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TUSD trades and support staff press board over stalled contract talks and potential $2,000 health-care hit
Summary
Union leaders and district trades staff warned the board that failure to reach a successor agreement before July 1 could leave members paying an estimated $2,000 more for health insurance; SEIU negotiators accused district negotiators of regressive bargaining and asked for timely settlement of 2025–26 wages and benefits.
Trades workers and union representatives urged the board to press district negotiators to finalize wages and benefits for 2025–26, warning that a failure to reach agreement before July 1 could cost members about $2,000 more in health-insurance contributions.
Ron Umemoto, an electrician with the district, said crews are in successor negotiations and asked the board to accept wages and benefits for 2025–26 now so members will not lose coverage or pay more for insurance. "If we do not reach an agreement before July 1st, we will pay $2,000 more for our health insurance," he told trustees.
Marlene Ramirez, a cafeteria manager and SEIU Local 99 member, said her bargaining unit had been promised a 2.23% retroactive salary increase and a one-time $1,500 payment to offset higher health contributions; she asked why those members had not yet received the retro pay while other units have.
Manny Rangel, chief negotiator for SEIU Local 99, accused the district negotiating team of regressive bargaining and said the union has documented proposals that reduced members' rights. He said organizing members to attend the board meeting was lawful concerted activity and urged the board to ensure fair treatment.
Trustees did not take immediate, public action at the meeting but heard the speakers’ concerns and indicated staff would continue negotiations. No ratified contract was announced during the session.
Provenance: topicintro SEG 2577, topfinish SEG 2776.
