December 2001

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Negotiations Impasse
Doug Kuula

As you know, if you've been checking the SEIU web-page (www.santarosa.edu/seiu) or reading your e-mail, the Mediator heard both SEIU's and the District's arguments about our COLA impasse. The Mediator then recommended a wage package of 6.155% effective January l through the next 18 months in addition to maintenance of health care benefits for that time period and improved health care benefits for retirees. Both the District and SEIU teams agreed to bring the recommendation to their groups. The CAC scheduled general membership meetings to consider this recommendation but had to cancel them because the Board rejected the Mediator's proposal as being "too rich." Both sides are meeting with the Mediator again on December 12.
Classified Staff made a nice show of support by attending the Board meeting last Thursday morning. The Classified presence was large enough that many in attendance did not have a seat. John Hemenway addressed the Board with his concerns about the way the negotiations might affect public support for the bond.
We need to show even greater support at the next Board meeting on Tuesday, December 11th, at 4 pm in the Pedroncelli Center. Be there with your buttons. This will be the most appropriate meeting to address the Board about our negotiation concerns.
The Faculty bargaining agent, AFA, has been quite supportive of our efforts, and individual faculty members have worn buttons in our support. We are not alone in our efforts to attain a fair agreement with the District.
Show your support for Classified staff by wearing or displaying a button available from:
Staff Resource Center-437 Elliot Ave., Mulitcurricular Lab-1261 Barnett Hall, Copy Center - Analy Temps., English Dept. Office- Emeritus Hall Second Floor. If you would like some buttons sent to your office, contact either Wende Wahl (x2707) or John Hemenway (x4748).

Hours of Employment Grievance
Editor

The hearing on the issue of assignment of work hours has finally been scheduled for Monday, February 25. The hearing will be before an arbitrator appointed by the American Arbitration Association. Both SEIU and the District will present their arguments about the issues and the contract language that support their separate interpretations of what is allowable. This is not as immediately important to most people as salary, but it is critical to the quality of our working environment.

Election of Officers
Election Committee

Within a few days, SEIU members will receive in campus mail ballots for election of officers.

CANDIDATES

President:       Wende Wahl (Cal Works)

Vice President/ Negotiator:     John Mercer (Computing Services)

Secretary:       Ann Samson (English)

Communications:       Doug Kuula (Chemistry)

Although we have only one candidate per office, it is essential for orderly process to hold an election and formally install these members who are agreeing to serve the unit.

Steward's Report
Ann Samson

Three new members have been trained in labor relations and appointed to serve as stewards:

Ann Sebastian       (Tutorial)
Bob Peterson       (Bookstore)
Esther Soto       (Environmental Health and Safety)

They join Zoe Forbes, Millie Tripp, and Ann Samson in the work of representing employees in interpreting and enforcing our contract. The number for the Stewards' Shop is x2758; call for an appointment if you need assistance.

SEIU Website
Doug Kuula

Check out the SEIU website at www.santarosa.edu/seiu. Frank Job has created and maintains a wonderful website for us. Frank has recently added a new feature: the SEIU-Classified Staff Bulletin Board. Take a look at it and start some dialogue. On the website you can also look at back issues of the Power Source, or check out our current contract and salary schedule. There are also links to CAC members, so you can communicate with us more effectively.

Legislative Issues
Doug Kuula

Make sure that your Representatives and Senators know you are concerned about issues that affect working people. Call them at the following numbers:

U.S. Representatives       1 -800-393-1082

U.S. Senators                   1-800-718-1008

Union Support
Doug Kuula

Power Source Support! Is there anyone interested in writing an article for the Power Source? If you are interested, contact Doug at 527-4654 or (dkuula @ santarosa.edu).

Power Source Thanks!
Doug Kuula

Special thanks to Cornell Chesnik (Electronics), Cathleen Cummings (Media Services), and Patricia Soran (Media Services) for printing, labeling, and distributing the Power Source. They are a good example of the dedication and teamwork it takes to make a union strong.


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