Union representatives urge fair pay and protections as negotiations continue; board hears reports

Union leaders addressed the board on May 19 about ongoing contract negotiations and concerns among classified and certificated staff.

Brenda Jackson, the CSEA chapter 24 representative, said classified employees were asking for fair wages, affordable health‑care options and reasonable notice for schedule or location changes (she requested 30 days for shift changes and five days for work-location changes). “Moving from a $0 hospitalization copay to $500 is unacceptable and will cause real financial stress for so many members and their families,” Jackson said.

AFSCME representative Eric Lindeimer described the daily economic pressures many members face — including housing and food costs — and urged the board to give bargaining committees more authority to reach agreements that members can recommend. Lindeimer said sudden changes (for example, the removal of summer custodian jobs historically held by some staff) had created financial hardship for members.

Ray Gare, president of ABCFT (the teachers’ union), told trustees the recent tentative agreement failed ratification, and he characterized that result as a signal that the parties need to rethink the process and find a path forward without asking employees to make disproportionate concessions.

Board President Noyola thanked the employee representatives for their reports and said he would work with staff to follow up. Several trustees acknowledged the district’s financial constraints while emphasizing the need to remain at the bargaining table and seek solutions.

The board did not take action on any of the bargaining issues at the meeting; negotiations remain ongoing.