EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING AGENDA September 24, 2011 Start Time: 10:00AM A. Call to Order – Gwyn Harshaw, President - 10:00AM – Open Forum Meeting starts at 6pm. The first 15 minutes may be used for an open forum for members who wish to comment on issues of concern or describe union victories in their workplace (maximum of 2 minutes addressing items not on the agenda except under special circumstances). Meeting will start when all speakers are completed or at 10:15 whichever comes sooner. If members arrive before 10:15 and the general meeting has begun, it will be suspended for the members’ comments. If Board action is requested, the Board may place the matter on a future agenda. All statements that require a response will be referred to staff for reply in writing. A-1 Responses to Last Executive Board Meeting Open Forum Issues 1. All were discussed at the meeting B. Roll Call – 6:15PM quorum determined - (John Gutierrez) 1. C. Announcements: 1. Valley Benefits Funds Embezzler – Brandi Maxwell sentenced at the Superior Court Metropolitan Division in the County of Kern on 6/15/11: Probation was denied; defendant was committed to the Department of Correction for 2 years; defendant ordered to pay restitution of $365,870 to Valley Benefits. D. Review & Approve Minutes: - (pages 3-6) 1. Approval of Minutes from Executive Board Meeting – July 16, 2011. Minutes from the Officers’ Meeting will be approved at their Meeting E. Governance Issues: 1. Bylaws Committee Report: - (pages 7-8) 2. Central Labor Council Updates Motion 1 – Fresno, Tulare, Madera, Kings Counties Labor Council Delegates - (pages 9-10) 3. Motion 2 – Bylaws Revision – Request to Evaluate Replacing Executive Board Members - (pages 11-12) F. President Report: President Gwyn Harshaw - (Oral). 1. Motion 3 – Concurrence of Appointment to the Budget and Finance Committee – Region 4 - (pages 13-14) G. 1 st Vice President Report: 1 st VP Carmen Morales - (pages 15-16)Informational Item: Nurses wishing to receive California or National Nurse Alliance Updates/Information/Emails send email address to: [email protected]for Kathy Hughes, CCRN, Nurse Alliance of California and/or [email protected]for Richard Negri, SEIU Nurse Alliance, Healthcare Division Regional Vice President Reports: 2 nd VP Report - (pages 17-18) 5 th VP Report - (pages 19-24) Trustees’ Report - (pages 25-26-) H. Chief Elected Officer Report: Kristy Sermersheim – (Oral) Jobs Bill – Super Committee SEIU Endorsement for President I. Retirement Protection and Other Retirement Issues: - (pages 27-30) PERS infrastructure info J. New Business: Motion 4 – Donation to 9to5 for Elimination of Dependent Contractors’ Classification - $250 - (pages 31-32) 1 of 162
Transcript
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING AGENDA
September 24, 2011 Start Time: 10:00AM
A. Call to Order – Gwyn Harshaw, President - 10:00AM – Open Forum Meeting starts at 6pm. The first 15 minutes may be used for an open forum for members who wish to comment on issues of concern or describe union victories in their workplace (maximum of 2 minutes addressing items not on the agenda except under special circumstances). Meeting will start when all speakers are completed or at 10:15 whichever comes sooner. If members arrive before 10:15 and the general meeting has begun, it will be suspended for the members’ comments. If Board action is requested, the Board may place the matter on a future agenda. All statements that require a response will be referred to staff for reply in writing.
A-1 Responses to Last Executive Board Meeting Open Forum Issues 1. All were discussed at the meeting
B. Roll Call – 6:15PM quorum determined - (John Gutierrez) 1.
C. Announcements: 1. Valley Benefits Funds Embezzler – Brandi Maxwell sentenced at the Superior
Court Metropolitan Division in the County of Kern on 6/15/11: Probation was denied; defendant was committed to the Department of Correction for 2 years; defendant ordered to pay restitution of $365,870 to Valley Benefits.
D. Review & Approve Minutes: - (pages 3-6)
1. Approval of Minutes from Executive Board Meeting – July 16, 2011. Minutes from the Officers’ Meeting will be approved at their Meeting
E. Governance Issues: 1. Bylaws Committee Report: - (pages 7-8) 2. Central Labor Council Updates
3. Motion 2 – Bylaws Revision – Request to Evaluate Replacing Executive Board Members - (pages 11-12)
F. President Report: President Gwyn Harshaw - (Oral). 1. Motion 3 – Concurrence of Appointment to the Budget and Finance Committee
– Region 4 - (pages 13-14) G. 1st Vice President Report: 1st VP Carmen Morales - (pages 15-16)Informational Item:
Nurses wishing to receive California or National Nurse Alliance Updates/Information/Emails send email address to: [email protected] for Kathy Hughes, CCRN, Nurse Alliance of California and/or [email protected] for Richard Negri, SEIU Nurse Alliance, Healthcare Division
Regional Vice President Reports: 2nd VP Report - (pages 17-18)
H. Chief Elected Officer Report: Kristy Sermersheim – (Oral) Jobs Bill – Super Committee SEIU Endorsement for President
I. Retirement Protection and Other Retirement Issues: - (pages 27-30) PERS infrastructure info
J. New Business: Motion 4 – Donation to 9to5 for Elimination of Dependent Contractors’ Classification
- $250 - (pages 31-32)
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Motion 5 – Donation Congress of California Seniors Event - $350 - (pages 33-34) Motion 6 – Member Term Life Insurance Benefit - (pages 35-36) Motion 7 – Acceptance of 2010 Local 521 Audit - (pages 37-68)
K. Old Business Motion 8 – ROTC Summer Leadership School Event – file & keep info - (pages 69-70)
L. Political Report: Riko Mendez, Political Director 1. PAC/PACE Totals - (pages 71-72) 2. Motion 9 – Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits Fundraiser - $850 - (pages 73-74) 3. Motion 10 – Santa Clara County Latino PAC Event – $500 - (pages 75-76) 4. Motion 11 – Ad to Bring Valley Progressives Together - $1300 - (pages 77-78) 5. Motion 12 – PACE and PAC Donations to 2011 Leader Dinner Honoring
Assembly Speaker John Perez - $1400 and $900 - (pages 79-80) 6. Motion 13 – PACE Donation to Fresno County Democratic Central Committee -
M. Budget and Finance Report: RoseAnn Dominguez, Treasurer
1. Review August 2011 Financials: Bank Balances - Document 1 - (pages 101-102) Income Statement - Document 2 - (pages 103-106) Organizing Income statement - Document 3 - (pages 107-108) Dues Receipts - Document 4) - (pages 109-112) Per Capita report - Document 5 - (pages 113-116)
2. Saving from rotating Internal Organizers to the Organizing Budget - (pages 117-118) 3. Next Meeting of the Budget and Finance Committee: Wednesday October 19,
2011 – the 2012 Budget will be discussed in a workshop format. N. Committee and Industry Reports: written reports
Social and Economic Justice Committee and Caucus Reports: Women’s Caucus Report - (pages 119-120) Latino Caucus Report - (pages 121-128)
Good and Welfare Committee – none. Communications Committee - (pages 129-130) Nurse Alliance Statewide Industry Council - (pages 131-140)
O. Written Reports/Articles: 1. Organizing Report – Catherine Balbas - (pages 141-142) 2. Education and Training Report – Beth Thomas - (pages 143-144) 3. Communications Report – Khanh Weinberg - (pages 145-160) 4. Research Report – Albert Carlson - (pages 161-162)
P. Correspondence: None
Q. Adjournment:
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Minutes July 16, 2011 – Special Executive Board Meeting
Call to order by President, Gwyn Harshaw at 6pm via video and teleconferencing Officers Roll Call in Attendance at the Meeting: Gwyn Harshaw President RoseAnn Dominguez Treasurer John Gutierrez Secretary Matt Nathanson Region 2 Vice-Pres. Henry Ildefonzo Region 3 Vice-Pres.
James Hackett Region 4 Vice-Pres. Greg Gomez Region 5 Vice-Pres. Ellen Rollins Region 6 Vice-Pres. Kristy Sermersheim CEO
Officers Excused from the Meeting: Muriel Frederick Region 1 Vice-Pres. Carmen Morales 1st Vice President Executive Board Delegates in Attendance at the Meeting: REGION 1: Roxanne Barnett Scott Johnson Irma Compton Lesbia Reclosado Emma Davis Brian O’Neill Rosemary Romo Lydia Torres Elsa Venegas Tammy Dhanota REGION 2: Luis Aguilar John Gilbert Veronicia Rodriguez Diane Goldwasser
REGION 3: Karyn Clark REGION 4: David Chavez Brenda Flores Josie Ruiz Sergio Garcia Connor Murphy
REGION 5: Robert Murillo Roy Harris Wanda Wallace Carolyn Woolfolk Betty Tonini Vickie Jaurigui
REGION 6: Myrna Bravo Dolly Clemente Huong Chung Yong Ok Soung
CAUCUS DELEGATES: Robert Castillo
RETIREE DELEGATES: Carol Garvey Rachel Subega Gary Linsner
Executive Board Members and Alternates – Excused: Lynn Krug Cheryl Easterbrook
Karen Nakatani
Executive Board Members and Alternates – Unexcused: Annette Ruiz-Vides Carmen Vega-Martinez Consuelo Moreno Sam Avila Martin Contreras Ray Baeza Kim Palmer Diego Quevedo Francisco Quezada Linda Sakata Max Stone
Marianne Criswell Delinda Robinson Nancy Elliott Bobby Garcia Gerry Fasth Maura Guzman Debra Ladd Adam Gintz Kevin Westbook Ronald Pazeian Blanca Navarro
Billy Owens Steven Rodrigue Gloria Thompson Rachelle Hill Joanne Hutton Regina Kane Antonio Cardona Pamela Green Tammie Inman Evelyn Carter Rita Castillo
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Raul Rivera Conception Garay Pao-Hsun Yeh
Darlyn Qualls Shirley Dillard
Carolina Valle
Local 521 Trustees in Attendance: Socorro Alfaro Rachel Welch Local 521 Trustees Absent: Diana Calderon Walt George Gail Lancaster Linda Krolnik Local 521 Staff in Attendance: Tom Abshere Luisa Blue
Albert Carlson Debbie Pate
Beth Thomas Jerry Jimenez
Samantha Drews – SEIU International Tom Woodruff – International Executive VP Local 521 Members in Attendance: Carole Parkison Marilyn DeRouen Hermine Santiago James Chaele Lorey Labaen Jennifer Jensen Call to Order – Open Forum for Member Presentations: The Executive Board Meeting of July 16, 2011, was called to order by Gwyn Harshaw, Local 521 President, at 10:00am. Open Forum Presentations:
1. David Chavez of Fresno County spoke saying that he felt attached and offended at the July 28th meeting when he asked that motions be handled more professionally and not be rushed through.
2. Carol Garvey from the Santa Clara Retirees spoke saying that the retirees are working with the San Jose County Negotiation team. The CATS are working with the RATS (Retirees Action Team).
3. Dolly Clement spoke about charming people back into the union to save America. Responses to Last Executive Board Meeting’s Open Forum Issues None. Roll Call:
Roll Call – John Gutierrez, Treasurer, determined that a quorum of the Executive Board was present.
Introduct and Presentation of Tom Woodruff – SEIU International Executive Vice President:
1. Tom Woodruff talked on the “Fight for a Fair Economy” Campaign and Next Steps. Initially it was thought that we could win by targeting 17 cities; instead we need all cities to win. In the 17 cities thousands of people were interviewed door to door. It was expected that 10% of people interviewed would be angry; actually 20% are. The campaign targeted low wage neighborhoods, but we need to do more: we need to continue to serve as well as organize unions.
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Some next steps: educate members on Fight for a Fair Economy; “Members in Motion” – fun activities; target Congressional Legislators during the August Break; build “Heat in the Street”. Don’t isolate to SEIU only – include the community and allies. Have multiple creative events with some theme. The goal is to have 200,000 members across the country involved.
We are working on a plan with the International to determine what additional resources are needed.
2. Fight for a Fair Economy –
a. Organize – only 7% of private sector is organized b. Good paying jobs – 15 million are unemployed c. Healthcare – is a right. 44 million are without healthcare coverage d. Immigration Reform – 12 million are undocumented
3. August Recess – 8/8 – 9/5/11
a. Theme: “Where are the Jobs”, “Whose side”, “America not broke: Rebuild the American Dream”
b. Congress: Demonstrate disapproval; hold one event per target; approach friendly
c. Targets for SEIU Local 521: Jackie Speier, Anna Eshoo, Mike Honda, Zoe Lofgren, Sam Farr, Dennis Cardoza, Jim Costa, Devin Nunes. Riko is the Lead Coordinator for these events.
Review and Approval of the Minutes from the June 28, 2011, Executive Board Meeting:
Motion: to approve the June 28, 2011, Executive Board meeting minutes as written. Duly moved; Seconded; Passed There was some discussion about how long homecare will be with the Local. The answer is that we do not know.
Committee Vacancies:
Motion 1: Concurrence of Appointments to Committee Positions Declared Open at the June 28, 2011, Executive Board Meeting. Motion: To concur with the appointments of the President to chairs and committees of the Executive Board as named above: Good and Welfare Committee: RoseAnn Dominguez, Chair to replace My Loi. Budget and Finance Committee: Scott Johnson (Region 1) to replace My Loi. Duly moved; seconded; passed as determined. Motion 2: Concurrence of Appointments to the Biennial Convention Committee. Motion: To concur with the appointments of the President to the Biennial Committee of the Executive Board as named above: Roxanne Barnett, Rachel Welch, and Socorro Alfaro. Duly moved; seconded; passed as presented.
Governance Issues:
The Biennial Committee Report.
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Date is October 7th through 9th in San Jose. The Delegates’ selection process begins on Monday with an E-Blast. Applications must be postmarked by August 30th. If they are received after the 31st they will be accepted. All Regions except Region 1 and Region 6 will be provided lodging and transportation. Motion 4: Delegates Total for the Biennial Convention October 2011. Motion: 300 Delegates maximum according to the Bylaws – Fixed number to 187 – Balance to be spread over per capita. Duly moved; seconded; passed as determined.
Updates and Reports: in the packet
Robert Castillo, Rachel Subega, and Irma Compton spoke about the Latino Caucus Meeting.
Political:
Motion 3: Donate to the DAWN Event - $300. Motion: To use candidates’ funds to buy six tickets to their annual fundraiser “Brunch on the Bayou” at $50 a ticket for a total of $300. Duly moved; seconded; passed as presented.
Report of the Treasurer – new information since the June 28th Executive Board Meeting:
The Treasurer reported that the June Rotation of Internal Organizers to the Organizing Budget yielded a savings of $69,513 to the General Fund for 18 employees.
Discussion and short Training on Pensions:
This item did not happen.
California State Budget Report:
We are working to force CALPERS infrastructure to invest 3-5% of CALPERS money into California – this is part of the Fight for Fair Economy Campaign by creating “good jobs”.
Adjournment: Next Executive Board Meeting is a quarterly meeting scheduled for
Saturday, September 24, 2011 in San Jose from 10am – 3pm.
Motion: To adjourn this meeting at 2:10pm. Duly moved; seconded; passed.
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Bylaws Committee Report
Submitted by: Pam Rodgers
September 2011
1. Fresno County: The revised bylaws for Fresno County were received on August 18, 2011. The committee will review the content and make recommendations and/or move to submit for approval to Executive Board. They were rejected with changes and sent back to the Fresno County Bylaws Committee – (Pending review)
2. First Student Bus Drivers/Mechanics: The committee received the first draft of the First Student Bylaws on August 18, 2011. The committee will review the content and make recommendations and/or move to submit for approval to the Executive Board.
3. APALA 521 Caucus: The committee received the first draft of the APALA 521 Caucus Bylaws on August 18, 2011. There are some issues with the language of the APALA Caucus bylaws that do not agree with the Local 521 bylaws. The APALA Caucus will have to make revisions and resubmit. They were rejected with changes and sent back to the APALA Caucus – (Pending review)
4. Monterey County: The bylaws committee rejected their bylaws in June 2011 pending significant changes. We received the revised bylaws on August 18, 2011. The committee will review the content and make recommendations and/or move to submit for approval to the Executive Board.
5. Retiree Chapter: The retiree chapter bylaws were received in late August. The committee will review the content and make recommendations and/or move to submit for approval to the Executive Board.
6. Kern County Court: The committee has received the bylaws from Kern County Courts – The committee will review the content and make recommendations and/or move to submit for approval to the Executive Board.
Approved Bylaws 2011
1. Tulare County: Approved June 28, 2011 by Executive Board PR:SEIU 521 CTW\CLC
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SEIU Local 521 Officers’ Motion Motion Number: 01 Date: September 24, 2011 Motion Title: Confirmation of Delegate Seats at the Fresno-Madera-Tulare-Kings Labor Council Recommended By: Tom Abshere, Area Director; PACE Committee Background: PACE has asked that Diana Calderon is being appointed a delegate to the Fresno-Madera-Tulare-Kings Labor Council. Motion: To confirm the addition of Diana Calderon as a delegate to the Fresno-Madera-Tulare-Kings Labor Council and notify the CLC of that action. Follow Up: Moved by:___________________________ __ Second :___________________________
SEIU Local 521 Executive Board Motion Motion Number: 02 Date: September 24, 2011 Motion Title: Bylaws Revision – Request to Evaluate Replacing Executive Board Members. Recommended By: Wanda Wallace, Carolyn Woolfolk Background: Several Board members have retired. It appears unclear in the current Bylaws how this is handled. Article V (page 5 of the current Bylaws) does not make any provision for electing/appointing “replacement” delegates to the Executive Board. During this term of office the following delegates have retired: Anna Casey from Fresno County, Ronald Pazeian from Fresno USD, Carolyn Woolfolk from Kern County, Rachelle Hill from Kern County Courts, Marianne Criswell from Monterey County, and possibly Evelyn Carter from San Mateo Homecare. Motion: To establish a small committee to evaluate current Bylaw structure to consider options for replacing Executive Board Members due to retirement, etc. Follow Up:
Moved by:__________________________ __ Second :____________________________
SEIU Local 521 Executive Board Meeting Motion Motion Number: 03 Date: September 24, 2011 Motion Title: Concurrence of Appointment of Region 4 Budget and Finance Delegate Recommended By: Gwyn Harshaw, Local 521 President Background: The Region 4 Vice President, James Hackett, recommended Darlynn Qualls to the Local President for appointment to the open Budget and Finance Delegate position in Region 4. Ron Pazeian has retired leaving the vacancy on the Budget and Finance Committee. The President has agreed and appointed Darlynn Qualls to the vacant position on the Budget and Finance Committee for Region 4. The President is seeking concurrence by the Executive Board for the appointment of Darlynn Qualls. Motion: To concur with the appointment of the President of Darlynn Qualls to the open Budget and Finance Committee seat for Region 4. Follow Up: Moved by:___________________________ __ Second :___________________________
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT CARMEN MORALES-BOARD
June 27-Sept. 22, 2011 June 27 Calls to 8 Legislators in Sacramento Re: SB 161 Diastat in Schools – Do not support June 28 Officer’s Meeting -6-8 pm July 6 NA of CA Meeting L721 LA – Report filed July 7 ACA Webinair Training 4 pm – Union Office July 12 ACA Webinair Training 1 pm (repeat) July 14 ACA Webinair Training Part 2-10 am – Union Ofc. July 20 Budget and Finance Meeting 6 pm August 2 Nurse Alliance Video Conf. Mtg 6-8 – Union Ofc. August 9 KMC Monthly Steward Lunch Meeting w/Ernest Harris August 15 KMC New Employee Orientation w/Ernest Harris -100% August 17 Met w/Regina Kane re: Chapter Issues, ACA
Budget and Finance Meeting 6 pm
August 18 ACA – NALC Call in Meeting 5pm August 21 Union Office Rehearse ACA Presentation w/Sharon
Ingram, Roy Harris, Ernest Harris August 23 ACA Presentation Delano, CA w/L1000 – E.Harris,R. Faucette, S. Ingram
Officers Meeting (call in) 6 pm August 29 3:30 pm KMC New Employee Orientation–90% signed up August 31 KMC Revamping HC meeting September 7 NA of CA L121RN-Pasadena (report attached) September 9 Valley Benefits Meeting 12 noon September 12 NALC Training Education Meeting Conf Call 4pm September 13 KMC Monthly Noon Steward Mtg.w/Ernest Harris Region 5 Monthly Call in Meeting 6:30 pm
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SEIU Local 521 - Region 2 Vice President’s Report September 9, 2011 (for September Executive Board Meeting A lot has happened in Region 2 since the June executive Board meeting. Contract Bargaining – Our members have been involved in numerous contract fights, and most of those contracts have now settled. We have reached new agreements in all three of our County jurisdictions (Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz), as well as in the cities of Salinas and Santa Cruz and at Salud Para La Gente, just to name a few. Unlike last year where we mainly reached one year contract extensions, most of these settlements were deals of two years or longer to try and give ourselves some time to figure out how to rebuild our bargaining strength in this new era of economic depression. Staffing – We have filled some key staff positions in the region and are starting to orient our new staff. These include: Debbie Narvaez, our new Region 2 Director, who joins us from Local 521 in Los Angeles; Adam Urrutia, our new political organizer, who has transferred to the Region 2 office from Local 521 in Visalia (where I am sure they will miss him), and Bryce Stoepfel, our new internal organizer, who joins us from SEIU Local 1199 in Ohio. We are hoping to fill another vacant internal organizer position in the next week or so, having completed second round interviews and now doing reference checks. Natividad Medical Center – One of the biggest issues in the Region right now is the proposal to convert Natividad (the County Hospital in Monterey County) to a Public Authority governance structure. The Hospital administration is proposing this change to better position the hospital to thrive during health care reform, but our members are organizing and getting involved in the process to make sure that workers rights and services to the community are not compromised by this proposed change. Politics – 2012 will undoubtedly be the year of politics within our region (and the nation). We kicked that off with the Monterey Bay Central Labor Council Labor Day picnic where numerous politicians came to meet and talk with labor leaders. Mark Stone (Santa Cruz County Supervisor) used the event to formally announce his intentions to run for the California State Assembly in a district that includes portions of both Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties, as well as Santa Clara County (in Region 1). One of our top priorities for the fall is to put together a political plan for 2012. Community Action – Region 2 members took part in a Congressional Town Hall meeting in Salinas with U.S. Representative Sam Farr in Salinas on August 29th. Then on September 1st there was another action in Salinas, this time in support of reforms in the California Childcare system (see the article on-line on the 521 website). I am sorry I will miss the September Executive board meeting. I will be on vacation in Glacier National Park in Montana, hoping to see the glaciers before they all melt away. I will return rested and ready to fight in October. In solidarity, Matt Nathanson Region 2 Vice President
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Region 5 – Executive Board Report
Submitted by Greg Gomez, Vice President – Region 5
Kings
Kings County Chapter Bosses have changed the ERO to allow a decert window sooner than expected. We are working
on reaching out to members in the chapter and build a following in response to Bill Shawhan’s attempts
to take over our units.
Tulare
Tulare County Chapter SEIU and the county were in negotiations which were abruptly brought to an end after the
county unilaterally declared impasse and presented the bargaining team with a last, best and final which
was imposed on in our units in August. The county is reneging on language in the MOU that said step
and merit pay would be returned to levels where they should have been, had there been no takeaways
over the life of the contract. We have filed a ULP with PERB and a grievance with the county. In the
meantime, the county came to us asking to cancel the furlough program because the have found $14
million. Negotiations were promptly resumed and are scheduled to take place in early October.
Tulare Regional Medical Center Really ugly boss fight. The hospital has fired one of our organizing committee members. A
union buster was brought in and they have been having rotating meetings, 3 employees at a time so
management can tell them lies about why unions are going to be bad. The boss changed their ERO to
make it extremely difficult at organizing any of the units, down to allowing management to declare what
is or what isn’t considered a bargaining unit. Employees are worried about losing their jobs and this was
evident in an organizing meeting I attended after we had over 60% of one unit sign cards. Organizing
committee is still determined to carry this across the finish line. It’s been very fulfilling seeing how much
these employees are willing to work at building their union.
Political The Tulare County Labor Coalition has taken off. I attended several lunches which have been
attended by the likes of city fire and police and other CLC member unions. A big thanks to Adam
Urrutia, former political organizer in the Visalia office, for reaching out to our sister unions and starting
the monthly labor lunches.
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Kern
We have wrapped up agreements in all represented agencies except: County of Kern, City of Arvin, City
of Taft and Kern County Water Agency.
In the County of Kern, we held fact-finding this last Monday. We should have the Fact Finders report in
the next 30 to 60 days. County is still saying no to every Union proposal and continues to seek take-
aways on payments to medical and retirement. This would cost the lowest paid employees up to 27%
of their take-home pay. We are still doing everything we can to drag out bargaining. We will ask for
mediation, after we receive the Fact Finders report.
We are having lay-offs in City of Arvin and City of Delano. About a third of our membership in each
agency has been affected.
Cities of Arvin and Taft are asking for take-aways.
Kern County Water Agency wants to give no raises after giving management a 3% salary increase.
Labor unions work for Main Street USA Visalia Times Delta Sept. 3, 2011
Union supporters hold a rally April 4 at Mooney Boulevard and Mineral King Avenue in Visalia. / Steve R. Fujimoto
This has been a difficult year for organized labor.
Labor unions, especially for public employees, have been besieged. They have been attacked by politicians, vilified for government budget deficits and pressed to return negotiated benefits.
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In some places, such as Wisconsin, their right to bargain collectively has been assaulted. Politicians and pundits now routinely call for rollbacks in benefits that have been earned by labor unions.
On the occasion of Labor Day weekend, 2011, we called on Greg Gomez, president of Service Employee International Union (SEIU) Local 521, Tulare County chapter, to address some of the issues confronting his union and organized labor in general:
Viewpoint: This has been a difficult year for labor unions, especially public employee unions. Have you and your members detected a shift in attitude toward union support by both the public and politicians?
Gomez: No. The attitude hasn't shifted, it has just gotten louder. Anti-worker politicians, from Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker to the Tulare County Board of Supervisors, were always anti-worker. The same is true of members of the public who are anti-worker. You may see more letters to the editor siding with the rich, but that doesn't represent a shift in opinion.
Viewpoint: How are unions responding to that shift in public attitude?
Gomez: While our opponents have loudly been proclaiming that unions and public employees somehow caused Wall Street to crash our economy, we've been working to bring attention back on the real problems of the economy. Americans are struggling, nowhere is that clearer than Tulare County. We need jobs and something that we need to learn from all of these years of tax breaks is that giving Manhattan hedge fund managers tax breaks doesn't create a single job on Main Street USA.
Viewpoint: Many people believe that unions are responsible for some of the budget problems occurring in the public sector, yet unions have also offered concessions and given up benefits and salary. Do you believe these things have not gotten enough attention, and if not, why is that?
Gomez: The budget problems in the public sector have occurred because a minority in California has been able to block our state's ability to pay for the services it needs. When things are going well, politicians have made promises they haven't been willing to pay for. The sacrifices made by public servants — and by the public, which has lost access to essential services — haven't gotten as much attention because the media prefer to listen to politicians rather than look at the true issues.
Viewpoint: The prevailing feeling seems to be that public employees should return negotiated benefits or have their benefits cut. What is your response to that?
Gomez: For years, private companies have slashed their workers' pay and benefits to reward their executives. We would all be better off if private-sector pay and benefits were brought up, rather than bringing every worker's pay down.
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Viewpoint: The response of some cities in California has been to privatize public services to avoid dealing with public employees. What is your response to that trend?
Gomez: Privatized services, in many cases, end up being the worst services. When it does go bad, who does the public hold accountable?
Viewpoint: In some extreme cases, such as the state of Wisconsin, the right of employees to bargain collectively has been curtailed or eliminated. What do you see as the long-term effects of that?
Gomez: The right to bargain collectively is a basic human right. It was a right recognized by Ronald Reagan and by the Catholic Church. The ability of Americans to exercise that right is what built the American middle class. The loss of collective bargaining, whether by union-busting or by legislation, will hurt equality and in the long run, it will hurt our entire economy. Workers are consumers and consumers are 70 percent of the economy.
Viewpoint: What do unions want people to know about them that perhaps the public isn't aware of?
Gomez: Every CEO has a contract that provides rights and benefits that go beyond what the law provides. It says for what reason he or she can be fired and it lays out expectations and working conditions. It's a negotiated agreement. Why should only a CEO have that? Every worker deserves a contract and that's what a union provides.
Viewpoint: The involvement of labor unions in politics is often criticized. Why is political involvement of employee groups important?
Gomez: The super-wealthy and the corporations all stand up for themselves in politics, buying access to our elected officials. Businesses contribute more than six times as much to politicians as unions. But America isn't one dollar, one vote. It's one person, one vote. What unions contribute is people — American citizens getting involved in the process, talking to their neighbors, getting out the vote and holding their representatives accountable to the promises they make. We need more of this in politics, not less!
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Trustees’ Report
Trustees Socorro Alfaro and Rachel Grocha Welch performed an audit on Aug. 23rd at the Local office on Zanker.
All our questions were answered by Ming and all entries examined were reconciled.
Rachel Grocha Welch Region 1 Trustee
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Date of Review #1: August 27, 2011 Date Of Review #2 August 27, 2011 Date Of Review #3Quarter # 2 Quarter # 2 Quarter #Reviewer #1: Rachel Grocha Welch Reviewer #2: Socorro Alfaro Reviewer #3:
Review #1 Rachel Grocha WelchTotal Items Yes No N/A
TOTAL RESPONSES 37AGGREGATE SCORE: TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 54 LESS NOT APPLICABLES -5 NET TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 49
POINTS ACHIEVED 30
TOTAL AGGREGATE SCORE 61%
COMPLIANCE
COMPLIANCE
SEIU Local 521
COMPLIANCE
Trustee Audit Assessment
COMPLIANCE
S:\Finance\Monthend\2011\Trustee Audit\Q2\Trustee Audit Assessment.xlsSummary Q2 9/8/201126 of 162
August 31st - Pension Committee Meeting - Phone Conference Notes taken by Hoan Pham
Participants:
• Rachel Grochawelch • Matt Nathanson • Brian O’Neil • Hoan Pham
A) Update on PERS Infrastructure Investment Efforts What has happened since our last meeting? CalPERS Infrastructure Investment Campaign
• It appears that Rob Feckner (School Member Representative), President of CalPERS Board, will place this item on the agenda at the September 12th CalPERS Investment Committee meeting.
• Other board members that we have reached out so far and are in support are:
Priya Sara Mathur - Public Agency Member Representative John Chiang - Ex Officio Member Bill Lockyer - Ex Officio Member
• There will be several people who will be attending to testify: Brian O’Neil and two others - plan participants Mayor of Riverside Margaret Abe Koga – City of Mountain View and VTA Dave Cortese - Santa Clara County Michael Makovsky – NYU
• An area of concern that might hold this item up is that there may not be enough staffing/experts within CalPERS for this additional infrastructure investment.
• We think that if this motion is passed that the CalPERS board will direct its staff to come up with an implementation plan
• Santa Clara County will be a big player in this campaign. After state employees, Santa Clara County is the next largest employee group within CalPERS. Future goal is to get support from other Board of Supervisors in Santa Clara County.
• Dave Cortese has committed to putting an Op Ed piece in the San Jose Mercury News by Labor Day.
Volunteers for September 12 meeting
• Hoan will work with Riko, Beth and Communications to try and get the message out
• We need to find out how we can get retirees involved in this campaign and others that deal with pensions
• Brian O’Neil and Rachel Grochawelch have said they will be attending. We will be leaving from the San Jose office at 7am in van(s).
B) Statewide Pension Issues What is happening in Sacramento?
• It appears that there is no real serious pension reform initiative being moved forward due to lack of funding. However,
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we think Governor Brown will likely be proposing some type of pension reform. Details are not available currently but SEIU has made it clear that Governor Brown should be meeting with us ahead of any release of a pension reform to discuss the specifics.
SEIU Fight for a Fair Economy Campaign (FFE)
• SEIU Local 521 is applying to the international for a Fight For Fair Economy status. This will provide additional resources (funding, staffing, etc.). The campaign will primarily be member driven. The plan will include weaving in the current CalPERS infrastructure investment piece. The long-term plan will focus on how to provide access to those that currently do not have retirement security.
C) Check-Ins about Local Issues
• City of Santa Cruz – TA being voted on today – new employees will be receiving a 2.0 @ 60 plan; employee will be paying more in contribution.
• County of Santa Clara – no two tier proposal but added two lower steps on salary step.
D) Feedback on Pension Training Next Steps
• Beth and Hoan will develop a draft of the second pension training module by the next Pension Committee Meeting on October 12th
E) Other Business - UC Pension Forum 9/8/11 F) Next Meeting Date
In a move that could fuel economic growth, CalPERS earmarked $800 million Monday for
investments in California roads, bridges, power transmission lines and other forms of infrastructure.
The money is part of a $5 billion worldwide infrastructure effort that CalPERS is creating as it
joins the growing list of big investors leaping into that field. Opportunities abound as cash-
strapped governments look for new sources of money.
In California, the $800 million in investments could help the state's troubled job market by directing money toward big construction projects, public and private.
"I am asking CalPERS to invest in California jobs," Brian O'Neill, an official with the Santa
Clara local of the Service Employees International Union, told the pension fund's investment
committee.
The program won't mean immediate economic salvation, however. CalPERS intends to roll out its investment program over three years.
It's also not clear how much the California Public Employees' Retirement System will pour
into new construction, which is where much of the job growth lies but is also riskier. The
pension fund, still recovering from the crash of 2008, said it's mainly interested in low-risk
investments in existing assets.
CalPERS has to "control expectations" about job creation, said former state Cabinet secretary Dale Bonner, who runs an infrastructure consulting firm.
The pension fund also will avoid deals that could transfer public employees' jobs to the
private sector.
Still, CalPERS officials said there are potential infrastructure investments in California waiting
to be plucked, perhaps in partnership with private investors.
"We have a couple of opportunities we are in active discussions on right now," said Randall Mullan, senior portfolio manager.
CalPERS already has $60 million invested in California infrastructure, including a water
storage project in the Antelope Valley south of Bakersfield.
On Monday, the CalPERS investment committee approved a much bigger commitment to
infrastructure. Because the committee includes every board member, approval by the full board at its meeting Wednesday is a near certainty.
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The plan calls for investments of $150 million to $300 million in each targeted project.
"The outcome could be good if we get all the stars aligned," said Rob Feckner, CalPERS board president.
The move reflects big investors' growing appetite for public infrastructure. State and local
governments have raised billions of dollars in recent years by selling or leasing major assets
– highways, parking systems, and others – to the private sector.
In Sacramento, a task force appointed by Mayor Kevin Johnson has proposed leasing out 8,000 city-owned parking places to generate cash for a new downtown arena.
Yet the privatization or quasi-privatization of public assets has been controversial in some
cases.
Gov. Jerry Brown this year canceled the sale of a group of state office buildings, including
several in Sacramento, for $1 billion. He called the deal "not prudent."
And critics still point to the State Route 91 express lanes, a $130 million toll road in Orange
County built by private investors in 1995.
The lanes became controversial because of a "non-compete" clause that prohibited the state
from making improvements on any roads within a mile and a half. Taxpayers bought out the
company's lease for $207 million.
CalPERS said it will balance its investment goals with other objectives.
"It is an investment opportunity; it is not a social program," said board member J.J. Jelincic,
a past president of the California State Employees Association.
CalPERS will rule out many investments altogether. It won't invest in privatization deals that would take jobs away from the very employees who belong to CalPERS.
"The last thing anyone wants is, 'Oh, my retirement fund just displaced my job,' " Feckner
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SEIU Local 521 Executive Board Meeting Motion Motion Number: 04 Date: September 24, 2011 Motion Title: Donation to 9to5 for their Efforts to Eliminating Dependent Contractors Classification - $250 Recommended By: County of Santa Clara County Chapter Background: On September 8, 2011, the Santa Clara County Chapter at their General Membership meeting voted unanimously to approve a donation of $250 to 9to5 to support their organization’s efforts to eliminate the classification of Dependent Contractors from their Legacy Locals’ various Chapter Funds. Since there are not valid signatories for all these Chapter Funds either the Officers or the Executive Board must authorize payment. Motion: To agree with the vote of the Santa Clara County Chapter to donate $250 to 9to5 to support their efforts to eliminate the classification of Dependent Contractors from the Santa Clara County Chapter Funds: $100 from the 715 Chapter Funds, $75 from the 535 Workers Chapter Funds, and $75 from the 535 Supervisory Funds. Follow Up: Moved by:___________________________ __ Second :___________________________
SEIU Local 521 Executive Board Meeting Motion Motion Number: 05 Date: September 24, 2011 Motion Title: Donation to Congress of California Seniors Events - $350 Recommended By: On Behalf of Homecare Workers Background: The Congress of California Seniors is our strongest ally in the capitol on Long Term Care issues. They are asking for our continued support. Homecare succeeds through our alliances particularly with our clients. As homecare faces a whole host of future challenges, maintaining our alliances will be critical. Here are few challenges homecare faces:
1. $100 million state budget trigger cut if state revenues fall short of target 2. Long Term Care Realignment Discussions to move from county to state 3. Long Term Care Integration into the Health Care Reform 2014
Motion: To donate $350 to the Congress of California Seniors Events from line item 133 Member Involvement: Memorabilia/Give Aways/Member Pride. Congress of California Seniors, 1230 N Street, #201, Sacramento, CA 95814 Follow Up: Moved by:___________________________ __ Second :___________________________
CONGRESS OF CALIFORNIA SENIORS 1230 “N” STREET, SUITE 201, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 • (916) 442-4474 • (800) 543-3352 • FAX (916) 442-1877 • www.seniors.org
Board of Directors State President Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Vice Presidents North Joseph A. Rao Vice Presidents South Alicia Flores Carolyn Tate Secretary Margaret Sowma Treasurer Alice Ramirez Trustees Rolland Hamilton Marie A. Taylor Members at Large Dee Erman Socorro Franco Carl Joaquin Henderson Jones Joanna Kim-Selby Ronnie Kinney Dwaine Lamothe Robert Lindley Chon Ramirez Paul Ramirez Bill Regis Lorraine Sablan Estella “ET” Thomas Alynn B. Wilson Lewis Wright Regional Chairs Karen Anderson Edie Brown Chuck Holt Chuck Latimer Anne M. Mack Carolyn Tate Boardmember Emeritus Dr. Barbara Lundeen Committee Chairs Sharon Hillbrant Bob Jimenez Penne Lavery Gary Passmore
The Congress of California Seniors is a broad-based coalition of senior centers and residential facilities, women’s clubs, tenant and homeowner associations, faith-based organizations, community service groups, trade union retirees, retired federal/state/local government and public school
employee organizations, and other advocacy groups.
June 15, 2011 David Kieffer, Executive Director SEIU State Council 1007 7th Street, 4th Floor Sacramento, CA 95814 Dear Mr. Kieffer: The Congress of California Seniors is preparing for our 2011 statewide convention to be held in Cathedral City (Palm Springs area) September 25-27, 2011. We use the convention as the primary fund raising mechanism to support our ongoing operations, our advocacy and outreach, and our various programs and services for seniors throughout California. Our conference allows us to mobilize many groups and leaders for the critical job of speaking out for seniors. Because of the financial condition of both our state and federal governments, this year’s convention comes at a time of great challenges for the network of programs and services that keep our seniors safe, healthy and able to age with dignity in their own homes. Ironically, important programs are being eliminated or reduced just as baby boomers turn 65. We have had a close collaborative relationship with SEIU over the years. This past year, we have co-sponsored and jointly advocated for key SEIU legislation, we have made public statements at the behest of SEIU staff, we have worked hard to preserve budget items especially important to SEIU members, and we have worked together on a day-to-day basis to develop and advance SEIU policies. Our advocacy, education programs and services are only possible with sponsor support. We are extremely grateful to SEIU. Over the years it has been an important contributor to the success of CCS, and we again thank you for your friendship and generosity. We hope that you can support CCS as a Circle of Friends Sponsor in 2011. I hope your staff will take a few moments to read through the enclosed materials. The enclosed response form will make it easier for us to recognize your support. Again, thank you for making SEIU such an outstanding public citizen, and one committed to helping California seniors. If you have any questions or need further information, please let me know or contact Gary Passmore at 800-543-3352. Sincerely,
Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo State President Enclosure
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SEIU Local 521 Executive Board Motion Motion Number: 06 Date: September 24, 2011 Motion Title: Member Term Life Insurance Benefit Recommended By: Budget and Finance Committee and Local 521 Officers Background: Local 521 currently has 3 Legacy Locals that have offered a free term life insurance benefits to members with a face value of $1,000 or $2,000 depending on the Legacy Local. The Legacy Locals providing this benefit are 415, 817, and 700. August 1, 2011, the underwriter for the Legacy Local 415 member term insurance group policy cancelled the product. We have been unable to find an alternative underwriter. Self-funding the policies has been considered; as has offering a term life insurance benefit to all members of Local 521. It is felt that the liability to the Local would be too great. It is felt that cancelling the benefit as of December 31, 2011, would be the wiser alternative. Members of the affected Legacy Locals will be contacted that the benefit will be cancelled as of December 31, 2011. Motion: To cancel the free term life insurance benefits to members with a face value of either $1,000 or $2,000 depending on the Legacy Local as of December 31, 2011, and to notify the affected members of this decision. Follow Up:
Moved by:__________________________ __ Second :____________________________
SEIU Local 521 Executive Board Motion Motion Number: 07 Date: September 24, 2011 Motion Title: Accept the 2010 Audit as presented in the Financial Documents by the Auditors. Recommended By: Budget and Finance Committee Background: The new Local auditors presented the Financial Documents from the audit of the Local 521 2010 books. Motion: To accept the SEIU Local 521 2010 Audit as presented in the Financial Documents prepared by the Auditors, Calibre CPA Group, as presented to the Budget and Finance Committee at the August 17th Budget and Finance Committee meeting. Follow Up: Moved by:__________________________ __ Second :____________________________
SEIU Local 521 Executive Board Motion Motion Number: 08 Date: September 24, 2011 Motion Title: ROTC Summer Leadership School Event. Recommended By: Carmen Morales Background: A motion regarding donation of $500 from the General Fund to sponsor Bakersfield ROTC Cadets to attend the Summer Leadership School at the Naval Base Ventura County was presented to the Budget and Finance Committee twice. The first time it was tabled; the second time it failed for lack of a second. Most of the cost of the event is paid by the ROTC. Each Cadet, a high school student at Bakersfield High School, is responsible for paying $200 to attend the event. It is this $200 that the members of Kern County Medical Center worked to raise to help cadets attend the Summer Leadership School. In 2011 their goal was to sponsor 17 cadets. They reached out to local Bakersfield businesses and workers at the Kern County Medical Center. Kern County Medical Center members, delegates, officers, and stewards wanted SEIU to contribute. They plan to ask for support for this event again next year. Motion: Option 1 recommended by motion maker: To receive and file the information presented about the event so that it can be retrieved as a whole when the time come to ask for a donation next year. Option 2 recommended by Kristy Sermersheim: Ask the Good and Welfare Committee and Carmen Morales to make a recommendation to the Budget & Finance Committee as to how such requests should be handled for the 2012 Budget or a recommended policy as to how such requests should be handled in the future at no cost. Follow Up:
Moved by:__________________________ __ Second :____________________________
Outstanding Motions:Purchase Foreclosure Data 1,000.00 SMCLC - Jackie Speier Labor Day B'fast 400.00 Central Valley Political Mapping Project 1,000.00
Available Funds - PACE 1,737.06 Available Funds - PAC 64,677.52
0.00
Bank Balance as of 7/31/11 39,136.33$
Outstanding Deposits: July, Aug 8,320.70
Outstanding Motions:
Tulare County Democratic Central Committee 1,000.00 Dawn Event 300.00 Paul Fong 1,500.00 BAYMEC 1,500.00 Merced-Mariposa CLC Labor Day Event 500.00 Latino PAC of Tulare County 150.00 Fresno-Madera-Tulare-Kings Labor Day B'fast 20.00 Fresno-Madera-Tulare-Kings Labor Day B'fast 200.00 Otto Lee Meet and Greet (Joan Coston) 50.00 Kern County Democratic Party - Donahoe Dinner 1,000.00 Alejo for Assembly 2010 2,000.00 Nora Campos for Assembly 1,500.00
Available Funds - PACE 7,253.97 Available Funds - PAC 30,483.06
-
Bank Balance as of 7/31/11 170,268.56$
Outstanding Deposits: July, Aug 5,824.49
Outstanding Motions:
Available Funds - PACE 5,175.00 Available Funds - PAC 170,918.05
0.00
SEIU Local 521
PACE and PAC
as of August 31, 2011
Issues
Candidates
Independent Expenditures
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SEIU Local 521 Executive Board Motion Motion Number: 09 Date: September 24, 2011 Motion Title: Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits – Fundraiser to Support their Health and Human Sector - $850 from SEIU Local 521 COPE Issues PAC Recommended By: Suzanne Lopez, Luis Vasquez, Jill Lassettre and Amanda Martinez all Stewards for Community Solutions Background: This is the fourth annual Celebrity Server - Be Our Guest Event. This year’s event is on Thursday, October 27th from 11:30am to 1:00pm at the 4th Street Summit Center, San Jose. This event supports the health and human sector. Tables without server selection are $850; tables with choice of Celebrity server are $1100. Motion: To purchase a Table to the 4th Annual Celebrity Server – Be Our Guest Event for $850 from the SEIU Local 521 COPE Issues PAC. Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits 1400 Parkmoor Ave, Ste 130, San Jose CA 95126 FPPC#: none Follow Up:
Moved by:__________________________ __ Second :____________________________
SEIU Local 521 Executive Board Motion Motion Number: 10 Date: September 24, 2011 Motion Title: COPE Candidate Contribution – Santa Clara County Latino PAC - $500 Recommended By: Santa Clara and San Benito COPE Committee Background: The Santa Clara County Latino PAC is a newly created PAC based in Gilroy/Morgan Hill. Its purpose is to promote Latino representation in the area. An event, “Evening with State Legislator Luis Alejo” was held on September 10th. Members of the COPE Committee attended the event. The donation is for a table at the event for $500. Motion: To approve $500 paid to the Santa Clara County Latino PAC from the SEIU Local 521 COPE Candidate PAC for a table at the event, “Evening with State Legislator Luis Alejo”. Santa Clara County Latino PAC 490 Las Animas Ave., Gilroy, CA 95020 FPPC #1319693 Follow Up: Moved by:__________________________ __ Second :____________________________
SEIU Local 521 Executive Board Motion Motion Number: 11 Date: September 24, 2011 Motion Title: PACE Issues PAC Contribution – “Strengthen our Voice – Bring Valley Progressives Together” Event ad and 3 tickets to the Event - $130 Recommended By: AFRAM Caucus; PACE Committee Background: A collection of representatives from community groups in Fresno County have developed an event and attracted a well known progressive speaker, Jim Hightower, to bring valley progressive groups together and develop a plan to better work together. The event is on October 1st, but ads must be submitted by September 15th. We have submitted our ad telling the group that the money has not yet been approved by the Executive Board and is not guaranteed until then. They have thanked us and have decided to print our ad with the hope that the finances are approved. Because Fresno County PACE does not meet until the third Wednesday of each month, the PACE Chair was asked to give permission for AFRAM to approve the motion so the Local could give a firm commitment as close to the ad deadline as possible. This ad is a step in building Local 521’s relations with progressive community groups in Fresno. PACE voted to purchase 3 tickets for $30 from the PACE Issues PAC. Jack German, Jennifer Jensen and Laura Basua were selected to go because they agreed to take the event seriously and to both represent SEIU Local 521 and network to build relations with all groups that participate. The event is October 1st. Motion: to approve $130 from the PACE Issues PAC to be used to purchase a full page ad in the sponsor book of the event “Strengthening Our Voice - Bringing Valley Progressives Together”. This ad will advertise Local 521; not the AFRAM Caucus, and to purchase 3 tickets to the event. MHS, P.O. Box 842, Fresno CA, 93712-0842. No FPPC # because it is not a political fundraiser Follow Up: Moved by:__________________________ __ Second :____________________________
Amendment:______________________________________________________________ Amended By:______________________________________________________________ Votes in Favor:____________ Votes Opposed:____________ Abstentions:_____________
SEIU Local 521 Officers’ Motion Motion Number: 12 Date: September 24, 2011 Motion Title: PACE – 2011 Leader Dinner Honoring Assembly Speaker John Perez - $1400; SEIU Local 521 Candidate PAC - $900 – table of 10 Recommended By: Tom Abshere, Area Director; PACE Committee Background: 9/21/11 PACE moved to spend $1400 for the 2011 Labor Leader Dinner Honoring Assembly Speaker John Perez. This is an annual fundraiser put on by the Central Labor Council in Fresno, etc. They voted to buy a ½ page ad for $500 and a table of 10 for $900. This money will come from the PACE Candidates Account. Tickets will be distributed by PACE with 1 ticket per division under the new Bylaws. This event is November 10th and ads must be submitted by October 21st. Tom Abshere has asked that an additional table of 10 be purchased by SEIU Local 521 Candidate and tickets be given to Local Officers, EBd members and CLC leaders. Motion: To purchase from PACE Candidates PAC a ½ page ad and a table of 10 to the 2011 Labor Leader Dinner Honoring Assembly Speaker John Perez for $1400. To purchase from SEIU Local 521 Candidates PAC a table of 10 to the 2011 Labor Leader Dinner Honoring Assembly Speaker John Perez for $900. Follow Up: Moved by:___________________________ __ Second :___________________________
SEIU Local 521 Officers’ Motion Motion Number: 13 Date: September 24, 2011 Motion Title: PACE Candidate PAC Donation to the Fresno County Democratic Central Committee - $400 Recommended By: PACE Committee Background: 9/21/11 PACE moved to contribute $400 to the Fresno County Democratic Central Committee. The PACE Committee was comped 8 tickets to the Committee’s fundraiser on Friday September 16th. The Committee has become more effective in cultivating labor friendly candidates under their new leadership. Therefore, PACE feels it is appropriate to contribute to their efforts with this contribution Motion: To donate $400 to the Fresno County Democratic Central Committee from the PACE Candidates PAC. Fresno County Democratic Central Committee P.O. Box 5795, Fresno CA 93755 FPPC #: 743910 Follow Up: Moved by:___________________________ __ Second :___________________________
Would give family day care providers the right to select a provider organization for the purpose of representing them in negotiations with the State on matters that affect their profession.
Final Outcome: Enrolled and headed to the Governor’s desk.
Vote Count: The final Senate vote was a partisan vote of 23-15, with Democrats supporting and Republicans opposing. Two Senators abstained from voting on the bill, they were: Correa (D) and Wolk (D). Senators Steinberg, Lieu and Hancock were extremely helpful in working other Senators to make sure the bill would achieve enough votes on the Senate floor. Additionally, Senator Evans, chair of the Women’s Caucus, championed the bill in both the press and the Senate floor.
The final vote in the Assembly was also a partisan vote of 51-27, with Democrats supporting and Republicans opposing. Two Assembly Members abstained from voting on the bill, Gorrell (R) and Bonilla (D). Several Democratic Assembly Members spoke in support of the bill, but Assembly Member Lowenthal proved to be a real hero by stepping up in the press, presenting the bill in the Senate Labor Committee and for being an ongoing leader in the Assembly for the child care providers for the past year. Assembly Member Allen also stepped up to present the bill in the Assembly Labor Committee and spoke in favor of the bill on the Assembly floor. Without the ongoing leadership and support of Speaker Perez to ensure a quality child care system and that child care providers are treated fairly and with dignity, AB 101 would not have been possible.
EDUCATION:
Sponsored Legislation
AB 86 (Mendoza)
Would provide classified employees the same rights as those afforded to teachers by allowing classified employees to participate in the petition signature process in the same manner as teachers when converting schools into charters.
Final Outcome: Enrolled and headed to the Governor’s desk.
Vote Count: The bill passed the Senate in July by a vote of 22-14. The final Assembly concurrence vote was a partisan vote of 47-27.
Supported Legislation
AB 501 (Campos)
Would clarify and reaffirm current law that all employees employed by a school district or community college are in fact school employees and therefore entitled to collective bargaining rights. The bill would also clarify
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that employees of a Joint Powers Agreement are also public employees for the purpose of the Education Employment Relations Act (EERA).
Final Outcome: Enrolled and headed to the Governor’s desk.
Vote Count: The Assembly floor vote was 51-27 and the Senate floor was 23-12.
AB 925 (Lara and Alejo)
Would require independent charter schools to comply with certain laws granting basic rights and benefits to classified school employees.
Final Outcome The bill is a two year bill and will be eligible to reconsidered next year in the Senate Education Committee.
Vote Count: The Assembly passed the bill to the Senate by a vote of 48-28.
AB 1203 (Mendoza)
Would authorize a school or community college district to be reimbursed for the cost of granting release time to non-elected union members. The bill would also require a local public agency to give reason able time off to public agency employee representatives when they are participating in proceedings before the Public Employment Relations Board.
Final Outcome: The bill is being held at the Senate desk.
Vote Count: The Assembly passed the bill by a vote of 50-23 while the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 23-13.
SB 753 (Padilla)
Would improve assessment of English learners in the State of California by moving the testing window for the California English Language Development Test (CELDT) from the fall to the spring.
Final Outcome: Enrolled and headed to the Governor’s desk.
Vote Count: The Senate passed the bill on a bipartisan vote of 39-0, while the Assembly passed the bill by a bipartisan vote of 78-0.
Opposed Legislation
AB 1252 (Davis)
Would establish a separate process for the election of the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) trustees by creating trustee areas.
Final Outcome: The bill is a two year bill and will not likely move next year.
Vote Count: There were no votes taken on the bill.
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SB 871 (Runner)
Would prohibit salary increases for any school employee in a year in which the instructional minutes or days are fewer than the previous school year.
Final Outcome: The bill is a two year bill and is eligible for a hearing next year in the Senate Education Committee.
Vote Count: No votes were taken on the bill.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Sponsored Legislation
AB 438 (Williams)
Would allow for the privatization of library services if certain good government contracting standards are first met; such as: 1) a fair cost analysis, 2) proven savings to the taxpayers, 3) competitive bidding, 4) proven qualifications of the contractor, 5) doesn’t displace employees, and 6) performance and financial audits are conducted.
Final Outcome: Enrolled and headed to the Governor’s desk.
Vote Count: The Assembly passed the bill by a vote of 43-28, while the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 24-15.
AB 1015 (Calderon)
Would modify existing law by requiring counties to consult with specified stakeholders, including county child welfare workers, on improvement plans, and by requiring the inclusion in an existing report to the legislature of a separately titled provision explaining the rationale for proposed operational improvements.
Final Outcome: Held in Senate Appropriations (Suspense File).
Vote Count: Passed Assembly 49-25.
Supported Legislation
SB 469 (Vargas)
Would require a city or county to prepare economic impact reports before it approves or disapproves the construction or conversion of superstore retailers. Sponsored by the California Labor Federation.
Final Outcome: Passed.
Vote Count: Passed the Assembly 46-28 and the Senate 21-14.
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Watched Legislation
SB 734 (DeSaulnier)
Would require local Workforce Investment Boards to spend a specified sum of funds allocated under the Act to job training activities, and to leverage funds from other sources for this purpose – gut and amended from SB 776. We tracked this legislation for SEIU Locals 221, 521, 721 and 1021.
Final Outcome: Passed.
Vote Count: Passed the Assembly 51-27 and the Senate 25-15.
SB 776 (DeSaulnier)
Would require local Workforce Investment Boards to spend a specified sum of funds allocated under the Act to job training activities.
Final Outcome: Held in Assembly Appropriations.
Vote Count: Passed Senate 35-3. We tracked this legislation for SEIU Locals 221, 521, 721 and 1021.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES:
Sponsored Legislation
AB 1036 (Allen)
Would eliminate an outdated provision in the code that specifies that regional park and open space district employees hold employment at the will of the general manager.
Final Outcome: Enrolled and headed to the Governor’s desk.
Vote Count: The Assembly passed the bill by a vote of 50-27, while the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 24-15.
SEIU 1000 Sponsored Legislation
AB 172 (Eng)
Would establish the Reporting Transparency in Government (RTG) Internet Web site to provide audit and summary data regarding contracts valued at $5,000 or more to the public.
Final Outcome: On the Governor’s desk.
Vote Count: The bill passed by a vote of 54-25 in the Assembly and 27-13 in the Senate.
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AB 391 (Pan)
Would require the Employment Development Department to provide unemployment insurance (UI) benefits assistance in comprehensive one-stop career centers in five workforce investment areas.
Final Outcome: Held in Assembly Appropriations Committee.
Vote Count: Passed 50-25 in the Assembly; no floor vote in Senate on original bill.
AB 740 (Blumenfield)
Would require a state agency to immediately discontinue a contract disapproved by action of the State Personnel Board. This bill would prohibit the state agency from circumventing or disregarding the Board’s action by entering into another contract for the same or similar services or a contract that continues the services that were the subject of the contract that was disapproved.
Final Outcome: On the Governor’s desk.
Vote Count: The bill passed on a vote of 24-14 in the Senate and 54-19 in the Assembly.
AB 933 (Allen)
Would extend industrial death and disability benefits to state miscellaneous members of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) employed by a state hospital.
Final Outcome: Held in Assembly Appropriations Committee.
Vote Count: No floor votes.
AB 1263 (Williams)
Prohibits State Compensation Insurance Fund Board of Directors and fund officers from lobbying the fund for two years after leaving the fund, and requires board approval of consulting contracts with former board members of exempt employees.
Final Outcome: Signed by the Governor.
Vote Count: The bill passed on a bipartisan vote of 36-0 in the Senate and 74-0 in the Assembly.
AB 1395 (Swanson)
Would require all state agencies to post examination announcements and job vacancies on the State Personnel Board (SPB) Internet Web site and requires the names of laid off employees in classifications that are limited to one department or limited departments to be place on general employments lists in comparable statewide classifications.
Final Outcome: Vetoed.
Vote Count: The bill passed on a bipartisan vote of 77-0 in the Assembly and 37-0 in the Senate.
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Supported Legislation
AB 455 (Campos)
Would require that, when a public agency establishes a personnel or merit system commission, half of the commission members be selected by the recognized employee organization. Personnel or merit system commissions establish and administer rules and regulations relating to employee selection, recruitment, pay, retention, promotion, evaluation, discipline and termination.
Final Outcome: Enrolled and headed to the Governor’s desk.
Vote Count: The Assembly passed the bill by a vote of 46-25, while the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 23-14.
AB 692 (Hall)
Would require that an employment termination case at the State Personnel Board (SPB) take priority over all other cases initiated within the prior 6 months. The California Constitution establishes the civil service and creates the SPB to enforce the civil service statutes. When a case arises, the SPB then holds a hearing or investigation within a “reason able time” after a claim or petition is filed.
Final Outcome: Enrolled and headed to the Governor’s desk.
Vote Count: The bill passed the Assembly by a vote of 50-25, while the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 27-11.
AB 920 (Portantino)
Would enact the Public Employees’ Bill of Rights to inform public employees of their rights and terms of employment. The bill would also authorize the formation of peer review committees to allow input on workplace operations.
Final Outcome: The bill is a two-year bill and is eligible to be heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee next year.
Vote Count: The passed the Assembly Public Employees Retirement & Social Security Committee by a vote of 4-2.
SB 857 (T. Lieu)
Would establish that the Public Employment Relations Board has no authority, in an action to recover damages due to an unlawful strike, to award strike-preparation expenses as damages, or to award damages for costs, expenses, or revenue losses incurred during, or as the consequence of, an unlawful strike.
Final Outcome: Enrolled and headed to the Governor’s desk.
Vote Count: The bill passed the Assembly by a vote of 51-27 while the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 24-15.
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SB 931 (Evans)
Would require payroll cardholder agreements to offer workers basic protections and the means to avoid unreasonable fees to access wages. Banks and card issuers would have to disclose details of their paycard program, including upfront disclosure of all fees, terms and conditions, at no charge to the worker. Sponsored by the California Labor Federation.
Final Outcome: Passed.
Vote Count: Passed the Assembly 48-28 and Senate concurrence 21-17.
Opposed Legislation
AB 1179 (Wagner)
Would enact the California Voluntary Contributions Act to make changes to the way employees can financially contribute to union political activities.
Final Outcome The bill is a two year bill and is eligible to be heard by the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee next year.
Vote Count: There were no votes taken this year.
PRIVATE SECTOR/PROPERTY SERVICES
Sponsored Legislation
AB 350 (Solorio)
Would rename the Displaced Janitor Opportunity Act as the Displaced Property Service Employee Opportunity Act and make the provisions of the act applicable to property services, which would consist of licensed security, window cleaning, food cafeteria and dietary services, janitorial services and building maintenance services.
Final Outcome: Failed in the Senate.
Vote Count: Original Senate vote was 18-18. Upon reconsideration, the vote was 17-18. Asm. Solorio made multiple efforts to get votes on the Senate floor. Senator Padilla and his staff put a great deal of effort into floor managing this bill.
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COURTS:
Supported Legislation
AB 973 (Campos)
Would require a trial court to hold a public hearing and to afford the public an opportunity to speak on the proposed budget prior to adoption.
Final Outcome: Enrolled and headed to the Governor’s desk.
Vote Count: The bill passed the Assembly by a vote of 51-24, while the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 32-2.
AB 1208 (Calderon)
Would require that all funds appropriated for trial court operations be allocated to trial courts on an established formula; would require that funding for statewide programs be identified in the State Budget Act; would prohibit the reallocation of trial court operating funds to technology projects without the prior consent of 2/3rds of the proportional representation of all the trial courts, and would prohibit the reallocation or encumbrance of a trial court’s unexpended carry-over funds by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC).
Final Outcome: The bill is now a two-year bill and is eligible to be heard on the Assembly floor next year.
Vote Count: The Assembly Judiciary Committee passed the bill by a vote of 7-2 and the Assembly Appropriations Committee passed the bill by a vote of 14-1.
Opposed Legislation
AB 803 (Wagner)
Would eliminate court reporter jobs and replace them with electronic recording (ER) devices as a means of producing a verbatim record in court proceedings. Specifically, AB 803 would require, beginning in 2012, the implementation of ER in 20% of all superior court courtrooms; as well as require the implementation of ER in an additional 20% of all superior court courtrooms each year thereafter. AB 803 excludes felony cases.
Final Outcome: The bill is a two-year bill and is eligible to be heard by the Assembly Judiciary Committee next year.
Vote Count: No votes were taken this year.
RETIREMENT SECURITY
All of the major retirement reform legislation supported by Democratic legislators was held in the legislature pending the results of a conference committee created to deal with pension reform. AB 340 (Furutani) and SB 827 (Simitian) which both would have dealt with spiking and double dipping, were gutted and replaced with intent language to create vehicles for the conference committee. The conference committee is expected to be formed shortly and begin hearing throughout the fall recess in order to prepare a report to the legislature early next year.
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AB 1028 (Committee on Public Employees and Retirement)
Would make technical changes to PERS law and includes the fresh start provision for Santa Clara County.
Final Outcome: Passed by Legislature. Now on the Governor’s desk.
Vote Count: Passed on bipartisan votes of 79-0 in the Assembly and 35-0 in the Senate.
AB 1184 (Gatto)
Would have changed provisions of reciprocity, abolished the supplemental benefit program, and capped pensions at the federal level.
Final Outcome: Held pending the outcome of the conference committee on pension reform.
Vote Count: Passed the Assembly 54-23 and the Senate 37-0; held in Assembly pending concurrence.
AB 344 (Furutani)
Strengthens the rules on post employment by CalPERS board members and staff
Final Outcome: Held pending the outcome of the conference committee on pension reform.
Vote Count: Passed by bipartisan votes of 75-0 in the Assembly; no floor vote in the Senate.
HEALTHCARE
Sponsored Legislation
SB 408 (Hernandez)
Would close a loophole in hospital licensing laws to make sure that when a hospital changes ownership or when day-to-day operations of the facility are handed over to a new individual or entity, the new owner must obtain a license to operate the facility. The bill would extend new authority to the California Department of Public Health to ask for a change of ownership application when they think one is indicated.
Final Outcome: On Governor’s desk.
Vote Count: The bill passed with partisan votes of 22-15 in the Senate and 48-28 in the Assembly. Demo-cratic Assemblymember Buchanan voted no, as did Democratic Senator Correa.
SB 751 (Gaines)
Would require hospitals to disclose pricing and charging information to health plans and self-insured plans.
Final Outcome: Signed by the Governor on September 6th. This bill is critical to CalPERS attempts to manage health care costs.
Vote Count: This bill passed with bipartisan votes of 77-0 in the Assembly and 36-0 in the Senate.
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Supported Legislation
SB 946 (Steinberg)
Would require health care service plans and health insurers to provide coverage for behavioral health treatment for pervasive developmental disorder and autism (PDD/A) from July 1, 2012, through July 1, 2014, or earlier, as specified. SEIU DD Council took a support position.
Final Outcome: Passed.
Vote Count: Passed the Senate 25-4 and the Assembly 52-21.
AB 922 (Monning)
Would make the Office of Patient Advocate Consumer Assistance at the Department of Managed Health Care responsible for providing outreach and education about health care coverage to consumers. Authorizes the OPA to contract with community organizations to fulfill some parts of the consumer assistance. Moves the Office of Patient Advocate and the Department of Managed Health Care to the Health and Human Services Agency from its current position in the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency. The bill was amended in the final days of the legislature to add the DMHC reorganization piece at the behest of the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Final Outcome: On Governor’s desk.
Vote Count: The bill passed on a vote of 51-28 in the Assembly and 21-12 in the Senate.
AB 1136 (Swanson)
Would require hospitals to develop and implement safe patient handling policies including buying, maintaining and using machine lifts wherever possible.
Final Outcome: On Governor’s desk.
Vote Count: The bill passed 53-26 in the Assembly and 21-18 in the Senate.
ABX1 21 and ABX1 30 (Blumenfield)
This pair of bills combined is both the budget amendment and trailer bill to pass the managed care fee for the next year. The fee continues to be assessed only so long as the Healthy Families program remains in MRMIB. The fee and the contingency sunset in July of 2012.
Final Outcome: On Governor’s desk.
Vote Count: ABx1 21 passed 64-14 in the Assembly and 34-2 in the Senate. ABx1 30 passed 57-1 in the Assembly and 35-2 in the Senate.
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AB 714 (Atkins)
Would require DHCS, MRMIB, Family PACT and other programs, as well as some hospitals, to provide information about The California Health Benefits Exchange to clients for the purpose of pre-enrolling them to be ready to obtain subsidized coverage in January 2014.
Final Outcome: In Senate Appropriations, held on suspense.
Vote Count: AB 714 passed 51-25 in the Assembly; no floor vote in the Senate.
AB 792 (Bonilla)
Would ensure that Californians can easily sign up for coverage during key life changes. Would require that California consumers be provided information about the Exchange upon filing for divorce, separation, unemployment, adoption, or other life circumstances. After 2014, certain insurers and plans must also provide information about those dropping off coverage to the Exchange.
Final Outcome: In Senate Appropriations, held on suspense.
Vote Count: The bill passed 50-26 in the Assembly; no floor vote in the Senate.
AB 52 (Feuer)
Rate regulation. Sponsored by Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones.
Final Outcome: On Senate floor, never taken up for vote.
Vote Count: Passed 45-28 in the Assembly; no floor vote in the Senate.
AB 375 (Skinner)
Presumptive Eligibility for MRSA contraction for hospital workers. CNA sponsored bill.
Final Outcome: Failed on Senate floor.
Vote Count: Failed on Senate floor 17-5.
SB 155 (Evans)
Maternity coverage. Health Access sponsored bill.
Final Outcome: Held in Assembly.
Vote Count: Passed 26-11 in the Senate; no floor vote in the Assembly.
SB 703 (Hernandez)
This is the state implementation of basic Health Plan option under the ACA. Local Health Plans is the sponsor.
Final Outcome: In Assembly Appropriations committee, on suspense.
Vote Count: Passed 25-14 in the Senate; no floor vote in the Assembly.
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Opposed Legislation
SB 161 (Huff)
Would allow unlicensed classified school employees to inject epileptic students with Diastat or its equivalent. This bill was opposed by CSEA, Cal Labor Fed, CTA, CNA and SEIU.
Final Outcome: On Governor’s desk.
Vote Count: Passed 35-4 in the Senate and 46-21 in the Assembly.
Watched Legislation
SB 335 (Hernandez)
Would create a hospital provider fee to finance key programs. This complex 59-page bill was the result of months of closed-door negotiations with the hospitals. We were not in these negotiations, and we are still reviewing the bill. The formula that the fee uses may be at issue.
Final Outcome: On Governor’s desk.
Vote Count: Passed on bipartisan votes of 71-3 in the Assembly and 35-2 in the Senate.
HOME CARE
Sponsored Legislation
SB 411 (Price)
Would license and regulate California’s private homecare industry and require all private homecare aides to be certified. Certification standards include Live Scan background checks, clean TB test, and training.
Final Outcome: Assembly floor – The administration said that this was an important and necessary bill that they wanted to do correctly. They requested that we make it a two-year bill in order to resolve cost issues and implementation of a statewide “safe provider” registry. We have agreed to work on it until January or February to see if these issues can be resolved.
Vote Count: Passed on a party line vote of 25-13 in the Senate; no vote on the Assembly floor.
SB 930 (Evans)
Would repeal requirements that IHSS recipients provide fingerprint images and that provider timesheets include spaces for provider and recipient fingerprints; would also repeal the prohibition against providers using a post office box address to receive their paychecks, as well as other steps to expedite the appeals process for any individual who has requested an appeal of a denial of placement on the registry of IHSS personnel or denial of eligibility to provide supportive services to an IHSS recipient.
Final Outcome Governor’s desk.
Vote Count: Passed on party line votes of 23-15 in the Senate and 51-27 in the Assembly.
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Opposed Legislation
AB 479 (Nestande)
Spot bill so that he can be relevant on IHSS.
Final Outcome: Two-year bill. Assembly desk – did not move.
Vote Count: None.
SB 176 (Emerson)
Spot bill on IHSS.
Final Outcome: Two-year bill.
Vote Count: None.
Watched Legislation
AB 876 (Valadao)
Redefines “authorized representative” (who is able to request the provider be excluded from a type 2 criminal conviction) to exclude a provider with the criminal record unless that individual is a parent, guardian, or person having legal custody of a minor recipient, a conservator of an adult recipient, or a spouse or registered domestic partner of a recipient.
Final Outcome: Chaptered. Outcome for SEIU – positive, because the bill was significantly narrowed without forcing us to take a formal position.
Vote Count: Passed on bipartisan votes of 36-0 in the Senate and 76-0 in the Assembly.
NURSING HOMES
Supported Legislation
SB 840 (Evans)
Would have required CO detectors in nursing homes.
Final Outcome: Senate Appropriations suspense file – potential two-year bill.
Vote Count: No floor votes.
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Watched Legislation
AB 217 (Carter)
Would require stricter rules regarding smoking in Skilled Nursing Facilities.
Final Outcome: Senate Health. Two-year bill. This legislation was held in Senate Health in favor of SB 575 (DeSaulnier) that is now stuck in Assembly GO Committee. SB 575 would, among other things, entirely remove the exception for long term care facilities from the ban on smoking in the workplace. This issue will be back next year and SEIU should have a position on it.
Vote Count: AB 217 passed the Assembly on a 50-26 party line vote. SB 575 passed the Senate on a 25-14 party line vote.
AB 641 (Feuer)
Eliminates the citation review conference (CRC) process from the citation appeals process for long-term care (LTC) facilities, and allows fines to be levied from both state and federal agencies when an incident violates both state and federal laws. Last minute amendments also remove the increase in penalties for Class B citations and require the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to consider, at the initial application or upon redetermination for the Medi-Cal LTC benefit, whether an undue hardship exists for eligibility for home and facility care under specified circumstances relating to the transfer of assets by making rules for domestic partners and same sex-spouses the same as for opposite-sex spouses.
Final Outcome: Governor’s desk.
Vote Count: Passed in the Senate 24-14 and in the Assembly 53-25.
SB 558 (Simitian)
This Consumer Attorney Sponsored Legislation would have lowered the standard of proof-in cases of elder or dependent adult physical abuse or neglect brought under the Elder abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA) – from “clear and convincing” to “a preponderance of the evidence.”
Final Outcome: Assembly Appropriations Suspense. SEIU needs a position going forward. This bill died because litigation costs are allowable reimbursable expenses under the AB 1629 reimbursement formula and therefore may have resulted in higher costs to the state. It is possible that the Consumer Attorneys will propose legislation next year to limit reimbursement for litigation costs. SEIU should be prepared with a position.
Vote Count: Passed the Senate on a 21-14 party line vote, with Democrats Correa, Vargas, Negrete McLeod, and Hernandez not voting.
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ELECTIONS
Supported Bills
SB 202 (Hancock)
Would shift initiatives and referenda from June Primary to November General, as specified (also includes provision re: ACA 4).
Final Outcome: Passed.
Vote Count: Passed Assembly 45-30 and Senate 23-15. Gatto, Huber and Perea failed to assist.
SB 397 (Yee)
Would allow California citizens to register to vote online and participate during elections.
Final Outcome: Passed, on Governor’s desk.
Vote Count: Passed Senate 23-13 and Assembly 50-27.
SB 641 (Calderon)
Would allow conditional voters to register and vote at any time, including on election day, and for the vote to be counted during that election.
Final Outcome: Held in Assembly Appropriations (Suspense File).
Vote Count: Passed Senate 21-14.
BUDGET
SB1x 6 (Committee on Budget)
Amends the provisions of the 2010-2011 budget act to require the Director of Finance to report to the legislature any proposed cuts authorized under the trigger provisions of that budget act. It also requires the Director of Finance to consult with legislative leadership prior to making any of the authorized cuts under the trigger.
Final Outcome: This bill was vetoed by the Governor. Senators Steinberg and Leno were instrumental in moving this bill as well as Speaker Perez and Assemblymember Blumenfield.
Vote Count: Passed 23-16 in the Senate and 48-27 in the Assembly.
Please join us as we come together to discuss the critical issues facing our Latino Families and communities. During this time of unprecedented attacks on our families, it is important that Locals send delegations of committed leaders who are ready to pull up their sleeves and get to work on figuring out solutions.
Our agenda includes:
Immigration - We will formulate our position Lifting Latino Leaders in SEIU Building our Growth Potential Building our Political Power
Registration: Thursday, September 29, 2011 Los Angeles City Hall 200 N. Main Street, Los Angeles, California Tom Bradley Room on the 27th floor Time: 5:00p.m.-9:00p.m. Political Reception: Immediately following Registration (Tom Bradley Room, 27th Floor) Host Bar & Horsd’oeuvres will be provided Pre-Convention Summit: Beginning September 30th ending October 1st SEIU Local USWW 828 W. Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, California 90012 Starts: Sept 30th @ 9:00a.m., ends October 1st @ 5:00p.m. Recommended Accommodations: Wilshire Grand Hotel 930 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles California 90017 Phone (213) 688-7777 The Millennium Biltmore Hotel 506 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles California 90071 Phone (213) 624-1011
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Please see attached registration information. You may RSVP with Brandy Grey at (213) 368-8610.
From: [email protected] Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2011 6:03 PM To: Karen Summers Subject: Fwd: USLAW needs a bigger megaphone. Will you help? Follow Up Flag: Follow Up Flag Status: Red Hi Karen,, Please send this out to the Executive Board. Thank you, Techicuauhtli Ray Baeza -----Original Message----- From: USLAW <[email protected]> To: tiauiindio <[email protected]> Sent: Wed, Sep 14, 2011 5:13 pm Subject: USLAW needs a bigger megaphone. Will you help?
Not subscribed to this newsletter? Subscribe now! Unsubscribe information at bottom.
A Bigger Megaphone
“There is no way to fund what we must do as a nation without bringing our troops home from Iraq and Afghanistan. The militarization of our foreign policy has proven to be a costly mistake. It is time to invest at home”- [AFL-CIO Executive Council, Aug. 3, 2011] “The (AFL-CIO) statement, adopted August 3, is the most forthright in the history of a labor movement marked by pro-war allegiances for many decades. . . . Much credit goes to the patient bottom-up organizing by U.S. Labor Against the War and others, who solicited endorsements from hundreds of locals and mobilized labor contingents at countless rallies across the country.” - [Tom Hayden, commenting on the AFL-CIO statement. The Nation: 9/12/11]
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Ray What do ending the wars, cutting the military budget, defending the social safety net, and putting people back to work have in common? U.S. Labor Against the War is engaged in struggles for all four. Working people fought long and hard to win Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and other laws that protect people when they are too old to work, disabled or sick, unemployed, homeless, victimized by employers or targets of racism and exploitation. This social safety net is under an unprecedented attack along with the unions that fought for and now defend it!
Now We Must Fight Again To Save Them USLAW makes a unique contribution unlike any other labor organization.* It connects the dots - between wars, military spending, a militarized foreign policy, the corporations that feed at the Pentagon trough and the state of our economy. But it can only play that role if people like you and far-sighted labor organizations support it. Within six weeks, the “super committee” created by Congress (six Republicans and six Democrats) will come up with ways to cut the Federal deficit by $1.5 trillion over the next ten years. Congress will have one month to debate them and then must vote whether to adopt them or not, with no amendments or filibusters.
Cutting The Deficit Will Do Nothing To Promote Recovery
In fact, it's a sure way to put the economy into an even deeper hole. Deficit cutting is a smokescreen - a justification for repealing New Deal and Great Society social legislation that helps people in times of crisis. Those on the deficit-cutting bandwagon want to revoke 70 years of social progress.
We can't get to prosperity by taking the austerity road
If you believe this is a message that should be heard throughout the labor movement, please make a contribution in whatever amount you
Here is some of what your support has made
possible:
· First U.S. labor delegation sent to Iraq just months after USLAW was founded in 2003;
· First global labor conference call to mobilize solidarity with Iraq’s embattled labor movement and to build labor opposition to the war in Iraq;
· First delegation of Iraqi union leaders brought to the US for a tour of 26 cities;
· Adoption of a resolution at the 2005 AFL-CIO convention calling for rapid withdrawal from Iraq, the first time the federation ever opposed the deployment of US troops;
· Production of “Why Are We in Afghanistan?” - an award winning video used to mobilize labor opposition to the Afghan War;
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can afford so that USLAW can carry on this important work.
* The sidebar on the right highlights just some of the unique contributions that USLAW has made during the 8¾ years since it was founded. Few organizations can claim such a record. Your contribution will make it possible for USLAW to continue its path-breaking work.
If you have given recently, or are not in a position to make a contribution right now, pass this on to others or use USLAW's "tell-a-friend" tool.
MAKE A DONATION
· Helped found the New Priorities Network (NPN), which in less than a year has more than 80 affiliated national and local labor, economic and racial justice, faith, community, environmental and antiwar organizations working to end the wars, cut military spending and invest resources in our communities;
· Proposed and developed the Federal Budget Preference Poll sponsored by NPN;
· Laid the groundwork for the 2011 AFL-CIO Executive Council public statement calling for an end to the wars and denouncing our country’s “militarized foreign policy.”
Your contribution will help write the next
chapter in USLAW’s story.
Support USLAW's Important Work with a DONATION! Your contribution keeps labor's antiwar movement going and growing.
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This is a low-volume email list operated by US Labor Against the War 1718 M St, NW #153 Washington DC 20036 202-521-5265 Unsubscribe (never receive ANY emails from USLAW) Manage profile (change preferences, unsubscribe from other USLAW lists, update email address, etc...) Contact USLAW Have you visited the USLAW website recently? www.uslaboragainstwar.org Check it out for news, information and resources for labor's antiwar movement. See the latest news about Iraq's labor movement, the U.S. military occupation and the movement that seeks to end it. Learn more about USLAW and what you can do to bring all U.S. troops and contractors rapidly home.
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To: SEIU 521 Executive Board Fr: Wanda Wallace, Chairperson The 521 Localwide Communications Committee last met via teleconference on Sept 14th with the following members present: Wanda Wallace, Carolyn Woolfolk and Lesbia Reclosado. Staff: Khanh Weinberg, Jerry Jimenez, James Geluso. The group’s next meeting is scheduled via teleconference call for: Oct. 12, 2011 at 6pm. In July no meeting occurred due to scheduling problems, and in August a technical problem with the teleconference call occurred so unfortunately no meetings occurred in July or August. The Committee continues to discuss ideas for future projects that promote union members in the community in which they live.
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Congratulations to your Bakersfield Team From: Ingela Dahlgren [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, August 22, 2011 1:50 PM To: Luisa Blue; Kristy Sermersheim Cc: Kathy Hughes Subject: Congratulations to your Bakersfield team Hi Kristy and Luisa I just wanted to give a shout out to your Nurse Team in Bakersfield, Carmen Morales, Jeff Rockholt, Sharon Ingram, Regina Kane and of course Ernest Harris. They are the first team to actually participate in the Affordable Care Act webinars. Not only did they participate in the training but got very busy setting up a class for their fellow nurses this Tuesday. This is the first one hour ACA class given here in CA and the Bakersfield team has received a loud cheer from the National Nurse Alliance. It’s actually the first one in the nation since we put together the training. Did the team stop here? No of course not, they also reached out to their brother and sisters in local 1000 and invited them to attend the training. Your group is setting an example for all nurse locals across the nation and I am so incredible impressed and thankful to get to work with such bright and goal oriented nurses. I am part of the Planning Committee for the Fall Conference in Washington D.C. Cathy Glasson is going to feature a segment about the ACA training and she is planning on honoring your group from what I understand from our last call. In unity, Ingela Ingela Dahlgren, RN Executive Director 3251 Corte Malpaso, Ste. 501A Camarillo, CA 93012 Office No.: 805.482.4600 Fax No.: 805.482.4655 Mobile: 818.738.8292 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.nurseallianceca.org
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Wed. 8‐23‐11 AFFORDABLE CARE ACT PowerPoint Presentation Delano, CA
Attendees: 2 RN’s, 2 ancillary healthcare workers from corrections (North Kern Prison) and mental health (Porterville Developmental Center). All were from Local 1000.
Presenters: Local 521 RN’s Carmen Morales Board and Sharon Ingram
521 Staff: Ernest Harris, Ramona Faucette
Time: 3:00‐4:00
The class took place in the banquet room of local coffee shop.
Attendees were given slide note handout & WIN buttons. Nurses were given a Nurse Alliance
Tsotsky.
We had our Nurse Alliance story board up with information on Workplace Violence, Legislation.
We were ready at 2:30; nurses began to show up at 2:45.
The presentation itself took about 45 minutes, the last 15 minutes were allowed for questions and
comments which follow. Evaluation forms were filled out.
POST CLASS QUESTIONS
Can this class be offered at our worksites?
Ernest: Yes! Here’s my contact info. ‐ call me with some dates, we will be happy to come out.
Sharon: It doesn’t have to be only nurses, we can talk to everyone, the RN’s will get CEU’s
How will RN education financial assistance be administered? How soon?
Carmen: I am not sure, but right now, we have the Health Professions Education
Foundation here in CA – they offer grants for RN education, not financially based, the
Central Valley has lots of Underserved Facilities that qualify RN’s – if they work at one
of those for 2 yrs, the loan is forgiven. Email address info given to RN GC
What about this PCIP (Pre Existing Condition Insurance Plan) – I have a son with a
Pre‐existing condition and we can’t get him covered.
Ernest: Hands her the PCIP Information/Application/Booklet
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Carmen: The rate sheet is in there too, and the phone number—the phone is answered by a
Real person….I got through in about 30 seconds. The rates are reasonable and affordable for
Children (about $250/month).
Why haven’t we heard more facts about the Affordable Care Act?
Carmen: We are part of a national effort to get the word out. We have a team of 4 nurses
that took the Affordable Care Act training, so this is the first of many classes and community
forums with our elected officials will be part of the next phase….The team is committed to
getting the truth and facts out there
Sharon: Yes, and we need to remember that its ALREADY WORKING, especially with
the young adults being able to be covered under parent’s policy…that’s helping a lot
of working people like us.
(Lots of agreement by the class, discussion, personal stories)
What is the Nurse Alliance anyway? (EB‐Corrections RN)
Ernest, Sharon, Carmen and RN GC who attended the May 2009 DC events and rally –
through explanation of statewide and national groups by everyone.
How can I get involved with the Nurse Alliance? (EB)
Invited to the next Nurse Alliance of CA meeting Sept. 7th – she can carpool with our
Group, Ernest will contact her, let Ingela know that EB is interested, EB will talk to her Local
1000 leadership.
Several quotes from the attendees by Ernest. I have not seen them. Ernest has the sign in sheet.
We gave 2 CEU certificates. I signed them with Ingelas name and initialed. Is that OK?
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NOTES for future
Have other info available for nurses….
Nurse Alliance
Workplace Violence/Story form?
Health Professions Education Foundation (HPEF)
‐what about a link to the HPEF on the NA of CA website?
PCIP ‐ CA information
Housekeeping, details – leave to others….its hard for presenter to wear more than one hat.
Get Storyboard on the ACA ready by the next session…..
Find out how Public Health and Mental Health can access some of the start up money to identify
Needs/programs under ACA – what is Kern Co. doing on this….how can we help advance this ‐‐‐
It’s jobs and members….
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Report of Nurse Alliance Meeting Wednesday Sept. 7, 2011 – L121RN 1040 Lincoln Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103 by RN’s Bea Cerda, Sharon Ingram, Carmen Morales Attendees: 121RN, 1021, 721, 521. Staff: 721 Director Ramon Alcantata; 721 Riverside Worksite Organizer Nick Martinez; 521 Lead Organizer Ernest Harris. Grace Corse’s Retirement Party Saturday August 25—great success, thanks to the committee for a great event-pictures to follow. ACA Update/Classes: 721 is setting up their classes. NA of CA has received requests for classes. CEU certificates, objectives and goals and sign in sheets are now available. L521 & L1000 partnered to present the first class in Delano, CA. Report given by Sharon Ingram, RN – L521 Steward. Presentation was tailored to reflect state facts and data, good response on WIN concept, information on nursing career/education grants, Pre existing Insurance Plans. New ACA storyboard shared with steering committee. Nurse Alliance Healthcare Summit – Oct 17-19 – Washington DC. Deadline to register: September 16. L121RN sending 20 RN’s L521 4 RN’s, L721, 1021 & 1000 undetermined. Other Locals sending staff Subject: Leadership-Taking Action to Create Healthier Communities, ACA, Fight for Fair Economy, Action Event 2nd day, undetermined. Opportunity for RN’s to help direct job growth. Discussion of Corporate Greed – CEO’s make $500-$950/year – education to prepare workforce for new opportunities. L721 – conducted outreach to 2,000 members reached in 2 weeks-7 min. video – will present at next NA meeting in Bakersfield. Safe Staffing Work presentation by Al Thompson-L721. State District Office List for filing complaints, CDPH. Review of Complaint Analysis. 3 factors to substantiate ratio violations: Observation Interview Record Review Title 22 – Must staff for UNPREDICTABLE events. -excessive admits -discharges -high acuity Rapid deployment If during the course of the shift, the RN assesses that more staff is needed, staffing office must supply additional staff. Weekend Warriors – Union paid RN’s to come in to talk to nurses, gathered ADO forms. CDPH then came to hospital to investigate the staffing issues. The forms had names of Nursing Directors, CNO’s for accountability-naming names made changes happen. Tell RN’s to utilize Rapid Deployment Plan – request copy of the plan. Also can request as Calif. Public Information Request. The CDPH will look at if management was informed. Be like a bad case of Herpes – when I get irritated, I flare up!-(J.King) NA of CA Independence, Communication, & Budget Update Bylaws for Chapters and Locals only Will re-name as Rules & Guidelines or Policies and Principles Funds going to NA of CA have already been taxed; Legal Department is reviewing the Rules-Guidelines and will return them with recommendations.
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Office Update – NA of CA office moved to 816 Camarillo Springs Road, Suite “O”, Camarillo, CA 93012. New Furniture purchased; copier-shredder pending. New office is in UFCW building. Closed to freeway, large meeting rooms available for our use for minimal cost. Still need “office helper” – and IT assistance-electronics set up. Communications Update: Met with Dr. Toni Lewis at LA Long Term Care Event Substantiation that National Nurse Alliance, CIR, and NA of CA is underserved. We are trying to get our communications person (Richard Negri) re assigned back to us. Working on Blue State digital and list serve...need to continue collecting everyone’s email addresses. May NA Newsletter STILL NOT OUT. Budget Update; Locals all paying the $1.45, working on clarifying number of RN’s per local, prompt payment. BRN UPDATE: Next meeting 9-13-11 Agenda not on website yet as of this morning. Report by Grace Corse on August 10 BRN Meeting. --United States University – LA - Entry Level Masters Program New Admissions prohibited until program stabilized-due to inadequate pediatrics clinical and rotations for clinical experiences. Letter from NA of CA to BRN supporting eliminating the program drafted . --5,000 RN’s still not fingerprinted but still practicing --Nurses database considered to track nurses from other states and discipline status before applying to CA. --Shortage of Investigators – hiring freeze – BRN can recruit from employee pool in DCA. NA of CA Retired Steering Committee Members: -Status? -Subcommittee? We must preserve this valuable knowledge and existing experience base for the good of our Nurses. -Retiree’s not restricted by work commitments -opportunity for NA to increase visibility -Liaison’s ? Each local should have a liaison to the NA of CA Legislation Report: Attached Reports from Locals: 1021 – Fri. Dec 9 – 30 years of Nursing Since AIDS – 7 CEU’s Guest Speaker-Luisa Blue, Chief of Staff, L521 721 – New Director Ramon Alcantata – Firm belief that RN’s must lead the way for growth, development and change.. 521 – Revamping Healthcare Project - joint effort w/union & management to maintain KMC’s viability in Heathcare Reform-union stewards and staff presenting at all departments. 2 New RN Stewards, Bea Cerda, Sharon Ingram. Fan Drive – Collected $1,200, cooling fans for needy-elderly – member driven campaign Bargaining – Fact finding in progress – Contract ended June 30-2010. -Kern Co. economy - $2 billion additional revenue Story boards – NA of CA, Stewards, ACA presented 121RN – Beautiful new bldg. in Pasadena. Tarzana Hospital at impasse Labor day coalition rally a success – 721, UFCW, 121RN L221 and L1000 not present
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Nurses Alliance Legislative Update 9/8/11
Just a few issues that I want to address: SB 161 (Huff) Diastat: Passed ASM Approps 11-2, concurred 35-4, now in Engrossing and Enrolling. Enrolled 9/6/11 We’re working with Sara Nichols and State Council to get together an Action Alert email blast so our members can email/call Gov. Brown to urge him to veto. AB 1136 (Swanson) SPH: passed SEN Approps 6-3, now in ASM Concurrence for 9/8/11 SB 408 (the Prime bill: passed as well. That is to prevent Prim Ready from purchasing hospitals, using the previous owners license and providing substandard care. He would have to apply for a new license with each purchase. It’s huge for us, especially UHW! Here is an explanation of the process (I’m just a bill on Capitol Hill!) An ASM bill goes through ASM then on to SEN and vice versa… when it passes both Houses. I copied this from Scott Lay [[email protected]]: the legislative session scheduled to end Friday. Lots of people are asking about the bill process in this final stretch. As a reminder, bills that have been amended in the second house (i.e. AB 123 has been amended in the Senate) must be sent back to the house of origin for a "concurrence" vote in the second house's amendments. Only upon approval of the house of origin will the bill be sent to the governor. This is usually a formality, but it's an important step in the process. When a bill status update says something like "To enrollment. (End location: Assembly Engrossing and Enrolling)," the bill has passed and is on the way to the governor. Before the governor gets it, the bill is proofread and all previous actions are formally confirmed by the legislative clerks. With so many bills at the end of the year, it will likely be several weeks before the governor takes action on most legislative bills passed in the final two weeks. For bills passed in the final 12 days of session, he will have until October 10 to act. This is also the time of year when bills are amended left and right and bills can seemingly fall out of the sky. I encourage you to watch the amended bills list to monitor whether other bills have been amended to include the provisions of bills you are watching. Until the gavel falls at the end of next week, anything is possible and the normal legislative process can seem to be ignored. Katherine (Kathy) Hughes, RN, CCRN 121RN Labor Specialist / Nurse Alliance of California Liaison
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1
Organizing Report
New Organizing External organizers continue to meet with workers at our 2011/2012 targets. We have also begun meeting workers at a private sector agency in the last few weeks and are currently building an Organizing Committee there. Madera County Agency Shop Lead Internal Worksite Organizer Debbie Macias continues to lead an agency shop campaign in Madera County. There are two units in Madera County. The professional unit (COMPA) began at 31% membership and is now at 36% membership. The service unit (SEMC) began at 29% membership and is now at 38%. Debbie has recruited Member Organizer Sharon Diaz from the COMPA Chapter to assist with this campaign as a lost timer part time over the next few months. Childcare campaign AB 101 (our child care organizing bill) passed the State Senate and Assembly and is now on the Governor's desk. Bill passage reflects a tremendous effort by Locals 521, 99, AFSCME, Public Division staff, State Council, and particularly dedicated child care providers who have been working for years to win a voice in the work that they do. Tulare Regional Medical Center After filing for card check recognition at TRMC, the employer rejected our petition stating that the bargaining unit was impermissibly narrow. They have countered with a unit of workers that includes all workers except the professional and RN's. This unit is nearly double the size of the original unit (297 rather than 161). Organizers and the Organizing Committee are working diligently to file with a majority on this new, larger unit. This employer has been particularly difficult. We have filed ULP's on access issues as they refused us access even to the public cafeteria and have had security guards follow us everywhere, including restrooms. They modified their ERO to give themselves authority to reject our bargaining unit proposals, added language to allow workers to retract cards, added language to allow a decertification election immediately following recognition, hired private union busters and held mandatory captive audience meetings, terminated an Organizing Committee member and opened an investigation of another for alleged sexual harassment, amongst other things. At this time, we have our hospital team along with organizers from UHW, members from 521 and 1021, and other members working towards meeting majority in this larger unit in the next few weeks. Edison School District IWOs Delia Serrano and Marlene Valdez are working towards building membership at Edison School District which is an open shop. Marlene and Director Chuck Waide met with these workers and have recruited 8 members for stewards’ training. They have also recruited a By-laws Committee and are building a Membership Committee as well. At this time they have two members recruited to the Membership Committee.
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Report to the Executive Board from Education and Training Director: September 19, 2011
L521 Convention - October 7- 9, 2011:
Final preparations for L521's first Biennial Convention are in full swing. Delegate s/elections have been completed and a total of 147delegates from chapters in every region of the local have received registration information for the convention which will take place in our San Jose office, October 7-9. Delegates from outside of the immediate area will be accommodated at the San Jose Radisson near the office. The mission, as stated in our bylaws for the biennial convention, of reviewing our progress and developing goals and priorities for the upcoming work of the union will be accomplished using the same Open Space approach that we used for our 2009 Bylaws and Dues work. In addition, we will have a training process and presentation by Eileen Kirlin, SEIU's International Executive Vice President and leader of the Public Services Division, on the Fight For a Fair Economy (including how that will figure into the work of the union in 2012) and a presentation by Bill Sokol, of Weinberg, Roger and Rosenfeld, our L521 attorneys, on Union History. As is our tradition, we will experience culturally-based arts presentations by two groups; Jaliya - in the tradition of African talking drum ceremonies as well as traditional music from the Mexican culture - Mariachi Colima. These special presentations provide us with celebration and the ability to see and understand a little of the diverse backgrounds that our local's members represent.
Steward Trainings:
Since January of 2011, thirty stewards have completed all five modules (15 hours) of the steward trainings, making them certified stewards. In all, and with three month's trainings still to come, L521 stewards have attended 168 trainings (as of August). During this year, we have tried several different approaches to holding steward trainings in an attempt to make these trainings more accessible and more effective for our members. Some of these include, combining modules and adding locations for trainings. Also, some new ideas for trainings have been collected and all of this will be evaluated prior to our scheduling of the 2012 steward trainings.
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Communications Report for SEIU 521 Executive BoardSeptember 2011
from Khanh Weinberg
PENSION
CalPERS Infrastructure Investment: Assisted in the SEIU campaign to lobby CalPERS board of
directors to dedicate some of its vast assets to invest in public infrastructure projects in California.SEIU 521 Communications drafted an Opinion piece for Supervisor Dave Cortese, of Santa ClaraCounty, for the San Jose Mercury News. The Op-Ed was published on Sep. 12, the day the CalPERSboard met and voted to set aside $800 milion for public infrastructure investments. (Clip attached.)
FIGHT FOR FAIR ECONOMY
August Jobs Town Halls: Worked with the Political Department to stage two town hall-style eventsin San Jose, featuring Reps. Mike Honda and Zoe Lofgren. The goal was for the Congressional leadersto hear from their constituents that Congress must make job-creation the Number One priority. Arally was staged in Visalia to target Republican Devin Nunes.
o Videos were made of each of the events and posted online.o Solicited jobless stories from members (about their families/acquaintances who were
unemployed.) These stories were posted online and printed and shared with Lofgren andHonda.
o Sent media releases about the town halls, which were covered by KQED radio and KTVU-Channel 2.
Fight for Fair Economy Booklet: Annual highlights of 521 member activism, this year, focusing onFFE. Booklet mailed to elected Delegates attending the Biennial Convention in October.
CONTRACTS
Natividad Medical Center: Created member survey and interactive web page to informmembership of proposed changes to the operational structure of the hospitaL.
Fresno County: Supported Fresno County bargaining by working with organizers and Admin staffto send texts and e-mails and compose flyers.
Santa Clara County: Supported 5-month contract negotiations with leaflets, e-blasts aboutbargaining updates, and launched texting for chapter as an instantaneous way to get negotiationsnews out to membership.
PRIVATIZATION
AB 438 - Protect our public libraries: Assisted in statewide campaign to get SEIU-endorsed bilagainst privatization of libraries passed. Identified 521 librarians to author Opinion pieces to run innewsapers. (clips attached.) Promoted bil via website, Facebook, Twitter and email blasts.
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ORGANIZING
Child Care: Helped coordinate press conference for childcare reform in Salúias Sept. 1. A childcareprovider, a parent and a pastor spoke about the need to reform our broken state child care system.Covered by KION 46, KSBW 8 and Univision. (article attached).
Supported external efforts on child care by gathering quotes, issuing news release and preppingspeakers. Three TV stations came to a Bakersfield event.
DECERTIFICATION
Kings County: Supported external efforts to fight back decertification of chapter. Worked with localmedia to earn positive coverage of nearby City of Hanford contract to highlight the benefits ofbelonging in a (good) union.
MEMBERS IN THE MEDIA
Fan Drive: Arranged for media coverage of 521 fan drive in the Kern region. Members collected anddonated funds to purchase fans for residents in need. Local newspaper Delano Record coveredmembers' community volunteerism. (news clip attached.)
Labor Day: Helped Region 5 Vice President Greg Gomez respond to a Labor Day questionnairepublished in the Visalia Times-Delta.
. Supported Kern CLC by sending release for Labor Day breakfast. TV came.
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CalPERS plans $800 milion investment in California infrastructure - Sacramento Busines... Page 1 of 2
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CalPERS plans $800 million investment inCalifornia infrastructuredkasler(§sacbee.com
Published Tuesday, Sep. 13, 2011
In a move that could fuel economic growth, CalPERS earmarked $800 milion Monday forinvestments in California roads, bridges, power transmission lines and other forms ofinfrastructure.
The money is part of a $5 billion worldwide infrastructure effort that CalPERS is creating as itjoins the growing list of big investors leaping into that field. Opportunities abound as cash-strapped governments look for new sources of money.
In California, the $800 milion in investments could help the state's troubled job market bydirecting money toward big construction projects, public and private.
"I am asking CalPERS to invest in California jobs," Brian O'Neill, an official with the SantaClara local of the Service Employees International Union, told the pension fund's investmentcommittee.
The program won't mean immediate economic salvation, however. CalPERS intends to rollout its investment program over three years.
It's also not clear how much the California Public Employees' Retirement System will pourinto new construction, which is where much of the job growth lies but is also riskier. Thepension fund, stil recovering from the crash of 2008, said it's mainly interested in low-riskinvestments in existing assets.
CalPERS has to "control expectations" about job creation, said former state Cabinet
secretary Dale Bonner, who runs an infrastructure consulting firm.
The pension fund also will avoid deals that could transfer public employees' jobs to theprivate sector.
Stil, CalPERS officials said there are potential infrastructure investments in California waitingto be plucked, perhaps in partnership with private investors.
"We have a couple of opportunities we are in active discussions on right now," said RandallMullan, senior portfolio manager.
CalPERS already has $60 milion invested in California infrastructure, including a waterstorage project in the Antelope Valley south of Bakersfield.
On Monday, the CalPERS investment committee approved a much bigger commitment toinfrastructure. Because the committee includes every board member, approval by the fullboard at its meeting Wednesday is a near certainty.
CalPERS plans $800 milion investment in Californià infrastructure - Sacramento Busines... Page 2 of 2
The plan calls for investments of $150 million to $300 million in each targeted project.
"The outcome could be good if we get all the stars aligned," said Rob Feckner, CalPERSboard president.
The move reflects big investors' growing appetite for public infrastructure. State and localgovernments have raised billons of dollars in recent years by sellng or leasing major assets- highways, parking systems, and others - to the private sector.
In Sacramento, a task force appointed by Mayor Kevin Johnson has proposed leasing out
8,000 city-owned parking places to generate cash for a new downtown arena.
Yet the privatization or quasi-privatization of public assets has been controversial in somecases.
Gov. Jerry Brown this year canceled the sale of a group of state office buildings, includingseveral in Sacramento, for $1 bilion. He called the deal "not prudent."
And critics stil point to the State Route 91 express lanes, a $130 million toll road in OrangeCounty built by private investors in 1995.
The lanes became controversial because of a "non-compete" clause that prohibited the statefrom making improvements on any roads within a mile and a half. Taxpayers bought out thecompany's lease for $207 million.
CalPERS said it will. balance its investment goals with other objectives.
"It is an investment opportunity; it is not a social program," said board member J.J. Jelincic,a past president of the California State Employees Association.
CalPERS wil rule out many investments altogether. It won't invest in privatization deals thatwould take jobs away from the very employees who belong to CaIPERS.
"The last thing anyone wants is, 'Oh, my retirement fund just displaced my job,' " Fecknersaid.
(9 Copyright The Sacramento Bee. All rights reserved.
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Opinion: Put pension
funds to work creatingjobs in California
By Dave Cortese
Special to the Mercury News
Posted: 09/11/2011 08:00:00 PM PDT
We just celebrated Labor Day, and more than 1 in 10adults in California are out of work, with Santa ClaraCounty faring just a little better than the stateoverall. We need jobs and we need them now.
In the mid-1980s, Reagan Tax Reform was stealingthe headlines much like pension reform isdominating the headlines today. Financing for majorinfrastructure investment had all but disappeared.And federal tax reform had just kiled tax-exemptbonds as a tool for private investment in needs likeaffordable housing. But in rode a knight in shiningarmor to backfill the gap left by the private sectorand the federal government: That well-heeled,dashing investment risk-taker was none other thanpension funds.
Family businesses like my own, back then, trying tomake the change from farming to development, wereable to invest heavily in the 1980s during a badrecession with the leverage provided by pensionfund investment trusts. So here is an old idea fornew job creation today: Let's connect CalPERS, thelargest public pension fund in the U.S., with theagencies eager for investments to upgradeCalifornia's public infrastructure.
If invested prudently, even a small allocation ofCalPERS's $230 bilion in assets could create tens ofthousands of jobs in California. Some would be herein Santa Clara County, where 91,100 people areunemployed. Every $1 billion in investments couldgenerate up to 14,000 jobs.
The Wall
Street-fueled bubbles and busts of the last decadecollapsed our national economy and left milionslanguishing in unemployment lines. While Californiacorporations are raking in record profis, they areexpanding their foreign work forces at a faster rate
than California's. Unlike the corporations, domesticpension funds are motivated to invest in Americanjobs. By doing this, CalPERS would have a goldenopportunity to playa significant role in improvingthe state's economy.
California's infrastructure desperately needs anoverhaul, from the electric grid to transportation.CalPERS's investments in clean energy,transportation or health care would create asignificant number of jobs. What makes this ideatruly a win-win is that CalPERS could increase itsreturn on investment by investing in these projects.
One example here in Santa Clara County is the SanJose/Santa Clara Water Treatment Plant. Built in1956, it needs an overhauL. The cost of rebuilding itis estimated at $1.8 billion, generating more than16,000 jobs over the life of the project.
In Santa Clara County the sky is the limit for solarand other alternative energy projects. In aconference call with the White House recently, I wastold that solar is the one area of the economy ripefor a jobs explosion.
The Board of Supeivisors recently took advantage ofa limited issuance of low-interest bonds earmarkedfor alternative energy projects to break ground onseveral exciting solar installations. These projectsbenefi taxpayers threefold: They create immediatejobs, significantly reduce the county's $30 millionannual energy bill and reduce carbon emissions. IfCalPERS would earmark investment dollars for suchbonds today, counties all over California wouldjump at the opportunity.
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As president of the Board of Supervisors, I have avested interest in seeing CalPERS do well by itsmembers. Santa Clara County is the second largestagency with members in CaIPERS, just behind thestate. That is why i will traveling to Sacramento inthe coming days to urge the CalPERS board to investin jobs locally.
My offce hears from constituents every day who aresuffering due to job losses. The time to create jobsis now, and this initiative wil do just that.
DAVE CORTESE represents District 3 on the SantaClara County Board of Supervisors. He wrote this forthis newspaper.
Labor unions work for Main Street USAVisalia Times DeltaSept. 3, 2011
Union supporters hold a rally April 4 at Mooney Boulevard and Mineral King Avenue in Visalia. / Steve R.Fujimoto
This has been a difficult year for organized labor.
Labor unons, especially for public employees, have been besieged. They have beenattcked by politicians, vilified for governent budget deficits and pressed to retunegotiated benefits.
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In some places, such as Wisconsin, their right to bargain collectively has been assaulted.Politicians and pundits now routinely call for rollbacks in benefits that have been earedby labor unions.
On the occasion of Labor Day weekend, 201 1, we called on Greg Gomez, president ofService Employee International Union (SEIU) Local 521, Tulare County chapter, toaddress some of the issues confronting his union and organized labor in general:
Viewpoint: This has been a diffcult year for labor unons, especially public employeeunons. Have you and your members detected a shift in attitude toward union support byboth the public and politicians?
Gomez: No. The attitude hasn't shifted, it has just gotten louder. Anti-worker politicians,from Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker to the Tulare County Board of Supervisors, werealways anti-worker. The same is tre of members of the public who are anti-worker. Youmay see more letters to the editor siding with the rich, but that doesn't represent a shift inopinion.
Viewpoint: How are unons responding to that shift in public attitude?
Gomez: While our opponents have loudly been proclaiming that unions and publicemployees somehow caused Wall Street to crash our economy, we've been workig tobrig attention back on the real problems of the economy. Americans are strggling,nowhere is that clearer than Tulare County. We need jobs and something that we need tolearn from all of these years of tax breaks is that giving Manattan hedge fud managerstax breaks doesn't create a single job on Main Street USA.
Viewpoint: Many people believe that unions are responsible for some of the budgetproblems occurg in the public sector, yet unions have also offered concessions andgiven up benefits and salar. Do you believe these thigs have not gotten enoughattention, and if not, why is that?
Gomez: The budget problems in the public sector have occurred because a miority inCalifornia has been able to block our state's abilty to pay for the services it needs. Whenthings are going well, politicians have made promises they haven't been wiling to payfor. The sacrifices made by public servants - and by the public, which has lost access toessential services - haven't gotten as much attention because the media prefer to listento politicians rather than look at the true issues.
Viewpoint: The prevailing feeling seems to be that public employees should returnnegotiated benefits or have their benefits cut. What is your response to that?
Gomez: For years, private companies have slashed their workers' pay and benefits toreward their executives. We would all be better off if private-sector pay and benefits werebrought up, rather than bringing every worker's pay down.
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Viewpoint: The response of some cities in Californa has been to privatize public servicesto avoid dealing with public employees. What is your response to that trend?
Gomez: Privatized services, in many cases, end up being the worst services. When it doesgo bad, who does the public hold accountable?
Viewpoint: In some extreme cases, such as the state of Wisconsin, the right of employeesto bargain collectively has been curtailed or elimiated. What do you see as the long-termeffects of that?
Gomez: The right to bargain collectively is a basic human right. It was a right recognizedby Ronald Reagan and by the Catholic Church. The abilty of Americans to exercise thatright is what built the American middle class. The loss of collective bargaining, whetherby union-busting or by legislation, wil hurt equality and in the long ru, it wil hur our
entire economy. Workers are consumers and consumers are 70 percent of the economy.
Viewpoint: What do unions want people to know about them that perhaps the public isn'taware of?
Gomez: Every CEO has a contract that provides rights and benefits that go beyond whatthe law provides. It says for what reason he or she can be fired and it lays outexpectations and working conditions. It's a negotiated agreement. Why should only aCEO have that? Every worker deserves a contract and that's what a union provides.
Viewpoint: The involvement of labor unions in politics is often criticized. Why ispolitical involvement of employee groups important?
Gomez: The super-wealthy and the corporations all stand up for themselves in politics,buying access to our elected offcials. Businesses contribute more than six times as muchto politicians as unions. But America isn't one dollar, one vote. It's one person, one vote.What unions contrbute is people - American citizens getting involved in the process,talkng to their neighbors, getting out the vote and holding their representativesaccountable to the promises they make. We need more of this in politics, not less!
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Opinion: Public interest needs protection in deals toprivatize libraries
By Molly Spore-AlhadefSpecial to the Mercury NewsSan Jose Mercury News
Posted:08/07/2011 08:00:00 PM PDT
Across California -- in Anaheim, Santa Clarita, Sonoma, Ventura, San Diego and elsewhere -- a private librarymanagement company, Library Systems and Services Inc., has been wooing strapped cities and counties with the sirensong of maintaining services and achieving substantial savings.
What could be better than a budget fix at no cost to the public? Nothing, of course. But as in any mating ritual, the publicneeds to question and verify the overtures of the private companies hoping to take over such a core public service. As thesaying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
In Santa Clarita, public offcials made the decision to privatize their city libraries despite a public outcry from communitymembers who wanted to maintain public control over their precious investments. So far, that city's taxpayers have had tocough up $12 millon in extra expenses for a privatization scheme they were told would save them money. Othercommunities have seen experienced librarians replaced with less qualified staff and hours reduced.
Elsewhere in the nation, the Linden, N.J., library terminated its contract with LSSI after determining the town could offer thesame level of services for $300,000 less. Fargo, N.D., also terminated LSSl's contract after the company repeatedlyrequested budget increases and failed to pay bills on time.
Let's not let another locality learn this lesson too late. Although I don't believe it's the right fit for libraries, I recognize thereare those who believe privatization can work. Surely we can all agree that if it's done, it should be done right.
The state Legislature is considering AB 438, a bill that would put in place basic safeguards to ensure taxpayers actuallysee savings as well as high-quality service if libraries are privatized. The bill requires accountabilty, transparentbookkeeping, adequate notice, the right to terminate the contract if the contractor doesn't deliver and measures to maintainservices. That's why AB 438 deserves support.
Andrew Carnegie, who founded a huge swath of our nation's free and open public libraries, required that communitiesmake a commitment to maintaining library services. He believed that "a library outranks any other one thing a communitycan do to benefi its people. It is a never failng spring in the desert," which certainly rings true.
Now, at another juncture in our nation's history, we need to renew the commitment to lifelong learning and access toinformation. If we don't adopt safeguards, we risk losing a vital piece of our democracy and our community.
As a librarian for more than four decades, I've never seen so many people count on the library as a place to improve theirlives and, through online courses, their job skils. Our proudest days on the job have been when patrons come back to thelibrary after we've helped them learn computer skills or find information online, saying: "I've got the job!"
With school libraries short-staffed or even closed, we're proud that our community libraries are a place where students canget help with research. We love hearing, "I got an A on that history paper because of your help!"
These kinds of encounters are the true purpose of a library: to serve the public.
We'll know if LSSI and other private firms are legitimate if they continue to bid for library contracts when services, savingsand accountabilty are established. If they embrace these standards and deliver what they promise, more power to 'em. Ifstandards drive them away, we'll know we were right to question their business modeL.
MOLLY SPORE-ALHADEF has been a librarian for 45 years, 33 of them at the Redwood City Public Library. She wrotethis for this newspaper.
~NEW..--Parents Rally for Childcare Funding in SalinasPosted: Sep 01,20115:08 PM PDTUpdated: Sep 01, 2011 5:08 PM PDT
SALINAS- Rosario Alvarez is a single mom. She juggles raising two kids and working two jobs.
"The biggest challenge is really being able to have the ability to go to work and have somebody takecare of your kids," said Alvarez.
Without childcare assistance from the state, Alvarez wouldn't have a place to send her children whileshe works.
Now she's worried because of state cuts to childcare funding. That's why Alvarez brought her family,along with other parents, to the Monterey County Government Center to make a call to the statelegislature.
Kim Stemler works for a child advocacy program with Monterey County. She said the state cut 15%from childcare and preschool assistance for low income families because of the budgetcrunch. Stemler thinks it's up to voters to change that.
"So often people think childcare is not important or that it's just a family's responsibility. But, thereality is young children, who they are right now, and their future, is our responsibilty. And it's alsoan economic reality for us that we need to make sure children are getting quality, affordablechildcare so parents can work."
htt://ww.hanfordsentinel.com/news/locallarticle 7becc340-d96e- I i eO-aS i b-oo i cc4c002eO.html
Hanford Senti nel. com
State says not so fast on decertificationBy Eiji Yamashita Hanford Sentinel I Posted: Wednesday, September 7,2011
Kigs County leaders wanted to allow a decertification election that could have ejected aService Employees International Union chapter from a local workplace in the middle of acontract and allowed another union to come in.
And they wanted it to start this week.
The state's response: Not so fast.
The Californa Public Employ ment Relations Board (PERB) granted SEIU's request forinjunctive relief on Friday, temporarily halting the county's plan to hold the unionelection.
No cour-ordered injunction was issued, however, as the California State Mediation andConcilation Service voluntarly complied with the state employment board's request tohold off on the election until its admnistrative process is completed. Meanwhile, theboard set a hearng for Friday in Sacramento.
The legal process was launched when SEIU fied a complaint against the county with thestate board over the legality of allowing the decertification election.
Staying the election also means SEIU cleared a major initial hurdle in its challenge, saidKerianne Steele, an attorney for SEIU.
"PERB believes there was enough of a violation here that it did this remarkable thing ofstopping an election from the beginning," she said. "Their thinkng is that there's no fairelection occurrng in this environment."
The ballots were originally scheduled to got out in the mail Tuesday.
In Januar, a majority of affected county employees signed a petition by Bil Shawhan tooust SEIU and join with the California League of City Employees Association(CLOCEA), a one-man union headed by Shawhan, a former SEIU contractor. But countysupervisors denied the attempt then, citing county rules against allowing a changemidway through a contract already signed with one union.
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SEIU has a contract until December 2012.
But in July, the Board of Supervisors changed its policy, giving it the power to allowShawhan to force an election right away rather than waiting until the contract expires.
SEIU alleges that's a violation of state law.
"The county has amended its decertification rule in order to assist CLOCEA, and this is aviolation of the duty of strct neutrality," Steele said. "The county can usually amend itsrules subject to certain requirements. Here, they are amending the rules only to assist arivallabor organization."
Fift-two percent of SEIU unit members signed a petition to decertify SEIU in late July.
Kings County's chief legal counsel Colleen Carlson declined to comment on the specificsof the allegations, citing a policy not to discuss pending legal matter.
But Carlson said, "The county is acting in good faith."
In its 214-page opposition fied Thursday in answer to SEIU's injunctive relief request toPERB, the county defends itself, arguing that "there is no reasonable cause to believe thecounty commtted an unfair labor practice."
SEIU also alleges that the county interfered with its employees' rights to speak to theirunion representatives by barrng SEIU Local 521 offcials from visiting members inbreak rooms.
In response, the county says the allegation has no merit because the county has alegitimate business reason for adopting reasonable rules limting access to its humanservices and sheriffs deparents.
to))s also consideriiigthe possibility to~istributing electric' heat-tòs~iii()rsas ihe weHther getseoli:er, local presìdentRobertMuriUolareporter who came to the Jefferson§eniorCenter to witness the¡/Jct.
t(:()?r~ct¡QI1(l1' st~tf.at:(he;J)eIano Community Corrt~Jiolialinost.ofwhom were laid off reçently, when the CCFcontractCali f¡)t:ia !?epartineiitof C:oITtctionaiid RehabiltatiÒIi was
, . .LôlpresidentRoÌ)ert Murilo, left, andL.eodê;yas,oftheJeffersortPark Senior Center flank Martin
erk,otpelanoi,as Murilo presents him with one of the'~lectriC fans the local distributed to Kern County sa.~s,Thursday~ "We want people to know we care,"
j.i..illoand Local 521 internal organjžerOeliaSerrano said.
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September 12, 2011, 2011 To: L521 Executive Board From: Albert Carlson, Research Director Subject: Research Report The Research Department is currently working on the following projects: I. EXTERNAL ORGANIZING Health Care Organizing • The Department continues to focus most on the hospital organizing campaigns in
Tulare County. To date most of our research has been in support the campaign at Tulare County District Hospital in three areas: 1) workplace issues including substandard wages and benefits, workplace safety, executive compensation etc., 2) operations and management of the hospital including the governance of the hospitals, patterns of poor management or patterns of substandard health care practices, legal research etc., and finally, 3) research to regarding unit determination in prepareation for filing for recognition.
Miscellaneous • The Department has also worked on a number of smaller external organizing projects
including background research on potential new organizing targets and research regarding opportunities for the campaign to run high-road strategies for the purpose of engaging employers on getting neutrality and/or to move worker-led campaigns in the workplace that improve the quality of health care services and or establish workforce development/job training programs for health workers.
II. INTERNAL CAMPAIGNS Contract Negotiations/Budget Campaigns • The Department continues to support numerous bargaining and budget campaigns in
chapters all around the Local. To date, the Department supported over 40 contract and budget campaigns.
Health Care Reform/1115 Medi-Cal Waiver • The Department is working with staff and members to establish a Local-wide health
care project. To goal of the project is to ensure that 521 members are leading their hospitals’ efforts to restructure in preparation for HCR.
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• As part of this project the Department continues to research key HCR issues and how they may impact workers and services. We have also worked closely with staff and member leaders at both KMC and VMC to establish new member health care reform committees and possibilities for new labor-mgmt programs. We are helping develop and implement a member education program on HCR in KMC and VMC.
• The Department’s health care research on NMC has been focused primarily on the impact of Monterey County’s proposal to establish NMC as a hospital authority, and to support the development of Union proposals that we want to be included in creating an authority.
Enrollment and Eligibility for Public Services • The Department continues to participate in a SEIU state council/Local project to
develop SEIU proposals regarding how the state should implement/restructure the eligibility and enrollment process in preparation of HCR. Key to this research is ensuring any new processes are build upon and strengthens the current county-based system.
Retirement Security • The Department continues to staff the E-Board pension subcommittee. The
Department is working with the Training Director and the E-Board subcommittee to develop two member training module on pensions. We are also conducting research in a number of areas to help the Local and State Council develop strategies to protect public pensions. The research includes providing research for the Local’s campaign to convince CalPERS to spend more $ in California on infrastructure projects and to create jobs, and to support the Local/State Council’s efforts to develop potential legislation and/or a develop a pension initiative.
Quality Services Research • The Department is conducting research to develop new strategies to help save jobs
and improve services. To date, the research has focused on finding new funding sources for services, options for establishing new workforce development/training programs, and developing options for SEIU to partner with union-friendly health care providers to fund the cost of building new health care facilities.
