Since April, the CSLEA negotiations team has been actively bargaining for a new Unit 7 contract. The parties have reached tentative agreements on numerous proposals and are in a position to finalize a deal at a moment's notice. For the past few weeks CSLEA has been pressing Cal HR for authority to reach agreement.
After some of the other labor organizations finalized their contracts, CSLEA was hopeful that HR and the administration would follow suit with Unit 7 - Protective Services and Public Safety. Unfortunately, the CSLEA unit is one of now eight (8) remaining bargaining units that have yet to reach agreement. (CCPOA is also without a contract. CAHP is still covered by a five year agreement and has the benefit of a state law which readjusts their salary annually.) The administration's present position thus far is to withhold the small final piece which would provide sufficient economic authority to finalize a contract.
Without mixing issues and politics, we want you to know, CSLEA was one of the groups that threw its political support behind helping to heal the state's budget and fiscal finances to prepare for the future. One way was the passage of the tax initiative that helped save the State from dire fiscal crisis. CSLEA understands that, though the fiscal climate has greatly improved, the taxpayers expect fiscal prudence. Nonetheless, at this point, CSLEA cannot agree to contractual terms that do not reach our minimum goals to value and recognize the important work that its members perform.
"The commitment of the entire CSLEA Board of Directors, both sworn and non-sworn, is to agree to no deal that minimizes the further contributions our members make to keep our communities safe, because we have been stepping up to help and doing more with less since 2008," said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona. "The State's offer to this point falls short by a small margin of the respect our people deserve, yet we continue negotiating and working tirelessly. We appreciate the movement and how close we are to date."
In addition to the CSLEA negotiation team's advocacy at the bargaining table, President Barcelona has been and will continue to meet with legislative leadership for assistance in finalizing an acceptable contract.
Additional updates will be provided as new information becomes available. CSLEA appreciates the service, support and patience of its membership and continues to fight and negotiate for the final piece. Thank you for your membership.
