Torrance Bargaining Team submits initial proposals for our new contract negotiations

Our Bargaining Team (made up of co-workers we nominated and elected) submitted a list to the District on March 26, 2013, outlining the areas we’d like to improve in our union contract.

Here is a summary of the articles in our contract, including descriptions of the improvements we’ll be seeking:

  1. Recognition — No changes to this Article.
  2. Scope of Representation — No changes to this Article.
  3. Dues and Union Security — No changes to this Article.
  4. Union Rights — No changes to this Article.
  5. District Rights — No changes to this Article.
  6. Grievance Procedure — No changes to this Article.
  7. Hours and Overtime — Establish clear procedures for assignment of split shifts; explore establishment of a minimum workday of 4 hours, for employees who currently have a workday of 4 hours or less; provide for equitable distribution of work assignments.
  8. Transfer and Administrative Assignment — Improve procedures for involuntary transfers; all transfers and assignment changes to be provided in writing in advance of such changes.
  9. Tools and Safety — District to provide all tools and supplies needed to complete assignments; District to provide safety shoes/work boots to all unit members.
  10. Holidays — Add Cesar Chavez Day.
  11. Vacation — Clarify when vacation may be taken; clarify procedures for vacation approval; allow for vacations of longer duration; raise vacation accrual cap.
  12. Leaves — Clarify when medical verification is required for use of sick leave.
  13. Severability — No changes to this Article.
  14. Wages and Salary — Adjust to reflect changes needed for recruitment and retention of the best- qualified classified employees (including cost-of-living adjustments, shift differential, premium pay, and structure of salary schedule).
  15. Health and Welfare Benefits — Adjust to reflect changes needed for recruitment and retention of the best- qualified classified employees (including District’s contribution, plan redesign, eligibility for coverage, cash-out, dental and vision benefits).
  16. Non-Discrimination and Affirmative Action — No changes to this Article.
  17. Evaluation Procedures — No changes to this Article.
  18. Promotion — Provide for appropriate credit for District service when considering promotions.
  19. Layoff and Reemployment — No changes to this Article.
  20. Negotiation Procedures — Adjust release time to reflect current organizational structure.
  21. Duration and “Zipper” Clause — Adjust dates to reflect term of successor Agreement.
  • Addendum – Overtime Procedures: Review and update as needed to ensure equitable distribution of overtime.
  • Appendix A – Benchmark Positions and Comparison Districts: Review and update as needed.
  • Appendix B – Classified Salary Schedule: Adjust to reflect changes needed for recruitment and retention of the best- qualified classified employees.
  • Appendix C – Complaint and Grievance Forms: No changes to this Article.

These are initial proposals. Our Bargaining Team reserves the right to submit additional proposals.

This opens up our period of contract negotiations. The Bargaining Team will be keeping you informed as negotiations progress. Stay tuned!

If you have questions or comments, please contact our Bargaining Team Members or our SEIU Local 99 Representative, Diva Sanchez, at dsanchez@seiu99.org.