MEMBER FOCUS
Forming a Chapter
Why classified workers are choosing CSEA
by David Ngô
San Benito COE Chapter 836 recently announced Fridays as their Spirit Day with new T-shirts to show their CSEA pride
Most classified employees in California become CSEA members by joining their existing chapter, but not every district, college or county office of education (COE) has an existing chapter to welcome new employees. When classified employees at such a school decide they want the benefits, security and unity of CSEA, they must take specific steps to achieving new chapter status. Elizabeth Martinez, president of San Benito COE Chapter 836, did just that after hearing about CSEA from nearby chapters San Benito Chapter 173 and Hollister Chapter 625.
Before forming the chapter in 2018, classified employees at San Benito COE were a bargaining unit with a contract. But as new management took hold and layoffs became more and more widespread, those classified workers decided to turn to CSEA. “About 2015, a new superintendent was elected to our office with new management over the next few years,” said Martinez, a retired human resources clerk who spent 23 years at San Benito COE who helped form San Benito COE Chapter 836. “With new management, we felt we were not as effective in our bargaining and heard that CSEA represented the employees at the San Benito High School and Hollister School District.” The California Labor Federation states union chapters are formed when a majority of local workers come together to democratically elect leaders and engage in contract negotiations. For non-unionized classified workers vying for better working conditions, the first step to joining CSEA means talking to a labor relations representative.
“With new management, we felt we were not as effective in our bargaining and heard that CSEA represented the employees at the San Benito High School and Hollister School District.”
- Elizabeth Martinez, president of San Benito COE Chapter 836
Many of CSEA’s newest chapters find that listening to the concerns of all bargaining unit members is crucial when forming an executive board. That means difficult conversations are sometimes necessary in the early stages. “We were so busy trying to make sure everyone kept their job or didn’t lose hours that it became overwhelming. The hard part was many people didn’t understand what it was like to have to be a part of such horrible decisions,” said Nancy Delano, a six-year veteran business analyst who is on the Chapter 836 negotiations team. “Members thought we didn’t work hard enough for them and didn’t hesitate to tell us that. It was hard to hear and even harder to witness.” One of the key advantages of forming a CSEA chapter is attending the Association’s negotiating workshops to enhance bargaining know-how. CSEA supports new and old chapters alike with ongoing officer trainings and seminars led by members and staff who have decades of experience advocating for classified workers. Local CSEA field offices work collaboratively with newly-formed chapters to ensure all new bargaining unit members know their rights on the job while helping negotiating teams dive deep into their contracts. Before Martinez and her colleagues chose CSEA, negotiations with management amid looming layoffs were uncommon. But after joining CSEA, those same conversations had vastly different results.
“We were excited that we were able to negotiate to keep some positions with their eight hours and reduce some from eight to six hours so others could keep their benefits.”
- Elizabeth Martinez, president of COE Chapter 836
“After joining CSEA, we were facing layoffs again. Management wanted to cut positions and reduce eight-hour employees to six and five hours. They gave us a list of positions and Robin Jackson, our labor rep, advised us to negotiate the layoffs and reduction of hours to see if we can avoid it,” Martinez said. “We were excited that we were able to negotiate to keep some positions with their eight hours and reduce some from eight to six hours so others could keep their benefits.” Today, these members from one of CSEA’s newest chapters have successfully secured a Memorandum of Understanding that provides guarantees for San Benito COE classified employees working during COVID.
Elida Rodriguez, Vanessa Reyes, Anabel Ramirez and Michelle Montoya of San Benito COE Chapter 836
The chapter was also able to negotiate New Employee Orientations (NEOs) into their contract to further grow the chapter and cement CSEA’s presence in San Benito County for years to come. “We try to get as much info out to members to let them know they need to get involved and to elect leaders that are willing to attend trainings that CSEA has to offer,” Martinez explained. “Because we went in with no knowledge about CSEA, we didn’t know we had to get involved with an Executive Board. It takes time and patience to get established, but CSEA is a great help with our rights, negotiations, and everyday issues that may arise.”