conference/book/tool that you think everyone should know about. Feel free to send it to me.
Unit 3 Classification & Compensation Committee Meeting
Our Bargaining Unit 3 Classification & Compensation Committee (5.19.3 Committee) met on August 9th, with representatives from the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR), the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Office of Correctional Education and the CDCR Office of Labor Relations. The meeting focused on concerns regarding our Career Technical Educators.
DJJ Cellsense Meet and Confer
On August 7th, 2018, our union met with the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Department of Juvenile Justice (CDCR DJJ) to discuss the implementation of the Cellsense Contraband Detector program within the DJJ Facilities in the state.
New bargaining team members elected as work begins on 2020 contract negotiations
We're building member power to leverage a great contract.
More than 150 newly-elected and returning bargaining representatives, members of the Statewide Bargaining Advisory Committee (SBAC), came together on July 14-15, taking important steps on the road to contract negotiations that will begin next year.
Also elected was the 58-member Bargaining Unit Negotiating Committee (BUNC)—representatives from each of the nine bargaining units in Local 1000—the bargaining team responsible for negotiating our new contract.
DJJ Meet and Confer
On February 22 and 23, representatives of the Education Service Branch (ESB) of the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), sat down with Bargaining Unit 3 representatives Pamm Handel of the Northern California Youth Correctional Center, and Susan Stuart of the Ventura Youth Correctional Facility, along with Bruce Theel, Bargaining Unit 3 Chair.
February Update for Bargaining Unit 3
The first Statewide Bargaining Advisory Committee (SBAC) meeting of 2018, was held over the weekend of February 10 and 11, in Los Angeles.
Among the activities at the SBAC meeting was an address by former Teamsters and SEIU Local 1 member Anthony Prince. Mr. Prince spoke to the SBAC regarding the situation in Wisconsin since the passage of Act 10, the Wisconsin Budget Repair Bill and the subsequent passage of “Right to Work” legislation.
Update: DJJ 2018 – 2019 Academic Calendar
Your Bargaining Unit met with representatives of the DJJ on January 18th, to discuss member concerns with salaries, caused by the introduction of the July to June Academic Calendar.
Troy Fennel, Superintendent of Education Service Branch, Christina O’Connell from DJJ Personnel and Caleb McKim, CDCR Labor, met with Bruce Theel, BU3 Chair, Pamm Handel, DJJ/NCYC and Eloise Merrifield, SEIU Local 1000 staff, at Local 1000 headquarters.
Update: CDCR 2018 – 2019 Academic Calendar
On February 1st, Bargaining Unit 3 representatives held a Meet and Confer with the Office of Correctional Education to discuss the proposed 2018/2019 Academic Calendar. Our discussion focused on usage of the Quarter Break day and establishment and maintenance of the Trade Advisory Councils. During this meeting, your team passed two proposals. The first proposal concerned the maintenance of the Quarter Break day for the completion of quarterly reporting. The second proposal requested the reestablishment of the Trade Advisory Councils for our Vocational Instructors.
January Update for Bargaining Unit 3
This message is to bring you up to date on what is happening in the Bargaining Unit. Here are a few things for your information.
First, a shout out to Heather DeFelice, Christina Calacugan, and the folks in the Department of Education’s Southern Diagnostic Center for their work in organizing the voices in the diagnostic centers located in Fremont, Fresno and Los Angeles.
Update on SB 825 Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Local 1000 building relationships to enhance SB 825 prison pre-apprenticeship program
On January 11, Unit 3 Chair Bruce Theel along with Nancy Farias, Director of Government Affairs, and Legislative Advocate Tim Kamermayer met with Senator James Beall’s Chief of Staff, Sunshine Borelli, and Cesar Diaz, the Legislative and Political Director of the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California, regarding SB 825 – state prisons pre-apprenticeship program.
SB 825 Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Senators Nancy Skinner (District 9) and James Beall (District 15) have sponsored a bill (SB825), proposed to them by the California Building Trades Council, directing the CDCR to establish a pre-apprenticeship program.
However, a little research revealed that CDCR reached out to the Trades Council, asking them to propose this to the Senators.
December Update for Bargaining Unit 3
At the November Statewide Bargaining Advisory Committee (SBAC) meeting, there were several items that were presented to the District Bargaining Unit Representatives (DBURs); representing the various District Labor Councils.
Susan Stuart, steward at the Ventura Youth Correctional Facility, in Camarillo, California, visited the meeting, and was included in all of our activities.
The first Unit specific activity took place directly after the end of the general session on Saturday.
PIA Update
Since our last conference call, we have been working on our options for a strategic action in regard to PIA. We want this to not only be a short-term, but also a very long-term victory. We have seen PIA trying to encroach on our programs in the past, and it appears that they are trying to do it again.
PROVIDING OUR MEMBERS WITH UPWARD MOBILITY
New slots open up in IT Apprenticeship Program
Professional development and upward mobility are key priorities for our union, and our members, and an innovative new Information Technology (IT) Apprenticeship Program offers Sacramento-area members an opportunity to improve their state careers.
Member Action Protects Teacher Prep Time Rights
Action by two Unit 3 stewards and our union’s Contract Department forced management at the California Correctional Center in Susanville to rescind a policy that prevented our teachers from having the time necessary for classroom preparation—a right specifically guaranteed by our contract.
Pay raises in effect
2016 was a historic year for our members, our union and all Californians. We came together to fight for a contract we can all be proud of and nearly went on strike for the first time in 44 years.
As a result, we won the largest labor contract ever negotiated with the state, and we did it by standing together in our union. You can view our contract here.
Starting August 1, we’re receiving our first paycheck reflecting our 4% general salary increase—one of the many outcomes that we won in contract negotiations.
Salary Schedules for CDCR Teachers
We have attached the updated Unit 3 salary schedules for CDCR teachers. These schedules reflect the reduction from seven specific schedules down to two schedules, as well as the application of a Union-wide general salary increase.
Thank you for your patience as we worked to ensure the information you received is correct.
DDS Developmental Center Retention Stipend Agreement Overview
Highlights:
- Effective date: July 1, 2016
- Amount: Up to $6,000
- $250 is accrued for all employees that meet the criteria each full quarter during the fiscal year 2016/2017
- $500 is accrued for all employees that meet the criteria each full quarter effective July 1, 2017 until separation from DDS.
- Payout:
- There will be two payouts of the retention stipend:
- January 2018 or the first month following the 50% decr
- There will be two payouts of the retention stipend:
Academic Calendar DJJ
To the Teachers of the Division of Juvenile Justice:
It has come to our attention that a survey has been distributed to employees at DJJ seeking opinions about possible changes to the academic calendar. We want to clarify that the Union is not currently negotiating with the department to change the academic calendar and did not circulate or authorize the distribution of this survey. If you have any additional concerns about this, please contact us.
Sincerely,
Bargaining Unit 3 Newsletter for March 2017
This month’s newsletter highlights District Labor Council 770
Bargaining Unit 3 Meet and Confer
Bargaining Unit 3 members met with State Representatives on Feb 21st, to confer on the academic calendar for the teachers in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Office of Correctional Education.
The State team included the Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent of Correctional Education.
Holiday greetings from the BUNC
This has been a long and trying year for everyone in State service. The fight for a contract we can all be proud of has been long, hard and very frustrating. Did we get all that we wanted? No. However, we did make significant progress in our struggle to gain adequate recognition, compensation and respect for our members.
Bargaining News for Friday, October 14
State shows a lack of movement as we return to the table - Our actions will make the difference for a contract we can be proud of
Our bargaining team met with the state for the first time in three months and ended the week frustrated by a continued lack of movement by the state on key issues.
Earlier in the week, our team presented eye-opening information illustrating the gender pay gap in state civil service. Our union is 66% women and 34% men. The seven unions the state has reached agreement with, overwhelmingly comprised of men, are paid a staggering 43% more than Local 1000 members.
Bargaining Unit 3 August 2016 Newsletter
The Dog Days of Summer
BARGAINING
During the past months that your bargaining team met with the State, the reaction of the State’s negotiation team was one of disinterest. And, after passing what they determined to be their “best offer,” they just walked away from the table.
Bargaining Unit 3 February 2016 Newsletter
Union Participation
(Or, What Happens To Me If the Union Disappears?)
Part 3 of 3
SEVERAL YEARS IN THE FUTURE:
Sacramento, CA (AP) “Fiorina Repeals Dills Act”
Holiday Message
To all those who make up the family of Bargaining Unit 3:
On behalf of the members of the Bargaining Unit Negotiation Committee (BUNC) and the members of the Statewide Bargaining Advisory Committee (SBAC), I extend to you all our best wishes for a happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year.
Members will make the difference
President Walker announces 2016 contract campaign focus: take action
Local 1000 has launched its 2016 contract campaign with these words from President Yvonne R. Walker: “Our contract will be about the strength and the power of our members to win something amazing.”
Speaking to members statewide on a conference call for Local 1000 stewards and hundreds more who heard the call at listening parties, Walker looked forward to the upcoming negotiations feeling confident about the preparation that’s gone before.
Bargaining Unit 3 December 2015 Newsletter
Union Participation (Or What Happens To Me If the Union Disappears?) Part 2
Many of our new teachers come from environments that have portrayed unions as a bad influence on the political and social landscape. They have not learned that the United States is a free society because of the existence of strong unions and an educated middle class. Many don’t have the influence of friends or family, who have known someone injured in a factory or mill because of unsafe machinery. Many don’t know about the work and time it took to influence changes in laws and to develop the structure of the modern day unions.
Bargaining Unit 3 November 2015 Newsletter
BU3 includes about a thousand correctional librarians and teachers, about four hundred State Special Schools educators, about a hundred teachers in hospitals and developmental centers, about a dozen teachers in the Orientation Center for the Blind, and a handful of teachers working in the Starbase Academy program, employed by the California Military Department.
Members mobilize to end salary disparity at California School for the Deaf
Football coaches paid less than half as much as counterparts at hearing schools
Local 1000 members at the California School for the Deaf (CSD) took action to protest unfair coaching salary schedules that have deaf coaches being paid less—sometimes as little as half—than the salaries of their hearing counterparts at other schools. During the CSD Fremont homecoming game against rivals CSD Riverside on October 17, members created an organized presence, setting up a booth and handing out “Support Our Coaches” stickers and fliers to call attention to the unequal pay.
Bargaining Unit 3 October 2015 Newsletter
BU 3 includes about a thousand correctional librarians and teachers, about four hundred State Special Schools educators, about a hundred teachers in hospitals and developmental centers, about a dozen teachers in the Orientation Center for the Blind, and a handful of teachers working in the Starbase Academy program, employed by the California Military Department.
Prison adult schools start flexible calendar August 3, 2015
BU 3 bargaining team advocated flexibility in response to teacher needs
Every year, by November 15, the Office of Correctional Education (OCE) proposes calendars for the following academic year. Last year, OCE agreed to work collaboratively with BU 3 rank and file members to develop the 2015/2016 calendars based on the interests of education management, custody, and teachers.
Local 1000 celebrates teachers
A special message in honor of Teacher Appreciation Day from John Kern, Chair of Bargaining Unit 3’s Statewide Bargaining Advisory Committee
May 5, 2015 is Teacher Appreciation Day. Local 1000 appreciates the contributions of its teacher members in Bargaining Unit 3 and is proud to recognize and celebrate you today.
Bargaining team preparing for the future
Working to build power for 2016 negotiations
Building power in the community, facing challenges and developing union leaders were key themes of last week’s meeting of the Statewide Bargaining Advisory Council (SBAC) in Southern California.
Nearly 200 elected bargaining representatives from up and down California—including the 60-plus members who negotiate our contract with the state—meet three times each year to develop strategies for bargaining and to understand and respond to issues that affect our lives at work and at home.
OCE Releases New Academic Calendar
CDCR teachers win more flexibility in 2015-16 academic calendar
CDCR’s Office of Correctional Education just came out with its new academic calendar for 2015/2016. Prison teachers in Bargaining Unit 3 are gaining new scheduling flexibility in the 2015-16 academic year as a result of Local 1000’s persistent advocacy efforts. The new calendar retains 208 instructional days, eight staff development days and four quarterly teacher workdays, but the prison schools will stay open a few more days per year, allowing individual teachers to choose some of the instructional days.
2015-2016 DJJ Academic Calendar Finalized
2015-2016 academic calendar available
The academic calendar for Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) teachers has been released. The calendar is for the academic year that starts August 1, 2015.
To see and download next year’s academic calendar, click here.
CCHCS Layoff Update
Team reaches agreement with the state to reduce impact of Phase 3 Staff Reductions
On September 23, 2014, the Local 1000 negotiating team came to an agreement with CalHR and California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) regarding the 2014 Phase 3 Staff Reductions. Some of the highlights of the agreement include:
CCHCS layoffs: what you need to know
California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) has mailed more than 600 State Restriction of Appointment (SROA) letters to Local 1000 members in seven of our nine bargaining units in anticipation of just over 200 planned layoffs scheduled to occur on December 1, 2015.
The majority of the layoffs affect bargaining units 17 and 20; the other affected bargaining units are 1, 3, 4, 11, and 15.
Union Update: July 9, 2014
Keep fighting for working families
Prison librarians push for reclassification
Prison librarians push for reclassification
Members seek respect, improved wages and updated job specifications
The state’s prison librarians, who perform some of the most complicated duties of any librarians in California, are organizing to update their nearly 40-year-old job specifications.
Educator survey yields promising results
A recently completed survey of more than 300 prison educators
provided Local 1000 with some valuable feedback about ongoing
initiatives and working conditions within state facilities.
The survey demonstrates that the overall, the sentiment of the
respondents is that CDCR’s efforts to improve educational
opportunities for prisoners are heading in the right
direction.
Local 1000 looks forward to collaborating with CDCR to further
rebuild and improve prison education.
Local 1000 Educators …
… broadly support the Voluntary Education Program (VEP) model
Local 1000 signs first tentative agreement impacting all employees
Local 1000’s bargaining team signed the first tentative agreement of our new contract at the master table today, one that provides a huge advance in our fight against outsourcing.
We need your input – help shape our educational system
Please support educators in Bargaining Unit 3 by participating in
a survey which will guide the future of educational programming
in CDCR.
In 2011, a survey of teachers by SEIU Local 1000 led to progress
through policy and legislation. SB 1121 became law at the
beginning of 2013 and requires the involvement of credentialed
educators in inmate student assignment decisions.
Help us shape our educational system by taking the survey.
Bargaining Unit 3 Member Leaders step up in DLC 742
Sulghi Hong has accepted the position of District Bargaining Unit Representative (DBUR) for District Labor Council (DLC) 742, which is located in Fremont and represents more Bargaining Unit 3 members than any other DLC in the state. DBURs are elected in each DLC to represent the interests of the unit during bargaining and representation. During the 2013 contract negotiations, Sulghi came to the Unit 3 bargaining table in May to help present proposals the team made regarding CDE salary schedules.
New safety program for Napa State Hospital
Local 1000 fights to protect our members and sees results
A new Injury and Illness Prevention Program – developed with input from Local 1000 – will roll out over the next year at Napa State Hospital (NSH). Designed to improve the safety and well-being of NSH employees, the new program features education and training, risk assessments, safety inspections, comprehensive reporting and an emergency response and action plan.