Bargaining Update #2
On Thursday, September 12, we met with management to present proposals aimed at strengthening our voice in the workplace. Our proposals focus on:
Improving availability for union representatives and shop stewards
Addressing systemic issues with subcontractors
Enhancing our grievance process by moving it out of Staff Relations and into the hands of decision-makers who can provide more objectivity
David Tanno, a High Voltage Electrician, spoke at length about the problems with subcontractors:
"It creates so many problems because subcontractors don’t have the same standards that we have, and often we want and can do the work."
Despite our efforts, management wants to strip basic shop steward access to members and create solutions for problems that don’t exist. They proposed that shop stewards need to become employees of the union to perform basic representation work. They also suggested changing the rehire process for layoffs—a situation that has never occurred, nor do they believe layoffs will happen anytime soon.
Our next bargaining session is on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 5 p.m. Members are welcome to attend. The location is 7575 First St, Livermore, CA 94551. Please RSVP here.
We will be presenting the following proposals:
Supervisors Performing union work
Health and Safety Committee
Hours of Work
Insurance Benefits
Maintenance of Certifications
Employee Leave
You can read all of our and management’s proposals here.
In Solidarity,
Alonzo Agredano
Laureto Abella
Matt Epperly
Mike Vasquez
Mike Wilson
