Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Labor Negotiations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Classified employees raise alarm over health-care and wage proposals at SVUSD meeting
Summary
During public comment, classified-staff representatives and employees told the board that projected insurance-rate increases and limited district contribution changes would amount to an effective pay cut, urging the district and board to negotiate a plan to protect staff retention and student services.
Classified employees and their representatives told the Simi Valley Unified School District board on Tuesday that proposed insurance-rate increases and limited wage adjustments being discussed in negotiations could amount to a significant cut in take-home pay and risk staff retention.
Richard Rubino, identifying himself as a long-serving chapter representative, said the district’s current stance on health-care contributions would result in “a 7% decrease in salary” for many classified staff and warned that losing experienced clerical and library personnel would harm students. "Without it, students, teachers, families will suffer," Rubino said.
Elizabeth Camacho, a district employee, said rising health-care costs and stagnant wages were already squeezing household budgets. "An increase on any amount for health insurance would be detrimental to my budget," she said, adding that she holds two jobs to make ends meet.
A negotiator for the classified employees’ union presented data the union said showed average plan-rate increases of about 7–8% and walked trustees through examples of how that would translate into thousands of dollars of additional annual employee cost under current district contribution levels. The union urged the board to work with the district negotiating team on a plan that could modestly increase wages and the district’s contribution toward insurance premiums.
Board members acknowledged the concerns and encouraged more frequent communication between the negotiating parties and the board. President Pine said trustees wanted staff to “feel valued” and recommended continued engagement to find solutions that protect both employees and district finances.
The board did not take action on contract terms at the meeting; negotiations remain between the district’s negotiating team and employee organizations.
