SACRAMENTO – On January 12, 2023, for the first time in more than a decade, nearly the entire membership of the Association of Conservationists Employees (ACE) gathered for a conference sponsored by the California Conservation Corps (CCC).
ACE Vice President Bryan Slade hosted a union membership meeting to discuss upcoming contract negotiations and the many issues faced by ACE membership.
California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) Senior Vice President and Unit C Vice President Tina Brazil also attended the union meeting along with CSLEA Senior Legal Counsel Andrea Perez.
“This was an excellent opportunity for ACE-CSLEA leadership and myself to hear the issues in this large setting and to answer questions and discuss solutions,” said Perez. “There is no better way for us to know what our members need and want on the larger scale than for us to meet in a group setting like this. I thank all of our union members who attended and shared with us their concerns and ideas.”
“The ACE membership is a passionate and dedicated group of individuals who are committed to their roles as mentors to California’s youth. That same passion was exhibited at this meeting for the many proposals for the upcoming contract negotiations,” said Slade. “This contract could make it or break it for many Conservationists who, in the current climate, may be forced to choose between the passion of the career they have chosen, and their own best interests with abundant opportunities elsewhere. My desire and hope is to provide Conservationists with the tools and security they need to effectively continue to serve as they always have.”
“I would like to thank Bryan Slade for taking this on, and making last minute arrangements in the absence of the remainder of the ACE board,” said ACE President Chad Harris. “Congratulations to ACE Treasurer Logan Forbes on the birth of a healthy baby. ACE Secretary Alex Luquin has been recovering from seasonal illness. I was tasked to supervise two crews locally due to the Monterey Bay flood emergency. The board is appreciative for Bryan having the ability to fill in and make things happen last minute. As we all take notes from the membership, Bryan brought back great feedback and additions for our bargaining draft. We strive to continue to unite and bring the best possibility in contract negotiations. ACE will be hosting a town hall over the next few weeks to discuss the current bargaining line items and any other additions.”
ACE members are encouraged to submit their contract proposal suggestions by submitting a formal CSLEA contract proposal form which can be found here, by February 28th, 2023.
