February 21, 2008

Proposal to Bring Equity, Opportunity and Professional Development to Unit 1

The Proposal
With input from your elected bargaining representatives and stewards, we developed a proposal to increase representation in Unit 1, based on grouping professional classifications together and taking on shared issues. We believe it makes sense to elect representatives who understand the work you do and bring the issues that affect you to the table with the State.

This proposal brings together the resources of our 94,000 member union with the flexibility and focus needed to address the special concerns of each classification grouping. The proposal will give you a greater voice in your union and build on our collective power as the largest bargaining unit in the largest union of State workers.


Current Representation Structure
Currently, Unit 1 members elect bargaining representatives based strictly on WHERE you work.  Local 1000 has 50 geographic districts (District Labor Councils). Unit 1 members elect a district bargaining unit representative (DBUR)  from each geographic district  to the Unit 1 Statewide Bargaining Advisory Council (SBAC).

To see the current SBAC structure, click here


The Proposed Representation Structure
Unit 1 is diverse and needs representation that goes beyond simple geography.  Auditors, Employment Program Reps, Payroll Specialists and System Software Specialists may all work in the same geographic district, but do different kinds of work and face different issues around testing, promotions, transfers, training and pay equity.

We propose to expand representation in Unit 1 by electing 25 additional bargaining representatives from each of the six major classification groups in Unit 1.  The proposal, if approved by Local 1000’s Council, will guarantee representation on the Unit 1 negotiating council for every classification group for this year’s bargaining.

To see a summary of the proposed classification groups, click here

In addition to the existing DBURs, the proposal adds new positions called “Classification Bargaining Unit Representatives” (CBUR).  CBURs will be elected regionally to enhance representation of professional employees and organize members and resources of the union around the specific needs and concerns of their classification group.

To see the Proposed SBAC structure, click here

To see the number of CBURS by classification group and geography, click here

To see a definition of the role for Classification Bargaining Unit Representatives (CBUR), click here


Please provide your feedback
We believe this proposal will make us stronger at the table and more effective on issues that impact us in non-bargaining years.  Our ultimate goal is to enhance representation of professional employees and organize members and resources of the union around the specialized needs and concerns we have as Unit 1 members.

We encourage you to provide your feedback by clicking here.

During the month of March, we will be holding meetings all across the State to discuss this proposal.  We encourage you to attend and participate.  Please check back to see a calendar for worksite meetings.