The dystopian worldview of the Service Employee’s International Union has finally caused them to ratchet-up their rhetoric and call for a strike authorization vote.
Yes exactly one week after they supposedly returned to the bargaining table with the State, they pulled the trigger on the vote. I have a few unanswered questions:
• What changed between June and October that they thought the State would negotiate?
• Did they really meet?
• What did the State offer?
None of these questions was answered; instead we get a tale of “two cities”.
On one hand, California is the 6th largest economy in the world and has a projected $11.5 billion surplus this year.
On the other hand, a staggering 39% of our members cannot afford a two-bedroom apartment in the county they live in.
And in most parts of the state, our members cannot afford childcare.
Even more alarming is the gender pay inequity we’re facing.
Our union is predominately women (66% female, 34% male). Yet we are paid 19% less than the average for all rank-and-file state employees. The state has made deals with male-dominated state worker groups that include wages 43% higher than our average pay.
Like all Californians, we should be able to provide for our families. Yet, the state is offering us only 2.96% per year with a 3.5% employee contribution to our retiree healthcare.
Our intention is to continue to negotiate in good faith on all remaining terms, but both sides have to act in good faith. When the state’s conduct doesn’t meet this standard – on livable wages and benefits – we must prepare for all options.
The voting period is scheduled to be October 31 to November 11.
(In my world these dates are known as Reformation Day to Veteran’s Day.)
Oh, even though I work for the State, I don’t get a vote, I just get to involuntarily contribute to the union as a condition of my employment.
As a taxpayer, you should have taken Nagan’s Offer but since you didn’t, they’re coming for ALL your stuff.
Trick or Treat California.