| Second Issue, March 2016 |
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Our next LAUSD contract is coming!
Have you signed the pledge?
Pledge to stay strong in our union. Greedy anti-worker groups are trying to trick union members into giving up our voice on the job. Stand strong to protect what we’ve won…and win more!
We’re stronger together. Victories like wage increases, job benefits and investments in our school and our local services prove that we’re powerful when we stick together.
But we’re under attack. (Click here to learn more.) Even as we prepare to win improvements to our wages, benefits and working conditions, we’re facing unprecedented legal attacks. Powerful anti-worker groups—joined by hate groups and those who are threatened by what we’ve won as union members—have pushed one case all the way to the Supreme Court. These lawsuits threaten to make it harder for working people to have the power to improve our lives by sticking together. We can’t let them succeed. We must fight to keep our job protections, wage guarantees, benefits and our voice to advocate for improved programs and services.
Commit to stay strong, UNION STRONG, with your co-workers. Click here to take the pledge today!
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Get your college degree for $2,500/year or less!
SEIU Local 99 just made earning your A.A. or B.A. affordable and convenient! We have partnered with College for America at Southern New Hampshire University, a nonprofit, fully accredited college built specifically to help working adults succeed. This unique collaboration brings super-affordable higher education to all SEIU Local 99 members. Click here to learn more or apply!
| Click here to read about one SEIU Local 99 member who will have 100% of her tuition covered! |
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Take advantage of the District’s Free Training & Enrichment Classes
- Looking to learn new computer skills?
- What about the basics of Microsoft Office?
- Would you like to learn more about becoming a supervisor?
- Or what about skills to help you cope with stress?
LAUSD has a wide variety of training and enrichment classes, including online workshops, to help you refresh skills or learn new ones. Classes are all free for LAUSD employees. So why not take advantage? The Spring 2016 course catalog is now available. Click here for more information. |
Making schools “Safe Zones” for kids
SEIU Local 99 is working to ensure that students’ studies aren’t disrupted by ICE raids or random police searches.
Attend a Listening Session:
Thursday, March 10 at 4:30 p.m.
InnerCity Struggle
124 N. Townsend Ave. , L.A. 90063
Thursday, March 31 at 4:30 p.m.
CADRE
8410 S. Broadway, L.A. 90003
Click here to learn more.
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“As a school bus driver and a mom, I try to show kids how much they matter and remind them that they’re our future. Do they need teaching and role models? Sure! But they don’t need to be treated like future criminals when they’re just trying to go to and from school.
As I was driving down the street the other day I noticed three black boys walking down the street. They were walking home from school, eating chips and drinking sodas. Abruptly a police cruiser pulled up, blocking the street and two police officers jumped out of the car. They yelled at the boys to stop and put their hands up. The boys did. The police ordered them to raise their shirts. The boys did. The police ordered them to get up against the wall. The boys did. The police officers frisked them from head to toe. The boys stood still and permitted it without argument. After the officers finished, they hopped back into their cruiser and drove off.
The three boys walked off as if nothing had happened. It seemed like they were used to it. I slowed down to ask them how often that happens. One of the young men said about twice a day. This should not seem normal to our children. They should not have to grow up feeling constant suspicion just because they are Black or Latino. Our kids need to be acknowledged and their potential needs to be protected. That’s why I’m getting involved in the Students Not Suspects project.”
— Jan Williams, LAUSD Bus Driver
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Let’s extend Prop. 30 funding for schools
Remember furloughs, layoffs and wage freezes?
When we fought to get Proposition 30 on the 2012 ballot—and then knocked on doors and phoned voters to make sure it passed—we finally put an end to the terrible state budget cuts.
The increased education funding from Prop. 30 is due to expire in 2020, but we’re already gearing up to ensure the rich continue to pay their fair share for education. We are collecting signatures to get a measure on the November ballot that will extend Prop. 30 funding. To help collect signatures, contact Manny Rangel at mrangel@seiu99.org, (213) 387-8393, ext. 122. |
Free Tax Preparation and Family Resource Fair
Through April 2, 2016, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program is hosting a series of events throughout L.A. County offering free income tax preparation and resources for your family.
Last year, the VITA program captured over $381 million in state and federal tax refunds by helping millions of Californians file their tax returns. This year, qualified taxpayers who earn less than $53,267 may be eligible to receive a maximum of $6,242 in federal EITC.
See here for more information and a listing of event dates. |
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Willie Washington,
LAUSD Stock Clerk and Steward
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Stay In-the-know!
Sign up for our text alerts and get instant updates on your mobile phone on contract negotiations and other issues that matter to you.
Text SEIU99 to 787753
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We Win!
LAUSD Summer School: Deadline for ESY Job Applications extended to March 24
The District has communicated with Local 99 that there is a shortage of School Supervision Aide and Campus Aide applicants.
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UPDATE! SEIU Local 99 Members on our Special Education Labor Management Committee met with the District and addressed concerns that an error in the District’s computer system was delaying members’ submission of Extended School Year (ESY) online summer school job applications. As a result, the District agreed to extend the deadline for Special Ed Paraprofessionals, Campus Aides and School Supervision Aides to submit ESY (Summer School) job applications to March 24, 2016. That’s our Union Strength at work!
Only current LAUSD Special Ed Paraprofessionals, Campus Aides and School Supervision Aides may apply. Job applications for Special Education Paraprofessionals and Campus Aides are only being accepted online. School Supervision Aides should check with their Administrator about summer school vacancies and the application process. Click here to learn more about the application process and other details.
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LAUSD Payroll Changes Coming July 1, 2016
Starting on July 1, 2016, all employees at LAUSD will move to a semi-monthly pay cycle. This new pay cycle was negotiated in our last contract in order to address the many over-payment errors which were causing a great financial burden for many members. This new pay cycle means all SEIU Local 99 members will be paid twice per month:
- On the 8th of each month for work performed the 16th through the end of the previous month
- On the 23rd of each month for work performed the 1st through the 15th of the current month
The first semi-monthly pay checks are expected as follows:
– A basis – First semi-monthly payroll check on July 23, 2016
– B basis – First semi-monthly payroll check on August 23, 2016
– C basis – First semi-monthly payroll check on August 23, 2016
– E basis – First semi-monthly payroll check on August 8, 2016
Note that for anyone working Z-Time, such as Extended School Year, the new pay cycle is in effect July 1, 2016.
As the District transitions to a semi-monthly pay system it is important to be aware of your payroll deductions. Please note that if you currently have voluntary monthly deductions, you should review them and notify the District of any adjustments. Voluntary deductions that are currently taken once a month need to be adjusted accordingly. Otherwise, deductions may be deducted twice a month in some instances.
Here is a helpful table of frequent payroll deductions. Please note that deductions made from both pay periods mean 1/2 of the total amount will be deducted from each check:
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DEDUCTION
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FREQUENCY OF DEDUCTION
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| SEIU Local 99 Union Dues |
Deducted from both pay periods |
| Local 99 Premium (for example, COPE Contributions) |
Deducted from only the 23rd check |
| Agency Fee Payer / Agency Fee Dissenter (non-member) |
Deducted from both pay periods |
| 403B Pre-Tax / 457B Pre-T ax |
Deducted from both pay periods |
| Associations / Organization |
Deducted from only the 23rd check |
| Charitable Contributions |
Deducted from both pay periods |
| Credit Union |
Deducted from both pay periods |
| Earnings Withholding |
Garnishment, Frequency is based on court order |
| Employee Optional Life EE |
Deducted from only the 23rd check |
| Flexible Spending (FSA) (Health Care and Dependent Care) |
Deducted from both pay periods |
Click here to see LAUSD’s full list and schedule of Voluntary Deductions.
If you have questions about the new pay cycle, please contact LAUSD’s Payroll Support Services at (213) 241-2570.
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Statewide minimum wage
The Raise California’s Wage Act of 2016
Too many American families work and work but can’t keep their heads above water. And we will have a chance to make a difference at the ballot box this November.
Workers across California have hope for better wages and a better life for their families thanks to a ballot initiative filed by Fight for $15 worker leaders and SEIU California.
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Want to help make sure we get a statewide $15 minimum wage?
Help gather signatures to get this initiative on the November ballot! Contact Manny Rangel at mrangel@seiu99.org, (213) 387-8393, ext. 122. |
The Raise California’s Wage and Paid Sick Days Act of 2016 is the only statewide initiative that will raise the state’s minimum wage to $15 by 2020 and guarantee that every full-time worker will receive at least six days per year to care for themselves and their families. Small businesses would have until 2021 to meet the $15 per hour minimum.
And as workers throughout the country continue to fight to lift all workers by raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, SEIU Local 99 members at LAUSD continue to lead by actually seeing the District’s minimum increase to $15 an hour on July 1, 2016. Workers already earning above $15 will see an additional 2.5% increase also effective July 1. These raises were negotiated in our last contract and the increase in the minimum wage at LAUSD raises the wage floor significantly for all workers. This will be critical as we also begin to prepare for our 2017 full contract negotiations this year.
“Because of the education funding guarantee (Prop. 98), raising the minimum wage will ultimately mean more money for our schools,” said LAUSD Light Bus Driver Latosha Thompson. “When Californians’ incomes rise, more money will go into this education fund.”
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Health Care Bargaining Update
Members tell School Board: “Working in something you are passionate about should not mean giving up health care…”
The District continues to drag its feet on expanding health care coverage to eligible members in Units F & G. In our last session, the District’s bargaining team couldn’t even respond to basic questions.
So on March 8 we went straight to the School Board. Local 99 members told the Board that we expect more from a District that claims to value wellness and community.
“I think we all work in the field of education because we care about kids,” said Local 99 Member and Special Education Assistant Enrique Hernandez. “For me, working in a school is the best job. When I was a student, I had teachers and others who made a difference to me. They inspired me to work in education because you can help a lot of people. I want to continue to do the same for others. But working in something you are passionate about should not mean giving up health care or other benefits to support our families. School jobs should be good jobs.” |
“Walk-In” Day for Fully Funded Education
Judy Miller, Hamilton High Special Education Assistant
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It’s a shame that those who have sucked up all the new wealth over the past several decades—Wall Street billionaires and corporate CEOs—continue to deny what African American and Latino communities know only too well: that their public schools have been sabotaged by consistent, long-term underfunding.
That’s why SEIU Local 99 members joined thousands across Los Angeles on February 17—including UTLA (the teachers’ union) and other unions and community groups—in a National School Walk-In to Reclaim our Schools. We celebrated the contributions of public schools to our local communities and called for fully-funded public education. School workers, teachers, parents, and students at the participating schools gathered, rallied and distributed information before the start of school.
Over the coming months, and however long it takes, we will fight to reverse underfunding, corporate tax evasion and racism to ensure that public schools in low-income communities of color survive and flourish.
Click here to read more about the day.
Click here to see more pictures from the event. |
100% Union!
(…is your school on the list?)
Is your worksite Union Strong? As we prepare to negotiate our next contract with LAUSD, it’s important to remember that the District knows how many of us are members of our union. It’s the way they try to figure out how strong we will be at the bargaining table.
As of March 2016, more than 200 of our LAUSD worksites have 100% union membership. That means everyone at the school or worksite has signed an SEIU Local 99 union membership application. And another 200+ are nearly there! That’s a great start as we show the District that we’re UNION STRONG! Click here to sign up and join us today.
Click here to check out if your school made the list! |
President Trump?! OMG!
Think about this November. When you imagine the next President of the United States, do you picture someone who…
- Makes bigoted comments about Mexicans and Muslims?
- Is reluctant to denounce the Ku Klux Klan?
- Supports dangerous anti-worker, anti-union laws and regulations that would cut our pay and benefits and make our workplaces less safe?
- Supports outsourcing of good jobs because “we have to look at the bigger picture”—in other words, gigantic CEO salaries?
The truth is, Donald Trump is flat-out lying when he says he stands with America’s everyday working families. Click here to read more.
Register to VOTE and become a Permanent Absentee Voter!
Click here to register to vote.
When asked if you want to “Vote by Mail in All Elections”…be sure to answer “YES!” This way you won’t ever miss an election again!
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