Listening to the Needs of Staff

Dear Colleague,

We’re grateful to the healthy number of staff who responded to the survey we released in December on the issues our shared union must address. The group of respondents reflects diversity of politics, diversity of location between from northern, southern, and central California district and capitol offices, in both the Assembly and Senate. We are taking time to engage with each of you as we also ensure we address our most pressing needs.

Some respondents want their colleagues to know the struggles they face regarding equity between houses, between parties, and between arbitrary policies on counting prior work experience. Others expressed questions and concerns towards how changes to salary structure could impact other crucial benefits that must be retained. But, almost every respondent expressed a degree of frustration with the continued lack of transparency in both the Senate and Assembly in relation to salary policies, job misclassification, and HR decision-making. We’re grateful to those who shared their perspectives with us, and are hopeful that you will all join us in shaping this union and its priorities. We’re also hoping Rules seeks all our input as they continue to shape future staff policy and organizational structure.

But in the immediate moment, instead of engaging with and focusing on the needs of staff, the Assembly and Senate Committees on Rules have hired legal counsel to weigh in on regulations currently being developed by the Public Employees Relations Board. They have submitted feedback to proposed policies that will regulate our collective bargaining–feedback that largely seeks to limit organizing capacity and union strength. This is a glaring reminder of how important it is for us to organize and voice our needs now. With a union, we can work together and collaborate for a vision of the Legislature we all share. We can make our voice heard, and make sure we’re not just consulted but respected when changes are made to our workplace. We are prepared to push back on limitations proposed by Rules on our right and ability to organize, and we hope you’ll join us in shaping a union together.

Please keep sharing what you think this union needs to be shaped by, what priorities you find most salient, and how you wish to get involved in taking the union in the best direction.

https://bit.ly/CaLegUnionSurvey

We hope you’ll get involved soon by reaching out for a coffee, or sharing a story of what’s been most frustrating of late. We’re looking forward to working together for transparency, equity, and a seat at the table.

Sincerely,

California Legislative Union - @CAUnionRights