SACRAMENTO - It was a busy first full week of the new year for California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) Member Services Representatives George Pina and Marco Castro who visit new state employees within Bargaining Unit 7 at their work or training sites.
"Right out of the gate, we visited new hospital police officers in Napa, new State Parks communications operators in Sacramento and new CHP motor carrier specialists in Fresno," said Pina. "We welcomed these new state workers to CSLEA and assisted them with all the questions new state workers and new CSLEA members often have. It's important for them to know who we are, and that we are here for them."
Pina and Castro often explain that the state automatically designates employees to one of 15 bargaining units based on their job classifications. Once placed in Bargaining Unit 7 (CSLEA), the new employee initially contributes a monthly fair share fee to pay for the costs of collective bargaining and contract enforcement. In order to receive the full benefits that CSLEA has to offer, including:
- the CSLEA Legal Defense Fund which provides course and scope civil and criminal defense
- legal representation for disciplinary investigations and appeals
- a $15,000 life insurance benefit (on or off-duty)
- an exclusive members discount program
- a vote on contract ratification
- the opportunity for scholarships
- and Fraternal Order of Police membership or associate members
the new employee must complete a CSLEA membership application. This will add an additional dollar amount to monthly dues, based on the individual's affiliate. CSLEA has 18 affiliate associations to best represent job classifications.
"When we conduct new employee orientations, we are able to let the new employees know which CSLEA affiliate they belong to, who their affiliate board members are and which CSLEA attorney they are assigned to, should they need to call upon them," said Pina.
