Dragon Info
|
Around the Local Fresno County Wins Agency Shop Fresno County Unit 22 professional and paraprofessional employees have voted to implement agency shop. Agency shop, also called Fair Share, requires all Unit 22 Fresno County workers to either join Local 535 or pay a service fee. The bargaining unit consists of defense investigators, library assistants, librarians, building inspectors, cadastral technicians (map makers), public health laboratory workers, dental assistants, probate assistants, and housing rehabilitation specialists. “We’re really thrilled about this result,” says Lupe Lopez Gamboa, senior library assistant. “It’s a great opportunity for employees to be heard.”
“This is a big victory for Fresno County professional employees,” adds chapter vice president and Fresno County defense investigator Grace Solis Alvarado. “This shows management we are unified. I think a union is only as strong as its membership. If we’re there in full force there’s so much more we can do.” With the passage of agency shop, defense investigators hope to gain parity in pay with district attorney investigators, says Alvarado. “We do the same type of work but under harsher conditions. We don’t carry a badge, we have to get our work done by our wits.” Safety is also a big issue. “We carry only spray, but have to enter tough neighborhoods, and at night,” adds Alvarado. “Several investigators have been assaulted. One was mauled in the face by a dog. I’ve been bitten on the leg by a dog, had bottles thrown at me, been chased. One investigator had a gun pulled on him. Luckily it didn’t go off.” Investigators are also seeking better training and self defense classes. “With agency shop we’ll be able to speak as one, especially during contract negotiations,” notes Alvarado. “We’re new to SEIU. We’re serious and want to take an active role in the union. They can count on us just like we count on them. For investigators, and all workers, unionization is a wise investment, a proven investment. We’re investing in our future.” “We need county employees speaking with one voice,” says Era De Unger, librarian supervisor. “I’m hopeful this vote will improve the dialogue between the county and its employees.” This historic vote is the first in Local 535’s Quality of Work Life agency shop campaign underway in Fresno County. Political Set Aside The labor movement knows its political work is best done with its members, rather than for politicians. Local 535 has relied for years on voluntary political donations for political campaigns, but there is insufficient funding for the March primary elections. The union needs more resources to involve and inform members about political issues and candidates. As a result, the Local 535 state executive board voted at its February 9th and 10th state executive board meetings to allocate $1.71 per member out of dues money as a one-time set-aside for the March election primary. This allocation will amount to about $45,000. The money will only be used according to the following principles: 1. Be a non-partisan, independent voice for working people. 2. Issues come first, candidates second. 3. Provide members with information, not voting instructions. 4. Advance a populist economic agenda. 5. Political action decisions must include member participation. 6. Political action needs to be involving and empowering. 7. Unions need to hold officials accountable. 8. Communications need to work. 9. Speak to members’ core values. 10. Target messages to address real issues of real members. None of this money will go directly to candidates. The union is prohibited by the IRS and the Fair Political Practices Commission from using dues money for candidates. However, the union can use this money to support a labor campaign for a particular candidate or issue that has been endorsed through the union’s democratic process. In the labor movement this is a two-for-one deal: members are able to build the power of the union while also supporting a candidate or issue. Most of this money will go directly to Labor/Neighbor programs in central labor councils. The money might be used to hire a member to help involve the membership in a campaign or voter registration drive, pay for the cost of phone banks to inform members on issues, or mail information to members’ homes. For additional information about the Political Set Aside Fund call Local 535 political/legislative directors Jerry Fillingim at (510) 893-8766 or James Johnson at (626) 796-0051. Probation Officers seek agency shop As part of the Local 535 Quality of Work Life campaign in Fresno County, deputy probation officers are seeking to achieve agency shop. “The union does so much for the officers, and everybody reaps the benefits,” says Cliff Downing, Fresno County deputy probation officer and chapter president. “I think it’s time for all employees to pay their fair share.” Deputy probation officers have recently ratified a two-year contract that includes 4% wage increases in each year, a competitive salary benefit survey, and bilingual pay. “With agency shop I think we can do so much more,” says Downing. “If you’re strong, you’re more likely to win better benefits. It starts with politics.” In a union sponsored campaign, Fresno County chapter members recently elected union-supported supervisors and are seeking to elect one more in March, Dan Ronquillo. “The board of supervisors and the legislature are our bosses,” adds Downing. “We need a powerful organization to make a difference in the political arena, an individual can’t do it alone. We need political pressure, another reason for implementing agency shop.” The chapter is looking to gain safety retirement and higher salaries. “We’re the only peace officers in Fresno County eligible for safety retirement but do not reap the benefit,” adds Downing. “We are also seeking salaries comparable to state parole officers in some of the larger counties within the state and improved health care. When you’re in negotiations, the other side knows whether you’re 100% strong or you’re not. With agency shop, we will all be speaking with one strong voice.” 2002 Calendar of Events June 1-2 535 state executive board meeting, Los Angeles September 14-15 535 state executive board meeting, San Diego November 16-17 535 state executive board meeting, Oakland Mariposa County Superior court workers have won their first three-year contract. The agreement includes 3% wage increases in each year of the contract, equity adjustments, enhancements in the retirement package, increases in health insurance contributions, and agency shop. The court also agreed to a three-step grievance procedure ending with binding arbitration. Mariposa County workers have ratified a new three-year contract that includes 3% wage increases in each year of the agreement, health benefit increases, education incentive pay, and an enhanced retirement package. Local 535 is one of the first unions to successfully negotiate the new 2.7% at 55 years of age PERS retirement formula, fully paid by the employer. Negotiation team members included Sheryl Christiansen, Rebecca Maietto, Susie Gordo, field representative Debra Rockwood, and central regional director Lisa Edelheit. Heroes of Social work exhibit March is National Social Workers’ Month. In honor of Social Workers’ Month, California’s first Lady Sharon Davis will unveil a photo exhibit by Dragon co-editor Richard Bermack, “Heroes of Social Work: Making a Difference for Children and Families” Wednesday, March 13, in the Press Room at the State Capitol. The exhibit is the beginning of the social worker awareness campaign to educate legislators and the public about the positive contributions of social workers toward building a better society. For more information log on to www.seiu535.org/socialwork Social Workers Night with the Warriors In other social worker events, the Regional Planning Committee of NASW-CA Chapter, Region C is hosting a Social Workers Night at the Oakland Arena on April 13. Tickets are $27 and $32. The Warriors will be playing the Utah Jazz. All attendees will receive a 2-for-1 voucher for a future game. The proceeds from the event go towards assisting regional activities. For more information contact the NASW-CA Chapter at (510) 437-5166.
|
||||||
